La Leçon de catéchisme (Catechism Lesson), 1890, by Jules-Alexis Muenier (1863-1942), oil on canvas, Musée des beaux-arts et d’archéologie de Besançon

Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.”

cf. 1 Peter 3:15-16

catechesis

A daily morsel of Catholic education and faith formation.

Church

Sinners & Hypocrites

QUESTION OR COMMON OBJECTION:

Why should I be Catholic when the Church has so many hypocrites?

CATHOLIC ANSWER:

Of course the Church has sinners. We all struggle with sin. But the Church is a pro at coaching us on how to fight against temptation. All our members won’t win all the battles all the time, but we win enough to have great saints, such as Mother Teresa.

… the church of the living God [is] the pillar and bulwark of the truth.”

1 Timothy 3:15

Even though some of its members may sin, the Church has Jesus’ authority and teaches in his name. Therefore, it’s also instructive to heed the words of the late Bishop Fulton Sheen:

Judge the Catholic Church, not by those who barely live by its spirit, but by the example of those who live closest to it.”

Other References: Mt 13:24-50; 1 Jn 1:8-10; CCC 827, 2839

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catechism of the Catholic Church

For information about what the Catholic Church believes, answers to FAQs, and an encompassing resource addressing common objections and misconceptions non-Catholics and Catholics alike may have about the Church and what it teaches, we invite you to visit the online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

PRAYER

Let us pray.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.