Furthering belief in God

[EmRoAmRo]

When persuading people that our Catholic faith is the truth I have come across a gap in my ability to explain. Once someone believes in a God based on the principle of first mover, how do you show them that Catholicism is the correct faith? How do we explain that it is the truth versus all of the other God believing faiths ? Thanks so much in advance

 

[MarcoPolo]

From a purely historical-scientific angle, there are many witnesses to the events of salvation history, those early Christians were martyred for their beliefs, they testified to the miracles of Jesus, saw Him die, saw Him alive 3 days later, and had the faith spread to every corner of the earth like no other religion when, according to some modern skeptics, they should have been received with laughter. And miracles continue to be performed to this day, there are the saints with scientifically validated stigmata, atheists converted on the spot at Fatima as I understand, etc…etc…

You will likely receive in response a claim trying to demonstrate one of those things as shaky evidence, like martyrs, and how lots of people die for false things…but it’s important that all of your evidence come as a package because nothing else on earth has all of Christianity’s qualities AT ONCE.

There’s also, of course, the way you live your life. It does help if you can charitably answer someone with “We believe X because XYZ.” Also, to go through life with a real conviction is compelling to others, especially if you walk the walk when it’s hard to walk the walk.

Also, check out Dr. Peter Kreeft’s talk on 7 reasons to be Catholic.

 

[mt77061]

When I saw your posting, two Scriptures came to me:

The Epistle to the Hebrews, “But without faith it is impossible to please [God]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6).

St. Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 3, (I highlight verse 10), “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” (Most of this chapter speaks about how one may lay a foundation and yet another may build upward upon it.)

To bring someone from ignorance of God, to the edge of belief in a Power greater than themselves can be an arduous task. To do so, is a great work and in this day almost a miracle. But we may not be able to bring them into the fullness of theological truth. If you have been blessed with the capacity to bring someone from utter ignorance, this may be a gift particular to you.

Also, from the Gospels, “35 [Jesus said], 'Say not ye,” There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest"? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, ‘One soweth, and another reapeth.’ 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours." (St. John 4: 35 - 38).

So we pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers.

 

[Wiseowl]

Focus on the primary beliefs that most Christians behold. Steer clear of secondary beliefs that we tend to needlessly argue about.

John 3:16.

 

[adf417]

Focus on the primary beliefs that most Christians behold. Steer clear of secondary beliefs that we tend to needlessly argue about.

John 3:16.

Wiseowl, do you believe we should no longer work to become one in Christ? I do think we should always embrace and strengthen our primary beliefs while at the same time, w/ love and compassion, we can explain our secondary beliefs (the fullness of truth) of our faith. If others or offended with this then either you have not done it with love and compassion or they must simply reject truth.

To the OP -
Pray with them. Sincere prayer overcomes many obstacles.

Study with them. Study the CCC, ask your priest questions, ask questions here on CA. Do not be afraid to get stumped. I promise there is always a good truthful answer.

Peace!!!

 

[mab23]

short and simple

Catholicism has the most historical and archeological evidence - and just as it states in the bible the gates of hades shall not prevail against the church

what other church has lasted 2000 years with the same doctrinal beliefs as the beginning, surviving all empires that rose and fall behind it. ONLY one - the Catholic Church

 

[Wiseowl]

Wiseowl, do you believe we should no longer work to become one in Christ? I do think we should always embrace and strengthen our primary beliefs while at the same time, w/ love and compassion, we can explain our secondary beliefs (the fullness of truth) of our faith. If others or offended with this then either you have not done it with love and compassion or they must simply reject truth.

To the OP -
Pray with them. Sincere prayer overcomes many obstacles.

Study with them. Study the CCC, ask your priest questions, ask questions here on CA. Do not be afraid to get stumped. I promise there is always a good truthful answer.

Peace!!!

Beware my friend. Fellow Christians are not the enemy ,Satan is the enemy.

If the end game is one church yes we need to stop pride based petty arguments on secondary beliefs, we agree??

 

[adf417]

Beware my friend. Fellow Christians are not the enemy ,Satan is the enemy.

If the end game is one church yes we need to stop pride based** petty arguments **on secondary beliefs, we agree??

“Petty arguements” I agree are of Satan but that is not what the OP was asking.

Peace!!!