More than 100 college students representing nine college and university campuses met at the La Quinta Inn in downtown Little Rock Feb. 21-22 for the annual Catholic Campus Convention.
The theme of this year’s convention was “Defending the Faith through Evangelization.”
“At the end of each convention, we provide evaluations for students to suggest and rank topics for the next convention,” said Father Ernest Hardesty, campus minister at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and campus minister liaison to the Campus Ministry Advisory Board.
“The CMAB plans the convention and they meet three times a year to plan other statewide events,” he said.
The speaker for this year’s convention was Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, who provided two in-depth sessions about the differences between Catholics and other Christians described as fundamentalists.
“They say they take the Bible literally and that the Bible is the only thing to know,” Bishop Taylor said. “They deny any belief that is not in the Bible.”
Bishop Taylor said the Catholic Church developed over time through tradition, the handing down of information over generations. He also said the Bible was written by the believing community, and therefore reflects attitudes and ideas over a period of time and cultures.
“Fundamentalists take the Bible as literal word of God with little or no human involvement,” Bishop Taylor said. “We regard the Bible as the word of God, but not in a naively literal sense.”
For instance, fundamentalists may question the use of the title “Father” when referring to a Catholic priest, quoting Matthew 23:8-12, which says to avoid the use of the terms “rabbi” and “teacher.” Bishop Taylor said if taking the Bible literally in this view, then what should a person’s male parent be called if not “father.” He said the Bible uses the titles “rabbi” and “teacher” often in other books.
Bishop Taylor said fundamentalists often quote specific verses whereas Catholics are taught stories where the lesson is revealed through the use of the whole story, not just verses out of context.
He also gave the students tips on handling discussions with fundamentalist Christians who may view Catholics as a conquest or someone to be “won” to salvation.
“They don’t understand or respect our beliefs. Insist on them showing respect,” Bishop Taylor said. “Insist on sharing. Tell them about your faith. Recognize they have an agenda of converting you. Finally, don’t let someone put you on a guilt trip. Anyone who respects you would have called first before they visit.”
Bishop Taylor gave the students an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each session. The students asked a range of questions regarding the theology of the Catholic Church.
“I grew up Baptist and the bishop is exactly right,” said Caleb Baumbardner, a graduate student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “He gave us a constructive and honest way to dialogue without surrendering our faith.”
Another student, Drew Puchocki, a senior at Arkansas Tech University in Russelville, said, “The bishop’s talk was very informative. It enlightened us on how you can present your faith to others. I think it was beneficial to everyone here.”
Other students like Dedee Lopez said she felt under attack frequently as a freshman and sophomore at Harding University in Searcy.
“I would have people come up to me and tell me that I would not go to heaven,” she said. “It was scary. Now as a senior, people ask me questions all the time. Some are more open to sharing. You can be friends with fundamentalists if you learn to respect each other.”
After the sessions, the group attended Mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew followed by a banquet dinner. They also held a dance and praise and worship service that included the rosary and adoration.
Music for the convention was provided by the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith campus ministry musicians.
