1. From a Greek term meaning- to answer.
   refers to general defense, or justification of any systematic approach, system, or grouping.
2. Explanation of beliefs, or societal action.
3. Justifiaction via common grounds.
4. Creation, and building of common ground.
5. Defense of a position of the Catholic Faith, via logical argument, reason, and the communication, whether directly or figuratively- of the true sense of the Saviour’s world, and her substance, and those things pertaining to spiritual edification.

The purpose of Apologetics

With the rise of illogic, and the human idea, and repetition of original sin, in the love of self to the point of despising God, and the idea that human beings can define their own truth, and  not simply observe it,

 truthful; explanation of actual truths is vital to the cause of Truth. The war between God and his enemies is one between that which is, and always will be, and that which, in God’s eyes, will pass, and is but like illusion in our universe (”like rags” Isaiah chapter 50 verse 9; James chapter 1, verse 11; Luke chapter 21- world pass away; Daniel chapter 2 verse 44; I Peter chapter 1 verse 22-25). Therefore, the apologist, has the greatest task- that of proving actual reality against the onslaught of self-enlightenment, and self-righteousness- which has abandoned the ancient greek form of Actual logic, in pursuit of secularism, and “enlightenment”.

The danger of such lies in the abuse of human rights throughout the world, particularily by companies, governments and systems which are largely unchallenged in false ideas of tolerance, and the propagation of good public images. The spread of apathy, and of dangerous religious, and secular mentalities has further spread, in a dangerous way.

Methods of Apologetics

The finding, or creation of common ground is vital to apologetics. If one cannot find a direct defense in such common ground, then one can find the concept, finally, if one cannot convince the fellow absolutely on a fact, the use of sections of the other’s world-view in order to justify, simply the allowance of a belief or action is useful. Generally, apologetics can be in a three part argument, the strongest coming first- that of absolute, and logical, contextual proof within common ground, the second part- furthers it, should this not satisfy- so as to show the concept of the practice or belief within such common framework, and further the idea that it is a strong, if not absolute truth. In all, one must remember who else sees such conversation, and remember that any conversion, can take time, or be instant, yet that while illogical people may reject truth, those around see an argument, and one cannot afford to allow certain perceptions from outside, friendly, neutral, or combative viewers of an argument. Action, also is vital to apologetics, and consistency, yet not submission to manipulative practices of others.

 The order of the first two methods, should be determined by the situation, building on lesser arguments on concepts, (yet still never weak arguments) to stronger ones, can show other meaning to people, which is often vital to apologetics, when others have abandoned logical views. Strong arguments first, and then concepts in common ground, however are often just as, if not more useful, concerning circumstances, yet need to be used in a powerful way, and not appear to be withdrawals, so as to allow outsiders to see the logic of the Truth, over a combatent.

 Finally, an escape clause is useful, a section in the other’s beliefs, which allows one to hold to practices even should they not be convinced. This clause would ideally include such options as allowing for the furthering of dialog on one’s own terms.

This duty to defend general truths, and Catholic truth is furthered by the history of Catholicism, and by the name of God (Yahweh- “I Am Who I Am”). It requires humble, yet not submissive determination to show truth true, yet prudence, and actual action, in the right amount of humble boldness.

Love

Further, love aims at truth (I Corinthians chapter 13 verse 6), and we should pursue truth, and obey it(I peter chapter 1 verse 22).

Biblical Apologetics

The use of religious manuscripts for apologetics, is generally reserved for those who are either in need of explanations of actual faith, or those who believe in it to some degree.

This method can have use, however it shouild not purely be based in such, but arguments, such as bales method should be utilized, and the above listed method used.

The Bible was created by the church, and we believe it because of the church. Any religion in fact must admit that the bible they follow, they follow because it was handed on to them as Divine, by others who believe it so. The idea that this book is simply accepted by “true Christians” is illogical, as different groups have always believed different beliefs, and the perpetrators of such illogic, themselves often disagree with one another. Also, these people’s bibles are vastly different from those of early Christians, and cannot justify their beliefs in any reasonable historical substance.

As The church created the bible, the context in which it is accepted is that of the church, and it itself can never contradict the church, as it was created by the church. Here, reference to early belief, as recorded in the writings of early Christians can be useful, also- one does not have to only use their own arguments, but must remember to fit any argument into the actual situation, and use their own logic, yet never water down Catholic beliefs.

Other truths

Depending on the beliefs of others, one may also show other truths to be so, or different from another’s perspective, particularly via metaphor, and comparison with common practices or sections of another’s religion.

Natural Law

 This common law of morals, which is part of the makeup of man is useful, both in proving a common belief system, in that it is only damaged in areas that are commonly transgressed by specific individuals and societies, and in that all major religions, and all argument somehow recognises such, and appeals to such. Such law is a basis block of our legal system, and our version of what is just, unjust.

One may use the above method, examples, and parables to demonstrate similarities between practises and justify the beliefs of The Church. Often, with natural law, either showing the evidence for such, or talking conversationally about beliefs and similarities, can, via debate and conversation- show correct, Catholic beliefs, and practice.

1. Love is the action, and force behind such, which is credited as the very nature of God.
2. Charity- that love shown in I Corinthians 13, which is the focus of the Christian life, and a driving factor.
3. “Love is obedient to the command”. The state in which the Christian acts in the nature of God (”In his name” has references whereby one’s name and nature are intrinsically connected in the biblical society)
4. That which is demanded of a Christian, and demonstrated, via the actions of Jewish old Law, as well as the Law of Liberty.
5. Love is one of the three remainders after all else passes. The other two, are based on unseen things, and will either fade or change in nature when the time comes.

Commands in love

“The law is summed in love”, love is the point and nature of the commands. It is the universal command for all Christians, and involves justice (”Love is not happy with evil, but is happy with truth” from I Corinthians 13).

Love and Justice

Love acts in justice, placing all in their right place, and rendering onto others as is their due, so far as it is able. As “God is Love”, his actions are the blueprint of love, within his position. His nature, of love- is that which controls his actions. It is not that God is unable to do the impossible, rather- his action is based in love.

Love and discernment

It is not considered loving should one not attempt to aid the salvation of others, either via living as Christ did, or by testifying to him via words and deeds. While wrong judgement is condemned, which degrades another, by mere appearances, prudence and discernment are fruits of virtue. Prudence sees the situation, and uses it to aid his brother and himself.

 Love is active and of God

 The bible notes that both the liars in word and those in deed will find a place in hell. This shows that the testimony of love, must not purely be in words(1 John 3 v 18), but also deeds. The gospel is preached in action and in words (Luke 12 verses 8 and 9). A life of love is thereby (Luke 12 verses 8 and 9) vital to salvation.

Theological virtues

Love, hope and faith, are all elements and manifestations of the salvic process, and of God’s grace.

1. State of decay.
2. Process, action or effect of moral decay.
3. The process whereby real spiritual beings and creation becomes less real, to the extent that over eternity, it loses the ability to exist in the presence of God. This decay is due to the perversion of good.
4. The natural decay of all visible, “physical” things after the advent of Original Sin.

Sacraments and The cure of corruption

God entered our world, and died, and rose again to “undo the work of the Devil”(1 john chapter 3 verse 8). By the hearing of the Gospel, and obedience to the church, which represents God on earth, we are given the grace to fight corruption via the sacraments, so long as we obey. The sacraments are about obedience. We obey God, and trust him, via the One True Church, and in return gain grace, which enables us to fight sin (Romans chapter 8 verse 13; I Timothy3 verses 14-16).

Reality to come

“when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away” (1 Corinthians 13 v10)
Biblical Decay

Due to the work of evil-The bible mentions a resulting decay, whereby due to an ability to sin, and the enmity with God caused by both original and personal sin, man gradually becomes a lesser spiritual being, haven “fallen” from his original grace. Being cut off from grace, by sin, man comes under the Devil’s domain (1 john chapter 3 verse 1), having been perverted and corrupted beyond worthiness in heaven. The cure to this, both lies in Baptism, and the Sacrament of the church, which saves people from the corruption of the world, and reverses (in this life and purgatory) the process whereby man, over eternity would become utmost corrupt and evil, and utterly repulsive to God, thereby deserving hell, for what he is, and the infinitely corrupt being he is to become.

Integrity

Integrity is the lack of corruption. It is the maintaining and stability in such of a structure. To have integrity is to not give in to corruption.

God’s Name and Integrity

God’s name YHWH (Yahweh) is thought to mean “I Am Who I AM” this name has many meanings, one of which is shown by Jesus, in calling himself “I AM”.

God does not change, or cede to corruption. He cannot decay. It could also be thought that the name “I Am” refers to existence, and true reality. The devil is known as the deceiver and god of change, and Father of lies. God could be seen as reality,while the devil represents illusion. That which is in God becomes more real, to the extent that it exists as Holy and separate forever. That which follows the devil, will become less “real”, to the extent that the soul cannot exist in heaven. The fight between church and world is between that which is “fading away”(The world and all that is of it) and that which cannot fade (The goodness in the church, which is the foretaste, and embodiment of Heaven on Earth).
Angels or Demons

According to the views of some:

The human person thereby is on a process, either to become like the angels(Luke Chapter 20 verse 36), or like devils (Job chapter 11 verse 20;Psalm 48 verse 15) whereby he becomes utterly immoral(like a devil), or truly Holy(like the angels) in the end (See C.S. Lewis- Mere Christianity).

Saved from corruption:

“ Through these, the greatest and priceless promises have been lavished on us, that through them you should share the divine nature and escape the corruption rife in the world through disordered passion. “II Peter Chapter 1Verse 4 New Jerusalem Bible http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=59
Catechism on corruption

“77. What other consequences derive from original sin?

405-409
418

In consequence of original sin human nature, without being totally corrupted, is wounded in its natural powers. It is subject to ignorance, to suffering, and to the dominion of death and is inclined toward sin. This inclination is called concupiscence.” compendium

http://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

“401 After that first sin, the world is virtually inundated by sin There is Cain’s murder of his brother Abel and the universal corruption which follows in the wake of sin. Likewise, sin frequently manifests itself in the history of Israel, especially as infidelity to the God of the Covenant and as transgression of the Law of Moses. and even after Christ’s atonement, sin raises its head in countless ways among Christians.²⁸⁷ Scripture and the Church’s Tradition continually recall the presence and universality of sin in man’s history:”

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P1C.HTM

“2284 Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. the person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor’s tempter. He damages virtue and integrity; he may even draw his brother into spiritual death. Scandal is a grave offense if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave offense.”

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P80.HTM

Scripture and Corruption

God notes “My word will not fade away” and of the church it is the “pillar and foundation of truth” (I Timothy 3 verses 14 to 16) and “the gates of hades will not overcome it” the core message of Christianity can never change. While it can be expanded, it may never contradict the original message, or the interpretation of the original church. The church, also- cannot cede to the corruption of our world. It’s decisions are safeguarded when acting as Christ as to doctrine and morals (Acts 15) and God is the head of the church. Paul notes those “cut off from the head”, and that “divisions in the church are evil” of schisms, and so- the original church must still exist, for the righteous would never abandon it, but remain in it, for “it is wrong to do evil that good may result”, and it is the body of the church that fights heresy, and safeguards the truth(I Timothy 3 verses 14 to 16; 1 John 2 v 19), those who left it over so-called heresy left as those who are not of it. God would not cause one to steal from his original church to safeguard his word against and from it.

Resources

http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/jp2tb51.htm

“Concerning this doctrine the Pope of Vatican I, Pius IX, spoke on two different occasions. In an allocution (address to an audience) on December 9th, 1854 he said:

We must hold as of the faith, that out of the Apostolic Roman Church there is no salvation; that she is the only ark of safety, and whosoever is not in her perishes in the deluge; we must also, on the other hand, recognize with certainty that those who are invincible in ignorance of the true religion are not guilty for this in the eyes of the Lord. And who would presume to mark out the limits of this ignorance according to the character and diversity of peoples, countries, minds and the rest?” 

http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/outside_the_church.htm

Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus

“The Catholic Church is “the single and exclusive channel by which the truth and grace of Christ enter our world of space and time” (Karl Adam, The Spirit of Catholicism, 179). Those who do not know the Church, even those who fight against it, can receive these gifts if they honestly seek God and his truth. But, Adam says, “though it be not the Catholic Church itself that hands them the bread of truth and grace, yet it is Catholic bread that they eat.” And when they eat of it, “without knowing it or willing it” they are “incorporated in the supernatural substance of the Church.”” http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0512fea3.asp

The church dogmatically declares that outside the working of the church – there is no salvation.

The Catholic church has recently reaffirmed the need for the Catholic church in order for souls to be saved

Non-Christians can be saved?- but only by baptism of Desire of Martyrdom, or the mercy of God

Baptism of desire states

Every man who is ignorant of the gospel of Christ and of his Church but seeks the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it can be saved. It may be supposed that such persons would have desired baptism explicitly if they had known its necessity (CCC 1260).

“<Lumen gentium> #16 says: “For they who without their own fault do not
know of the Gospel of Christ and His Church, but yet seek God with sincere
heart, and try, under the influence of grace, to carry out His will in
practice, known to them through the dictate of conscience, can attain
eternal salvation.” ” http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/outside_the_church.htm

“Again, in his encyclical Quanto conficiamur moerore of 10 August, 1863 addressed to the Italian bishops, he said:

It is known to us and to you that those who are in invincible ignorance of our most holy religion, but who observe carefully the natural law, and the precepts graven by God upon the hearts of all men, and who being disposed to obey God lead an honest and upright life, may, aided by the light of divine grace, attain to eternal life; for God who sees clearly, searches and knows the heart, the disposition, the thoughts and intentions of each, in His supreme mercy and goodness by no means permits that anyone suffer eternal punishment, who has not of his own free will fallen into sin.” http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/outside_the_church.htm

But clarifying this- Pope John Paul II said

“For those too who through no fault of their own do not know Christ and are not recognized as Christians, the divine plan has provided a way of salvation. As we read in the Council’s Decree Ad Gentes, we believe that “God in ways known to himself can lead those inculpably ignorant of the Gospel” to the faith necessary for salvation (AG 7). Certainly, the condition “inculpably ignorant” cannot be verified nor weighed by human evaluation, but must be left to the divine judgment alone. For this reason, the Council states in the Constitution Gaudium et Spes that in the heart of every man of good will, “Grace works in an unseen way…. The Holy Spirit in a manner known only to God offers to every man the possibility of being associated with this paschal mystery” (GS 22).”

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19950531en.html

Those who reject the church

They cannot be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ, would refuse either to enter it or remain in it (cf. LG 14).

Another way of putting it 

Extra ecclesiam nulla salus, could therefore be seen, not as a declaration outside the church, but a declaration of the place of the church. “Outside the works, and existence of the Catholic church- there is no salvation” may be better wording, but the church clarified their position, after a situation with a Fr. Feeney who declared that those not card carrying members of the church- would not be saved. After Feeney relentlessly pursued his doctrine, he was summoned several times to Rome, but was excommunicated after he refused. In response, the church declared the following.

Church’s response

The doctrine was true, but should be interpreted as the church decrees.

Why Evangelism is still needed

Even if some may be saved apart from the usual channels, these are the exceptions, and in great danger, not knowing how important their current state of unknown grace is. Pope John Paul II, states, that even though they may, on their deaths, for obeying conscience- be saved- they are in a place of darkness, and hunger. Charity obligates the Christian to aid those who are spiritually poor as these are, and we must not put the Lord, or his mercy to the Test. Even if there are exceptions to th rule, we must not be vain enough to rely only on the exceptions.

The Feeneyist interpretation

As we have stated, a Fr. Feeney believed that the official doctrine of the Church was open to personal interpretation, and declared that this doctrine excluded all, including unbaptised babies from salvation, if they were not card carrying catholics. He broke his personal vow of obedience to the pope, by refusing several summons to Rome, and was excommunicated for disobedience. His followers, the Feeneyists, still hold his doctrine. (see our article on Feeney), dispite subsiquent splits.

Resources

This Rock Magazine

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0512fea3.asp

http://www.catholic.com/library/Salvation_Outside_the_Church.asp

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1999/9909frs.asp

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2004/0403sbs.asp

www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0207fea3.asp

www.catholic.com/newsletters/kke_040113.asp

Eternal Word Television Network

http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/outside_the_church.htm

http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/EXTRECCL.HTM

http://www.ewtn.com/library/SCRIPTUR/EXTRAECC.TXT

www.ewtn.com/library/SCRIPTUR/FEENEY2.TXT

Vatican 

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19950531en.html

www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html

www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p123a9p3.htm

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070419_un-baptised-infants_en.html

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_cons_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html

www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_synod_doc_20040528_lineamenta-xi-assembly_en.html

Belief, the act on this ability given- the act of altering one’s entire life, because of the truthful message-

As one would alter their lives, and visit the doctor often, if one had cancer- as we visit the church every Sunday and on the Holy Days when the church requires.

As one does not stop their course of medication, knowing that if they do- that it may return even worse.

God has prescribed the sacraments. There is no honest way to doubt this. Should you honestly doubt it, which is possible, with all those voices and oppinions that so loudly speak against this, perhaps pray, and ask the truh of this- I dare not disobey the voice that my conscience follows. I know that this voice should inform you also, should you open yourelf in obedience and listening. We cannot be judged by that we did not know.

Should we obey our doctors with more zeal that the creator of the universe- than the being that controls the moment of our death?

We should not be ignorant of the message of God himself. If we say that we believe the message, are we to ignore the commands, which are there, to save our souls?

Faith- is hearing the soft voice that we know to belong to God, and obeying it. This is where even baptism of desire involves faith. They hear God in conscience alone, and obey him.

We recognise his voice in the servants of the gospel and the official doctrine of our spiritual mother- the church.

We should always seek the truth, and obey the Lord our God, that voice of conscience within- as best we can

-Marc Aupiais

“Preach the Gospel (good news) to all the world- if necessary- use words” – St. Francis of Assisi.

Bible on deeds of the saints and how this is God’s letter to all

“¹ Are we beginning to commend ourselves to you afresh-as though we needed, like some others, to have letters of commendation either to you or from you?

² You yourselves are our letter, written in our hearts, that everyone can read and understand;

³ and it is plain that you are a letter from Christ, entrusted to our care, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God; not on stone tablets but on the tablets of human hearts. ” II Corinthians Chapter 3 http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=46&bible_chapter=3

We see, firstly, that God, primarily speaks via the acts of the church to the unbeliever. Through sin, weakness, or blindness, many have been blinded to God in nature. We also see, as Paul says- that in the distance, he makes great speeches, but in their presence, he lives his faith.

The effect of the Gospel, versus the effect of a false gospel
A second lesson that we see is this- there were others, who apposed the apostles, and who- for the ways of our world, were being accepted above their authority by some.

Paul noted, that they were a letter of recommendation as to the Apostle’s authority to all the world. They were the message the world understood. They, via their lives, were preaching the gospel. The Gospel has Jesus dying for his beloved spiritual “children” and his church- his “bride”, by the hands of those who hated him. The gospel shows kindness, and the ability to conquer sins, especially with the promises of God in the sacraments.

Our deeds prove our faith
How we respond to the call of becoming new creations, shows people that our faith is true. The false gospels have always had negative effects on their followers. Whatever their people preached, it was not beneficial, no matter how wondrous it seemed to the unstable.

Corpse in the closet, or Miracle

We are either corpses, or miracles to the world. Every time we do good, because it is often so rare, we are noted, and prove the gospel. When we stand firm, others see that our message has added to our wholes. When we look at the lives of those, whose gospel is not the Gospel of Christ, but a man made formula, we note that the followers of such are not free, as the bible promised, but often filled with spite, lies, hypocrisy, and with people who either pretend to be Holy, and seem to have all the right words, but are not. Or, with people who pride themselves in evil.

You know a good tree by its fruit.

You know the false profits, by the way in which their most loyal followers act.

We cannot save ourselves by deeds

“4Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” II Corinthians chapter 3 NIV (Protestant bible)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=54&chapter=3&version=31

Only, if we have faith (reference) , or perhaps by Baptism of desire (Although such itself appears to require the standards of both faith and love), can we be saved, yet our faith is in the words of Christ, and in him, and God’s ability to make his own words come true.

With God’s help we become righteous. Our preaching of the gospel, which we cannot accept without the direct purpose of God (a miracle), is done by how it affects our lives. It is also done by our words, but these- we must be careful with- never saying too much or too little, but only what is required, and perhaps what God allows.

Gathering or Scattering

If we declare Jesus with our mouths, but hate our brother, our service is not to God.

If we declare Jesus with our deeds, but do not know the law, we declare Jesus to the world, for we declare his nature- which is Charitable love.

If we know the law, and do not obey our God, then we testify against him and scatter, this is a meaning in that those who do not gather, scatter, but it is not the only meaning.

The Christian represents God to the world
If we know what we must do, and obey God’s law, then we ourselves are miracles- testifying to others about our faith, and that the slander about the modern church, as with the slander against the apostles- is false. We testify to Jesus, and live in him, so far as we live our faith, but our deeds are worthless, unless they are based in God’s grace, and in our trust of his truth. Obedient goodness, is even required in Baptism of desire. Our deeds are only of worth so long as they are reflections of grace. No one is good, but God, therefore- all that is truly good, is of him. That is partly why we are called his children.

.
“Make No mistake- those who live evil lives are evil- those who live holy lives – are holy” – Adapted From The First Epistle of John

“⁷ Children, do not let anyone lead you astray. Whoever acts uprightly is upright, just as he is upright.

⁸ Whoever lives sinfully belongs to the devil, since the devil has been a sinner from the beginning. This was the purpose of the appearing of the Son of God, to undo the work of the devil.

⁹ No one who is a child of God sins because God’s seed remains in him. Nor can he sin, because he is a child of God.

¹⁰ This is what distinguishes the children of God from the children of the devil: whoever does not live uprightly and does not love his brother is not from God.

¹¹ This is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we must love one another, ” I John Chapter 3 New Jerusalem Bible

http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=60&bible_chapter=3

If we truly belong to God, he gives us the ability to obey him. In baptism, the Devil’s control over our lives is taken away from him.

If we consistently perform a single sin- this may be a sign of vice or mortal sin, which Catholic Christians have permission to destroy, via confession- where the Priest acts as a representative of God. We must destroy the flesh via the spirit- The sacraments that Jesus instituted- bring us back to God.
In effect- Faith saves the sinner, but God demands more that inactive faith. He desires to live through the lives of his servants. God is love- he lives via us in love. If we accept his message- that we must repent least we perish, then we should not shy from living such.

Faith and righteous deeds are miracles, and often signs of Grace. There is not considered to be such thing as faith without action. God predestined his saints for good deeds- and if we are his, he is our master, but to rely on deeds, instead of Hope, Faith and Love- in God’s grace- for salvation- is shown worthless in I Corinthians 13- in that I can give away all I own, and my body to the fire, but it is worth nothing outside of Charity (Biblical word can be translated as love). Likewise, I can have faith to move mountains, but without love I am nothing (From I Corinthians 13)(Nothing to whom- surely- human beings are impressed by moving mountains).

Conclusion

Faith, hope and love, are all signs of the Divine work of God.

Faith, without works- does not fit the mold shown through the ages (See our article on faith) and is shown worthless outside of Charity.

Works outside of Charity (A form of love- translated into Old English as charity) are also worthless, and outside of God, who is love- cannot gain salvation.

Because of our hope- to become like Christ- we act on our faith.

Faith and works, and hope- working in unity- testify as to our faith as reality.

Faith without works, is considered worthless faith, and such faith does not positively effect her followers.

The belief that deeds can gain salvation apart from faith, and such works focus does not positively effect her followers.

In Essence

God uses human beings- their lives, their love, their deeds- to show himself to the world at large. Christians are ambassadors as to God. If they live their faith, they show that they take the gospel seriously, and others may take it as more than philosophy. If they treat the words of God as worthless, and do not react to them- then they testify against God. We are also, not to be surprised if the world hates us- for being righteous- because they hate Christ first (see I John 3 Verse 13).