“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 Pet 3:15).

Defending the Faith

Defending the faith of the Church is perhaps more important now than ever. In the post-modern world, Catholics have to contend with a number of objections to—and misunderstandings about—the divine faith of the Church. Ranging from doctrinal confusion, hostile secularism, religious pluralism and syncretism, to the rise of atheism and those who claim to be unaffiliated with any organized religion and more, there’s an increasing need for the faithful to be well-equipped in their ability to defend the belief of the Church.

Given the importance of defending the faith and its connection to evangelization, Catholic Online School has developed a “Defending the Faith” series to equip you with the necessary tools to answer some of the most common questions and objections.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn:

  • Practical tips for evangelizing and defending the faith
  • How to use reason to prove God’s existence as the Creator
  • The meaning and effects of original and personal sin
  • Whether the devil is real and what kind of power he has in your life
  • The connection between faith, reason, science, and the Big Bang
  • How to address the problem of evil and human suffering
  • Why Catholics pray to the saints and venerate the Virgin Mary
  • Why the priesthood is for men only
  • Why Catholics call their priest “father” and why its biblically sound to do so
  • Whether Christianity is logical and how to respond to the objections of the New Atheists
  • Why the Church values sexual purity


That’s just a small sampling of the material we’re putting together to help you “make a defense” to anyone who asks you to provide an explanation “for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet 3:15).

Register for this free series and equip yourself to defend the faith and transform the world!

Deacon Frederick Bartels will resume Live Lessons following the summer break.

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Instructor(s)

Professor of Theology, Department Chair

Deacon Frederick Bartels

Deacon Frederick Bartels is a member of the Catholic clergy who serves the Church in the diocese of Pueblo, CO. He received an MA in Theology and Educational Ministry from Catholic Distance University, where he is currently employed as an adjunct professor of theology. He is founder and editor of Joy In Truth (joyintruth.com), an online magazine dedicated to the New Evangelization. As a Catholic educator, public speaker and evangelist, Deacon Bartels strives to infuse culture with the saving principles of the gospel. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Shelly, and the youngest two of their six children. Professor Bartels is Chairman of the Theology Department.