Evangelical Protestantism - A Force for Good?

[Peeps]

From a standpoint of evangelicalism, I have always felt that evangelical Protestants were a much better audience to focus Catholic evangelism efforts on than mainline Protestants.

This is true.

My husband and I converted to Catholicism from Evangelical Protestantism in 2004. (Praise God!).

One of the reasons we converted to Catholicism is that we were steeped in the Bible because we had been part of Sunday schools, youth groups, VBS, Bible camps, Bible studies with others, Bible studies during our private devotion times, reading books about the Bible, Bible quizzing, Bible drills, Bible memorization classes, etc, ever since we were children.

So when we first visited the Catholic Church, we recognized that we what we were seeing and hearing was straight out of the Bible. We saw Jesus on the altar during the consecration, and all those Old Testament passages about the tabernacle and the altar and the blood of the Lamb made sense! This was the culmination and fulfillment of all that is in the Bible!

I believe that any Evangelical who really knows their Bible and who reads a good church history textbook will eventually realize that the Catholic Church is the Church that Jesus Himself established here on earth.

I believe that what stops Evangelicals from becoming Catholic is the “bad behavior” and also the ignorance of some Catholics. I’m not talking about the sex sin scandals–there are plenty of sex sin scandals in Evangelical Protestant Land. My husband and I were in several different Evangelical Protestant church for the first 30 years of our marriage, and EVERY ONE OF THEM had some kind of “sex scandal!!”

No, I’m talking about more mundane “bad behavior”. E.g., when an Evangelical meets a Catholic who doesn’t even know where the Gospels are in the Bible, or who believes that certain sinful practices are OK, or who co-habits with their lover–it’s hard for an Evangelical to accept Catholicism.

The other reason we believe that Evangelicals don’t become Catholic is the love and friendship that they experience in Evangelical Protestant churches–it’s hard to walk away from that. Some people are good at making friends in any setting, but others (my husband and I) just don’t seem to be able to connect with many folks in Catholic parishes.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

Most of them never challenge their own belief system like Sola Scriptura. People love their own comfort zones.

 

[Peeps]

Most of them never challenge their own belief system like Sola Scriptura. People love their own comfort zones.

We need to look at the reasons why they love Evangelicalism.

1. As I mentioned in my post above, it’s generally a very warm, welcoming friendly life.
2. The music is generally good, and at least in the “traditional” Evangelical Protestant fellowships, people actually sing with all their heart! And the songs are beautiful!
3. The children’s and youth ministries/programming is awesome! Sunday school, children’s church, youth group, youth missionary opportunities, often a music ministry (although nowadays, this is often just field trips to hear CCM artists in concert), a well-staffed nursery in a bright and safe room with lots of space for crawling, running, and playing, Mom’s Day Out opportunities, Daddy-Child activities, AWANA and other mid-week clubs that offer opportunities to learn interesting skills, Bible quizzing (sometimes to the Regional and National level), and in some of the large Evangelical churches, a school, sometimes even K-12.
4. Lots of Bible studies ranging from extremely scholarly to light and fellowshippy!
5. LOTS OF FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!!! Not just coffee and donuts after church, or an annual church picnic, or an annual pilgrimage (during the work day) to a religious shrine, or a weekly meeting at a local bar.
6. GOOD preaching! In most Evangelical churches, the “message” (or sermon) will last at least 20 minutes, and usually a half hour or more, and it’s possible to actually take notes on the message and study it throughout the week and most importantly, apply it to daily life! The “message” always has applications for life.

I could go on. There is nothing in what I have listed above that would be forbidden in Catholic parishes, and I have seen Catholic parishes that I would describe as “Evangelical.”! I personally think that rather than knocking Evangelical Protestantism, Catholics should study them and implement the programming in parishes. I’m NOT suggesting that we throw out venerable institutions like Knights of Columbus, Altar and Rosary Society, and new programs like Theology on Tap. Rather, we need to implement these programs with verve and enthusiasm and plug in gifted leaders (gifts of the Holy Spirit, not just secular training in leadership skills and management!) to keep the programs lively, friendly, and worthwhile.

 

[halogirl]

Yeah because it reaches out to complete non believers very effectively and then from there they at least have a foot hold in the church

 

[Peeps]

Just an example of what I’m talking about in my long post above:

My husband has been involved for three years in our parish’s That Man Is You! program on Saturday mornings. He doggedly sticks with it, but he really doesn’t get much out of it. The main speaker (who is on a video) presents a very elementary lecture that frankly only applies to young men with children. There is no fellowship, no opportunity for the men to get to know each other. After the meeting is over, the men all rush home–no one is ever interested in going out for coffee. Finally, the meeting is held at 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday, which is definitely not my husband’s (or other mens’) best time–why not have a late night meeting that starts around 9:00 p.m., and hold it during the week, not on a precious Saturday morning?

I think that Evangelical Protestant converts should be specifically invited to join a Parish Committee to Update and Revamp parish programming, and they should dissect these programs and bring ideas from their large, flourishing Evangelical Protestant churches, churches that often have a membership in which HALF the members are former Catholics!

 

[Lenten_ashes]

Depends on where you go. Charismatic Parishes already do all that stuff and more.

And even non Charismatic parishes around here seem to be improving their functions.

I would argue that retreats are #1 on the list of things that should be pushed outside the Mass. They are life changing and we see true conversions there.

 

[Peeps]

I would argue that retreats are #1 on the list of things that should be pushed outside the Mass. They are life changing and we see true conversions there.

Yes, I agree with this!!

Our parish does a lot of the things I mentioned above, and they do encourage participation in retreats. Currently two retreats are described in our church bulletin, and my husband will probably attend the Men’s Retreat–it sounds like a good thing for him at this time.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

Awesome. I went to one 2 years ago. Incredible 4 day experience. Let us know how it goes for him.

 

[mcq72]

I saw a meme on facebook the other day of Joel Osteen – and it has Joel saying that the moral of Noah’s ark story is that God wants you to have a boat lol.

A boat? Doesn’t he know we need a Rock, no wait a Door or was it Vine, even the Greek alphabet (Alpha/Omega), maybe a Shepherd…I Am never tired of such imagery.

Glad the meme wasn’t not removed by Facebook, as was one posting St. Augustine quote about checking our own sins out first before another’s…PS- I think Facebook has since rescinded restriction.

 

[mcq72]

I believe that any Evangelical who really knows their Bible and who reads a good church history textbook will eventually realize that the Catholic Church is the Church that Jesus Himself established here on earth.

Except perhaps for x Catholics who turn to P evangelicalism.

 

[Justakid]

Roman Catholics as described by the counsel of Trent. Are anti- denominations.
But it is a good example that finding common ground in belief is difficult.
Protestant christian churches are forced to learn scripture to explain their fundamental biblical u derstanding.
Everyone’s right in their own eye’s

 

[JHL]

I think that many Evangelicals are good people; Evangelicalism is a force for good insofar as it is in accord with the truth.

However, Evangelicalism sometimes tends towards propaganda rather than good arguments. That’s where you get all sorts of anti-Catholicism canards like “idolatry! Mary worship!” Nowadays, with the consolidation of well-connected and well-funded Evangelical para-church organizations, this propaganda is bound to get worse, especially as the “power and profit” factor gets bigger.

With many Evangelical para-church organizations calling for stricter congregational discipline, it’s only a matter of time before Evangelicals become less and less free to search for truth within the Catholic faith.

 

[StephenBales]

Depends on the playing field.

In fighting the abortion lobby, resisting LGBTQ+ “progress”, etc., sure. Great teammates.

But in evangelization? Christian living? Catechesis? No.
If they draw people away from the Catholic Church, which is the One True Church, they are wrong, and they are to be resisted.

 

[po18guy]

Your particular friend agrees on this and not on that - but he does not have to. Evangelicals are also fairly well dispersed over the map. Since there is no cohesive central authority, beliefs can and do change.

Problem #1: The elephant in the living room. Many do not even baptize - thus they are fans of Jesus, but not members of His Body.

 

[Peeps]

However, the more prideful Evangelicals who draw judgements upon others about their salvation in the form of a boastful “You’re going to burn in Hell!”, covet the material things of this world, despise the less fortunate, and otherwise exhibit unChristian behavior do the Christian faith a great disservice, making it all the more difficult for us to reach out to non-believers.

I was Evangelical Protestant for the first 47 years of my life.

I would not call the Christians that you are describing “Evangelical,” but “Fundamental” or “Independent.”

Many Fundamental or Independent churches (but not all) are non-denominational, and many are Pentecostal (manifesting the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit–speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, miraculous healings, etc.).

But there are some Pentecostal churches that are “Evangelical” -the Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal denomination, but is considered “Evangelical”, not Fundamental."

My personal opinion, shared by many Evangelicals, is that the best way to determine whether a church is “Evangelical” is to check the list published by the National Association of Evangelicals. Member churches are Evangelicals. Not all Evangelical fellowships/churches are members, but many are. This organization works to make sure that the Evangelical denominations who are members stay clear of various sins /crimes (e.g., sexual crimes, money-making schemes, etc.), and also makes sure that they are not preaching heresy according to Evangelical Protestant doctrines (e.g., Evangelicals believe that the 66-book Bible is the inerrant Word of God, but they accept many different translations and paraphrases, while Fundamentalists believe that the Bible is inerrant, but they may accept only one translation, often the KJV).

Hope this is helpful!

 

[TNMan]

they’re a type of pagan or atheist, who believes in Christ like the Church does, but the similarity ends there; beyond that they’re heathen.

I think that’s a little much, personally. I’ve known many, many people throughout my life in Protestantism who truly have a heart for Jesus and are selfless people doing things for the glory of the Lord.

I’m making the jump to the RCC in time, but there are many non-Catholic Christians I know and have known, my father (RIP) included, who I’ll see in heaven when He calls me home.

 

[Peeps]

Most of them will never be like the non-Catholics here and come to CAF and have fruitful discussions and try and understand our faith, rather than tell us what we believe.

They don’t have time.

When we were Evangelical Protestant (47 years!), we were involved in some church activity 5/6 days/evenings every week!

Sundays: Sunday school and church in the morning, and since I played piano, I was often at both the early and the later church service. Also, I taught children’s church for many years–a program for children 3-5 who are too young to be in the 1.5 hour worship service with its 45 minute sermon.

Also on Sunday, for many years there were evening services which generally included more hymn-singing (me play!) and a fellowship time after. Or many members would go out for a late supper after the church service, or in the old days, meet at each others’ home for further fellowship.

And for the youth, Sunday evenings were often a meeting time, often at members’ homes (which meant getting your house ready if it was your night to host these youth meetings!).

Monday: Usually meetings of various committees to make plans and prepare for activities in the works. Also, many churches Financial Committee meets on Monday evenings because they know the amount of the offerings by then. VBS committee often meets on Monday evenings, and so do various other children’s ministry coordinators.

Tuesdays are for group-specific Bible studies; e.g., Ladies Bible study, “Overcoming Addictions Bible Study,” Bible study for those diagnosed with a terminal disease, etc.).

Wednesday is the 2nd Sunday! Prayer Meeting (sometimes combined with a pastoral Bible study), youth club nights (AWANA, etc.), Choir practice (if the church still has a choir!)

Thursdays are often a free night, but not always. It’s a great night to schedule special speakers, e.g., the financial freedom gurus, or an apologist. Also, Thursdays are a great day for people involved with various ministries to get together to do “prep” work, e.g., cut out the craft project for 3rd grade Sunday school, or re-stock the kitchen for the upcoming Saturday wedding.

Fridays are usually unscheduled, but a lot of Evangelicals have family nights, or invite friends over.

Saturdays are for the activities that can’t be done during the week, mainly men’s activities (like Wild Game Dinner!). Or people use this day to volunteer for community charitable organizations like Habitat for Humanity or the local rescue mission.

And on top of all of this, Evangelicals are supposed to be having daily Quiet Times or Devotionals–times alone to read the Bible, other good spiritual books, and also to pray at length.

If Evangelicals aren’t involved in some ministry or activity or study, often someone will invite them to join their ministry. It’s not a good idea to do nothing in Evangelical churches! Even Senior Citizens have various Bible studies, prayer groups, and service ministries!

!!! It’s an exhausting life! I lived it for 47 years (I supposed I shouldn’t count the time that I was a child, but even then, I was busy!)

 

[JoeShlabotnik]

Do you think that Evangelical Protestantism is a force for good?

In a word…No.
The evangelical protestants I know seem far too judgmental to me.
It you do not buy into what they believe, you are wrong.
Some are anti-Catholic. Some are anti-Jew. Some blame poor people for being poor.
Alright, now I am being judgmental. I am sorry for that.

 

[Justin_Mary]

There is nothing in what I have listed above that would be forbidden in Catholic parishes, and I have seen Catholic parishes that I would describe as “Evangelical.”! I personally think that rather than knocking Evangelical Protestantism, Catholics should study them and implement the programming in parishes. I’m NOT suggesting that we throw out venerable institutions like Knights of Columbus, Altar and Rosary Society, and new programs like Theology on Tap. Rather, we need to implement these programs with verve and enthusiasm and plug in gifted leaders (gifts of the Holy Spirit, not just secular training in leadership skills and management!) to keep the programs lively, friendly, and worthwhile.

I agree… sort of.

I think a big reason Evangelical Protestantism is so prolific is because it is “easy” to grasp.

A lot of what you listed is external & can be adopted with a worldly understanding.

& our God comes to us where we are. But he wants to bring us home.

 

[Peeps]

A lot of what you listed is external & can be adopted with a worldly understanding.

A lot of what I have described is “family life.”

Families get together and do things. Good families don’t thrive by remaining “where they are.” They visit each other, spend time together, talk on the phone or online, work on projects together, raise kids together.

This is what the Church should be–a family getting together to receive Jesus and then being together at times throughout the week doing good work. The good work might just be meeting for dinner or attending a play together, or it might be helping the poor. It might be teaching children the fundamentals of their faith, or praying in a chapel for the needs of their city and country.

You’re right–the world offers plenty of things to do. But Church offers Jesus and His family.