“The Church needs to promote apologetics, which is aimed at affirming the truth of Christian revelation, the harmony of faith and reason, and a sound understanding of freedom.”

 -Pope Benedict XVI

Apologetics is the art of defending religious doctrines through systematic argumentation and discourse, making reference to both faith and reason as appropriate, in light of Saint Peter’s admonition to ‘Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence’ (1 Peter 3:15). In the article which opened this series, contributor Carl Sundell wonders, “since the intellectual assault on religion has been chronic and ongoing for several centuries, thus harming the faith of  young people and people untrained in what the faith teaches, why has there not been likewise a chronic and ongoing program for training all Catholics, especially the young, in how to answer the many attacks of a hostile world dominated by widespread and dedicated enemies of faith?” As a first step, Carl posited in his article 39 questions that every Catholic should be ready to answer.

Contributor Mike Schram has gallantly risen to the challenge through an undertaking to respond to every one of the questions, in order. His answers are being posted below as they are received.