[TAW] Synthetic / bullet point Orthodox apologetics?

[Andrei D]

I don't really like the idea of arguing points of faith or doctrine, but recently I have come across more and more genuinely good people, who are nice friends and who really interested in learning more about stuff.

But I find myself at a disadvantage because it is difficult to argue points of contention with clear cut Scripture references. I can discuss broader points, and sometimes even arguments from the Holy Fathers, but not very discrete points.

So I am looking for good references where I can find such arguments / citations, especially for issues like:
* infant baptism
* praying to saints
* venerating Theotokos
* going to Church at all (as opposed to direct relationship with God)
* mystery of confession
* written / prescribed prayers
* why are there even any priests (as opposed to all of us)

Any help / thoughts are appreciated. No debate on the topics, please.

 

[buzuxi02]

infant baptism

Galatians 3:27 -4:2
Special emphasis on the original Greek of (Galatians 4:1) since english bibles wrongly translate the word infant as child:
λεγω δε εφ οσον χρονον ο κληρονομος νηπιος εστιν ουδεν διαφερει δουλου κυριος παντων ων...4.1

praying to saints

Rev 5:8, 8:3

venerating Theotokos

Luke 1:48
The word blessed in verse 48 is not properly translated it's the verb form of bless makarizo in future tense makariouzin meaning, "henceforth all generations shall bless me...

going to Church at all (as opposed to direct relationship with God)

Hebrews 10:25
1 Corinthians 11:33-34
Acts 2:42-44
Matt 18:20

mystery of confession

James 5:16
1 John 1:7-9

written / prescribed prayers

Plenty of examples of known prayers, creeds and hymns from the early church such as:
Philipians 2:6-7
1 Timothy 3:16
2 Corinthians 13:13-14

why are there even any priests (as opposed to all of us)

Only those with apostolic succession have the ability to impart grace through sacraments. So its bishops and priests
Acts 1:20-23
1 Timothy 5:21-22
Acts 8:17
Acts 19:6

 

[ArmyMatt]

if you want a biblical reference to Mary as the Mother of God, Luke 1:43

 

[AMM]

Except points 2 and 3, you may find some good references for the others from Lutheran and Anglican sources. Back in my Lutheran days I could definitely argue for the specifics of various doctrines using scripture passages to back it up. I’ve found myself wanting to debate less and less now that I’ve become orthodox, but I can post some references in a bit or sometime over the weekend for all these points - they ARE taught in scripture, afterall

 

[Andrei D]

if you want a biblical reference to Mary as the Mother of God, Luke 1:43

Thank you. Also, as you might suspect, the question is typically about praying to Mary being "polytheism" or (and this is new for me) a violation of Deuteronomy 18:11

 

[ArmyMatt]

Thank you. Also, as you might suspect, the question is typically about praying to Mary being "polytheism" or (and this is new for me) a violation of Deuteronomy 18:11

except God is the God of the living, not the dead.

and prayer to, is not the same as worship of.

 

[AMM]

except God is the God of the living, not the dead.

true, usually people will counter that with the example of Saul talking to Samuel though, saying that prayers to the saints are the same thing

they're not, but that's what I've heard argued before

 

[nicholas123]

* going to Church at all (as opposed to direct relationship with God)

Going to church is a direct relationship with God, all relationships are manifold.

* written / prescribed prayers

Christ himself prescribed us the Lord's prayer. Some people...

 

[ArmyMatt]

true, usually people will counter that with the example of Saul talking to Samuel though, saying that prayers to the saints are the same thing

they're not, but that's what I've heard argued before

Saul was also prior to the Resurrection, and the Resurrection kinda changed everything