Catholic Evangelizers: What do you think are the main reasons people reject Catholicism?

[c659smith]

We don’t despise him–we just don’t see the Catholic Church as being Christ.

Not so clearly at all. Moreover, it’s not the Hail Mary I object too, it’s the importance Mary takes on.

I think Mary takes on great importance. After all it was her choice given to her at the visitation to be filled with the Holy Spirit and conceive our Lord. What if Mary said no? what do you think you owe your mother?

Well shucks, of course we concede that–I think that’s completely Biblical, it’s Apostotlic (spelling, sorry) succession I question.

***Who was Mathias? When did he appear in scripture and how?

Who is Paul in the Bible?

Your succession question I believe is answered in Scripture. ***

Uh actually, many of us do concede that.

Of course we accept that (concede???) it’s Biblical. I just don’t know what Christ meant when he did that.

The Eucharist–Again would Jesus abandon those and let them leave if He meant something else to be condemned

Actually, what makes me uncomfortable is seeing Mary given the respect due Jesus, I actually listen to the Rosary in my car many afternoons coming back from an appointment. It’s calming. It also makes me uncomfortable as I would rather see Christ as the central figure of this prayer, not his mother.

***The Rosary without going into depth is a mediation of scripture such as the sorrowful mysteries. Saying Hail Mary’s which you said you have no problem with. The Lords Prayer, saying Oh my Jesus forgive our sins, save us from the fires of hell, esspecially those in most need of your mercy. and reciting the Glory Be.

Christ is the Central figure in the Rosary***

 

[reen12]

There might be millions of people in the world who have the baptism of desire. How can we know their number? We know for sure the number of those who have a valid trinitarian baptism, but we can never know the number of Protestants, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, etc. who have the baptism of desire.

Billions were created. Yes. But they had a free will. God will not enforce his will upon anyone. It’s their choice.

I re-iterate.

quote: reen12

Am I to understand that even ‘baptism of desire’ still ends up
with the select few saved? “…those who find it are few?”]

This says more - about the God of Christianity -
than it does in terms of poor, hapless humanity.

How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few. [Matt.7:14]

This is a God to be worshipped? A ‘few’ saved?
And this said by God Himself? in the Person of Jesus?

How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few. [Matt.7:14]

The ‘few’ saved - while the majority of humankind are cast into 'flames that never quench?"

Happily, Christianity is one religion among many.
Which is a good thing for poor, hapless humanity.

I expect more real mercy and charity from fellow
human beings, than I do from this deity of ‘love and mercy.’ http://bestsmileys.com/nono/9.gif

reen12

 

[ajcoley1]

How about this: I was told once that Faith -in whatever you decide you believe-comes with Obedience.
I think that one word makes people cringe. It doesn’t make people “cowards” but the thought that I have a free will and that alone, I’m pretty stupid, is enough to tell me I am right in coming home to the CC.

 

[JRKH]

How about this: I was told once that Faith -in whatever you decide you believe-comes with Obedience.
I think that one word makes people cringe. It doesn’t make people “cowards” but the thought that I have a free will and that alone, I’m pretty stupid, is enough to tell me I am right in coming home to the CC.

I like this. Very True.
I would add to this that whatever we believe in requires Discipline to practice properly. So Discipline and Obedience are two, interrelated requirements to our spiritual growth. Many do not seem to be able to truly submit themselves to these things and the Church Structure helps in this.

Peace
James

 

[anon52328184]

that is what i explained to my friend who thought the church was too structured for her. we need to learn to be obedient. we need to learn to submit to the authority of the Pope and the church and the discipline to attend mass at least once a week.

 

[JonNC]

**Rejecting Catholicism, I think, has a lot to do on how the mind has been conditioned. **

One who is convinced that the Bible only is the way to go will have a tough time to switch thinking from the” Bible and me” to a system that says “the Church declares what to believe." This is such an unheard concept. Who me? Give up my independent thinking and someone else telling me what to believe? No way

---

Instead of blaming what is wrong with the non-catholic, the catholic evangelizer should first take a very long look at himself. How did Jesus started his mission? He prepared himself with an exceptionally long period of prayer and fasting.

I am trying to keep in mind what the original question of this post asks, but I can not help, but turn it around that instead of blaming the other person for not being able or wanting to see the Catholic point of view, the responsibility really lies with the Catholic evangelizer to try to overcome with Christ Spirit what is being negatively attributed to the one being evangelized.

---

Not an easy task. Our constant prayer should be: "Jesus, please walk with me."

Theodora,
This is a wonderful post. Thank you. I add one thing:
I don’t believe unity will come as the result of noncatholics conceding this, or Catholics conceding that. It will come when all of us do what you said at the end; pray, “Jesus walk with all of us.” It is so hard for us sometimes to take each other’s hand. Maybe we should each take HIS hand, and let Him bring us together.

Jon

 

[reen12]

Maybe we should each take HIS hand, and let Him bring us together.

Now there’s an excellent thought. Like a candle being lit in a dark room.

How good it is, how pleasant, where the people dwell as one!
Like precious ointment on the head, running down upon the beard, Upon the beard of Aaron, upon the collar of his robe. Like dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion. There the LORD has lavished blessings, life for evermore. [Psalm 133: 1-3]

I must say. Your post is the cheeriest post that I’ve read all week. Thank you, JonNC.

reen

 

[reen12]

Actually, this reminds me of a therapist who wrote
about working with children. She told a group of children
that they could re-arrange the desks and the classroom furniture.
She stood back, watching the arguments begin, as the
children each wanted a given arrangement.
After a time, the kids were all worn out, nothing was
orderly, and each fell silent.
Then, a little voice was heard “Teacher, will you help us?”

“Rabbi -Teacher - we need Your help.”

Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

To those who would remind me of Paul saying -
"When I became a man, I put away the things of a child…

I would reply that we’ve done this - for a thousand years,
and the east-west split in the church, and the 16th century
split, are still with us. Maybe it’s time to do what Jesus
said, and pray to Him in trust. To take His hand, and
trust Him to bring peace and unity.

As JonNC wrote:

Maybe we should each take HIS hand, and let Him bring us together.

I don’t accept either the Judaic or the Christians scriptures,
as wholly accurate descriptions of Godhead.
Yet the constant debates, between Christians, as to which
church really speaks for Jesus - isn’t a real big help, in giving united witness to the good news.

reen12

 

[Cat]

People can’t reject something that they’ve never been asked to accept.

Therefore, I would say that most people don’t reject Catholicism.

In all the years that I was evangelical Protestant, no one ever asked me if I had studied Catholicism, or if I would like to attend Mass with them (except when I was back in high school and had a good Catholic friend–I think her enthusiasm for her Church was probably a “seed” that lay dormant in me for a long time).

God was the One who took our hands and led us into the Catholic Church (by allowing us to get kicked out of our Protestant church). Perhaps God just got tired of waiting for His Catholics to do the work of evangelism, and decided to do it Himself in our case.

My husband and I are both very interested in “evangelizing” people into the Catholic Church and would be interested in any books, CDs, etc. that could help us to learn to be better outreachers.

Yes, we believe that non-Catholic Christians are our brothers and sisters in Christ. But we want them to come inside Christ’s Church, too! Why should we have all the blessings while they languish outside the doors? We wish that someone had asked us YEARS ago to become Catholic!

 

[ajcoley1]

Website “CatholicsComeHome” very helpful to me. Also Mathew Kelley’s Rediscovering Catholicism.

 

[AlexiaMusing]

Alexia… The other day…we “Catholics” got jumped on by some “non-Catholics” for using the word “Protestant” and lumping everyone together or inferring something…

Frankly, I think its all about, if the shoe fits…wear it. In your case, your “curiosity” lead you here, I take you at your word on all else. And no, we do not believe all others are those things.

I wonder, will you be as vociferous in defending “when you find that the shoe is on the other foot”?

Peace!

Let me explain. I have looked for general forums and without much success. Most are either hardly ever written on, or are so unmoderated as to be downright sleazy. I came to hopefully discuss issues of interfaith concern.

This section is denominated "non-Catholic religions, but seems filled with Catholics who post rather offensive sounding threads. It’s a bit like talking about someone while they are clearly within hearing. So yes, I found many of the replies quite offensive and I think they were meant to be frankly. So far I’ve seen a lot of Catholics who seem to take without question that they are somehow above all the rest of Christendom. I guess I’ll learn more as time goes on. But I’m not finding much in the way of interfaith generosity or friendliness. No one likes to be insulted. If the forum doesn’t want other faith participation I can understand that and they can ask us to leave. If they don’t it seems it behooves Catholics to at least be polite.

I am reminded that having acquired membership here, I was asked to sign a form agreeing to the rules and one of them was: that I refrain from bashing Catholic dogma and beliefs. I think that is fine. But of course, there was no statement that Catholics would refrain from bashing mine. I find that curious to say the least.

 

[reen12]

People can’t reject something that they’ve never been asked to accept.

Therefore, I would say that most people don’t reject Catholicism.

In all the years that I was evangelical Protestant, no one ever asked me if I had studied Catholicism, or if I would like to attend Mass with them (except when I was back in high school and had a good Catholic friend–I think her enthusiasm for her Church was probably a “seed” that lay dormant in me for a long time).

God was the One who took our hands and led us into the Catholic Church (by allowing us to get kicked out of our Protestant church). Perhaps God just got tired of waiting for His Catholics to do the work of evangelism, and decided to do it Himself in our case.

My husband and I are both very interested in “evangelizing” people into the Catholic Church and would be interested in any books, CDs, etc. that could help us to learn to be better outreachers.

Yes, we believe that non-Catholic Christians are our brothers and sisters in Christ. But we want them to come inside Christ’s Church, too! Why should we have all the blessings while they languish outside the doors? We wish that someone had asked us YEARS ago to become Catholic!

I know that what you are saying is the case. I know of one
man, baptised in his 40’s, who spent a lot of time with
Catholics, for nearly 20 years, and no one ever asked him
would he like to become a member of the church.

This means being sensitive to others. To* recognize* interest.
Some people might not be able to say outloud what they
are thinking. A gentle invitation to the faith might, in some instances, be gratefully received.

As to materials that would help in reaching out to others,
same may be available in one of the offices of your diocese.
Check online to see if your diocese has a website.
Then check for any office that seems to have to do
with evangelization. Just a thought.

reen12

 

[JRKH]

Let me explain. I have looked for general forums and without much success. Most are either hardly ever written on, or are so unmoderated as to be downright sleazy. I came to hopefully discuss issues of interfaith concern.

This section is denominated "non-Catholic religions, but seems filled with Catholics who post rather offensive sounding threads. It’s a bit like talking about someone while they are clearly within hearing. So yes, I found many of the replies quite offensive and I think they were meant to be frankly. So far I’ve seen a lot of Catholics who seem to take without question that they are somehow above all the rest of Christendom. I guess I’ll learn more as time goes on. But I’m not finding much in the way of interfaith generosity or friendliness. No one likes to be insulted. If the forum doesn’t want other faith participation I can understand that and they can ask us to leave. If they don’t it seems it behooves Catholics to at least be polite.

Alexia,
I am sorry that you are finding your initiation onto the forums to be, “testy”, shall we say. In fact I agree that there are persons here who, I am sorry to say, are not very curtious, or christian in many of their posts. However, I am pleased to say that there are many Wonderful, Kind, Honest and knowledgable both Catholic and non-catholic who post here. I hope that you are able to look past and/or ignore the “stinkers” and continue to contribute to and interact with those who are more charitable.
Of course if there is someone who is being paticularly obnoxious Please do notify a moderator to look into it.

I am reminded that having acquired membership here, I was asked to sign a form agreeing to the rules and one of them was: that I refrain from bashing Catholic dogma and beliefs. I think that is fine. But of course, there was no statement that Catholics would refrain from bashing mine. I find that curious to say the least.

This is actaully an interesting point. I would suggest you ask the moderators about it. Perhaps the rules need to be modified.

Peace
James

 

[reen12]

Let me explain. I have looked for general forums and without much success. Most are either hardly ever written on, or are so unmoderated as to be downright sleazy. I came to hopefully discuss issues of interfaith concern.

This section is denominated "non-Catholic religions, but seems filled with Catholics who post rather offensive sounding threads. It’s a bit like talking about someone while they are clearly within hearing. So yes, I found many of the replies quite offensive and I think they were meant to be frankly. So far I’ve seen a lot of Catholics who seem to take without question that they are somehow above all the rest of Christendom. I guess I’ll learn more as time goes on. But I’m not finding much in the way of interfaith generosity or friendliness. No one likes to be insulted. If the forum doesn’t want other faith participation I can understand that and they can ask us to leave. If they don’t it seems it behooves Catholics to at least be polite.

I am reminded that having acquired membership here, I was asked to sign a form agreeing to the rules and one of them was: that I refrain from bashing Catholic dogma and beliefs. I think that is fine. But of course, there was no statement that Catholics would refrain from bashing mine. I find that curious to say the least.

I sure understand what you are saying, AlexiaMusing.

Rudeness, baiting words, condescension, and ridicule
may be found, in some of the posts and thread titles.

I found myself, recently, writing satire - where none was called for.
I was now becoming - what I was opposing. http://bestsmileys.com/sad/4.gif

I was ridiculing, where nothing that was said - in that thread, was worthy of ridicule.

But to bring an attiude of scorn, ridicule, baiting, and
condescenion - in treating of God, and the things of God,
does nothing but hurt others, needlessly.

“Thou shalt not misuse My Name.”

People think of this commandment as it applies to swearing.
It is much more than that. * At least I am
now out of the business of 'casting the first stone," in this
regard.

To misuse His Name, is to ignore the prayer of Jesus Himself.
“…may Thy Name be held holy…” in the Our Father.

I am glad that you have joined CAF, AlexiaMusing. http://bestsmileys.com/waving/5.gif

reen12*

 

[distracted]

I am offended by your comments but think your post deserves a better response than my last post.

As someone who is attending RCIA at the present (not remotely anti-Catholic), I am extremely put off by the anti-protestant comments I occasionally read here.

I don’t plan on letting individuals, good or bad, determine whether I eventually convert. This is about truth, not likeability. However, having said that, the original post was about evangelization. May I suggest that:

Calling people cowards if they don’t see things your way,
Calling people prideful if they don’t see things your way,
Calling people insecure if they don’t see things your way,

is likely to interfere with evangelization because people are likely to take offense at your comments and their anger (completely justifiable anger) at comments may make it harder to see the truth in the message you wish to advance.

If that’s your attitude, it’s going to come through when you speak to people and I think it hinders any message you wish to get across.

i understand but i don’t think you understand the posters’ motives… (hard to see motives on internet)…

i have met people who seemed to believe in the Catholic faith but wouldn’t consider converting… One has to wonder why - assuming they know it to be the truth… they would reject it…

I would never say that all Protestants reject for this or that reason… Every case is different…

I just think you misunderstood what was said… Very easy to do on the forums…

 

[distracted]

People can’t reject something that they’ve never been asked to accept.

Therefore, I would say that most people don’t reject Catholicism.

In all the years that I was evangelical Protestant, no one ever asked me if I had studied Catholicism, or if I would like to attend Mass with them (except when I was back in high school and had a good Catholic friend–I think her enthusiasm for her Church was probably a “seed” that lay dormant in me for a long time).

God was the One who took our hands and led us into the Catholic Church (by allowing us to get kicked out of our Protestant church). Perhaps God just got tired of waiting for His Catholics to do the work of evangelism, and decided to do it Himself in our case.

My husband and I are both very interested in “evangelizing” people into the Catholic Church and would be interested in any books, CDs, etc. that could help us to learn to be better outreachers.

Yes, we believe that non-Catholic Christians are our brothers and sisters in Christ. But we want them to come inside Christ’s Church, too! Why should we have all the blessings while they languish outside the doors? We wish that someone had asked us YEARS ago to become Catholic!

very uplifting & necessary post… Thanks…

We sometimes forget that what you say is true… I find myself afraid to ask people to Church… just because i had one or two not so good experiences… (They said they would think about it or something… I consider that “not good experience” )…

 

[jodyestel]

The objections I have heard are:

1. Jesus was immersed when baptized so why don’t Catholics immerse?
2. Jesus was baptized not as an infant but by choice so why don’t Catholics get baptized when they are ready.
3. Making the sign of the cross is not in the bible.
4. Not all the teachings are right out of the bible some are decreed by the church.
5. Why is not communion freely for everyone like it is for non-Catholic Christian faiths?

 

[CatholicofAgora]

In my experience it’s usually because of down-right ignorance about the religion itself and complaints of poorly catechized Catholics. Lol, but I literally had THIS conversation word-for-word with a Baptist friend of mine:

Me: “Dude, I think I’m going to convert to Catholicism.”

Friend: “Dude, WHY??? That’s BAD!!!”

Me: “Why is that bad???”

Friend: “I don’t know, but it’s bad.”

He says his Catholic grandfather knew “nothing of salvation” and his father and pastor are both ex-Catholics. Go figure.

 

[CatholicofAgora]

Oh yeah, and his father said that Catholics were “wallowing all over the statues” whenever he took a trip to Rome one time. Of course, from sitting in the pew at my former church, I can tell you: Catholic = Not Saved.