Evangelizing "lukewarm" Catholics - advice needed!

[gez722]

Does anyone have advice on they have evangelized “lukewarm” Catholics. I find it much easier to discuss the Catholic faith with protestants because they generally have a love for the Lord and for scripture. Some Catholics on the other hand, just like to complain about why they should have to do certain things. I’ve heard “Why should I go to Mass because it’s not in the Bible” , “I don’t feel that I should have to confess my sins to a priest”, “All the Church does is ask for money”, “How can the Church be against abortion when in some cases they approve of the death penalty” and many other arguments from people who claim to be Catholic.

It’s hard to use Scripture references because, in most cases, these folks don’t know the Bible that well. Many of them seem to feel that going to Sunday Mass is enough. They don’t want to be bothered with anything else.

Since I seem to run into a lot of these folks, I’d really like to be able to evangelize them. Any ideas or personal success stories would be greatly appreciated.

God Bless,
Gary

 

[Maranatha]

gez722:

Does anyone have advice on they have evangelized “lukewarm” Catholics. I find it much easier to discuss the Catholic faith with protestants because they generally have a love for the Lord and for scripture. Some Catholics on the other hand, just like to complain about why they should have to do certain things. I’ve heard “Why should I go to Mass because it’s not in the Bible” , “I don’t feel that I should have to confess my sins to a priest”, “All the Church does is ask for money”, “How can the Church be against abortion when in some cases they approve of the death penalty” and many other arguments from people who claim to be Catholic.

It’s hard to use Scripture references because, in most cases, these folks don’t know the Bible that well. Many of them seem to feel that going to Sunday Mass is enough. They don’t want to be bothered with anything else.

Since I seem to run into a lot of these folks, I’d really like to be able to evangelize them. Any ideas or personal success stories would be greatly appreciated.

God Bless,
Gary

I would say those complaints seem weak. They are either making excuses to get out of what they really know they should be doing or they have some more fundamental, hidden disagreement with the Church.

I would also mention that their parents, grandparent and great-grandparents didn’t put up those excuses. These relatives may be in purgatory now. If they don’t pray for them, who will? Who is going to pray for their own soul when they are gone?

Try to get them to ask the question – what is the truth? Start asking fundamental questions. Do they believe in God? Do they believe in heaven and hell? Do they want their spouse, children and/or parents to go to heaven?

Finally, live the best example you can and pray for them often.

 

[puzzleannie]

gez722:

. I find it much easier to discuss the Catholic faith with protestants because they generally have a love for the Lord and for scripture.

amen, amen, amen

 

[Michael_C]

gez722:

Does anyone have advice on they have evangelized “lukewarm” Catholics. I find it much easier to discuss the Catholic faith with protestants because they generally have a love for the Lord and for scripture. Some Catholics on the other hand, just like to complain about why they should have to do certain things. I’ve heard “Why should I go to Mass because it’s not in the Bible” , “I don’t feel that I should have to confess my sins to a priest”, “All the Church does is ask for money”, “How can the Church be against abortion when in some cases they approve of the death penalty” and many other arguments from people who claim to be Catholic.

It’s hard to use Scripture references because, in most cases, these folks don’t know the Bible that well. Many of them seem to feel that going to Sunday Mass is enough. They don’t want to be bothered with anything else.

Since I seem to run into a lot of these folks, I’d really like to be able to evangelize them. Any ideas or personal success stories would be greatly appreciated.

God Bless,
Gary

gez722, I posted a similar thread a while ago. I find it much easier to discuss our faith with non-Catholics than indifferent Catholics. Try to patiently answer the questions one by one. Don’t let them jump from subject to subject without letting you answer the first question completely. Try and clarify exactly what their core belief is, chances are they tie their own tongue in a knot. Sometimes just exposing the chaos of their thoughts makes them think long after you finish the conversation. Remember, you can’t convict anyones heart only the Holy Spirit can do that. Just show up for duty and let the Lord do the work.