I am a flawed man.
I love to listen to Catholic apologetics. I listen to apologetics CDs, I read apologetic books, and I love to listen to apologetics on the radio. I suspect my reason for listening to apologetics on the radio is different from most people; at least I hope it is.
I think I read once that NASCAR is the biggest spectator sport in the United States. Being a northerner, I am sure that I miss many of the appealing aspects of NASCAR, but I think I know why most people watch it. They want to see the crashes. That is why I listen to apologetics on the radio, particularly Catholic Answers. I want to be around when the crash happens.
I view Catholic Answers like a spectator sport like NASCAR or even baseball. In the comfort of my car, I can critique the pitch selection. For example, “That was a good answer,” or “Oh c’mon - you could have clobbered that guy! Why didn’t you say this or that?”.
But moreover, I want to be around when one of the Catholic Answers apologists finally loses it on some purposely antagonistic and woefully-misinformed caller. I have been listening for years, but like Cubs fans, I am faced with perpetual disappointment.
Just once, once I would like to see their happy little feathers get ruffled and get their righteous indignation on. Is that too much to ask for?
When Patrick Madrid is the apologist, I have very mixed feelings. Sure, I know that I will probably learn something about my faith that I didn’t know, but the chances of a meltdown are minimal. Patrick seems almost “unruffleable”. One gets the impression that an angry anti-Catholic could key Patrick’s car and mow over his prize begonias and Patrick would respond by asking the perp if he needed a ride somewhere and a few bucks for lunch. Learning about my faith is nice and everything, but I crave drama.
The only one over there that gives me any hope is Jimmy Akin. I mean he has red hair, he must have a temper. I have nothing to base this on, but I harbor suspicions that Jimmy is ready to pull every red hair out of his head with some of the callers but, much to my chagrin, he somehow manages to contain himself.
The problem with all this Catholic comity is that I am afraid it might be rubbing off on me. A few months ago, I was in a car with some business colleagues driving for an hour and the topic turned to religion. One of the gents started making fun of Catholics before he realized that I am one. He started accusing me of not believing in evolution and asked how stupid I could be to think that the Pope cannot make any mistakes. Here I had my very own purposefully-antagonistic and woefully ill-informed questioner and I had years of radio-ready retorts that would put him right in his place. I had my very own NASCAR crash opportunity. But what did I do?
Instead of jumping on him and mocking him for his ignorance as I wish the Catholic Answers apologists would do, I spent the next hour patiently trying to clear up his many misconceptions. At the end of the trip he thanked me and told me it was an interesting conversation and that he “learned a lot.”
Learned a lot? That hurt. It was then I realized the effect that Catholic Answers and other apologetics programs are having on me.
So now I may have to stop listening. I can handle being better informed but I don’t know if I can handle my faith making me a better person. Where is the fun in that?
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very interesting take - one which I’ve taken myself. It’s almost like role playing. These types of opportunities come up so rarely that it’s hard to get good at it w/out practicing. Listening to CA Live is a great way to practice. Often I pause my ipod before the apologist gives an answer to take a shot at it myself.
Pat:
Nice! You can’t see it cuz it’s radio and all, but Jimmy does flip over the studio table from time to time, with forehead veins a poppin.’ (I have to hit the mute switch quickly to kill the racket). I’m still waiting for Patrick Madrid to absolutely lose it and fall into a neurologically dangerous rage.
But, no. He’s the picture of affable replies. We’re going to be covering the Medjugorje phenomenon (in early March). Hope springs eternal.
Patrick Coffin
Host
Catholic Answers Live
PS: “Catholic Answers Live” is another one of those three-word deals that enrages progressives.
I used to listen to Catholic Answers Live all the time, but I’ve drifted away. I just subscribed to the podcast. Good article. I, too, would love to pounce on some folks, but when they’re right in front of you, flesh and blood, charity kicks in thanks be to God. We want a convert, not roadkill. :)
You guys are a riot. Never a dull moment.
Thanks.
There’s always hope with Karl Keating…
I believe I heard Jimmy Akin in an almost NASCAR moment.. this was when the-one-who-shall-remain-unnamed had very publicly solicited for Transubstantiated Communion wafers to do evil acts upon the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. Jimmy gave a very forceful, very expressive response to the question, “If you saw <what’s-his-face> what would you tell him?” Still however he was very well composed with just a hint of fluster and then immediately went about with his usual demeanor.
Patrick Coffin,
I knew it! I didn’t know it, but I knew it.
If you really are going to talk about Medjugorje in March, I won’t miss those shows for million bucks. That will make “Kill Bill Vol. I & II’ look like a Disney movie!
Keep up the great work!
Michael Voris. He very clearly tells it like it is, never pulling any punches. He’s my hero.
Oh, Pat. I so enjoyed your column. (You can tell that I have experience some of your problems.) I’ve never heard these fellows on radio or TV, but I’ve certainly read their books. It isn’t fair to write that wittily without some warning at the beginning. Women who have had children face certain problems that men do not. Now, if I can just hit the submit button, suck my stomach in really hard and stop laughing, I may make it to the next necessary stop without mishap. Love it. Love it.
Pat, if you want “crash and burn” James White is your man. He is snarky, uncharitable, and down-right mean when he debates Catholics. He is also a very good debater (which doesn’t mean his arguments are sound, just that he can deliver them well). He is very well read standard anti-Catholic Reformed critiques, and I think he is at his particularly bombastic best when he counters anything Mark Shea writes.
I personally can’t stand the man, but it is entertaining to listen to.
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