Catholic Evangelization

[zach_dunn]

How can Catholics possibly evangelize effectively? There is nothing attractive about being Catholic, other than being able to say “I have the fullness of truth in my faith.” There is nothing that would attract an evangelical or fundamentalist out of there “assurance of salvation.” Unfortunately, I don’t think many, many people are searching for objective truth anymore . . .

Don’t get me wrong, I’m Catholic and love the Catholic faith and defend it avidly, I’ve just been having trouble lately with the voice in my head saying “why bother” thanks to CARM. . .

PS - Sorry, this has been more of a rant than actual discussion.

 

[CB_Catholic]

How can Catholics possibly evangelize effectively? There is nothing attractive about being Catholic, other than being able to say “I have the fullness of truth in my faith.” There is nothing that would attract an evangelical or fundamentalist out of there “assurance of salvation.” Unfortunately, I don’t think many, many people are searching for objective truth anymore . . .

Don’t get me wrong, I’m Catholic and love the Catholic faith and defend it avidly, I’ve just been having trouble lately with the voice in my head saying “why bother” thanks to CARM. . .

PS - Sorry, this has been more of a rant than actual discussion.

Well, there must be something attractive about it, or it wouldn’t have spread throughout the world, and there wouldn’t be 1.1 billion of us.

And why bother? Because Jesus told us to.

 

[zach_dunn]

Well, there must be something attractive about it, or it wouldn’t have spread throughout the world, and there wouldn’t be 1.1 billion of us.

And why bother? Because Jesus told us to.

Thank you.

 

[wardrandolph]

There are many ways to help people learn about the Church.First,Pray for guidence.Let The Holy Spirit lead you.Never make people feel you are attacking them.Next,Pray some more and use something to help them,something they feel comfortable with.Two "tools"I have had some sucess with are a DVD of Fr.Corapi’s testamony and the sung versions of the Divine Mercy Chaplet(Donna Cori Gibson or theone that is aired on EWTN)both on DVD’s.Next Pray and let the Holy Spirit take over.Lastly,PRAY,let our Lord love them through you.Remember this,you may like icecream, but when you go fishing take worms because “fish like worms”.(I don’t remember where I read that quote)Peace,Rocky.

 

[susaned]

Wow, I strongly disagree with your statement above. I’m so proud everyday to be a Catholic and I could list tons of reasons why being a member of the Catholic Church is so great…I only wish I had more free time to devote to talking to more people about the Catholic faith as I think most people just seriously don’t understand it and feel ‘blackballed’ because no one has ever bothered to invite them into the Church…be that person to welcome them in and you’d be surprised at how many people really long for what we have-but simply need someone to help them feel invited and take that first step. There’s no real reason to bother “defending” the Church because its greatness speaks for itself! I will pray for you and hope you have strength to talk to the next person you encounter who you might have previously felt discouraged with and thought “why bother” maybe this could be your opportunity to help change someone’s life!

 

[Luke65]

Don’t worry, Zach, you’re seeing the beauty of God’s plan. We are the underdogs. We are “the few”. He is bringing us through the fire. Of course Protestantism “tickles the ears”. Of course Catholicism is much more difficult - that’s why they went out from us. But remember, “it is hard for the righteous to be saved” (1 Peter 4:18). That doesn’t tickle the ears!

Catholicism spread throughout the world to non-Christians, because it is the Good News, and it is the Truth. But trying to convert those who already have the “Good News” in the form of “Catholic Lite”, is much more difficult. But our Master never said following Him would be easy! But just remember the wise words of Mother Teresa: “God doesn’t require us to succeed; He only requires that you try.” God bless.

 

[puppypatrol]

Don’t pay too much attention (negative) to CARM and other people like them. They change their beliefs depending on the climate. Not too long ago, they had Roman Catholicism listed as a cult. Last time I checked in to that site, they had removed it from their list of cults.

What was it that Jesus said? “Blessed are those who are persecuted for My name’s sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

See you there.

 

[djeter]

How can Catholics possibly evangelize effectively?

Spend 6 minutes with this video and be of good cheer.

payingattentiontothesky.com/2009/07/28/letting-the-life-out/

dj

The thread I started with the post about Avery Cardinal Dulles on Evangelizing Theology is a good thoughtful place to begin to answer your question.

 

[crazzeto]

How can Catholics possibly evangelize effectively? There is nothing attractive about being Catholic, other than being able to say “I have the fullness of truth in my faith.” There is nothing that would attract an evangelical or fundamentalist out of there “assurance of salvation.” Unfortunately, I don’t think many, many people are searching for objective truth anymore . . .

Don’t get me wrong, I’m Catholic and love the Catholic faith and defend it avidly, I’ve just been having trouble lately with the voice in my head saying “why bother” thanks to CARM. . .

PS - Sorry, this has been more of a rant than actual discussion.

Well that’s wrong, there’s a lot attractive about being Catholic. For instance we have the Real Presense in the Eucharist, that is really Jesus body, blood and divinity. No other church has this, we also have the Sacraments which in particular no Protistant Church has (nor do they have Apostolic Succession/Authority). In these regards, the closest to us is the Eastern Orthodox community, which are theologically very close to us however:

Due to the Pope’s succession of St. Peter we are not just the Church Christ set up, we are the only with a true Magistarium, a true final authority on faith and Morals which for the most part E. Orthodox avoid out of strict adherance to tradtion (mostly anyway, they’re still fragmented though) but the protistants utterly lack. Not only do protistants lack unity, but it’s sort of their tradition for parish members to get sick of their current church, and just go out and start their own church based on their own theology which of course they get directly from the bible, and of course that church they just fragmented off from got everything they believe directly from the bible… You see where this all goes.

More over, with particular concern to the protistants, we are the only faith which truely embrases the whole of scripture, and the only ones which fully interpet the bible correctly. This is where you can really evanglize protistants in particular. Engage them in biblical debates (first get your self a little more knowlegeable about the bible, and catholic teaching on it if you need to do so). You can pretty quickly demonstrate where Protistant theology is reading things into the bible, that just isn’t there.

 

[PJM]

:dancing:

How can Catholics possibly evangelize effectively? There is nothing attractive about being Catholic, other than being able to say “I have the fullness of truth in my faith.” There is nothing that would attract an evangelical or fundamentalist out of there “assurance of salvation.” Unfortunately, I don’t think many, many people are searching for objective truth anymore . . .

Don’t get me wrong, I’m Catholic and love the Catholic faith and defend it avidly, I’ve just been having trouble lately with the voice in my head saying “why bother” thanks to CARM. . .

PS - Sorry, this has been more of a rant than actual discussion.

Hi again Zach,

I’m smiling broadly and trying not to laugh

You’re right there isn’t much glamous about the Catholic Faith, because like Saint Paul say’s the only way to teach and preach it is through Christ Crucified.[1 Cor. 1:23].

However Salvation is FAR more possible through the Catholic Church by virtue of the Seven Sacraments, including Baptism, Confirmation [The in pouring of the Holy Spirit, spiritual Courage and Wisdom] and Holy Eucharist; the GIFT of Jesus Himself Really and Truly in our midst. than all the other denomiations combined :dancing::extrahappy:

That friend is very very exciting and GREAT news!

Don’t give up or get discourage we have what everyone else wants [they just don’t know it!]

Love and prayers,

Pat

 

[kinderbueno]

I am also interested to see if anyone has other methods by which we can show The Faith that speaks to the average faith alone/sola scriptura Evangelical AND even lukewarm cafeteria Catholic who, IMO, can be more harmful to The Faith than those on the outside. Stories I’ve seen of Evangelicals converting are usually those who study much, and those usually take care of themselves because they truly consider the arguments that any good apologist presents. But not everyone is equipped to go the intellectual route.

Specifically, I’m boggled by how to insert, “What you’re doing is not enough and may even be harmful to you,” without being condescending. These are folks who see nothing wrong with how they are living life with what I call the “Intangible Jesus”, often until something catastrophic happens, if ever.

I do have one thing I can suggest as part of why I am attracted to The Faith: The beauty of having a God who understands us as corporeal sensual beings, to leave us corporeal signs of his Presence (i.e. in the Sacraments) is just so cool to me…smells, bells, and all the trimmings!!!

Of course, I could go on about how two generations of poor catechesis has brought us to this point, but that’s just an excuse, and rather, it should be a wake up call to those of us who know better to do something about our complacency, and mount a counter-offensive against the tyranny of (moral) relativism (thank you Holy Father )!!!

My girlfriend, who has recently embraced The Faith in a HUGE way, came home only after years of practicing lukewarm cafeteria Catholicism proved harmful. She was broken emotionally.

It is this specific situation that I want to get people to avoid, to turn back now before something bad happens…or is that the only way some people learn? Any thoughts?

Zach, I don’t know if this has anything to do with what you’re asking, but it’s what I’m asking.

Peace, -Mike

 

[PJM]

=kinderbueno;5856348]I am also interested to see if anyone has other methods by which we can show The Faith that speaks to the average faith alone/sola scriptura Evangelical AND even lukewarm cafeteria Catholic who, IMO, can be more harmful to The Faith than those on the outside. Stories I’ve seen of Evangelicals converting are usually those who study much, and those usually take care of themselves because they truly consider the arguments that any good apologist presents. But not everyone is equipped to go the intellectual route.

Specifically, I’m boggled by how to insert, “What you’re doing is not enough and may even be harmful to you,” without being condescending. These are folks who see nothing wrong with how they are living life with what I call the “Intangible Jesus”, often until something catastrophic happens, if ever.

I do have one thing I can suggest as part of why I am attracted to The Faith: The beauty of having a God who understands us as corporeal sensual beings, to leave us corporeal signs of his Presence (i.e. in the Sacraments) is just so cool to me…smells, bells, and all the trimmings!!!

Of course, I could go on about how two generations of poor catechesis has brought us to this point, but that’s just an excuse, and rather, it should be a wake up call to those of us who know better to do something about our complacency, and mount a counter-offensive against the tyranny of (moral) relativism (thank you Holy Father )!!!

My girlfriend, who has recently embraced The Faith in a HUGE way, came home only after years of practicing lukewarm cafeteria Catholicism proved harmful. She was broken emotionally.

It is this specific situation that I want to get people to avoid, to turn back now before something bad happens…or is that the only way some people learn? Any thoughts?

Zach, I don’t know if this has anything to do with what you’re asking, but it’s what I’m asking.

Peace, -Mike

What you desire has to be what God wants for the person you are “working” with.

It seems prudent to love passionately the humility and physical pain that Christ freely chose in order to Redeem us! Not “Save us”, Redeem us!

There are three highly significant differences that need to be FULLY understood, so that they can be not only introduced to the unbelievers, but explained in a way that they are “forced” to either accept what you put forth or reject Christ.

1. By Christ birth, life and death Jesus “Redeemed Humanity.” Thus the gates to heaven which had been blocked from the Original Sin of Adam and Eve, was off-set, paid for in full.
   But this Sacrifice did not by itself CAUSE Salvation.
2. Everyone needs to be intimately mindful of the degree of humility and the degree of suffering Christ endured on our behalf.

There are two reasons why humanity has for the most part forgotten this Critical to our personal salvation fact. 1. We are now some 2000 years after the event of Christ Crucifixion, and time itself has numbed the understanding. 2. The Protestant churches show only “an empty cross” and that effects there message greatly. They stress the Resurrected Christ, the Glorified Christ and seldom does one hear from them sermons on what Jesus endured for us; and thus they have a lessened and skewed love of God. Based more on what Christ can still do for us than, What Christ has already Done for us!

1. It is necessary to strongly emphasize the Seven Sacraments and THE FACT that they were all Founded By Jesus and that all have a Biblical Foundation. Most importantly are the Sacraments of Confession with absolute knowledge that our sins have been forgiven [see 1 Jn. 1:8-9. 1 Jn.5: 15-18 and John 20:22-23], and the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist, which simply cannot be understood or accepted without understanding the Depth of Gods Love for us, and the Power of God’s Mercy, which must be viewed in the light of Gods necessary Justice and Perfect sense of Fairness.

So friend, prepare yourself for spiritual battle, before entering into it.

Love and prayers,

Pat

 

[zach_dunn]

Wow, I strongly disagree with your statement above. I’m so proud everyday to be a Catholic and I could list tons of reasons why being a member of the Catholic Church is so great…

I specifically said in the OP that I love my Catholic faith and defend it avidly. I do believe, however, that very few of the things you list would be treasured or appealing to an evangelical of fundamentalist.

I only wish I had more free time to devote to talking to more people about the Catholic faith as I think most people just seriously don’t understand it and feel ‘blackballed’ because no one has ever bothered to invite them into the Church…be that person to welcome them in and you’d be surprised at how many people really long for what we have-but simply need someone to help them feel invited and take that first step. There’s no real reason to bother “defending” the Church because its greatness speaks for itself! I will pray for you and hope you have strength to talk to the next person you encounter who you might have previously felt discouraged with and thought “why bother” maybe this could be your opportunity to help change someone’s life!

I’m not sure I can handle more free time to spend on CARM, I honestly think it is making me sick. I don’t know if you guys have been there, but it’s bad, I don’t suggest it. If the Church’s greatness spoke for itself, why does it have so many people who hate it with some sort of twisted and diabolical passion; it’s really quite disgusting. Please do not get me wrong, I love my faith and I love being Catholic and discussing my faith (just ask my friends, they actually avoid the topic because I can go on forever) I just don’t know if I can handle doing this anymore.

I mean, I thought that I was getting pretty good, then I discovered CARM and basically discovered that I know very little and I find myself getting trapped in my own words constantly but I just can’t let myself get beaten into submission by anti-Catholics so I keep on going and just get more entangled in technicalities. I just don’t know what to do anymore, what should I do?

Karl Keating and Dave Armstrong, et al, make this apologetics thing seem easy, but it’s really not. Especially when the people you are arguing against know so much more than you do and completely “own” (for lack of a better word) me and I just feel defeated. I almost feel bad because a lot of the time Catholics get called droids who just put faith in the Church, blah blah blah, etc. I almost get the feeling that I’m not being true to myself or my conscious when I stick to my side even when it’s a losing battle.

I know the Catholic faith is true and that the Catholic Church is Christ’s Church, that is something I find so completely clear in Scripture, but I simply cannot convince other people of it. Then the Church’s authority gets attacked from seventeen different angles and I have no idea what to say because whenever a tough question is posed it feels like I’m the only one who is giving answers…I honestly think I can’t do this anymore.

I’m kind of lost right now and I don’t know what to do. I want to get a lot more knowledgeable but I have no idea where to start. I also want to be able to counter ACTUAL Protestant “attacks” to the faith. Not the simple nice ones here on CA, but the tough, thought out, tested one hundred thousand times ones which are geared to bring every Catholic to their knees. This long monologue has brought two questions to mind:

1. Should I give up apologetics (at least for a little while)?
2. Where do I go to answer my questions?

I would just like to apologize, this was more complaining then discussing. I’d also like to thank everyone for responding and listening to me! Thank you all!

 

[dbaker108]

Thanks for your questions, Zach. It takes courage to admit confusion, doubts, or lack of understanding. Likewise, for a hopeless stoic like me, it is hard for me to ask for help. Doubts spur us to more inquiry and help us strengthen our faith. You are concerned or you would not take the time to ask for guidance. David often “ranted” at God in the psalms. Job, Elijah and others did as much. Jesus became exasperated with his disciples on several occasions. During his passion, He was stressed and asked why God had abandoned Him. Use your doubts as springboard to greater knowledge and a deeper faith.

Here are a few thoughts on sharing the faith with others. Continue looking at apologetics web sites, such as this one. You’ll find useful information that works for you and your “style” of interacting with others. Scan books on catholic evangelization. Find one that fits for you. Work on developing an “elevator speech” about the Catholic faith that you can use when the situation arises. That would include a few key talking points. It should not be long and technical - less is often more in these situations.

Above all, don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember to approach others with love, caring and genuine concern. That’s what attracted me to the faith before I knew anything about the myriad of details of the Catholic faith.

God bless and keep active in the faith.

 

[PJM]

=zach dunn;5858835]I specifically said in the OP that I love my Catholic faith and defend it avidly. I do believe, however, that very few of the things you list would be treasured or appealing to an evangelical of fundamentalist.

Karl Keating and Dave Armstrong, et al, make this apologetics thing seem easy, but it’s really not. Especially when the people you are arguing against know so much more than you do and completely “own” (for lack of a better word) me and I just feel defeated. I almost feel bad because a lot of the time Catholics get called droids who just put faith in the Church, blah blah blah, etc. I almost get the feeling that I’m not being true to myself or my conscious when I stick to my side even when it’s a losing battle.

Dear friend, might you be relying too much on Zach, and not enough on the Holy Spirit?
Prayers and personal are powerful weapons.

I know the Catholic faith is true and that the Catholic Church is Christ’s Church, that is something I find so completely clear in Scripture, but I simply cannot convince other people of it. Then the Church’s authority gets attacked from seventeen different angles and I have no idea what to say because whenever a tough question is posed it feels like I’m the only one who is giving answers…I honestly think I can’t do this anymore.

Zach my friend, our goal should not be “to covert,” That friend is God’s role. We should simply present the facts as the truth they are. Faith has always been a gift from God, given to those HE CHOSES. We should not permit ourselves tocome personally involved to the point of losing our Objectivity.

Do you recall Christ advise to His Apostles when He sent them out? If your greeting is accepted stay, if it comes back to you, shake the dust from your feet and move on. Not everyone is worthy [as is ready and willing to accept the single truth] and when I encounter such on this Forum, I simply say a prayer for them, wish them a happy life and move on. That friend is good advice. If your getting too upset, move on to other pastures.

I’m kind of lost right now and I don’t know what to do. I want to get a lot more knowledgeable but I have no idea where to start. I also want to be able to counter ACTUAL Protestant “attacks” to the faith. Not the simple nice ones here on CA, but the tough, thought out, tested one hundred thousand times ones which are geared to bring every Catholic to their knees. This long monologue has brought two questions to mind:

1. Should I give up apologetics (at least for a little while)?
2. Where do I go to answer my questions?

Seeking advise is good

Google www.lifeeternal.org
they have a series of Home study courses that are for Mature Catholics who wish to know and share our Catholic Faith. Check them out.

In the mean time I suggest you avoid the “Lie-ons’ Den” and stick with CAF where you can do the most good.

Love and prayers Zach,

I would just like to apologize, this was more complaining then discussing. I’d also like to thank everyone for responding and listening to me! Thank you all!

NOT NECESSARY. Just don’t go into battle covered with Bar B Cue Sauce Been there!

Love and prayers dear friend,

Pat

 

[pegelmom]

Zach my friend, our goal should not be “to covert,” That friend is God’s role. We should simply present the facts as the truth they are. Faith has always been a gift from God, given to those HE CHOSES. We should not permit ourselves tocome personally involved to the point of losing our Objectivity.

Thank you for posting this. I have heard that it’s not our job to convert; that’s left to the Holy Spirit. But after reflection, I realized that as I share the fact that I’m Catholic, and talk to others about our faith, I am doing my own part. “Planting the seeds” as they say, and leaving it to the Holy Spirit to let them grow. When I’ve thought I’m not doing enough, I guess I am doing my part! So, if this is the case, it is easy to evangelize if you cherish and love your faith as I do!

Peggy

 

[StandFast]

Zach,

I’d like to agree with some of the last few posts on this…you’re feeling frustration because you feel like you’re not getting what you want in terms of results on CARM.

Evangelization and apologetics aren’t about whether you EVER see any results…its about witnessing to the truth!..Zach you may go through life and never see the fruit of the seeds you planted…what is important is whether you’re being faithful to what God calls you to do.

It is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts and transforms minds…we’re just God’s assistants…your frustration may be a result of thinking this work is about how YOU are doing…because YOU don’t feel successful. Consider that a blessing! Its God’s way of reminding you WHO the work is about!

It may be a great opportunity to pull back a little and spend more time in prayer…asking God to lead you regardless of the direction He may take you. Never forget that as you are trying to draw others to the Church, God is continually trying to draw you closer to Himself.

God will bless all your efforts, just keep your eyes on Him!

 

[Luke65]

Zach,

I’d like to agree with some of the last few posts on this…you’re feeling frustration because you feel like you’re not getting what you want in terms of results on CARM.

Evangelization and apologetics aren’t about whether you EVER see any results…its about witnessing to the truth!..Zach you may go through life and never see the fruit of the seeds you planted…what is important is whether you’re being faithful to what God calls you to do.

It is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts and transforms minds…we’re just God’s assistants…your frustration may be a result of thinking this work is about how YOU are doing…because YOU don’t feel successful. Consider that a blessing! Its God’s way of reminding you WHO the work is about!

It may be a great opportunity to pull back a little and spend more time in prayer…asking God to lead you regardless of the direction He may take you. Never forget that as you are trying to draw others to the Church, God is continually trying to draw you closer to Himself.

God will bless all your efforts, just keep your eyes on Him!

Well said. And welcome to CAF!

 

[Karen1960]

How can Catholics possibly evangelize effectively? There is nothing attractive about being Catholic, other than being able to say “I have the fullness of truth in my faith.” There is nothing that would attract an evangelical or fundamentalist out of there “assurance of salvation.” Unfortunately, I don’t think many, many people are searching for objective truth anymore . . .

Don’t get me wrong, I’m Catholic and love the Catholic faith and defend it avidly, I’ve just been having trouble lately with the voice in my head saying “why bother” thanks to CARM. . .

PS - Sorry, this has been more of a rant than actual discussion.

It’s not a rant, you can’t say that there or someone called Saint (type of reptile if you are a regular you know what I mean), will make a sign and say “Romanist Victim card”
I’ll listen to you if you want to hear mine! What a group over there!
Sadly nothing you say over at CARM would ever be effective to those “hard-nose-Evangelicals-I-got-my-KJV-Bible-and-that’s-all-I-need-types”

But you know why Catholics should go there now and then and post? For the Lurker, the quiet one, who is looking for the Truth, the person looking for Jesus and can’t seem to find Our Lord in the mist of that sick anti-catholic site.
If we are not over there to rebuke their lies and outright slander of Catholic Church, who will do it? Even if one knows the other is lying, they would never correct them.

 

[Luke65]

But you know why Catholics should go there now and then and post? For the Lurker, the quiet one, who is looking for the Truth, the person looking for Jesus and can’t seem to find Our Lord in the mist of that sick anti-catholic site.
If we are not over there to rebuke their lies and outright slander of Catholic Church, who will do it? Even if one knows the other is lying, they would never correct them.

It requires wisdom. There is a point where you can do more harm than good. So here is some wisdom for how to discern when you have reached that point:

“Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.” (Acts 19:8-9)

St. John Chrysostom: “He put a stop, it means, to their evil-speaking: he did not wish to kindle their envy, nor to bring them into more contention. Hence let us also learn not to put ourselves in the way of evil-speaking men, but to depart from them: he did not speak evil, when himself evil spoken of.”