Evangelicals are associated with extremists -- could you explain why?

[Sherlock]

David Zampino:

Frankly, many people not familiar with the varieties of Protestantism are unaware that “Evangelicalism” does not necessarily eqate to “Fundamentalism”. I suspect that terminology is one of the problems here.

Blessings,

That’s true. I think it’s safe to say, though, that the boundaries are not cut and dried, but rather blend together. I know self-described Evangelicals that are definitely on the Fundamentalist end of the spectrum (Catholics aren’t Christian; Catholics are all going to hell; etc.) as well as self-described Evangelicals that are not that way whatsoever, and are, in fact, rather surprised to know that there are Evangelicals like those I’ve just described. Which leads me to speculate a bit about our original poster (who hasn’t responded in quite a while): I wonder if Evangelical Protestantism isn’t a bit isolated from awareness of the rest of the Christian world, perhaps as a result of the “Me N’ Jesus Alone” point of view. Perhaps that would explain the surprise shown by the original poster that there were Evangelicals on the extreme end of things.

 

[PaulKorb]

Some beliefs (not necessarily yours) seem extreme, for example the belief regarding creation being strictly 24 hour days:

rpcga.org/

 

[deb1]

Sherlock:

That’s true. I think it’s safe to say, though, that the boundaries are not cut and dried, but rather blend together. I know self-described Evangelicals that are definitely on the Fundamentalist end of the spectrum (Catholics aren’t Christian; Catholics are all going to hell; etc.) as well as self-described Evangelicals that are not that way whatsoever, and are, in fact, rather surprised to know that there are Evangelicals like those I’ve just described. Which leads me to speculate a bit about our original poster (who hasn’t responded in quite a while): I wonder if Evangelical Protestantism isn’t a bit isolated from awareness of the rest of the Christian world, perhaps as a result of the “Me N’ Jesus Alone” point of view. Perhaps that would explain the surprise shown by the original poster that there were Evangelicals on the extreme end of things.

One of the facts that has begun to amaze me while on this forum, is the shock that Evangelicals express about the extreme beliefs that other Christians have. The writing of these posters do convey a sense of honest surprise that any Christian would espouse such extreme views. They seem to judge the belief of all Protestants by their own church and biblical interpretation.

 

[Sherlock]

deb1:

One of the facts that has begun to amaze me while on this forum, is the shock that Evangelicals express about the extreme beliefs that other Christians have. The writing of these posters do convey a sense of honest surprise that any Christian would espouse such extreme views. They seem to judge the belief of all Protestants by their own church and biblical interpretation.

Yes, that seems to be the case. One of my closest friends is a fallen-away Evangelical (hopefully on her way to Rome) who was surprised to hear of the more extreme positions of some Evangelicals. She says she never heard anti-Catholicism preached from the pulpit. However, she also believed that we worshipped statues and put Mary above Jesus, so she must have gotten that from somewhere even if she can’t recall any direct preaching from the pulpit about such things. She has thankfully been disabused of such misconceptions…

 

[Kendy]

Sherlock:

Yes, that seems to be the case. One of my closest friends is a fallen-away Evangelical (hopefully on her way to Rome) who was surprised to hear of the more extreme positions of some Evangelicals. She says she never heard anti-Catholicism preached from the pulpit. However, she also believed that we worshipped statues and put Mary above Jesus, so she must have gotten that from somewhere even if she can’t recall any direct preaching from the pulpit about such things. She has thankfully been disabused of such misconceptions…

I must say I never heard from the pulpit either that catholics worship Mary. That was just an observation; perhaps, a misinterpretation, but not something people tried to convince me.

I realize that there are extreme views within the evangelical community, but I think many non-evangelicals don’t realize that these people happen to be loud and outrageous and are not represenative of most evangelicals. However, who wants to interview people who are not being hostile. That’s not news. It’s the Pat Robertsons of the world that attract attention unfortunately.

Kendy

 

[Kendy]

Sherlock:

I wonder if Evangelical Protestantism isn’t a bit isolated from awareness of the rest of the Christian world, perhaps as a result of the “Me N’ Jesus Alone” point of view. Perhaps that would explain the surprise shown by the original poster that there were Evangelicals on the extreme end of things.

While there are many evangelicals who are unaware of the rest of the Christian world so are many catholics. But more importantly, I think you don’t understand what we mean by a personal relationship with Jesus. We mean that Jesus loves you personally, not that Jesus loves you to be disconnected. It is personal but not individualistic. As an evangelical, I have done a lot more fellowhip with other Christians than when I was catholic. This may not reflect everyone’s catholic experience, but for years, I spent one-hour at church and then went home until next week.

Now, in addition, to a 1.5hr church service, I do weekly bible studies with other church members. Participate in tons of social activities with church members, do volunteer work with church members. When someone has a financial burden, we pool our resources together and raise money to bail them out. (I lost my job once and the church raised $600 so I can pay my rent; that’s not an individualistic environment). We definitely understand that we are to be part of a community and that we are responsible and accountable with that community.

 

[Sherlock]

Kendy:

While there are many evangelicals who are unaware of the rest of the Christian world so are many catholics. But more importantly, I think you don’t understand what we mean by a personal relationship with Jesus. We mean that Jesus loves you personally, not that Jesus loves you to be disconnected. It is personal but not individualistic. As an evangelical, I have done a lot more fellowhip with other Christians than when I was catholic. This may not reflect everyone’s catholic experience, but for years, I spent one-hour at church and then went home until next week.

Now, in addition, to a 1.5hr church service, I do weekly bible studies with other church members. Participate in tons of social activities with church members, do volunteer work with church members. When someone has a financial burden, we pool our resources together and raise money to bail them out. (I lost my job once and the church raised $600 so I can pay my rent; that’s not an individualistic environment). We definitely understand that we are to be part of a community and that we are responsible and accountable with that community.

First off, I DO know what you mean by “personal relationship with Jesus” in its best sense. I was simply speculating what effect the theology might have on the cases in which it HAS become an individualist thing.

As for the rest of your post: it all sounds great. You’ve just described our parish—very active, very involved in supporting other members as well as the surrounding community. And you’ve described my church life as well: I go to Mass at least twice a week but often more; clean the sanctuary; substitute for the parish secretary so she can have vacation; produce the parish newsletter; lead an Evangelization group; participate in fundraising; help with Altar and Rosary Society activities and projects as an officer; pray the rosary at the abortion clinic; participate in diocese-wide activities; participate in efforts to pass an Marriage Amendment; go to Bible study; spend time in Adoration each week. There has been a LOT more fellowship than when I was a Protestant. So, there’s no reason to think that this is an Evangelical-only phenomenom. Regardless of all of that, I am interested in following Christ, not a social club. I belong to the Catholic Church because I came to believe that she is what she claims to be, the Church that Jesus founded. I would never, ever, leave the Eucharist—I just can’t imagine leaving Jesus like that. I would never, ever leave the other sacraments that have meant so much to me. Our parish could be as dull as dry toast, but it doesn’t affect the truth. If I ever found myself in a lukewarm parish (not that I’m planning to leave the one I’m at!) I would try to change it myself and not expect others to do it for me. If that didn’t work, I would bear that particular cross and offer my frustration up as penance for the lukewarmness of others. I will not leave truth for the sake of a full social schedule and happy feelings.

 

[Kendy]

Sherlock:

First off, I DO know what you mean by “personal relationship with Jesus” in its best sense. I was simply speculating what effect the theology might have on the cases in which it HAS become an individualist thing.

As for the rest of your post: it all sounds great. You’ve just described our parish—very active, very involved in supporting other members as well as the surrounding community. And you’ve described my church life as well: I go to Mass at least twice a week but often more; clean the sanctuary; substitute for the parish secretary so she can have vacation; produce the parish newsletter; lead an Evangelization group; participate in fundraising; help with Altar and Rosary Society activities and projects as an officer; pray the rosary at the abortion clinic; participate in diocese-wide activities; participate in efforts to pass an Marriage Amendment; go to Bible study; spend time in Adoration each week. There has been a LOT more fellowship than when I was a Protestant. So, there’s no reason to think that this is an Evangelical-only phenomenom. Regardless of all of that, I am interested in following Christ, not a social club. I belong to the Catholic Church because I came to believe that she is what she claims to be, the Church that Jesus founded. I would never, ever, leave the Eucharist—I just can’t imagine leaving Jesus like that. I would never, ever leave the other sacraments that have meant so much to me. Our parish could be as dull as dry toast, but it doesn’t affect the truth. If I ever found myself in a lukewarm parish (not that I’m planning to leave the one I’m at!) I would try to change it myself and not expect others to do it for me. If that didn’t work, I would bear that particular cross and offer my frustration up as penance for the lukewarmness of others. I will not leave truth for the sake of a full social schedule and happy feelings.

Unlike me who has no interest in truth. Yes, I am just looking for a social club…a place to meet men, in fact. You’re right Sherlock. I am very busted!!

Kendy

 

[Sherlock]

Kendy:

Unlike me who has no interest in truth. Yes, I am just looking for a social club…a place to meet men, in fact. You’re right Sherlock. I am very busted!!

Kendy

I never said such things, nor did I imply them. I don’t believe you have the fullness of truth, but that doesn’t mean I think any of the things about you that you would like to say that I do.