anyone care to talk about things other than:

[sola_scriptura]

bickering about whether Mary remained a virgin, the infallibility of the church, Martin Luther, or whatever?

Here’s a thought:

1. why do so few Americans attend church weekly
2. what can we do to prevent abortions (rather than solely crying to Uncle Sam)
3. is there anything churches and Christians can do to reverse urban crime, high drop out rates, drug addiction, and poverty in America
4. how can we really begin to once again be relevant in American culture?
5. how can we tackle the lure of secular culture
6. how can we reduce divorce
7. why don’t mainline churches knock on doors these days? How come when I hear a knock on my door from an evangelist they’re exclusively either Mormon or a Jehovah Witness?

I’d be interested in hearing the thoughts & ideas of both Catholics & non-Catholic Christians on these issues?

 

[Nickkname]

bickering about whether Mary remained a virgin, the infallibility of the church, Martin Luther, or whatever?

Here’s a thought:

1. why do so few Americans attend church weekly
2. what can we do to prevent abortions (rather than solely crying to Uncle Sam)
3. is there anything churches and Christians can do to reverse urban crime, high drop out rates, drug addiction, and poverty in America
4. how can we really begin to once again be relevant in American culture?
5. how can we tackle the lure of secular culture
6. how can we reduce divorce
7. why don’t mainline churches knock on doors these days? How come when I hear a knock on my door from an evangelist they’re exclusively either Mormon or a Jehovah Witness?

I’d be interested in hearing the thoughts & ideas of both Catholics & non-Catholic Christians on these issues?

1. Lack of a life of prayer
2. Prayer
3. Prayer
4. Catholic popsicles
5. Prayer
6. Prayer
7. The Legion of Mary

 

[peary1]

bickering about whether Mary remained a virgin, the infallibility of the church, Martin Luther, or whatever?

Here’s a thought:

1. why do so few Americans attend church weekly

God has ceased to be important in people’s lives.

1. what can we do to prevent abortions (rather than solely crying to Uncle Sam)

We have to continue to educate the culture that abortion is the taking of a human life, and that abortion is murder by technology.

1. is there anything churches and Christians can do to reverse urban crime, high drop out rates, drug addiction, and poverty in America

Work with those who are afflicted with these things.

1. how can we really begin to once again be relevant in American culture?

There are 69 million Catholics in our culture. how can we not be relevant? We are ignored, for the most part.

1. how can we tackle the lure of secular culture

Teach and pass on sound Catholic doctrine to our children.

1. how can we reduce divorce

Teach and pass on sound Catholic doctrine to our children

1. why don’t mainline churches knock on doors these days? How come when I hear a knock on my door from an evangelist they’re exclusively either Mormon or a Jehovah Witness?

Laziness?

 

[sola_scriptura]

peary1:
What I mean by irrelevant is irrelevant. Christianity is mostly the butt of jokes among kids. There may be nearly 70 million Catholics (technically speaking) in this country – but only about 20 million or so are practicing (in any real way). That means less than 10% of this country practices the Catholic religion – so what are you guys going to do about it?

It seems to me just raising our kids well isn’t enough? Moreover, it’s not just laziness; it’s also bigotry, class divisions, etc. Those poor ghetto gang bangers might wind up a majority in this country if we don’t act and try and help them?

 

[Nickkname]

What I mean by irrelevant is irrelevant. Christianity is mostly the butt of jokes among kids. There may be nearly 70 million Catholics (technically speaking) in this country – but only about 20 million or so are practicing (in any real way). That means less than 10% of this country practices the Catholic religion – so what are you guys going to do about it?

Pray, pray, and pray.

The world hates Christ. Can we really expect it to love Christians than?

Also, I do believe you’re forgetting about all the 72 virgins and Muslim jokes flying around now.

 

[sola_scriptura]

Pray, pray, and pray.

The world hates Christ. Can we really expect it to love Christians than?

Also, I do believe you’re forgetting about all the 72 virgins and Muslim jokes flying around now.

If we simply sit home praying all day how will anyone learn about Christ? I’m all for praying & do it everyday; but I’m thinking more along the lines of action.

 

[strngrnrth]

bickering about whether Mary remained a virgin, the infallibility of the church, Martin Luther, or whatever?

Here’s a thought:

1. why do so few Americans attend church weekly
   Pardon the quote shortcut; it’s much easier. Hope you can read it. Few Americans go to church regularly because they put other commitments before church.
2. what can we do to prevent abortions (rather than solely crying to Uncle Sam)Inform everyone we can what abortion really means. Publicize the places women and gorls in difficult pregnancies can go for moral, medical and financial support. Publicize the difference good prenatal care makes in many risky pregnancies and how to get that care. We do a lot but not everyone knows what’s available before it’s too late.
3. is there anything churches and Christians can do to reverse urban crime, high drop out rates, drug addiction, and poverty in America
   What any good community organization can do: Every project that makes a difference spreads a culture of involvement that ends up making a bigger difference. Keep on feeding and clothing people but also patrol streets, organize citizen litter pick-ups, plant trees and fix windows, go out in groups shaming dealers and gangsters – dangerous, but so is just living in some neighborhoods.
4. how can we really begin to once again be relevant in American culture?As suggested above, and take a firm stand for what’s right, no apologies, no whimpering, no blinking.
5. how can we tackle the lure of secular culture
   Produce an original culture and promote it.
6. how can we reduce divorce
   Increase community. The better people know each other before choosing a spouse the less likely they will be to make a big mistake.
7. why don’t mainline churches knock on doors these days? How come when I hear a knock on my door from an evangelist they’re exclusively either Mormon or a Jehovah Witness?

Door-knocking is dangerous and tiring and takes people away from other responsibilities; therefore only controlling groups tend to be able to put the amount of pressure it takes on members to get them to knock on doors all evening.
I’d be interested in hearing the thoughts & ideas of both Catholics & non-Catholic Christians on these issues?

Well, there’s mine.:twocents:

 

[Tantum_ergo]

What are we going to do about it?

1. Education. Not just the kids-- the adults. Get the word out. If you are going, go to your ‘lapsed’ brother, coworker, neighbor. Coax them to go too. Offer to help arrange childcare, offer to give a ride, offer ‘brunch’ afterward. Tell them how much it means to you–and everybody else–to have them go. And show them how much Church means to you by your words and actions. . .let every minute you’re at Mass be suffused with joy —make every thought, word and action a prayer of thanks and praise to God.
2. Education. Saturate the media with pro-life prayers, stories, and witness. Lord knows the bookstores, magazines and newspapers are full of dreck from the ‘proaborts’–people know the ‘patter’ by heart. Turn things around with stories and witness that is an ACTION instead of a REACTION to the proaborts. Don’t let them dictate to us–let’s be the ones that THEY have to react to. They have had plenty of ‘rope’ and they’ll hang themselves once they actually have to start using it instead of just sitting back from their perceived perception of the ‘moral highground’. Let’s take back the ‘heights’ --lovingly but firmly.
3. We’ve been working with these–and with all societal ills–from the start. We’ve been ‘stymied’ because of the ‘victim culture’ and the ‘handout mentality’ that stereotypes not just those in need but the ‘others’ whom the needy resent and despise. We need to keep up ‘feeding the body’ but concentrate more on ‘feeding the soul’ --even if it isn’t ‘politically correct’. We have to stop being afraid about mentioning God. We also need to show our love is more than just feeding people’s bodies. We need to treat people much more the way Mother Teresa did.
4. We are relevant but a tiny and vocal minority has appointed itself cultural ‘arbiters’ because the vast silent majority has let them. We need to stop being ‘lazy’ and scared. For 3 decades and more we have let people become ruder and more deviant and defiant because we were afraid of ‘hurting people’s feelings’ and later afraid of being hurt ourselves. We allowed children to grow up unrestrained by ‘morals’ and ‘unfettered’ by rules–and we’ve been tyrannized by the amoral and rulebreakers because we allowed it. Now we need to bring back the rules–and consequences. Emphasize responsibility and community. Above all, stop trying to ‘solve the problem ourselves’ and humble ourselves to God and to others. We need to say, “We’re sorry. We were wrong in letting people think they didn’t need rules. People need them and are suffering without them. We love these people and we’re going to help them, with God’s help.”
5. There is always the ‘lure’ of secular culture. Each generation has its own ‘allurements’. Sex is almost always there but there are other lures too–some generations it is more the ‘lure’ of money, some of ‘power’, some of ‘fashion’, some of ‘fame’. We need to emphasize that Christians are ‘in the world, but not of the world’ and show that Christians can be the most joyful of men, because they can appreciate the world without being MASTERED or OVERPOWERED by it, while ALSO being ‘beyond the world’ with a sense of purpose and a serenity in the assurance of the love of God --a ‘love’ that will (unlike the ‘world’s’ loves) never been shaken, or broken, or destroyed.
6. Education. . .much more education in the ‘pre-Cana’ or marriage preparation classes. Much more focus on life ‘after the wedding’. More celebration not of ‘bride and groom’ but of ‘family’. More ‘help’ and acknowledgement of the normal cycles of marriage life in order to be proactive about the difficulties that arise. More emphasis on programs like Retroville, even a ‘modified program’ presented for ‘all’ married couples once a year to ‘stop problems before they start.’
7. Depends on your area though I agree the major times I saw Catholics going ‘door to door’ as a child was when I was selling those chocolate bars. . .

Rosalind Moss’ group of nuns is apparently going to be doing just this–witnessing ‘door to door’. More of us women who are considering vocations might consider this type of ‘evangelising vocation’ and more and more orders (male and female) might be started for this. . .as they go through cities and towns and speak to the people, the parishes might get up ‘groups’ to carry on the mission, and ‘rotate’ out so that every person in the parish takes a turn of a few weeks or months doing this.

 

[LilyM]

If we simply sit home praying all day how will anyone learn about Christ? I’m all for praying & do it everyday; but I’m thinking more along the lines of action.

And what did Jesus do when all His ‘action’ had failed by worldly standards, all His followers had deserted Him and He was vilified, unjustly tried, condemned and crucified? He prayed - for many things, but firstly for forgiveness for His enemies.

What did Peter, Paul and the other Apostles do when their flocks were bickering and straying, ignoring their teaching, reverting to paganism, and they too were persecuted at every step by Roman and Jewish authorities and imprisoned and executed? They prayed too.

Don’t understimate the power of prayer. Remember the Apostles FIRST prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Only when they knew that He had finally arrived did they then proceed to act as He directed them. No hope of success if you act first and then pray for guidance.

 

[sola_scriptura]

I think that there are many innovative things we can do to promote change in this country & begin to change the perception of the church (I use the term “church” broadly).

St. Francis used to march his monks into different towns in Northern Italy and go about beautifying the town. They would do all sorts of stuff – from cleaning the streets, beautifying parks and public gathering places, and a variety of other things. During their time in these towns they would never utter a word about religion, not even one. Eventually the people would ask – why are you doing this?

Now that’s discipleship; for which we are all called to do. IMO if one is too “lazy” to do such things then they’re really not a good Christian. Indeed knocking on doors might not be the best approach, because the response is generally fairly low. However, what about block parties, doing the things St. Francis did, concerts, etc.? These are things we can do on weekends. These are things parents can involve their children in.

I have some other thoughts. What about churches adopting public schools? This is more legally challenging, however, we need to be more legally challenging in these areas. If these sorts of things are structured properly they are legal. For instance, we can offer tutoring services & not expect anything in return. That would even mean we couldn’t evangelize to kids whom we tutor.

What about reaching across denominational, racial, and socio-economic lines & developing relationships with other churches? For instance, suburban churches with inner city churches?

The way I see it now is we’re much like the Corinthians that Paul chastised for not sharing their food (in their agape love feasts) with the poor members of their congregation. Because of this we’re failing our society. I personally think Christians need to take more ownership of these problems rather than just sit back & complain about them.

Anyway, my two cents.

 

[reen12]

I had 17 years of Catholic schooling, but it was
watching an elderly man, who was so quiet and good,
go to Temple, each day, to help form a minyan,
that ‘spoke’ to me, as an adolescent. His quiet,
steady faith spoke volumes. He tried to ‘convert’ no one.
Judaism is not a proslyetizing faith.

What did Jesus say?
“By this - will all men know that you are My disciples,
that you have love for one another.” And that means
love and respect for all, including those of other
Christian denominations. Respect in both speech and attitude.
*

Forget game plans. To me, there’s something
artificial about that. When Christian’s begin
to live, in such a way - that those around them,
including the young, see peace, and joy,
[even in suffering], that will be ‘proclaiming’
the good news. Some may continue to scoff,
but it will do them no good. Nothing speaks
of living in God, as does a peaceful countenence,
and a peaceful attitude - toward that which occurs, in life.
That* is* witnessing to Christ, by being very much like Him.

Didn’t Christ emphasize ‘peace?’
"Peace I give you, not as the world gives…

It is peace, in the midst of suffering, that best
exemplifies the gift Whom Christ is said to be.
I do pray to the God that that elderly man prayed to.
In a real sense, he did convert me.

reen12*

 

[tGette]

I just want to say that this is a great thread.

I have been wanting to start a thread topic that could get we as Christians speaking about things we ACTUALLY AGREE ON.

Thanks sola!

Unfortunately…I am saving a detailed response for later…I am a bit tired.

May the Good Lord help us be Christians again!

 

[kyria]

If we simply sit home praying all day how will anyone learn about Christ? I’m all for praying & do it everyday; but I’m thinking more along the lines of action.

Prayer IS action. Not only does it increase one’s intimacy with God, as another poster said it is very powerful. It is two fold action. Helps you, helps others. As you pray and become more like Christ through prayer, others will see that and you are a living witness that others can thus learn from. Your light thus reaches out. There is evangelising Christ through verbal evangelisation, and pamplets and doorknocking, and there is evangelising Christ through being and acting Christlike. I found trying to act like a Christian first, then made people listen more when I talked about Christ, but you can’t do it without prayer.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will awaken more and more people. Via the HS I learnt a lot about Christ and the divine.

One other form of action I do is occasionally touch people and pray to the Holy Spirit. Most people feel the Holy Spirit and/or deep heat when I do this so if you want an example of action that is one of mine.

I’ve written to politicians about abortion, but after reading some of the replies I felt it was probably better to pray to the HS to open their hearts and minds, because they were closed. But prayer can open, and the Holy Spirit is a great heart and eye opener.

Being a witness though is really a great way for people to learn about Christ. Talking to others about how God has worked miracles in your life, talking to people about how Christ has healed things and answered requests etc. Getting your kids to be witnesses etc. People’s testimonies of healing, miracles and conversions are great things to spread to people.

 

[the_phoenix]

1. why do so few Americans attend church weekly

Because many are not putting God first in their lives. Therefore, they are breaking the commandment to keep holy the Lord’s Day.

1. what can we do to prevent abortions (rather than solely crying to Uncle Sam)

We can participate in 40 Days for Life, which begins on September 24 and goes through November 2 this year. 40 Days for Life involves Prayer and fasting, constant vigil, and community outreach.

For more information, please visit this website:

40daysforlife.com/about.cfm

1. is there anything churches and Christians can do to reverse urban crime, high drop out rates, drug addiction, and poverty in America

The family that prays together, stays together. Children need to grow up in strong families with both a mother and father who provide love and teach Christian values through their good example.

1. how can we really begin to once again be relevant in American culture?

Say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays.” Pray … in public. Support wholesome entertainment rather than pop culture mindlessness … even if that means being creative and writing your own books, producing your own plays, airing your own radio hour, having your artwork hanging in an art gallery … Show some appreciation to those priests, nuns, bishops, parish volunteers etc. whom you see doing a good job. Volunteer and encourage others to volunteer in a personal way. Take the time to get to know volunteers and the people you serve … as people. Treat them sincerely and with respect. Even in our increasingly impersonal world, a little friendliness can lead to actual friendships.

1. how can we tackle the lure of secular culture

Pray … in private. Limit your exposure to advertisements. If this means turning off the tv or radio, well, you just might discover that life at a slower pace can be pleasantly peaceful. Pope Benedict XVI said: “We are no longer able to hear God – there are too many different frequencies filling our ears.”

1. how can we reduce divorce

Honor your marriage vows.

1. why don’t mainline churches knock on doors these days? How come when I hear a knock on my door from an evangelist they’re exclusively either Mormon or a Jehovah Witness?

Well, I tried knocking on doors myself when I was eight years old. Only, I never got past the first door. Figured that since I was a kid, all’s I needed to do was to smile and show everybody how happy you could be with God in your life. So I confess that I got scared when the lady of the house told me she was married to an atheist. I simply could not imagine living without God, and was so shocked by it that I went home. Now that I’m older, I wouldn’t mind knocking on doors, and wouldn’t be so easily scared off.

~~ the phoenix

 

[sola_scriptura]

Remember folks just because I advocate a call to action doesn’t mean I forget that as Christians we need to pray. For me prayer is something I do constantly – in that I’m always thinking about God. However, I also pray in a more formal way several times a day.

I go under the assumption that we all pray a lot – so this thread is more concerned with things we can do beyond prayer. Affirmative deeds to bear fruit. However, again with regards to prayer I go under the assumption that those who post here already pray a considerable amount. What is it you guys always say – without works faith is dead right?

I think one of the things that Jesus is really about – in a deeper sense, is the desire to transform mankind through mankind. In other words Jesus tells us to do more than pray. He tells us to visit those in prison, feed the hungry, minister to the sick, etc. However, these are only examples of things we can do to transform mankind. I think there are many tangible ways that love can overcome and transform our secular culture.

I guess the way to start this sort of thing is to first begin by discussing it & then tossing around some ideas. I’ve decided to commit to a charity personally & I’ve been searching around. I’ve been looking into getting involved with a prison fellowship (since in addition to having a law degree I’ve also been in the military for many years & I can probably deal with rough people better than most). However, I also think more is needed in our culture. We have a better foundation in Christianity to work with than most countries – however, we’re in danger of losing it real quick if Christians do nothing.

The way I look at it is if we lose this country we are to blame. Not atheists, not the bohemian pretentious types, and not the “liberal media” – the buck has to stop somewhere & how we can blame those who oppose us for a decline in Christianity? Indeed this blame game has fed into their agenda. It bogs us down & distracts us; while the music on TV telling kids its OK to treat women like dogs keeps humming.