Evangelization and ecumenism

[Mark_David]

A few questions have been swimming around in my head for some time… would like some feedback, as opposed to trying to figure it all by myself.

Where does one draw the line today between evangelism and ecumenism? Is it always about finding common ground? Is there a risk of compromising truths in order to appease non-Catholics and bring about unity?

Furthermore, are we to evangelize people of non-Christian religions? Why or why not?

Lastly: Are faithful Jews already saved and therefore not in need of actively, consciously worshiping Christ? I still haven’t got a clear answer on this.

 

[josephback]

A few questions have been swimming around in my head for some time… would like some feedback, as opposed to trying to figure it all by myself.

Where does one draw the line today between evangelism and ecumenism? Is it always about finding common ground? Is there a risk of compromising truths in order to appease non-Catholics and bring about unity?

Furthermore, are we to evangelize people of non-Christian religions? Why or why not?

Lastly: Are faithful Jews already saved and therefore not in need of actively, consciously worshiping Christ? I still haven’t got a clear answer on this.

Personally I think ecumenism carries great risk. And living in a non-Catholic country makes it harder. The more non-Catholic friends you have, the harder it becomes to affirm certain Church teachings(like no salvation outside her) Dogma becomes a battle of logic versus emotions. It’s a very fine line, but I draw it at defending what the Church teaches. No compromise of doctrine.

As to your last two questions, what did the Apostles do and teach? There’s your answer

 

[fred_conty]

Personally I think ecumenism carries great risk. And living in a non-Catholic country makes it harder. The more non-Catholic friends you have, the harder it becomes to affirm certain Church teachings(like no salvation outside her) Dogma becomes a battle of logic versus emotions. It’s a very fine line, but I draw it at defending what the Church teaches. No compromise of doctrine.

As to your last two questions, what did the Apostles do and teach? There’s your answer

Hi,
Living in an un-Catholic country does make it more difficult. I was insulated from this when I was growing up as my whole family was Catholic and the church was full at almost all 6 masses. Looking back it was almost like living in catholic disney land.
Today, every family I know of is a disfunctional catholic family, where the members leave the church or no longer go, or are indifferent. It has changed radically from where it was in this country. I regret to say it, but I believe world war 2 was the motivating needle in the hay stack. We had the nuns teach us as well. I didn’t have one that wasn’t devoted to her God and her work that I remember. Every hour on the hour we broke for prayer.

We also had so many catholic movies then. Many of the famous actors either played catholic priests or nuns or were in supporting roles. Even Frankie played one.

It seems that today the more I encourage “mine” to attend or come back, the more distant they become. “A prophet is not without honor except in his own native place and among his own kind and in his own house.”

One thing that has helped me immensly is all the apollogetic books today that have such great content in them. I owe the authors a lot. It’s almost become a hobby reading them. Great stuff and written with heart, enlightening and enthusiastic. Every parish should have a small library with these books, even if only a dozen or so to circulate around.​

“For one day in your temple heals every day alone.” Hymn

 

[CompSciGuy]

Personally I think ecumenism carries great risk. And living in a non-Catholic country makes it harder. The more non-Catholic friends you have, the harder it becomes to affirm certain Church teachings(like no salvation outside her) Dogma becomes a battle of logic versus emotions. It’s a very fine line, but I draw it at defending what the Church teaches. No compromise of doctrine.

As to your last two questions, what did the Apostles do and teach? There’s your answer

I second this comment times 1000. Even after I became Catholic I am very active at the Baptist Student Ministry and I often feel very challenged in this regard.