The first flash cards designed to help young people to understand and explain the faith have been produced by Ascension Press, which markets them to Catholic retailers and teachers.
The Friendly Defenders Catholic Flash Cards present common questions people have regarding the faith, accompanied by short, easy-to-understand answers. The 50 full-color cards feature short explanations of «why» the Church teaches as it does.
«The Catholic Faith is exciting and compelling, when understood,» said Matthew Pinto, creator and co-author of the new flash cards. «When Catholics, old and young alike, come to understand the whys behind Catholic teaching, they almost always maintain a strong Catholic faith.»
He added: «In an era of many ´isms´ competing for the hearts and souls of our children, Catholics need to be intellectually equipped to respond to challenges to their faith in an effective and charitable way.»
The cards are tied into an interactive Friendly Defenders Web site (http://www.friendlydefenders.com/index_flash.htm), which features games and quizzes.
The cards are illustrated with five Catholic children like «Joyful Joey» and «Gracious Grace» who respond to questions from five non-Catholics like «Curious Connie» and «Questioning Quincy.»
One observer, however, cautioned that the cards should not bear the burden of catechetical instruction.
Randy England, a New Age expert, recently told a Catholic publication: «Like so many other Christian products, I wonder if the cards might not be confusing to Catholic children that have not received proper instruction in the faith?»
More information about the cards is also available at (800) 376-0520.
