Donating to non-Catholic ministries

[joana]

Our parish Catholic Church has been asked to donate to a college Christian ministry whose goal is to spread the Gospel and evangelize. The Christian ministry is non-denominational however clearly not promoting Catholic beliefs. Question: should this matter.

 

[JMJ_Theresa]

yes. It really, really matters.

I once was in conversation with an Evangelical lady whose church sent people to Poland to run sports camps. Apparently after these camps, the kids would be directed to an evangelical church in their city. She insisted that these were kids who had no faith life. I asked her why they didn’t direct them to a Catholic Church since most likely this is their family church. She didn’t have an answer.

Here come the Americans with fun and games, giving out presents and pulling the kids into Protestantism.

We need to put more money and resources into spreading the Catholic faith!!! I really doubt that this college ministry is going to send the kids back to their parishes.

 

[chicago]

You have to be careful with some of this stuff as what they might really be doing is sheep stealing. I have mixed sentiments about the evangelical groups which want to put bibles into communities that have not been evangelized. On the one hand, I am thankful that these people will get to hear the Word. On the other hand, they will get a bastardized interpretation.

 

[Gerry_Hunter]

Let me echo the call to be careful.

When I worshipped among the Anglicans, the son of one parish member was visiting, and spoke to the congregation, seeking support for an upcoming missionary endeavour. He had hooked up with an extreme fundamentalist Baptist group, and was bound for Siberia as a missionary. He made it very clear that he, and his companions, considered that there were virtually no Christians at all where they were going. Eastern Orthodox or Catholics, you see, were not to be considered Christians.

That’s certainly not something Catholics should support, and so we should always look closely at what a “non-denominational” or non-Catholic group is up to.

Blessings,

Gerry

 

[Crumpy]

Our diocese has contributed CSA money to The Salvation Army, in a magnanimous gesture of ecumenism.

Our local parish participates with other Christian churches in outreaches to homeless people and with food-pantry type endeavors, although we have our own St. Vincent de Paul society.

I rather dislike that, as I could donate there directly, if I so wished. And, I have donated non-perishable food because I know that they help people in need.

But, I am becoming much more selective myself about which religion-based ministries I would support.

 

[1ke]

joana:

Our parish Catholic Church has been asked to donate to a college Christian ministry whose goal is to spread the Gospel and evangelize. The Christian ministry is non-denominational however clearly not promoting Catholic beliefs. Question: should this matter.

Yes, it matters in a most serious way.

Promoting error through the promotion of non-Catholic teaching is a gravely serious matter.

The parish can collaberate in ways that fall within the Church’s guidelines for ecumenism-- however to give money in order for this group to go out and preach their theology is clearly wrong.

 

[buffalo]

Why give to other denoms when there are many fine Catholic charities?

 

[johnnykins]

joana:

Our parish Catholic Church has been asked to donate to a college Christian ministry whose goal is to spread the Gospel and evangelize. The Christian ministry is non-denominational however clearly not promoting Catholic beliefs. Question: should this matter.

Gee no - it doesn’t matter at all. All religions are the same. It’s called syncretism. Was taught that by the CSJs in Jr High and by the CFCs in High School. Certainly you aren’t elitist and think Catholicism is the one true Chuch of Jesus Christ do you? You are clearly not open and inclusive enough. You apparently have this Pre-Vatican II mentality.

We can all sing Kumbaya, have a milk and honey ceremony and celebrate the god within us. Then you’ll understand. Hoist the felt banners, break out the guitars, anyone got a native American pipe? and a great big group hug passing the peace - we are the Church.

 

[johnnykins]

Joana - I want to make sure you know I wasn’t trying to attack you in any way.

I did want to slam the Sisters of Saint Joseph and the Christian Brothers for the terrible disservice they did to me and the many children they mal-catechized. I also wanted to take a shot at the felt banner crowd.

It’s amazing and sad that priests and nuns and brothers simply don’t believe and confuse so many people.

 

[blessedstar]

You know anyone doing good in the name of Jesus is not an enemy of Jesus, we must remember the Scripture where the disciples said they saw people casting out demons and curing people in the name of Jesus but they were not one of them and Jesus said let them be and let them carry on as they are. There is a big lesson in that for us Catholics. We may not share the same one true Catholic faith with other denominations but we must recognise the good they do in the name of Jesus and it is up to us to go in the love of God to the same places and carry out similar ministries and it is up to us to work with Christian brothers and sisters of other denominations and lead the way in this.

Spiritual snobbery is most unattractive, those folks are doing the best they can do in what they know to be the truth, they cannot be condemned for that.

We must remember as mere humans we are not incharge of things, God is and anyone truly seeking Truth will be led there by the Lord and all are called by Him but their journeys and paths are varied (‘I have sheep who are not of this flock’). We must also remember that there is salvation outside of the Catholic Church and all you remember that you who are the elect, who have been called to the fullness of Truth, you remember your kindness and love must be greater than all others.

It is not ever the way to attack another’s faith, a spoon full of honey does more good than gallons of vinegar…a very wise Priest told me that once and how right he is.

Give to all causes (within your financial capability) that help those less fortunate than yourself and leave the gift of faith to God because the fullness of faith cannot be forced upon another and keep in mind all who know Jesus as God and Lord are His to degrees and degrees and degrees again and all must fulfill their degree.

Remember however we treat the least of all is how we treat Jesus, this not only applies to material things of giving food and water but how we deal with peoples souls, how more important is the soul than the flesh! No Catholic must crush even the smallest seed of faith within another, no Catholic must condemn belief in Jesus.

Remember that spoon full of honey!

Be careful you who have been granted much, so much so is your degree because much has been asked of you!

 

[rlg94086]

Yikes! :bigyikes: Double yikes!! :bigyikes: :bigyikes:

Try to get support for this group instead: focusonline.org/

I’ve met and spoken with Curtis Martin, the founder (also a fantastic apologist btw). He was drawn away from Catholicism in college, I think by Youth for Christ International. Since he didn’t know his faith well, he was easy pickens. Unfortunately, a lot of Catholic college students are in the same spiritual condition.

FOCUS is trying to change all of that.

God Bless,

Robert

PS Welcome to the Forum Joana.

 

[blessedstar]

rlg94086:

Yikes! :bigyikes: Double yikes!! :bigyikes: :bigyikes:

Try to get support for this group instead: focusonline.org/

I’ve met and spoken with Curtis Martin, the founder (also a fantastic apologist btw). He was drawn away from Catholicism in college, I think by Youth for Christ International. Since he didn’t know his faith well, he was easy pickens. Unfortunately, a lot of Catholic college students are in the same spiritual condition.

FOCUS is trying to change all of that.

God Bless,

Robert

PS Welcome to the Forum Joana.

That makes him the devil incarnate does it? He loves Jesus, he does what he feels is the truth, it is up to those within the fullness of truth by their love and kindness even to the least to accept them where they are at.

I’m telling you no-one can claim Jesus as their God and treat another with hatred and unkindness.

Remember that spoon full of honey…all this vinegar will do only harm.

 

[rlg94086]

Um…are you sure you are replying to me? :ehh:

To whom are you referring to in your “devil incarnate” question? Whom did I treat with hatred and unkindness?

All I posted was a reply to Joana, that it would be better to support a Catholic College organization started by Curtis Martin, who is an all-around great guy IMHO.

blessedstar:

That makes him the devil incarnate does it? He loves Jesus, he does what he feels is the truth, it is up to those within the fullness of truth by their love and kindness even to the least to accept them where they are at.

I’m telling you no-one can claim Jesus as their God and treat another with hatred and unkindness.

Remember that spoon full of honey…all this vinegar will do only harm.

 

[blessedstar]

Um…are you sure you are replying to me? :ehh:

To whom are you referring to in your “devil incarnate” question? Whom did I treat with hatred and unkindness?

All I posted was a reply to Joana, that it would be better to support a Catholic College organization started by Curtis Martin, who is an all-around great guy IMHO.

You were showing signs of alarm at the original poster giving money to the cause they mentioned, but the cause is good is it not if it helps people, so therefore your cause for this guy you mention is good also.

You have no need to use a yikes icon.

The man who stands in the way of the good cause does not work for Jesus.

Did you read my first post in this thread or do you see anyone who does good in the name of Jesus is someone to be avoided or someone to persecute?

I have a feeling you will be shocked at who will be heaven!

 

[rlg94086]

I have no idea of your faith, but I do show signs of alarm at a Catholic school supporting a non-Catholic Christian organization evangelizing college students. Why? Because Catholics are often their primary target for conversion away from Catholicism.

I don’t think, nor did I say, that they are evil organizations. However, it seems pretty logical for Catholics to support a Catholic evangelical mission rather than a non-Catholic evangelical mission. Why doesn’t this make sense to you?

In Curtis’ case, they told him his Catholic faith is a sham, his Bible was the wrong translation, “worship” of Mary is wrong, etc. Let me think …should a Catholic School support an organization such as this? :nope:

Would it be better to support FOCUS? :yup:

Seems pretty simple to me. There are plenty of non-Catholic organizations doing great work in the name of Jesus, and if they bring an athiest, muslim, etc. to Christ that’s great! If they work side-by-side with Catholics to combat hunger, abortion, etc. in the name of Jesus, also great! I’ve even supported a couple of them in the past (Northwest Medical Teams; World Vision).

Even when it comees to my last two sentences above, however, there are plenty of great Catholic organizations doing the same work. I’m guessing Baptists don’t support those organizations. They can use support and money from Catholics, so I changed my support.

Please explain how that is wrong.

blessedstar:

You were showing signs of alarm at the original poster giving money to the cause they mentioned, but the cause is good is it not if it helps people, so therefore your cause for this guy you mention is good also.

You have no need to use a yikes icon.

Did you read my post previous to your last post or do you see anyone who does good in the name of Jesus as someone to be avoided or someone to persecute?

 

[blessedstar]

rlg94086:

I have no idea of your faith, but I do show signs of alarm at a Catholic school supporting a non-Catholic Christian organization evangelizing college students. Why? Because Catholics are often their primary target for conversion away from Catholicism.

I don’t think, nor did I say, that they are evil organizations. However, it seems pretty logical for Catholics to support a Catholic evangelical mission rather than a non-Catholic evangelical mission. Why doesn’t this make sense to you?

In Curtis’ case, they told him his Catholic faith is a sham, his Bible was the wrong translation, “worship” of Mary is wrong, etc. Let me think …should a Catholic School support an organization such as this? :nope:

Would it be better to support FOCUS? :yup:

Seems pretty simple to me. There are plenty of non-Catholic organizations doing great work in the name of Jesus, and if they bring an athiest, muslim, etc. to Christ that’s great! If they work side-by-side with Catholics to combat hunger, abortion, etc. in the name of Jesus, also great! I’ve even supported a couple of them in the past (Northwest Medical Teams; World Vision).

Even when it comees to my last two sentences above, however, there are plenty of great Catholic organizations doing the same work. I’m guessing Baptists don’t support those organizations. They can use support and money from Catholics, so I changed my support.

Please explain how that is wrong.

Oh the weak minded Catholics…we are so weak that the Lord does not uphold in His grace those who know Him in the Eucharist…do you think for one minute you could be converted away from Jesus in the Eucharist?

If the answer is no, then why would a true Catholic other than yourself be converted away?

I know many a flapper in the faith, they worry about every single thing but cannot make a concrete decision, they see problems at every turn but don’t trust all will be well.

I am telling you no Catholic who is truly Catholic can leave Jesus in the Eucharist.

Such claims are inflamatory.

Let all Christians work together and respect each other in Christ without compromising their own faiths and that is down to the individual. I am saying don’t condemn anyone else’s faith in Jesus and you in the strength of your faith will also not be condemned and will be respected for your love and kindness to those who have not been granted as much as you; on the last day your gentleness will be rewarded, Jesus always stood back waiting, remember that!

 

[rlg94086]

Here are some more smilies for you… :whacky: :whacky: :whacky:

I’m not worried about a Catholic who is strong in their faith being converted. I’m worried about “true” Catholics who are not strong in their faith. I want them to strengthen their faith in the the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. Are you saying that someone raised Catholic, whose parents didn’t do a very good job catechizing and/or didn’t take them to Mass regularly is not a “true” Cahtolic?

And again, it only makes logical sense for Catholics to support Catholic organizations. We only have a finite amount of resources. Why use them at store A, when you can use them at store B?

By your postings, you are either a very misguided Catholic or someone who wants Catholics to leave their Church.

blessedstar:

Oh the weak minded Catholics…we are so weak that the Lord does not uphold in His grace those who know Him in the Eucharist…do you think for one minute you could be converted away from Jesus in the Eucharist?

If the answer is no, then why would a true Catholic other than yourself be converted away?

You are flapping. I know many a flapper in the faith, they worry about every single thing but cannot make a concrete decision, they see problems at every turn but don’t trust all will be well.

I am telling you no Cathol;ic who is truly Catholic can leave Jesus in the Eucharist.

Your claims are inflamatory.

Let all Christians work together and respect each other as in Christ without compromising their own faiths and that is down to the individual. I am saying don’t condemn anyone else’s faith in Jesus and you in the strength of your faith will also not be condemned and will be respected for you love and kindness.

 

[blessedstar]

rlg94086:

Here are some more smilies for you… :whacky: :whacky: :whacky:

I’m not worried about a Catholic who is strong in their faith being converted. I’m worried about “true” Catholics who are not strong in their faith. I want them to strengthen their faith in the the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. Are you saying that someone raised Catholic, whose parents didn’t do a very good job catechizing and/or didn’t take them to Mass regularly is not a “true” Cahtolic?

And again, it only makes logical sense for Catholics to support Catholic organizations. We only have a finite amount of resources. Why use them at store A, when you can use them at store B?

By your postings, you are either a very misguided Catholic or someone who wants Catholics to leave their Church.

Do you think so? Tell me what you know about me to know that? What can you tell me about me? I can tell you about me however, I can say here that you are seeing people outside of Catholicism as looking around purely for converts to their own faith, that simply is not true. I have friends who are Baptists, Salvation Army, Non-denominational, some a little cultish and some following a spiritual path searching for a supreme truth, spiritualists, c of e, muslim, etc etc They respect my faith and I respect their faith because we do not try to convert each other, we love each other as creations of God and recognise our human dignity as a creation of God. I can tell you those people like me and think I am trying to be a good and kind Catholic, so I try and say be a good muslim, be a good c of e, be good at seeking the truth.

When a person starts off down the path of critising instead of building bridges they do no good at all. You and I know the truth, we live in the truth but we have been given much and you must recall that scripture that speaks of those in Christ who are not one of them.

More harm is done by keeping barriers up than being kind and giving that spoon of honey out in this way your love is shown to others. Consider why the gung-ho approach doesn’t work and that doesn’t mean truth is compromised it means that love is not compromised.

Softly, softly catchy monkey!

Faith is not yours to hand out, it is God’s gift and He gifts as He wills in the degree He wills. So love all people and help any cause that helps people. Make sure you thank God for your gift of faith and thank Him for any sign of His goodness and grace in the world wherever that may be found in people.

Think about it for a few days and don’t post in haste and that is really not meant to be patronising in any way because your zeal for God is wonderful but you must consider the delivery of it. I am not your enemy.

 

[rlg94086]

I’ve spent my life thinking about this, so I will go ahead and post hastily.

Ecumenical discussions are great for all involved. I work and pray for a unified Church. However, when it comes to organizations who evangelize, we should be evangelizing for our faith. Please do this experiment. Ask your Baptist, Salvation Army, etc. friends to support FOCUS with their money and see what they say.

I am a convert to Catholicism. I converted after much study and contemplation, so I am very familiar with non-Catholic churches. I also have non-Catholic friends, and we have great theological discussions. This is completely separate from supporting their evangelical efforts.

Do I think putting money in a Salvation Army kettle is a sin? Of course not.

Now, as far as “Softly, softly catchy monkey!” I’m not going to spend any time thinking about that. :whacky:

Your condescending tone is really tiresome :yawn:, so I think I’ll go now.

God Bless,

Robert

blessedstar:

Do you think so? Tell me what you know about me to know that? What can you tell me about me? I can tell you about me however, I can say here that you are seeing people outside of Catholicism as looking around purely for converts to their own faith, that simply is not true. I have friends who are Baptists, Salvation Army, Non-denominational, some a little cultish and some following a spiritual path searching for a supreme truth, spiritualists, c of e, muslim, etc etc They respect my faith and I respect their faith because we do not try to convert each other, we love each other as creations of God and recognise our human dignity as a creation of God.

When a person starts off down the path of critising instead of building bridges they do no good at all. You and I know the truth, we live in the truth but we have been given much and you must recall that scripture that speaks of those in Christ who are not one of them.

More harm is done by keeping barriers up than being kind and giving that spoon of honey out in this way your love is shown to others. If you can’t see that by now then a million more posts from me will never make you see that, so try and consider why the gung-ho approach doesn’t work and that doesn’t mean truth is compromised it means that love is not compromised.

Softly, softly catchy monkey!

Think about it for a few days and don’t post in haste and that is really not meant to be patronising in any way because your zeal for God is wonderful but you must consider the delivery of it. I am not your enemy.

 

[blessedstar]

rlg94086:

I’ve spent my life thinking about this, so I will go ahead and post hastily.

Ecumenical discussions are great for all involved. I work and pray for a unified Church. However, when it comes to organizations who evangelize, we should be evangelizing for our faith. Please do this experiment. Ask your Baptist, Salvation Army, etc. friends to support FOCUS with their money and see what they say.

I am a convert to Catholicism. I converted after much study and contemplation, so I am very familiar with non-Catholic churches. I also have non-Catholic friends, and we have great theological discussions. This is completely separate from supporting their evangelical efforts.

Do I think putting money in a Salvation Army kettle is a sin? Of course not.

Now, as far as “Softly, softly catchy monkey!” I’m not going to spend any time thinking about that. :whacky:

Your condescending tone is really tiresome :yawn:, so I think I’ll go now.

God Bless,

Robert

Ok we’ll have to agree to disagree. I respect your position and hope you tolerate and respect mine, I just prefer a gentler approach to yourself. What’s the point in making enemies and getting hotheaded?