Does anybody else...?

[Depressable]

Does anyone else ever get really afraid of witnessing the Catholic faith to others? I’m a convert from a more evangelical background, so maybe that’s why the motive to “witness” in a really direct way (tell people the truth verbally) feels so strong to me.

Now that I’m Catholic, I’ve learned and believe that Jesus founded the Catholic Church to teach and guard the whole truth as far as we know it, not just some few “core essentials” (which is why I’m interested in specifically sharing the Catholic faith). But so many of my friends and family, so many people I cherish deeply, aren’t Catholic. If I talk about the Catholic Faith being THE fullness of the truth, I sometimes worry about pushing people away I really care about.

Again, maybe I’m not supposed to approach it so bluntly; but again, the evangelical background is showing its influence.

There are some people that I am comfortable talking to about my faith, who realize these things are simply what we as Catholics believe and that I’m thus prone to share it. It’s not everyone who scares me, just enough people to cause me anxiety. Also, I’m not a legendary Apologist by a long shot, so I’m afraid if I share the Faith with someone and then they stump me, I’ll do more harm than good for the Faith because they’ll take my ignorance to mean there are no good answers for their challenges or something. Anyone else have that fear?

Any advice? Or should I just worry about “preaching the gospel” with my actions? But then…would that necessarily bring someone to realize the Catholic faith, since morally (as far as actual outward actions go) some conservative non-Catholics differ from Catholics only on Birth control (they even believe in free will and perseverence). So I’m not sure how just living my life as a good Catholic will shine that light.

I’m looking for feedback from fellow Catholics, especially if you know how I feel and where I’m coming from.

Peace!

 

[cpayne]

No one in my church except my wife knows about my journey toward the CC. This probably does not help you at all; I’m just letting you know that others of us are nervous, too.

But any call from God is going to involve some sacrifice along with the blessing, I suppose. Right?

 

[steveandersen]

Does anyone else ever get really afraid of witnessing the Catholic faith to others?..

No.
We have the Truth.

They have what some guy made up in the past few centuries.

 

[Depressable]

No one in my church except my wife knows about my journey toward the CC. This probably does not help you at all; I’m just letting you know that others of us are nervous, too.

Thanks for sharing! I’m really excited for you and your journey! I can tell you, being Catholic is well worth it. It’s one of the best graces I have ever received! That’s part of the reason I wish I was more courageous/confident about sharing it.

 

[JRKH]

I must admit I am not an evangelist. Not orally anyway. My problem is being able to think and speak and debate well. I write OK but that allows me time to review and correct as needed.

Having said that I have taken on some Evangelizing Protestants where I worked and also could talk Jehovah’s Witnesses off my porch shaking their heads. While these really didn’t amount to evangelizing for Catholicism, I could generally bring them up short quite simply.
When they would start quoting the Bible I would ask, “Which one?”.
They would cite KJ or just look and say THE HOLY BIBLE
To which I would respond with something to the effect, “Are we talking about the Real Bible or the one missing 6 plus books.”
The conversation drops off pretty quick after that.

I suppose this isn’t real evangelization but if I could get one of these sheep to step back and take a look, - do some digging - ask some questions then I feel I’ve done something useful.

James

 

[Depressable]

No.
We have the Truth.

They have what some guy made up in the past few centuries.

Well, by definition, being Catholic, I certainly believe that’s true.
(Though I pray no non-Catholics take its mention as an invitation/challenge/excuse to derail the thread. )

But the main fear that concerns me isn’t fear that the Catholic faith isn’t true and worth spreading, but rather that

1. Someone will be able to make me look stupid and unprepared, since I’m not the world’s best debator/apologist. Then this could, in their mind, “prove” that I’m wrong - and ruin whatever chances they had of taking Catholicism seriously…no matter how much I might refer someone to a more knowledgable source, I worry that my own flawed arguments are what they will rely on to make their conclusions since I’m the one trying to be a light, so to speak - which in their minds may put the burden of proof on me.
2. Someone I care about, an actual family member or close long-time friend, will be disgusted with me for having the “nerve to think” that the Catholic Church alone holds the Fullness of the Truth, which, by definition, means their beliefs do not.
3. That #1 could make #2 even worse, since they will wonder why I’m so willing to “have the nerve” when I can’t even irrefutably prove my claim. By irrefutably I mean prove Catholicism to the total or at least almost total logical exclusion of all other possibilities. I’m afraid that’s the only thing that some will think gives me a right to “have the nerve”.

 

[JRKH]

The greatest single method of evangelization is simply to
LIVE the FAITH.
Live it fully in Love and Charity.
Remember that there is no exception to “Love thy Neighbor”

I don’t mean to be flip.
We’ve all seen the evangelist who did not live the faith. Who can declare salvation in one breadth and cuss out his neighbor in the next. This person is a great and powerful demon. Driving others to perdition daily.

We’ve also all seen the person who doesn’t say much of anything religious, yet by their every word and action God’s grace shines through them. This person is the greatest evangelizer. Demonstrating the true love and inner beauty of faith.

Whatever words we say are secondary to our actions.

James

 

[Depressable]

I must admit I am not an evangelist. Not orally anyway. My problem is being able to think and speak and debate well. I write OK but that allows me time to review and correct as needed.

Having said that I have taken on some Evangelizing Protestants where I worked and also could talk Jehovah’s Witnesses off my porch shaking their heads. While these really didn’t amount to evangelizing for Catholicism, I could generally bring them up short quite simply.
When they would start quoting the Bible I would ask, “Which one?”.
They would cite KJ or just look and say THE HOLY BIBLE
To which I would respond with something to the effect, “Are we talking about the Real Bible or the one missing 6 plus books.”
The conversation drops off pretty quick after that.

I suppose this isn’t real evangelization but if I could get one of these sheep to step back and take a look, - do some digging - ask some questions then I feel I’ve done something useful.

James

Oh I think I’d be okay maybe in that scenario. In a scenario where someone’s trying to proselytize me, I feel rather confident in defending the Catholic Faith, and proving it’s not unbiblical. But most of my family and friends are smart enough to know better than that. Rather they just think it’s one of many possible interpretations of the Bible, which is why the situation is intimidating. See, there are some, judging from how well I know them, who may see my faith that Catholicism is right to the exclusion of other beliefs as arrogant and disgusting. They would say “It’s okay that you believe that way, but don’t act like everybody should.” The only way to satisfy such people would be to prove that not only is Catholicism biblical, but that it is in fact the Faith Christ imparted to the world. Proving that it very well could be or probably iswon’t be good enough, I’m afraid.

I don’t think they’re going to Hell for not being Catholic, necessarily (the Catechism is optimistic about that). I just feel (also pulling from the Catechism) like we are supposed to spread the truth in hopes of fulfilling Jesus’ prayer for us all to be One and bring as many Christians back into the Church as possible, where they’ll be safest of all, right? It doesn’t bother me if they respectfully disagree with me upon my evangelizing. They’ve got a right to their opinion. It bothers me that some may think I’m arrogant or horrible for trying to share my faith with them in the first place, or that I’m stupid or narrow minded for having my beliefs.

Maybe I care too much about what people think? Or maybe I’m being scrupulous by thinking I’m obligated to (actively) evangelize (as opposed to just living the Gospel in front of people)? I wanna be a priest someday, if all goes well, which might be part of why I feel so obligated to (someday) evangelize so directly…

 

[Depressable]

The greatest single method of evangelization is simply to
LIVE the FAITH.
Live it fully in Love and Charity.
Remember that there is no exception to “Love thy Neighbor”

I don’t mean to be flip.
We’ve all seen the evangelist who did not live the faith. Who can declare salvation in one breadth and cuss out his neighbor in the next. This person is a great and powerful demon. Driving others to perdition daily.

We’ve also all seen the person who doesn’t say much of anything religious, yet by their every word and action God’s grace shines through them. This person is the greatest evangelizer. Demonstrating the true love and inner beauty of faith.

Whatever words we say are secondary to our actions.

James

That’s really good advice. And I’ve often looked at people like Mother Teresa. She talked about the faith a lot, but didn’t attempt to be an apologist or convince people of Catholicism using words. Instead, she just lived a very faithful life, exemplary of a good Catholic who loves the Lord and all of humanity.
I think I could be very happy leading that sort of life - doing good for the Lord and others, trying to evangelize by my actions (while never hiding my Faith, just not necessarily preaching all the time), and then letting whoever might be inspired by those actions choose for themselves whether or not to take a closer look.

The biggest thing that makes me worry I might be obligated to both live the life and be verbally outspoken in my evangelization is my perceived calling to the priesthood. Is it acceptable for a priest to only (mostly) ever evangelize by his actions, without (often) trying to convince people with words and proofs? Again, maybe it’s the evangelical background kicking in making me think that trying to actively convince people is so important rather than just living by example.

 

[RAGGANDI]

]…should I just worry about “preaching the gospel” with my actions? I’m not sure how just living my life as a good Catholic will shine that light.
I am not now nor have I ever been good at evangelization when I rely simply on discussion or debate. In fact, I guess it’s been my good fortune never to have to debate my faith with others. I usually get questions when someone notices that I carry a rosary around with me or when I bow out of an event on Sunday because I want to attend Mass. When someone asks me questions about my FAITH and the Truth of the Catholic Church, the Holy Spirit seems to give me just enough to say to satisfy the questioner, because He knows I don’t have the Scriptural chapter and verse knowledge that I should have. I know that God will never test me with something I can’t handle. I sometimes think he uses me as a “seed”–someone who can get another thinking about the faith, and uses others to “cultivate” the garden–those who have been trained and are excellent in answering the deeper, philosophical questions. So in answer to your question,my advice is to witness as much as you feel you have to through apologetics (if you have the proper knowledge) but the greater part of “witnessing” is through the example you set through your actions as a faithful Catholic.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

The Bible Christian Society has some excellent CDs that will help you - Intro to Apologetics, Apologetics for the Scripturally Challenged (which you probably aren’t since you come from an evangelical background but it’s still worth listening to, trust me!), and Two-Minute Apologetics.

Real quick tho, one thing he says is: if you are sharing your faith and someone asks you a question you don’t know the answer to, be honest and say, “I don’t know…but I will find out and get back with you!” And be sure you do just that!

 

[Teflon93]

We have a LOT of devoutly Protestant friends, so when we realized we were on the path to Rome, my wife and I fretted over it quite a bit.

At first, we just kept quiet, only answering questions directly asked, crossing ourselves at grace, etc.

After awhile, their curiosity really won out, so we have open discussions about it now.

Interestingly, a number of our Protestant friends are coming to hear our retired bishop speak about Blessed Mother Theresa at an event we’re setting up within the next 60 days. He actually was her confessor for some time, so he knew her quite well. They love her and are hungry to know more about her.

It is lives such as hers which speak to all Christians, indeed, to all people, and serve as a much more potent argument for the Catholic faith than I could ever craft, that’s for sure!

 

[guanophore]

Does anyone else ever get really afraid of witnessing the Catholic faith to others? I’m a convert from a more evangelical background, so maybe that’s why the motive to “witness” in a really direct way (tell people the truth verbally) feels so strong to me.

I am not sure “afraid” is the best word. Cautious and circumspect, I would say.

Now that I’m Catholic, I’ve learned and believe that Jesus founded the Catholic Church to teach and guard the whole truth as far as we know it, not just some few “core essentials” (which is why I’m interested in specifically sharing the Catholic faith). But so many of my friends and family, so many people I cherish deeply, aren’t Catholic. If I talk about the Catholic Faith being THE fullness of the truth, I sometimes worry about pushing people away I really care about.

I think it is best to study one’s faith continually, so that when the opportunities come up, one will be ready to bring a word.

Again, maybe I’m not supposed to approach it so bluntly; but again, the evangelical background is showing its influence.

It may be more than background. It may be that you have a call to this ministry, and will need to act on that urge more directly than most.

We are all called to evangelize, but for most of us, it is not a primary ministry as it is for those called as evangelists.

There are some people that I am comfortable talking to about my faith, who realize these things are simply what we as Catholics believe and that I’m thus prone to share it. It’s not everyone who scares me, just enough people to cause me anxiety. Also, I’m not a legendary Apologist by a long shot, so I’m afraid if I share the Faith with someone and then they stump me, I’ll do more harm than good for the Faith because they’ll take my ignorance to mean there are no good answers for their challenges or something. Anyone else have that fear?

The only way to get over that is practice. When you begin to share, and you get stumped, say “you know, I am not sure, but I will research that and we will talk again”. Then go study up, and return to the discussion. Being here on the forums will help a lot!

Any advice? Or should I just worry about “preaching the gospel” with my actions?

Don’t worry! that is a sin. No, really, we should ALL be preaching the gospel by our actions first.

But then…would that necessarily bring someone to realize the Catholic faith, since morally (as far as actual outward actions go) some conservative non-Catholics differ from Catholics only on Birth control (they even believe in free will and perseverence). So I’m not sure how just living my life as a good Catholic will shine that light.

You must entrust this to God. Pray that He will bring you opportunities, and open your eyes to them, and He will.

 

[guanophore]

Well, by definition, being Catholic, I certainly believe that’s true.
(Though I pray no non-Catholics take its mention as an invitation/challenge/excuse to derail the thread. )

But the main fear that concerns me isn’t fear that the Catholic faith isn’t true and worth spreading, but rather that

1. Someone will be able to make me look stupid and unprepared, since I’m not the world’s best debator/apologist. Then this could, in their mind, “prove” that I’m wrong - and ruin whatever chances they had of taking Catholicism seriously…no matter how much I might refer someone to a more knowledgable source, I worry that my own flawed arguments are what they will rely on to make their conclusions since I’m the one trying to be a light, so to speak - which in their minds may put the burden of proof on me.

No one can “make you look stupid and unprepared” without your consent. You are having unrealistic expectations. Of course there are many things you don’t know, and you cannot be 100% prepared. If you accep this up front, then work with it, you will be much more effective. You can tell them simply that, “I don’t want my own flawed arguements to inflouence your decision”. Most peope will put the burden of proof on you, but you can;t let that bother you. The truth is all there, whether you are able to express it, or not.

Another thing to keep in mind is that no one can demand “proof” of your personal experience. You lived what you lived, and no amount of arguement can take that away. Your ability to represent doctrine may need room for growth, but your spirit is solid in what you believe.

1. Someone I care about, an actual family member or close long-time friend, will be disgusted with me for having the “nerve to think” that the Catholic Church alone holds the Fullness of the Truth, which, by definition, means their beliefs do not.

Well, it is not your PERSONAL dogma. this is the teaching of the church. Should you have to bear the backlash for everything the church has taught for the last 2000 years? You became pursuaded that what the Church teaches is true, and that is what you can talk about.

1. That #1 could make #2 even worse, since they will wonder why I’m so willing to “have the nerve” when I can’t even irrefutably prove my claim. By irrefutably I mean prove Catholicism to the total or at least almost total logical exclusion of all other possibilities. I’m afraid that’s the only thing that some will think gives me a right to “have the nerve”.

Just accept in advance that you can never irrefutably “prove your claim”. Most Protestants, as you know, believe in Sola Scriptura, so it is impossible to “prove” many things. It is the HS that does the ‘proving’. All you need to do is bear witness to how the HS convinced YOU. No one can question your right to faith. You followed the leading of the HS, and this is where you ended up. You can share with others how this happened, but you cannot, of yourself, convince them it is “fact”.

 

[rwoehmke]

Another thing to keep in mind is that no one can demand “proof” of your personal experience. You lived what you lived, and no amount of argument can take that away. Your ability to represent doctrine may need room for growth, but your spirit is solid in what you believe.
Well, it is not your PERSONAL dogma. this is the teaching of the church. Should you have to bear the backlash for everything the church has taught for the last 2000 years? You became pursueded that what the Church teaches is true, and that is what you can talk about.
Just accept in advance that you can never irrefutably “prove your claim”. Most Protestants, as you know, believe in Sola Scriptura, so it is impossible to “prove” many things. It is the HS that does the ‘proving’. All you need to do is bear witness to how the HS convinced YOU. No one can question your right to faith. You followed the leading of the HS, and this is where you ended up. You can share with others how this happened, but you cannot, of yourself, convince them it is “fact”.

Good advice. I once spent three weeks sharing a hospital room with an Evangelical. We spent the time just sharing what we believed, our Love for Jesus, about the ministers and priests we had known and never once had an argument. He did not try to snare me and I did not try to snare him. We did have in common a personal relationship with Jesus. Even with being pretty sick at the time I still look back at those three weeks as being one of the high lights of my faith life.

 

[Depressable]

Thanks everybody!

These forums are really informative; and I’ve been following them and reading up on the Faith for a while. I guess it’s just easy for me to get intimidated and fall into anxiety over silly fears.

Thanks for the tips (and source, Pixie Dust) for apologetics and evangelization, and I really thank you guanophore for telling me to just accept that I can’t prove the faith irrefutably. I think part of me felt like that must mean there’s some defect with me. I also thank you for the confidence that I shouldn’t feel like I have to prove the faith to everybody’s liking just to have a right to believe and profess it myself.

Also thanks to those of you who affirmed the effectiveness of a life well lived as an evangelization of its own. Even if I’m called to more intense verbal evangelization somehow, it’s worth a lot knowing that I can be a light simply by my actions too.

I just have my times of panic…but thanks for helping me get through this one!

 

[Teflon93]

Thanks everybody!

These forums are really informative; and I’ve been following them and reading up on the Faith for a while. I guess it’s just easy for me to get intimidated and fall into anxiety over silly fears.

Thanks for the tips (and source, Pixie Dust) for apologetics and evangelization, and I really thank you guanophore for telling me to just accept that I can’t prove the faith irrefutably. I think part of me felt like that must mean there’s some defect with me. I also thank you for the confidence that I shouldn’t feel like I have to prove the faith to everybody’s liking just to have a right to believe and profess it myself.

Also thanks to those of you who affirmed the effectiveness of a life well lived as an evangelization of its own. Even if I’m called to more intense verbal evangelization somehow, it’s worth a lot knowing that I can be a light simply by my actions too.

I just have my times of panic…but thanks for helping me get through this one!

And since you love these Forums, please consider helping to keep them alive by contributing. It costs Catholic Answers beaucoup bucks for bandwidth thanks to all the interest here.

(And I wouldn’t ask had I not done so myself).

 

[Church_Militant]

But the main fear that concerns me isn’t fear that the Catholic faith isn’t true

and worth

1. Someone will be able to make me look stupid and unprepared, since I’m not the world’s best debator/apologist. Then this could, in their mind, “prove” that I’m wrong - and ruin whatever chances they had of taking Catholicism seriously…no matter how much I might refer someone to a more knowledgable source, I worry that my own flawed arguments are what they will rely on to make their conclusions since I’m the one trying to be a light, so to speak - which in their minds may put the burden of proof on me.It takes time to get “fluent” in apologetics, so don’t sweat it, but the truth is that you have a great advantage because you come from that background (like me) and so you really will know where they’re going with most of their arguments before they get there. Even more important, you had to answer those arguments for yourself in many cases and so you know what was convincing to you, right?
   Suggested listening:
   Introduction to Apologetics

Two-Minute Apologetics

1. Someone I care about, an actual family member or close long-time friend, will be disgusted with me for having the “nerve to think” that the Catholic Church alone holds the Fullness of the Truth, which, by definition, means their beliefs do not.

You don’t have to make that statement. Just deal with whatever issues they bring up and follow your faith. If they get down on you for your faith, pray for them, answer what ever is brought up, and let it go. You may well lose some close people…but God will supply more. Never be intentionally offensive, but never back down either. (They sure as vitam aeternam won’t!)

1. That #1 could make #2 even worse, since they will wonder why I’m so willing to “have the nerve” when I can’t even irrefutably prove my claim. By irrefutably I mean prove Catholicism to the total or at least almost total logical exclusion of all other possibilities. I’m afraid that’s the only thing that some will think gives me a right to “have the nerve”.

This means that they set a higher standard for you than they themselves are willing to stand to, since you and I both know that if their apologetics were so airtight then all of us would believe as they do, yet the fact is that (depending upon which n-C branch they are) none of them can make any connection to the early church without ignoring everything Christian from the Book of Revelation up to about 500 years ago (at best, since most are actually far newer winds of man made doctrine!)

You know what the answer is my brother…2 Timothy 2:15 Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

P.S. If you EVER need encouragement or help with a discussion of any kind, just PM or e-mail me through CAF here and you can count on me to have your back. Frankly, I think you’ll only get better and better.

 

[Maria1212]

I think it is important to explain our faith when asked. And to share our faith as much as possbile. But the best testament we can give is to live our faith and be an example to others.

With my Protestant friends, I share my faith and talk about it a lot. But I don`t bring up our differences, until they do. And they always do eventually! That provides me with an opportunity to explain why the Church teaches what it does on a certain point, without me being pushy.

For example, if I mention how great I feel after going to receive the sacrament of Reconcilliation. Then they will say they don`t need to confess their sins to a priest etc. It provides me with the opportunity to explain that Confession is supported by Scripture and I can explain where the sacrament came from, and the history and scripture behind it.

I also keep a lot of Apologetics books on my bookshelves at home. My Protestant friends always notice those books, and those can launch good discussions!

I think it is important to focus on sharing our faith, without making it a debate about logic, and removing all the spirituality from the discussion. When it turns into an argument about “who is right” the focus can easily shift from God to pride.

Sincerely,

Maria1212

 

[mdcpensive1]

The call to evangelize was put into words in one of John Paul II’s talks. It is also a calling from the common priesthood that we all have as believers. Just as our faith comes from the Word of God, both Oral and written, our evangelization comes from our living and speaking.
Effective evangelization involves an active prayer life. We must grow in holiness as we work with others for their own personal growth. After all, it is the Holy Spirit that is working in us.

We have to cooperate with the graces given us and search the gifts of the Spirit in our lives that allow us to do this kind of thing. We are stronger than we think with the Holy Spirit in us.

Ongoing learning is nice, but in my experience when talking to others is the conviction that I have and the “presence” of my faith (presence of a lack of better terms). One’s sincerity of conviction coupled with the power of the HS is stronger than any argument won.
Also, always understand that the evil one constantly tells us that we are not worthy and we cannot do it. We can’t let him win because God is with us.

mdcpensive1