Evangelism and Conversion

[traillius]

It all boils down to one thing when it comes to evangelism and conversion:

" Well, if you will not see the truth, no one can force you. "
Claudia to Pilate, *The Passion of the Christ *
I may have paraphrased slightly.

 

[1edyson]

I’ve also come to believe that true conversion doesn’t typically result from an A-HA phrase that we use, or a quotation of scripture, but from genuine witness of the Gospel in our lives and deep sincere prayer to the Holy Spirit for the conversion of those we interact with daily

 

[chaplinmike]

It all boils down to one thing when it comes to evangelism and conversion:

" Well, if you will not see the truth, no one can force you. "
Claudia to Pilate, *The Passion of the Christ *
I may have paraphrased slightly.

Conversion is a matter of the heart. See Romans 10:10

 

[John_Hiner]

Conversion is a matter of the heart. See Romans 10:10

Laudetur Iesus Christus.

But what do you think “heart” means?

Greek: καρδία. mind, “ὡς ἄνοον κραδίην ἔχες” Il.21.441; “κραδίη πόρφυρε” Od.4.572; “κραδίη προτιόσσετ᾽ ὄλεθρον” 5.389; “εἰ θεάσῃ τοῖς τῆς καρδίας ὀφθαλμοῖς” Corp.Herm. 4.11, cf. 7.2; διαλογισμοὶ ἀναβαίνουσι ἐν τῇ κ. Ev.Luc.24.38.

Latin: cor. According to the ancients (cf. Cic. Tusc. 1, 9, 18) as the seat of wisdom, understanding, heart, mind, judgment, etc. (most freq. in ante-class. poets): quem (Hannibalem) esse meum cor Suasorem summum et studiosum robore belli, Enn. ap. Gell. 7, 2, 9 (Ann. 374 Vahl.): “Ego atque in meo corde, si est quod mihi cor, Eam rem volutavi,” Plaut. Most. 1, 2, 3 dub. (bracketed by Ritschl): “quantum ego nunc corde conspicio meo,” id. Ps. 3, 1, 3: “quicquam sapere corde,” id. Mil. 2, 3, 65; Ter. Phorm. 2, 2, 7; Lucr. 1, 737; 5, 1107: “nec enim sequitur, ut cui cor sapiat, ei non sapiat palatus,” Cic. Fin. 2, 8, 24 Madv.; cf. id. ib. 2, 28, 91: “stupor cordis,” id. Phil. 3, 6, 16: cor Zenodoti, Fur. Bib. ap. Suet. Gram. 11; cf.: “cor Enni,” Pers. 6, 10; cf., in a play on the meaning, I. A.: si pecudi cor defuisset, Caes. ap. Suet. Caes. 77 fin.

I suggest that this non-sentimental meaning of the word “heart” is more consistent with St. Paul’s reference to justice.

The Greek definition above even cites Luke 24:38 as an example of this meaning of the word.

We are at war with spiritual powers. The warfare is intellectual. We cannot surrender the ground. Conversion and conscience are both acts of reason.

Spiritus Sapientiae nobiscum.

John Hiner

 

[Claire_from_DE]

Evangelization can only be done in love. To say, “I’m right and you’re wrong isn’t helpful.”

On these forums, we can explore differences and be very clear about what the different religions teach. But we need to accept that most of us are sincere in our beliefs and care what God wants of us. Nobody can force conversion of the heart and mind.

 

[Gabriel_of_12]

It all boils down to one thing when it comes to evangelism and conversion:

" Well, if you will not see the truth, no one can force you. "
Claudia to Pilate, *The Passion of the Christ *
I may have paraphrased slightly.

Talking about “SEEING THE TRUTH” here is a revelation from Jesus and his Eucharist form John chapter 6:37
Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
38
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me.
39
And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it (on) the last day.
40
For this is the will of my Father,** that everyone who sees **the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him (on) the last day."

Catholics with the eyes of faith see Jesus in his blessed sacrament; body, blood, soul and divinity in his Eucharist;