Evangelize my family?

[AlwaysCurious]

I converted to the Church in 2009. I came from an evangelical Quaker background (typical Southern Bible Belt church, minus any sacraments or ceremonies). I didn’t just swim the Tiber, I leaped across the Atlantic. It was the best decision of my life and I have never regretted it, despite the fact that it has somewhat alienated me from a number of people.

My family has been…tolerant. There have been tensions and questions, but nothing major. Most of us (self included) are pretty non-confrontational, and frankly, most are content to “love Jesus” without any thought to proper doctrine or theology. My parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents are all very involved with the small rural church I left, and are happy there–which brings me to my difficulty.

To what extent should I evanglize them, and how would you go about it? I have no desire to call their faith or devotion into question; they are probably better Christians than many Catholics. Still, I believe they deserve to know the fullness of the Faith, and understand that much more exists than their one-on-one relationship with God. One of my biggest problems is trying to give an overview or “big picture” of the faith, because all they see are the embarrassing fragments–that another priest was just accused of rape, or the pope just said something weird about condoms. I have thought about writing a full-fledged personal testimony along with various doctrinal arguments, but I do not want to be heavy-handed about it.

I realize that alot depends on how I live my life in front of them, and I have been trying in that area. I go to daily Mass, have a prayer life, am involved with charity work, etc., but I wonder if I should directly confront them with the theological richness that Catholicism has to offer–or, just avoid rocking the boat and let God do His own thing in His own time.

What do you think?

 

[EnglishTeacher]

I like your idea of writing out a personal testimony and including some some doctrinal arguments. I think that would be a great way to evangelize without being overly confrontational, because you are just sharing your experience, and explaining why you chose to do what you did. It could get them thinking about issues they have never thought about before.

 

[The_Old_Medic]

The best way you can “Evangelize” your family is to present a good example of what a Catholic Christian is.

If you attempt to actively “convert” them, you will likely cause a rift in your family. They will tend to defend their beliefs more strongly, if they are confronted. (I know, my family did exactly that when I went after them with my “convert zeal”.)

Just being happy, and showing how being in the church has benefited you will be a powerful example. If they ask you questions, answer them simply and honestly to the best of your ability. If they ask questions you can not answer fully, be honest about that, and try to get them to speak to a priest.

And pray for them. Prayer is powerful. God will support you, just let him work at HIS pace, not yours.

 

[Joe_5859]

You might check out this book for even more ideas:

Search and Rescue: How to Bring Your Family and Friends into – or Back into – the Catholic Church by Patrick Madrid

 

[mommyof4]

You might check out this book for even more ideas:

Search and Rescue: How to Bring Your Family and Friends into – or Back into – the Catholic Church by Patrick Madrid

I’ll second this recommendation- it’s a wonderful book.

 

[josephback]

I converted to the Church in 2009. I came from an evangelical Quaker background (typical Southern Bible Belt church, minus any sacraments or ceremonies). I didn’t just swim the Tiber, I leaped across the Atlantic. It was the best decision of my life and I have never regretted it, despite the fact that it has somewhat alienated me from a number of people.

My family has been…tolerant. There have been tensions and questions, but nothing major. Most of us (self included) are pretty non-confrontational, and frankly, most are content to “love Jesus” without any thought to proper doctrine or theology. My parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents are all very involved with the small rural church I left, and are happy there–which brings me to my difficulty.

To what extent should I evanglize them, and how would you go about it? I have no desire to call their faith or devotion into question; they are probably better Christians than many Catholics. Still, I believe they deserve to know the fullness of the Faith, and understand that much more exists than their one-on-one relationship with God. One of my biggest problems is trying to give an overview or “big picture” of the faith, because all they see are the embarrassing fragments–that another priest was just accused of rape, or the pope just said something weird about condoms. I have thought about writing a full-fledged personal testimony along with various doctrinal arguments, but I do not want to be heavy-handed about it.

I realize that alot depends on how I live my life in front of them, and I have been trying in that area. I go to daily Mass, have a prayer life, am involved with charity work, etc., but I wonder if I should directly confront them with the theological richness that Catholicism has to offer–or, just avoid rocking the boat and let God do His own thing in His own time.

What do you think?

I have the same issue as you. Virtually all my friends/family are Protestant or former Catholic and I want to reach them. How then to do so?

First, I wouldn’t argue theology with them. It gets nowhere. Be well versed in your faith so that if they have a question you can answer it, but don’t be heavyhanded on the doctrine side. It just makes a person defensive.

Second, pray a ton. Pray for their conversions. Pray all the saints, but keep it your secret. And be patient. It may take a while.

Third, be an example of a good Catholic. That’s what will do the most.