Encountering street preachers

[Church_Militant]

I encountered a street preacher last night. I told him that I’m getting my masters in Religious Studies at Missouri State University. Usually I take things in religion academically. I can’t condemn someone else being wrong, even if I disagree with them. That didn’t seem to be the case for this guy, as he couldn’t understand–I think–how I couldn’t believe in sola scriptora, and he tried to add that the Catholic Church today is not the same as it was in 325. I guess it boiled down to a “I’m right, you’re wrong, no matter what” scenario. Eventually when I realized that was how the guy was going to be, I walked away from him. But he yelled back at me that my knowledge wouldn’t save me. Of course, I never said that it would save me, but I did respond back that at least it wouldn’t make me ignorant. Although looking back on it, I think this guy was surprised to find somebody, who could challenge him so well. Anybody else been through a similar situation, and how did you deal with it?

Thanks,

Cody

I can probably offer some insight into this experience Cody since I was one for many years.

The vast majority of these types of “street witnesses” are not like I was. My attitude was to talk to people where they were, not just there on the street, but wherever they were morally, and spiritually. The people you are talking about are often the very worst of witnesses because they go out thinking that getting into debates and belittling other people’s religions is an appropriate and effective form of evangelism when in fact it very often creates more enemies of the gospel than converts.

Now most you of guys know me and my style from here on the forums and know that I’m pretty much like a K-Mart radio (I don’t play) when it comes to our most holy faith. I love to talk about our faith and I love to share it with others, but I don’t think I’d go back out into that street witnessing environment again.

1. I think most of the n-C street preachers and “witnesses” have ruined it for those of us who might really be interested in winning souls to Christ. You can’t belittle or argue with people and expect for people to see the image of Christ in you.
2. Evangelism demands a personal investment from the person sharing his faith. If I’m not willing to invest my life in yours then I’m probably better off praying for those who are.
   Fr. John McCloskey has some really good articles on this.
3. To me, it’s just easier to meet people where they are in life and the course of my day and as the Holy Spirit opens the door find ways to share my faith. So there are Grotto Press Catholic tracts in my car’s visor and I use them to share the faith with people who might take a sec to read them after talking to me. CA has a great tract too called God’s Love For You that is worth the investment to keep around and carry.

When I encounter street witnesses like you guys are talking about (which ain’t often anymore) I make it a point to be as quiet and friendly as possible while I deal with whatever is presented. I never feel threatened because I’m as sure of my salvation as they are of theirs and their stuff doesn’t threaten me that at all, though mine might theirs if they are honest.

I also feel under no compunction to hang around and talk to them for an extended length of time, so if they get rude or argumentative I have no problem just walking away.

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.