Does the Catholic Church Want to Convert Others?

[Bryan_Paul]

As a recent ‘revert’ to Catholicism, it seems that the Church, through the actions and words of the Pontiff, value all religions as valuable expressions of man’s quest to understand the meaning of existence. I don’t see much in the way of preaching Christ crucified on the world stage by our Pontiff. Is this considered indiscrete nowadays? Can anyone tell me if Catholics are still charged with sharing the Gospel and if so, why it is not an explicit mission of Christ’s Vicar on earth? Is that something that is being left to the foot soldier while the supreme leader appeals to diversity, tolerance, and 'I’m OK, you’re OK"? It seems that the Holy Father might wish to mention the name Jesus when making an address to interfaith folks or, say, to the world through the UN, leading his flock by example.

 

[7_Sorrows]

Yes the Church wants to spread the joy of the Gospel.

 

[DebChris]

We are still called to preach the Gospel. There are different ways of touching peoples hearts with the message of Jesus Christ. Pope Benedict XVI talked about the need for dialogue and that dialogue begins with recognizing what we have in common. Those who hold opposing views will not listen until they see those shared values. Then and only then can they reject the values that are contrary to the Gospel message. The approach that Pope Francis is taking is the same approach that his predecessor Pope John Paul II took.

 

[boldlygo]

His namesake, St. Francis, once said: “We must preach the Gospel daily, and, if all else fails, use words.”

 

[Memaw]

His namesake, St. Francis, once said: “We must preach the Gospel daily, and, if all else fails, use words.”

I hate to start this all again but St. Francis did NOT say that, ( I wish someone would prove it if he said it.) Fr. Pacwa on EWTN ( A Franciscan Order Catholic Cable network,) said St. Francis never said that and it is NOT a good saying. We are to preach the Gospel every day by example and words. Seems this saying popped up our of no where and has spread like wildfire!!! God Bless, Memaw

 

[CompSciGuy]

As a recent ‘revert’ to Catholicism, it seems that the Church, through the actions and words of the Pontiff, value all religions as valuable expressions of man’s quest to understand the meaning of existence. I don’t see much in the way of preaching Christ crucified on the world stage by our Pontiff. Is this considered indiscrete nowadays? Can anyone tell me if Catholics are still charged with sharing the Gospel and if so, why it is not an explicit mission of Christ’s Vicar on earth? Is that something that is being left to the foot soldier while the supreme leader appeals to diversity, tolerance, and 'I’m OK, you’re OK"? It seems that the Holy Father might wish to mention the name Jesus when making an address to interfaith folks or, say, to the world through the UN, leading his flock by example.

Yes, Catholics are still charged with sharing the gospel. Yes, by how we live, but no, not just by how we live. It is necessary to use words.

Personally I think that the Holy Father has set a good example in many ways of living the gospel in his humility and his conscience for the Church as a whole. As far as verbal evangelization, I think he has done some of that in his homilies. The "I’m OK, you’re OK impression that people have from him is largely because of the media.

I agree with you that in the modern Catholic Church there are many who will de-emphasize evangelization. But this is NOT correct Catholic teaching or behavior. We must follow the scriptures and the actual teachings of the Church FIRST and then listen to church leaders of the day in light of those two things.

 

[Marie5890]

I hate to start this all again but St. Francis did NOT say that, ( I wish someone would prove it if he said it.) Fr. Pacwa on EWTN ( A Franciscan Order Catholic Cable network,) said St. Francis never said that and it is NOT a good saying. We are to preach the Gospel every day by example and words. Seems this saying popped up our of no where and has spread like wildfire!!! God Bless, Memaw

Great reminder, Memaw.

It seems to have developed from something he did say in his rules. The following link explains

In Chapter XVII of his Rule of 1221, Francis told the friars not to preach unless they had received the proper permission to do so. Then he added, “Let all the brothers, however, preach by their deeds.”

americancatholic.org/Messenger/Oct2001/Wiseman.asp

 

[Simca]

As a recent ‘revert’ to Catholicism, it seems that the Church, through the actions and words of the Pontiff, value all religions as valuable expressions of man’s quest to understand the meaning of existence. I don’t see much in the way of preaching Christ crucified on the world stage by our Pontiff. Is this considered indiscrete nowadays? Can anyone tell me if Catholics are still charged with sharing the Gospel and if so, why it is not an explicit mission of Christ’s Vicar on earth? Is that something that is being left to the foot soldier while the supreme leader appeals to diversity, tolerance, and 'I’m OK, you’re OK"? It seems that the Holy Father might wish to mention the name Jesus when making an address to interfaith folks or, say, to the world through the UN, leading his flock by example.

I understand what you’re asking, and I used to be troubled by it too. But I’ve come to believe it’s kind of like Saint Paul in Acts 17 in his speech about the unknown god. He spoke to the people on their level of understanding: "So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you…” And then he went on to explain the Gospel to them.

Paul first brought the people together in one mind. He didn’t deride them and tell them they were worshiping false gods, for this would have set them at odds, and they would not have listened to anything else he had to say. But he brought them all to a unity, and then expounded on the gospel, and they understood his message.

Before you can move to Z, you always have to start with A. Many, many people in this world are still at A. The pope can speak to people of all levels, and the Spirit of God enables hearts when they are ready.

 

[Neofight]

I hate to start this all again but St. Francis did NOT say that, ( I wish someone would prove it if he said it.) Fr. Pacwa on EWTN ( A Franciscan Order Catholic Cable network,) said St. Francis never said that and it is NOT a good saying. We are to preach the Gospel every day by example and words. Seems this saying popped up our of no where and has spread like wildfire!!! God Bless, Memaw

Then don’t say it…am sure you didn’t mean it to be uncharitable… but sometimes we say things that serve no charitable purpose. Whether the poor little deacon said it or not is not important, but the thought is.

And, even the claim that is NOT a good saying is subjective.

One can easily argue that just as faith and works cannot be separated, the end result of presenting the Good News by and example of our actions.is every bit a proclamation of the Gospel as verbally expressing it.

Peace and all good.

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

Some of us in the Church need more conversion ourselves, and to give and receive more catechesis, to place us nearer able to evangelise.

I believe this has been the case during the reigns of the six Popes I can remember.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

Then don’t say it…am sure you didn’t mean it to be uncharitable… but sometimes we say things that serve no charitable purpose. Whether the poor little deacon said it or not is not important, but the thought is.

And, even the claim that is NOT a good saying is subjective.

One can easily argue that just as faith and works cannot be separated, the end result of presenting the Good News by and example of our actions.is every bit a proclamation of the Gospel as verbally expressing it.

Peace and all good.

Agree.

 

[CompSciGuy]

Then don’t say it…am sure you didn’t mean it to be uncharitable… but sometimes we say things that serve no charitable purpose. Whether the poor little deacon said it or not is not important, but the thought is.

And, even the claim that is NOT a good saying is subjective.

One can easily argue that just as faith and works cannot be separated, the end result of presenting the Good News by and example of our actions.is every bit a proclamation of the Gospel as verbally expressing it.

Peace and all good.

St. Paul did not evangelize just by going into a town and being a really nice, holy guy. Neither did the apostles or the martyrs. These men got out and shouted the good news from rooftops. They preached it. If you try to live your faith just by being nice, then people are just going to think you are nice. Believe it or not, scripture does call for the conversion of sinners to faith in Jesus.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15

 

[dmar198]

As a recent ‘revert’ to Catholicism, it seems that the Church, through the actions and words of the Pontiff, value all religions as valuable expressions of man’s quest to understand the meaning of existence.

No, Pope Francis has spoken up several times that other religions can’t bring you to God.

“You can follow a thousand catechism courses, a thousand spirituality courses, a thousand yoga or zen courses and all these things. But none of this will be able to give you the freedom as a child (of God). Only the Holy Spirit can prompt your heart to say ‘Father.’ ” source

“In order to solve their problems many people resort to fortune tellers and tarot cards. But only Jesus saves and we must bear witness to this! He is the only one.” source

I don’t see much in the way of preaching Christ crucified on the world stage by our Pontiff. Is this considered indiscrete nowadays? Can anyone tell me if Catholics are still charged with sharing the Gospel and if so, why it is not an explicit mission of Christ’s Vicar on earth?

That is his mission. He didn’t use the name “Jesus” during his speech on political matters, but he did talk about need for nations to be responsible to God and to defend Christians.

“[Y]ou are asked to protect, by means of the law, the image and likeness fashioned by God on every human face.” source

“I must renew my repeated appeals regarding to the painful situation of the entire Middle East, North Africa and other African countries, where Christians, together with other cultural or ethnic groups…have been forced to witness the destruction of their places of worship, their cultural and religious heritage, their houses and property.” source

“We Christians, together with the other monotheistic religions, believe that the universe is the fruit of a loving decision by the Creator, who permits man respectfully to use creation for the good of his fellow men and for the glory of the Creator.” source

Is that something that is being left to the foot soldier while the supreme leader appeals to diversity, tolerance, and 'I’m OK, you’re OK"?

The Holy Father has never suggested anything approaching the “I’m OK, you’re OK” attitude. The quotes I gave at the top of my response suggest quite the opposite.

It seems that the Holy Father might wish to mention the name Jesus when making an address to interfaith folks or, say, to the world through the UN, leading his flock by example.

I don’t think the Holy Father deliberately left out the powerful and holy name of Jesus. He talked about being responsible to God and other Christian beliefs, so I don’t think he was trying to avoid sounding religious. But he was speaking about political matters, and there is no rule saying that we must use the specific name “Jesus” whenever we talk about politics. Certainly we can’t leave Jesus out, but there are other ways to include Him than simply by using His holy Name, good as that is.

Anyway, I hope that clarifies things for you.

 

[DebChris]

No, Pope Francis has spoken up several times that other religions can’t bring you to God.

“You can follow a thousand catechism courses, a thousand spirituality courses, a thousand yoga or zen courses and all these things. But none of this will be able to give you the freedom as a child (of God). Only the Holy Spirit can prompt your heart to say ‘Father.’ ” source

“In order to solve their problems many people resort to fortune tellers and tarot cards. But only Jesus saves and we must bear witness to this! He is the only one.” source That is his mission. He didn’t use the name “Jesus” during his speech on political matters, but he did talk about need for nations to be responsible to God and to defend Christians.

“[Y]ou are asked to protect, by means of the law, the image and likeness fashioned by God on every human face.” source

“I must renew my repeated appeals regarding to the painful situation of the entire Middle East, North Africa and other African countries, where Christians, together with other cultural or ethnic groups…have been forced to witness the destruction of their places of worship, their cultural and religious heritage, their houses and property.” source

“We Christians, together with the other monotheistic religions, believe that the universe is the fruit of a loving decision by the Creator, who permits man respectfully to use creation for the good of his fellow men and for the glory of the Creator.” source The Holy Father has never suggested anything approaching the “I’m OK, you’re OK” attitude. The quotes I gave at the top of my response suggest quite the opposite. I don’t think the Holy Father deliberately left out the powerful and holy name of Jesus. He talked about being responsible to God and other Christian beliefs, so I don’t think he was trying to avoid sounding religious. But he was speaking about political matters, and there is no rule saying that we must use the specific name “Jesus” whenever we talk about politics. Certainly we can’t leave Jesus out, but there are other ways to include Him than simply by using His holy Name, good as that is.

Anyway, I hope that clarifies things for you.

It is true that as Catholics we do not always use the name of Jesus when talking about God. The first time I met an Apostolic Pentecostal, she did not understand why I could not use my Savior’s name in conversation, at least not without saying Jesus Christ.
The Pope is addressing a wide audience. Continuously in the speeches to which I have listened he talks about the power of God. God is not limited, and there is only one Triune God consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Always the Holy Father ends his talks in the humility of the “servant of the servants of Gods” with the request to pray for him as he prays for us.
Thank you for this post, dmar.

 

[phil19034]

It is true that as Catholics we do not always use the name of Jesus when talking about God. The first time I met an Apostolic Pentecostal, she did not understand why I could not use my Savior’s name in conversation, at least not without saying Jesus Christ.
The Pope is addressing a wide audience. Continuously in the speeches to which I have listened he talks about the power of God. God is not limited, and there is only one Triune God consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Always the Holy Father ends his talks in the humility of the “servant of the servants of Gods” with the request to pray for him as he prays for us.
Thank you for this post, dmar.

Just pointing out a typo for someone reading this who is confused:

The above meant to say: “servant of the servants of God,” not “gods”

 

[DebChris]

Just pointing out a typo for someone reading this who is confused:

The above meant to say: “servant of the servants of God,” not “gods”

It is true that as Catholics we do not always use the name of Jesus when talking about God. The first time I met an Apostolic Pentecostal, she did not understand why I could not use my Savior’s name in conversation, at least not without saying Jesus Christ.
The Pope is addressing a wide audience. Continuously in the speeches to which I have listened he talks about the power of God. God is not limited, and there is only one Triune God consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Always the Holy Father ends his talks in the humility of the “servant of the servants of God” with the request to pray for him as he prays for us.
Thank you for this post, dmar.

 

[DebChris]

It is true that as Catholics we do not always use the name of Jesus when talking about God. The first time I met an Apostolic Pentecostal, she did not understand why I could not use my Savior’s name in conversation, at least not without saying Jesus Christ.
The Pope is addressing a wide audience. Continuously in the speeches to which I have listened he talks about the power of God. God is not limited, and there is only one Triune God consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Always the Holy Father ends his talks in the humility of the “servant of the servants of God” with the request to pray for him as he prays for us.
Thank you for this post, dmar.

 

[DebChris]

It is true that as Catholics we do not always use the name of Jesus when talking about God. The first time I met an Apostolic Pentecostal, she did not understand why I could not use my Savior’s name in conversation, at least not without saying Jesus Christ.
The Pope is addressing a wide audience. Continuously in the speeches to which I have listened he talks about the power of God. God is not limited, and there is only one Triune God consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Always the Holy Father ends his talks in the humility of the “servant of the servants of God” with the request to pray for him as he prays for us.
Thank you for this post, dmar.

DebChris:
Thanks. I was able to successfully edit in time, or I thought I was but not quite.
I’m glad that you caught the typo anyway. I’m usually much better at catching my typos even if it’s after I posted. The editing corrected the typo within the quote.

 

[DebChris]

Just pointing out a typo for someone reading this who is confused:

The above meant to say: “servant of the servants of God,” not “gods”

Thanks. I’m usually much better about catching my typos, even if only after posting. The timing only let me change within the quoted posts. I think my computer’s being a bit funky.

 

[Genesis315]

There has been confusion on this front in recent decades, so much so that the Congregation for the Doctrine on the Faith had to release document clarifying.

Pope Francis seems to share this concern–he considers the Exhortation of Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntandi, which is also all about this,“to my mind the greatest pastoral document that has ever been written to this day”.

In fact, his own Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, is filled with the concept that evangelization and preaching Christ to all men is the primary mission of the Church.

Right at the beginning, after discussing evangelizing believers into a deeper faith and the baptized, he states:
Pope Francis:

Lastly, we cannot forget that evangelization is first and foremost about preaching the Gospel to those who do not know Jesus Christ or who have always rejected him. Many of them are quietly seeking God, led by a yearning to see his face, even in countries of ancient Christian tradition. All of them have a right to receive the Gospel. Christians have the duty to proclaim the Gospel without excluding anyone. Instead of seeming to impose new obligations, they should appear as people who wish to share their joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet. It is not by proselytizing that the Church grows, but “by attraction”.[13]

John Paul II asked us to recognize that “there must be no lessening of the impetus to preach the Gospel” to those who are far from Christ, “because this is the first task of the Church”.[14] Indeed, “today missionary activity still represents the greatest challenge for the Church”[15] and “the missionary task must remain foremost”.[16] What would happen if we were to take these words seriously? We would realize that missionary outreach is paradigmatic for all the Church’s activity. Along these lines the Latin American bishops stated that we “cannot passively and calmly wait in our church buildings”;[17] we need to move “from a pastoral ministry of mere conservation to a decidedly missionary pastoral ministry”.[18] This task continues to be a source of immense joy for the Church: “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Lk 15:7).

As an aside, see footnote 49 in the CDF document linked at the top of my post, for the diffence between proselytism and evangelization.