Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.
If you're going to disagree with Catholicism, disagree with what Catholics actually believe.
In Episode 2 of Pipes with Pappy, I start a series aimed especially at my Protestant friends and family who debate Catholics. The goal isn't to eliminate disagreement. There are real and important differences between Catholics and Protestants. The goal is to make those conversations better by steelmanning the position you're arguing against before trying to tear it apart.
Lesson One: Catholic does NOT mean Roman.
We look at the difference between Catholic, Latin, Roman, Eastern, Church, and rite, and why those distinctions matter. We also look at Ignatius of Antioch, the early use of the term "Catholic Church," and the timeline behind the common claim that Constantine or the Roman Empire created the Catholic Church.
Does any of that prove every Catholic doctrine? No. That's not the argument.
The point is much narrower: if we're going to debate the history and teachings of Christianity, let's debate the strongest versions of the arguments and get the history right.
You don't have to agree with me. You can think Catholicism is completely wrong. But first, understand the position well enough that a Catholic can hear you describe it and say, "Yes. That's what I believe."
Then tear it apart if you can.
At least then we're actually talking to each other.
Seek deeply. Pray daily. Speak clearly. Share regularly. Serve humbly.
Veritas.
