Dealing with "Christians" II

[mamaslo]

I think evangelization is checking on those who came and now don’t.
it is being kind and building friendships. It is handing out information. it isn’t prostelytizing (did I spell that right?).

it is loving your neighbor, helping them make sure their kids have coats and food…a roof over their heads, and education.

It is loving them even if you have a squabble about religion or politics.

Being the hands and feet of Jesus. St Francis was an amazing evangelist…just fall in love with Jesus and it is infectious…in a good way. Love people and creation…brother sun sister moon.

We have the fullness of truth and we dicker over whether or not someone else has the fullness…we have access to the amazing, they have some too but not all. God inhabits the praises of His people…regardless of where they praise Him.

But there is a lot absent, how will they ever know if we don’t love them?

 

[runwaymodel]

I would not engage any stranger at a parking lot, however, I did think about the question you put into all our heads and I guess I would tell God “I am not perfect, I am a sinner, but you know my heart”. I can’t imagine there is something I have done in my young life that would prevent me from going to Heaven, but that is not my decision to make. But you know, I would tell God I would gladly give up my ‘spot’ in Heaven to assure that my family makes it up there. I would sacrifice that without hesistation.

 

[Lizzy21]

as catholics we aren’t going straight to heaven anyway, purgatory is waiting first. now if it’s after that and we are cleansed from all sin, and it is our time to go to heaven then if we are in we are in if not then ohhh man!

i dont think he’s going to ask us a question when it’s up to him no matter what. lol.

 

[EasterJoy]

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?

Out of mercy won by the Blood of Christ,
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life…

(Then I might ask them if they believe John 6, too…)

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.

Where is the parking lot? Evangelization never happens in a vacuum. You have to take into account how many versions of the “Good News” these jaded drivers have been subjected to. There are many parking lots where there is not a good way to make a cold verbal pitch for the Gospel, because the local populace has had too many words and not nearly enough action. In that case, the famous St. Francis line would apply.

 

[SJG1759]

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.

This is exactly what I’d do.

 

[Bearontherun]

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 that by grace I have faith in Jesus, my saviour who died on the cross for my sins.

I think that we should always do our best to give a reason for the hope that is within us. I believe that even if we are in a hurry, we should try not to pass up an opportunity to give an expression of our faith (be a witness).

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 might start out by saying “Do you know that God loves you…He sent His only son to redeem us from our sins…” and just take it from there if they are interested in chatting.

 

[EasterJoy]

as catholics we aren’t going straight to heaven anyway, purgatory is waiting first. now if it’s after that and we are cleansed from all sin, and it is our time to go to heaven then if we are in we are in if not then ohhh man!

i dont think he’s going to ask us a question when it’s up to him no matter what. lol.

There is a particular judgement for all prior to Purgatory; it is not related to denomination:

I. THE PARTICULAR JUDGMENT

CCC 1021 Death puts an end to human life as the time open to either accepting or rejecting the divine grace manifested in Christ.592 The New Testament speaks of judgment primarily in its aspect of the final encounter with Christ in his second coming, but also repeatedly affirms that each will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith. The parable of the poor man Lazarus and the words of Christ on the cross to the good thief, as well as other New Testament texts speak of a final destiny of the soul–a destiny which can be different for some and for others.593

**CCC 1022 **Each man receives his eternal retribution in his immortal soul at the very moment of his death, in a particular judgment that refers his life to Christ: either entrance into the blessedness of heaven-through a purification594 or immediately,595 – or immediate and everlasting damnation.596

At the evening of life, we shall be judged on our love.597

 

[fred_conty]

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.

To the first question, God dosen’t need my answer, he already knows.

To the second, if Catholic evanglist aproached me, they know what I know, so why would I say anything to them except “how ya doing?”.

Just …

 

[steph410]

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.

this is my approach as well. but i am married to a man who was raised in an “evangelical” Christian church, as they approach things every differently. i have been trying to explain my point of view to him, but he literally does not respond when i bring up the subject.

 

[FatherOfTwelve]

To the first question, God dosen’t need my answer, he already knows.

To the second, if Catholic evanglist aproached me, they know what I know, so why would I say anything to them except “how ya doing?”.

Just …

Ahhh Fred, can’t ya just try and get along?
I mean, what do we got here, Pvt. Joker???

YOU are the Catholic evangelist. You are full of faith as Stephen, you are as concerned for peoples souls as St. Paul. WHAT do you say to the lost? They may suffer in hell for all eternity and you have the “Cure” for their souls. BROTHER, what do you say???