Dealing with "Christians" II

[FatherOfTwelve]

Ok, so a women/man approaches you in a parking lot. The person then proceeds to say to you, "If you were to die today, and God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would your “Catholic” response be?

If a catholic evangelist went into the same parking lot. To share the “Good News” what would be your opening line? Or like most Catholics, would you never even consider doing such a thing?

Thoughts?
Please try and respond to all questions.

 

[choose_to_love]

Q1: I have been redeemed by death of the only Son of God, Jesus Christ, and I am (was?)working out my salvation in fear and trembling.

Q2: Honestly I probably would not consider it, in the absence of some pretty direct discernment. I do not necessarily see parking lots as a) public forum or b) place where people are open to learning about one’s religious beliefs. As that doesn’t really address the substance of your query, if it were a street corner or public park, perhaps something along the lines of “Would you like to learn more about what the Catholic church teaches? It has been a source of joy and peace in my life. I’d like to share that with you.”

Off the top of my head for both.

Hope that gets it started! I am sure there will be better responses than mine!

 

[MaryHelene]

If a stranger asked me that in a parking lot, I’d probably say, “I’m sorry, I need to go. God bless you,” and then hurry off. If a non-Catholic acquaintance/friend asked me that, I would say that I don’t think God should let me into Heaven, because I am full of fault and sin, but that I hope He would have mercy on me. I would probably also say that I hope I don’t die today, so that I have more time to work on self-improvement.

I would never approach a stranger in a parking lot to discuss religion. I wouldn’t even approach an acquaintance to discuss religion unless he/she specifically asked about my faith or church. I try to be an example of Christ’s love by being charitable, kind, generous, forgiving, gracious, hardworking, optimistic, friendly, helpful, etc.

 

[GraceDK]

Ok, so a women/man approaches you in a parking lot. The person then proceeds to say to you, "If you were to die today, and God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would your “Catholic” response be?

I don’t have a “Catholic” response. My response would be the same as it were when I was a Protestant. First of all, I would tell her I found it wonderful that she was brave enough to engage people in conversation about life’s biggest question. Secondly I would say I know Jesus, and ask her to come have tea with me so we could share testimonies.

If a catholic evangelist went into the same parking lot. To share the “Good News” what would be your opening line? Or like most Catholics, would you never even consider doing such a thing?

**Well, I haven’t done any parkinglot mission as of yet… If I did I would maybe ask people: “Hello, would you like to talk about God?”, and, if it were a sick person I would probably say: “Hello, I am a Christian. May I pray over you for healing?”

Parking lot mission is certainly not a bad idea. However I think I like it more to make like a stand with Christian brochures and just be there and ready to answer people’s question. Some people from the Pentecostal Church in my town made a little concert on a town square some summers ago… It got a lot of positive attention. People followed the beautiful sound… and many church members were present to receive them and talk to them.

I myself have passed out rosaries on the street, and I was scared while doing it, because Catholicism is certainly not popular here. Otherwise I talk to people I normally meet, at work place, school etc. In fact missionary work at the work place is great. You have a chance to befriend people and talk to them daily, offer them prayers, and simply just be a happy and kind Christian… I have experienced that airplanes when you are travelling alone, are great places to share the Gospel too

Precisely because I am Catholic I have something to share.
Like Jesus said: "Your mouth runs over with those things that your heart is full of.
**

Thoughts?
Please try and respond to all questions.

 

[FatherOfTwelve]

Thanks for the two response so far. I would also like to add, please try and refrain from “Correcting” other posters. Let everyone just answer. We are all in different stages in our walk with Christ, I truely want to hear , What would YOU say, without jumping on someone else.
God Bless!
FoT

 

[Luna_Lovecraft]

Ok, so a women/man approaches you in a parking lot. The person then proceeds to say to you, "If you were to die today, and God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would your “Catholic” response be?

“Hi, that’s an interesting question, but I’m running behind schedule right now and don’t have time to discuss this. If you’re here the next time I am, maybe we can talk then.”

And I would keep moving. I do not engage strangers in parking lots.

If a catholic evangelist went into the same parking lot. To share the “Good News” what would be your opening line? Or like most Catholics, would you never even consider doing such a thing?

The Holy Spirit has blessed me with many gifts and talents. Evangelizing in parking lots isn’t one of them.

Luna

 

[Luvz2travel]

Ok, so a women/man approaches you in a parking lot. The person then proceeds to say to you, "If you were to die today, and God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would your “Catholic” response be?

If a catholic evangelist went into the same parking lot. To share the “Good News” what would be your opening line? Or like most Catholics, would you never even consider doing such a thing?

Thoughts?
Please try and respond to all questions.

I would tell this stranger that is between me and God and none of his business.

 

[mamaslo]

Ok, so a women/man approaches you in a parking lot. The person then proceeds to say to you, "If you were to die today, and God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would your “Catholic” response be?

If a catholic evangelist went into the same parking lot. To share the “Good News” what would be your opening line? Or like most Catholics, would you never even consider doing such a thing?

Thoughts?
Please try and respond to all questions.

He would say, let me help you with your cart…and bring it back to the stall for the mom who has a young child. He would say, let me get the door, to an elderly man who is trying to balance himself and carry his bag of stuff from the store, out into the parking lot.

When they say “thank you” he would say “God Bless You.”

you gotta start somewhere.

If a person where to ask me what you were asked, I would recite the Apostles Creed. If you don’t have it memorized, it may be a good idea to keep some copies.

They may not agree in part because they do not understand why we would even count the church, and other things as important. It would open the door to explain, why it is important…that God gave us a Church first, then the bible later. You may feel the urge to argue. But hopefully, you can give a digestible crumb and slowly communicate your point in the future.

 

[GraceDK]

After having read a few of the posts I think I might have misunderstood the whole point.
I thought the thread was about Evangelisation / speading the Gospel.
Not about apologetics - saying why the Catholic church is more authenitic than other churches.

 

[anodos]

Does it have to be in a parking lot? 'Cause I’ve got my ignition key, i.e. “damsel in distress defense mechanism”, in my sword-hand, and I’m a little busy guarding the wallet and the groceries.

a) Because God’s nature and His name is Love, and by his grace He has both saved me from sin and made it possible for me to merit heavenly reward through obedience.

b) I don’t go up to people in parking lots. I don’t like the idea of being stabbed with an ignition key.

 

[rhiannonh]

In all honesty I wouldn’t know what answer I’d give and would very much depend on how I am at that moment, shame on me I guess but then I wonder how many others do better? Though we all like to think we would…

Some people are natural good listeners and will be able to respond whatever type of day they are having. Sadly I am not one of them.

 

[rhiannonh]

Ok, so a women/man approaches you in a parking lot. The person then proceeds to say to you, "If you were to die today, and God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would your “Catholic” response be?

If a catholic evangelist went into the same parking lot. To share the “Good News” what would be your opening line? Or like most Catholics, would you never even consider doing such a thing?

Thoughts?
Please try and respond to all questions.

in that you have provided us our answer and wonder how many can really say they would share the Good News. It could be banging down with rain, and you’re late to pick kids up and not been able to get what needed in the super market. You feel totally rubbish yourself. Go, on, would you really share the Good News or would you keep your head down rushing to get onto the next bit of your life as that is more important?

 

[Castello]

My response in a parking lot? " I trust in the mercy of God, my savior"

 

[GraceSofia]

Ok, so a women/man approaches you in a parking lot. The person then proceeds to say to you, "If you were to die today, and God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would your “Catholic” response be?

I would say, “I have been saved, I am being saved, and I have supernatural hope that I will be saved.”
And then I would suggest that their time and energy would be better spent at a mosque.

If a catholic evangelist went into the same parking lot. To share the “Good News” what would be your opening line? Or like most Catholics, would you never even consider doing such a thing?

I would not do it.

 

[FatherOfTwelve]

Ok,
It’s a beautiful day, you have plenty of time, the kids are with your spouse, the person is the sweetest little old lady/man. No threat and she/he seems so kind. Hey, it’s not a parking lot, could be at the county fair, the farmers market. At a tupperware party, a Bass Pro-shop, the pistol range (and no responses like "Do ya feel lucky punk?).

They ask the question and you feel inclined to speak with them since you can tell the sincerity in their voice that they are genuine, no wiggle room, how would you respond. Some of the answers so far make me .

Same thing the other way, your Priest asks you to go out with him on the streets and talk to people about God’s Love for them. What would be your opening line?

Come on folks, we should be prepared. Maybe even if it was an accident, you are going to be the last person to speak with this un-believer before he/she meets God. What do you say?

 

[promethius]

Ok, so a women/man approaches you in a parking lot. The person then proceeds to say to you, "If you were to die today, and God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into Heaven?” What would your “Catholic” response be?

ANSWER: “Lord I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed” (reference: Matthew 8)

If a catholic evangelist went into the same parking lot. To share the “Good News” what would be your opening line? Or like most Catholics, would you never even consider doing such a thing?

ANSWER: “May I help you with… (insert assistance here, such as helping an old lady to load her groceries)?” (reference: John 13:35, By this all people will know you as My disciples: if you have love for one another)

 

[Luna_Lovecraft]

Ok,
It’s a beautiful day, you have plenty of time, the kids are with your spouse, the person is the sweetest little old lady/man. No threat and she/he seems so kind. Hey, it’s not a parking lot, could be at the county fair, the farmers market. At a tupperware party, a Bass Pro-shop, the pistol range (and no responses like "Do ya feel lucky punk?).

They ask the question and you feel inclined to speak with them since you can tell the sincerity in their voice that they are genuine, no wiggle room, how would you respond. Some of the answers so far make me .

Same thing the other way, your Priest asks you to go out with him on the streets and talk to people about God’s Love for them. What would be your opening line?

Come on folks, we should be prepared. Maybe even if it was an accident, you are going to be the last person to speak with this un-believer before he/she meets God. What do you say?

You can change the parameters around all you want; none of them would compel me to engage with strangers about a subject as volatile personal as one’s religion - mine or theirs. The only place I’m comfortable doing so is here, and that’s because of the anonymity afforded by the Internet. Some of the craziest and most unpredictable people I’ve encountered in my life’s journey had a veneer of sincerity and placidity about them, and even if the chances of my encountering one during sidewalk proselytizing is one in a million, I’m not taking that chance.

Not that I could ever imagine this happening, but if my priest asked me to go out on street corners with him to discuss God’s love with complete strangers, I would politely but firmly decline. Work a soup kitchen line, yes. Pack grocery boxes for the food pantry, yes. Run a load of toiletries and diapers to the domestic violence shelter, yes. Pass out blankets to the homeless who live in our park, yes. Preach, no. It’s just one of the many gifts I was not blessed with.

Luna

 

[FatherOfTwelve]

You can change the parameters around all you want; none of them would compel me to engage with strangers about a subject as volatile personal as one’s religion - mine or theirs. The only place I’m comfortable doing so is here, and that’s because of the anonymity afforded by the Internet. Some of the craziest and most unpredictable people I’ve encountered in my life’s journey had a veneer of sincerity and placidity about them, and even if the chances of my encountering one during sidewalk proselytizing is one in a million, I’m not taking that chance.

Not that I could ever imagine this happening, but if my priest asked me to go out on street corners with him to discuss God’s love with complete strangers, I would politely but firmly decline. Work a soup kitchen line, yes. Pack grocery boxes for the food pantry, yes. Run a load of toiletries and diapers to the domestic violence shelter, yes. Pass out blankets to the homeless who live in our park, yes. Preach, no. It’s just one of the many gifts I was not blessed with.

Luna

Honest answer, fair enough!

 

[GraceDK]

Same thing the other way, your Priest asks you to go out with him on the streets and talk to people about God’s Love for them. What would be your opening line?

**One of my best friends is in the NeoCatechumenat and he and his friends made street evangelization. Some were not too good at it, but heck, they gave it their best and they were surprized how many were glad to speak with them. Many people WANT someone to reach out to them. I was so proud of him for doing that.

Another friend was surrounded by indifferent Catholicism for all of her childhood and teen age years, and she had no personal faith in Jesus… Then in steps a young evangelical woman and says, with a spark in her eyes: “Do you know Jesus?”… now the Catholic girl goes to church with that girl… in the Evangelical Church. I don’t think it has to be that way… but sometimes people starve spiritually, and some Catholics think its good enough to give them material aid. **

Come on folks, we should be prepared.

Yes we should!

Maybe even if it was an accident, you are going to be the last person to speak with this un-believer before he/she meets God. What do you say?

** Another friend, a young pentecostal who was passing a elderly neighbour on the way home from work heard the words inside: “Invite him over for cake!”
Young guy says: What! NO!..
but the voice continues to urge him. So he finally invites the elderly guy… shares the Gospel with him, and after a week the elderly man suddenly dies.
Question is, are we ready to be used by the Holy Spirit or are we well in our comfort zone… I mean, I am sure there were also some among the 72 disciples who were introverts or just wanted their peace… but Jesus sent them out in pairs anyway **

 

[Elisabeth51]

We are conducting a door-to-door “re-introducing our parish” mission. We’re simply saying hi and passing out a flier with our Mass times, devotions, studies, and school information. If people ask questions, we answer, but we’re just saying “hi, we’re here.”

When this idea was met with opposition, my friend and a fellow parishioner said he did this while he was with the Dominicans discerning religious life. He pointed out that Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses…they go door-to-door with a lie. If we have the TRUTH we claim to have, why aren’t we sharing it? If you’re Protestant, great, God Bless you and hope to see you in Heaven. But what about the non-Christians? Christ said go into all the world and spread the Good News, to baptise, to call to repentance. If someone rejects our message, we are supposed to just move on, but we are supposed to try.

The parking lot…well, I’m more comfortable going door-to-door

I also think we can each do what we can where we are. In our little mission, we are going out two-by-two, one person is usually more outgoing, so they talk, the other can just smile and carry the fliers, do the knocking, but doesn’t have to do the talking. Not everyone is called to preach, for sure, St. Paul said everyone has their own gifts, their own function, so that’s fine, and as it should be. I do think though that whatever we’re doing, whether an active door-to-door thing or helping more behind the scenes, we should know our faith and be prepared to share it when the opportunity arises.