C
Church_Militant
Guest
Wow! Very well said! You certainly gave her a lot more than she bargained for and you did it in charity and a “teachable moment”. I’m very impressed.
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J
juno24
Guest
Church Militant:
Thanks, CM. It is so easy to talk to this particular person, because she does respect what I have to say. I must say, it is very easy to talk about my faith and the Church when the other person is receptive, or at least respectful. I’ve learned a great deal from the CA forums, and I am becoming more and more comfortable talking about what the Church teaches and what I believe as I have actually learned more of the basics.
D
DJgang
Guest
Years ago - back in my “wild” days - I was with a group of friends at their Townhouse, it was the 4th of July, we were grilling …drinking beer…playing volleyball on the front lawn…when two young men, dressed in suits, riding bicycles approach us. They just wanted to play a game of Volleyball…yeah right!
They kicked our butt and left…I guess that was witnessing!
They kicked our butt and left…I guess that was witnessing!
C
Church_Militant
Guest
I guess that’s better than them dissin’ our most holy faith, huh?
C
Church_Militant
Guest
Does anyone have a definition of what “witnessing” is in the context of Christianity?
Are there Bible verses or quotes from the Early Church Fathers that speak of this?
Pax vobiscum,
Are there Bible verses or quotes from the Early Church Fathers that speak of this?
Pax vobiscum,
C
catsrus
Guest
Hi CM,
jws use Isaiah 43:10 & Matthew 4:23 as their “commision” from God.
jws use Isaiah 43:10 & Matthew 4:23 as their “commision” from God.
C
Church_Militant
Guest
True…
Anyone else got an answer to my question.
T
TeriGator
Guest
Church Militant:
She used to pray for me and with me, and would often talk about her faith experiences. This always occurred during working hours, as we did not see each other outside of that context. She did let me know upfront that she had left the Church and that she wanted all Catholics to be saved.
In fact, I have to be grateful to her because, thanks to the confusion she caused me, I found Karl Keating’s book and Catholic Answers. If not for that crisis, I could have gone on indefinitely with a very superficial understanding of the faith to which I had converted as a teenager.
One thing that struck me whenever she prayed for me: Protestants also use repetitive prayer. They may not follow the same exact words of a standardized prayer (except for "The Sinner’s Prayer), but they may use some of the same phrases over and over again. In this case, her prayers were always in the same format, first praising Jesus, then reminding him of His promises, then asking for those promises to be applied to _______ “insert name here”.
I knew that Mormons use repetitive prayers, such as the blessing of the bread, but it wasn’t until this point that I realized that Protestants do too.
By the way, Michael … did you used to hang out at Creed’s faith forum?
I’ve been actively proselytized by a coworker. She was a former cradle Catholic and had been converted at some time or another in her adulthood. At the time, she belonged to a non-denominational church. She felt she knew all about the errors of Catholicism and wanted to save us all. I was her pet project but, to be charitable, she was a sweet and loving lady who never really offended me.
She used to pray for me and with me, and would often talk about her faith experiences. This always occurred during working hours, as we did not see each other outside of that context. She did let me know upfront that she had left the Church and that she wanted all Catholics to be saved.
In fact, I have to be grateful to her because, thanks to the confusion she caused me, I found Karl Keating’s book and Catholic Answers. If not for that crisis, I could have gone on indefinitely with a very superficial understanding of the faith to which I had converted as a teenager.
One thing that struck me whenever she prayed for me: Protestants also use repetitive prayer. They may not follow the same exact words of a standardized prayer (except for "The Sinner’s Prayer), but they may use some of the same phrases over and over again. In this case, her prayers were always in the same format, first praising Jesus, then reminding him of His promises, then asking for those promises to be applied to _______ “insert name here”.
I knew that Mormons use repetitive prayers, such as the blessing of the bread, but it wasn’t until this point that I realized that Protestants do too.
By the way, Michael … did you used to hang out at Creed’s faith forum?
S
Stef1973
Guest
Church Militant:
2-Yup, I felt that the COC guy was concerned for my soul.
3- He was a former Catholic; he bashed the church calling it full of pedophiles, etc.
4- I was an agnostic at the time, so I wasn’t interested in his invitations or his reading materials. I told him thanks but no thanks, that I respected his faith but that I didn’t really feel like joining his church.
5- I am just “coming back” to the church so I don’t really speak of my faith unless I know that the person I speak with will be interested.
6- Nowadays I tend to defend the church much more than in the past. But still, in the past I would’ve still felt attacked, since I was baptised as a baby so being Catholic is/was part of my genetic/ethnic make-up.
1- I’ve been “witnessed to” a few times by JW, but I told them I wasn’t interested and they left. The other time when it got a bit weirder was when I was “witnessed to” by a member of Church Of Christ at my former workplace.
2-Yup, I felt that the COC guy was concerned for my soul.
3- He was a former Catholic; he bashed the church calling it full of pedophiles, etc.
4- I was an agnostic at the time, so I wasn’t interested in his invitations or his reading materials. I told him thanks but no thanks, that I respected his faith but that I didn’t really feel like joining his church.
5- I am just “coming back” to the church so I don’t really speak of my faith unless I know that the person I speak with will be interested.
6- Nowadays I tend to defend the church much more than in the past. But still, in the past I would’ve still felt attacked, since I was baptised as a baby so being Catholic is/was part of my genetic/ethnic make-up.
A
AdsoOfFunkstown
Guest
Church Militant:
Fundie - Unfavorable, uninterested.
LDS and fundies
LDS - Yes. Fundies - No.
Boy, we’re defensive. No. Neither did.
LDS - Favorable, but uninterested.
Fundie - Unfavorable, uninterested.
I don’t feel that to be appropriate, unless I’m asked.
I’m not Catholic. But I respond to attacks on Catholicism as I would attacks on any other faith.
J
jifner
Guest
I don’t know if I’d call my current situation being witnessed to, but here goes:
I’m converting to the Church and will start RCIA in the fall. This comes from seeking, researching, praying etc. for the past 9 months or so. I told a friend of mine that is a Baptist minister (who lives far away) that I was converting. (I used to go to his church back in college)
Since I’ve told him, we’ve had some email conversations where he’s noted his “concern” about my choice. In the last email he specifically listed some of them such as Sola Scriptura, Mary as Co-redemptrix, the Mass, Salvation by faith alone.
Even though I’ve read about all of these things I wasn’t sure how to explain the Catholic view to him. I’m thankful that this dialog has made me delve even more into the faith and am learning to defend it.
I’m converting to the Church and will start RCIA in the fall. This comes from seeking, researching, praying etc. for the past 9 months or so. I told a friend of mine that is a Baptist minister (who lives far away) that I was converting. (I used to go to his church back in college)
Since I’ve told him, we’ve had some email conversations where he’s noted his “concern” about my choice. In the last email he specifically listed some of them such as Sola Scriptura, Mary as Co-redemptrix, the Mass, Salvation by faith alone.
Even though I’ve read about all of these things I wasn’t sure how to explain the Catholic view to him. I’m thankful that this dialog has made me delve even more into the faith and am learning to defend it.
V
VWcrazy
Guest
I remember once several years ago someone came up to me while I was sitting in a public square. She asked me if I was born-again. I told her I was and she was really happy for me. She asked me when I was reborn and I told her when I was about 3 weeks old I was reborn through the waters of baptism.
During the course of the conversation she told me the Catholic Church wasn’t the True Church, I wasn’t saved, and the usual garbage. I couldn’t help it - I told her she was most likely following a False Prophet.
I ended the conversation telling her I would pray for her that she would someday see the light and become and a real Christian - a Catholic.
During the course of the conversation she told me the Catholic Church wasn’t the True Church, I wasn’t saved, and the usual garbage. I couldn’t help it - I told her she was most likely following a False Prophet.
I ended the conversation telling her I would pray for her that she would someday see the light and become and a real Christian - a Catholic.
S
spirit_of_eden
Guest
quite a few years ago i fell in love with a jw girl at school, the feelings the nature of that moment lasted well into my young adult years. witnessed? yes alot i got the full monty, the caring family, friendship in my darker moments, a full and in depth theological (bible study) onslaught…i watched her drift into a false life even though she left the country too pioneer and escape me… they never enlightened me i was far far to spiritual for them, even though i’d virtually lost faith in god…
and now, well i have had two moments of ‘return’, one time i rode my bike down a misty mountain in france with my friend (church of england) and we went past a small catholic church in which a sort of gregorian choir were practicing (beautiful)… and recently i took my baby daughter to my local ‘holy family’ church… all the anger and denial still surfaced in my mind, but metaphorically speaking i fell to the ground and asked god to allow me to make my peace with him, to forgive my anger, my sins. For me my catholicsm has always been in sense a mystic bridge to a higher ground, it always will be… i dont doubt that there are many genuine witnesses but there is NO spirit alive there, not in there hearts or kingdom halls…
i tried very hard to save her, but it was a difficult thing to do as a teenager… i know this much, i laid a strong foundation, a different ‘spiritual perspective’ that stays with her wherever she ‘witnesses’
john 9: 24-26
and now, well i have had two moments of ‘return’, one time i rode my bike down a misty mountain in france with my friend (church of england) and we went past a small catholic church in which a sort of gregorian choir were practicing (beautiful)… and recently i took my baby daughter to my local ‘holy family’ church… all the anger and denial still surfaced in my mind, but metaphorically speaking i fell to the ground and asked god to allow me to make my peace with him, to forgive my anger, my sins. For me my catholicsm has always been in sense a mystic bridge to a higher ground, it always will be… i dont doubt that there are many genuine witnesses but there is NO spirit alive there, not in there hearts or kingdom halls…
i tried very hard to save her, but it was a difficult thing to do as a teenager… i know this much, i laid a strong foundation, a different ‘spiritual perspective’ that stays with her wherever she ‘witnesses’
john 9: 24-26
J
jetskiters
Guest
Who was it?
My grandmother (father’s side) who’s a convert from Catholicism
What church or religion?
7th day adventist
Did you feel that it was done in sincere concern for your soul?
uh, maybe, since I’m her granddaughter
Did they attack Catholicism?
Yeah. Questioned the saints, Mama Mary, everything–she used to be catholic so she pretty much knew our practices/traditions
What was your reaction?
i felt extremely uncomfortable. i didn’t like the thought that she was trying to challenge what i believe in. armed with her bible, she got me and my brother cornered inside a room. i felt like i was about to burst (but i wasn’t able to show it).
Do you attempt to share your faith with others?
yes of course, in other ways.
How do you respond to attacks on our Catholic Faith?
i try to explain some stuff and defend the Church. I sometimes run out of things to say because I don’t know that much. and these encounters actually make me desperate to know more about my faith.
Do you feel that the person or persons were genuinely concerned for your soul, or was it something else that motivated them?
getting the other side of the family to convert to her religion, maybe, since we’re all catholics on the other side
How knowlegeable about Catholicism?
maybe knowledgeable to a certain degree, since she was a former catholic
What was the setting? Work, recreation, door to door, or what?
in her house out of town, while we went to visit her over the summer
What did you like about this experience?
somehow, that she cares for us, like about where we spend eternity
What did you DISlike about it?
her wanting to convert us to her religion, her attempts to confuse us about the catholic faith, her quoting a lot of verses to “disprove” some of our beliefs, and her cornering us in a room, when mom (who can defend us) is away (although she also tries to bring up the topic with mom). i also don’t like it when she says, “oh, you have to come and attend our bible school this saturday at blah blah blah…”. i’m like, “hey, can’t you see we also have our very own Church? We do go to our Church on Sundays.”
and above else, it’s not proper for us catholics to attend other churches, is it? I heard that it makes us sin (correct me if i’m wrong, though)
My grandmother (father’s side) who’s a convert from Catholicism
What church or religion?
7th day adventist
Did you feel that it was done in sincere concern for your soul?
uh, maybe, since I’m her granddaughter
Did they attack Catholicism?
Yeah. Questioned the saints, Mama Mary, everything–she used to be catholic so she pretty much knew our practices/traditions
What was your reaction?
i felt extremely uncomfortable. i didn’t like the thought that she was trying to challenge what i believe in. armed with her bible, she got me and my brother cornered inside a room. i felt like i was about to burst (but i wasn’t able to show it).
Do you attempt to share your faith with others?
yes of course, in other ways.
How do you respond to attacks on our Catholic Faith?
i try to explain some stuff and defend the Church. I sometimes run out of things to say because I don’t know that much. and these encounters actually make me desperate to know more about my faith.
Do you feel that the person or persons were genuinely concerned for your soul, or was it something else that motivated them?
getting the other side of the family to convert to her religion, maybe, since we’re all catholics on the other side
How knowlegeable about Catholicism?
maybe knowledgeable to a certain degree, since she was a former catholic
What was the setting? Work, recreation, door to door, or what?
in her house out of town, while we went to visit her over the summer
What did you like about this experience?
somehow, that she cares for us, like about where we spend eternity
What did you DISlike about it?
her wanting to convert us to her religion, her attempts to confuse us about the catholic faith, her quoting a lot of verses to “disprove” some of our beliefs, and her cornering us in a room, when mom (who can defend us) is away (although she also tries to bring up the topic with mom). i also don’t like it when she says, “oh, you have to come and attend our bible school this saturday at blah blah blah…”. i’m like, “hey, can’t you see we also have our very own Church? We do go to our Church on Sundays.”
and above else, it’s not proper for us catholics to attend other churches, is it? I heard that it makes us sin (correct me if i’m wrong, though)
E
Eden
Guest
Who was it? - A youth group leader
What church or religion? - Presbyterian
Did you feel that it was done in sincere concern for your soul? - I can’t really say. I don’t know if it was about concern or adding “numbers” to their church.
**Did they attack Catholicism? - Yes. I’ll give you the story. My two best friends and I were invited to join a Presbyterian youth group by neighborhood kids who were members. I was 13. We went to a car wash and met the pastor. He invited us to join but my best friends and I said we were Catholic. He said that didn’t matter and gave us the schedule for the upcoming events. I had just finished 8 years at Catholic School and did not realize 1) that there is animosity against Catholics in many other Christian churches 2) that people in those churches wish to convert Catholics. My two friends and I ended up going on an overnight youth group event that involved painting houses in depressed areas of the city. In the evening, my two Catholic friends and I were asked to meet a youth leader in a stairwell. She sat us down and said she needed to talk to us about our faith. She said the pope is Satan. It completely took me off guard (remember, I was 13) and I felt betrayed! I couldn’t imagine how people could tell me that it didn’t matter that I was Catholic and treat me as a friend and then attack my faith- part of who I was. **
What was your reaction? - I’ve always been assertive! I said, "I can’t believe you are saying this. I am Christian. I’m a Catholic Christian! We are the original Church. I don’t know what you mean by “saved” but I know the pope is not Satan. (Imagine- she was talking about Pope John Paul II.) She ended up calling my mom to apologize and admitted that she knew nothing about Catholicism and was “overzealous”.
Do you attempt to share your faith with others? - On these forums - definitely. Out in the world I keep it light. Maybe talk about something fun about the pope. I don’t get too deep unless a conversation goes that way. I just try to plant a seed and pray.
How do you respond to attacks on our Catholic Faith? - I’ve, thankfully, rarely had attacks. But I always make attempts to clarify what we believe.
What church or religion? - Presbyterian
Did you feel that it was done in sincere concern for your soul? - I can’t really say. I don’t know if it was about concern or adding “numbers” to their church.
**Did they attack Catholicism? - Yes. I’ll give you the story. My two best friends and I were invited to join a Presbyterian youth group by neighborhood kids who were members. I was 13. We went to a car wash and met the pastor. He invited us to join but my best friends and I said we were Catholic. He said that didn’t matter and gave us the schedule for the upcoming events. I had just finished 8 years at Catholic School and did not realize 1) that there is animosity against Catholics in many other Christian churches 2) that people in those churches wish to convert Catholics. My two friends and I ended up going on an overnight youth group event that involved painting houses in depressed areas of the city. In the evening, my two Catholic friends and I were asked to meet a youth leader in a stairwell. She sat us down and said she needed to talk to us about our faith. She said the pope is Satan. It completely took me off guard (remember, I was 13) and I felt betrayed! I couldn’t imagine how people could tell me that it didn’t matter that I was Catholic and treat me as a friend and then attack my faith- part of who I was. **
What was your reaction? - I’ve always been assertive! I said, "I can’t believe you are saying this. I am Christian. I’m a Catholic Christian! We are the original Church. I don’t know what you mean by “saved” but I know the pope is not Satan. (Imagine- she was talking about Pope John Paul II.) She ended up calling my mom to apologize and admitted that she knew nothing about Catholicism and was “overzealous”.
Do you attempt to share your faith with others? - On these forums - definitely. Out in the world I keep it light. Maybe talk about something fun about the pope. I don’t get too deep unless a conversation goes that way. I just try to plant a seed and pray.
How do you respond to attacks on our Catholic Faith? - I’ve, thankfully, rarely had attacks. But I always make attempts to clarify what we believe.
E
ElizaE
Guest
Can someone help me why would a Baptist have a problem with this verse.
This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the ressurection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.
I just want to know what in that text perplexes them.
Thanks
R
rdscheirer
Guest
Are you saved?
I reply as St. Paul that I am “desperately working on my salvation”-
that is usually enough to turn the tables to get them to justify their
belief in absolute and immediate salvation when they “accept a personal relationship with Jesus”. I tell them I have a “personal relationship” with Jesus every time I receive the Eucharist>
I reply as St. Paul that I am “desperately working on my salvation”-
that is usually enough to turn the tables to get them to justify their
belief in absolute and immediate salvation when they “accept a personal relationship with Jesus”. I tell them I have a “personal relationship” with Jesus every time I receive the Eucharist>
C
Church_Militant
Guest
We really are not supposed to and in the case of the SDA all you’re gonna get is hurt feelin’s from all the baloney they try to feed ya. The only way they can “make us sin” is if we are goofy enough to fall for their doctrines, which don’t hold water against the Bible, history and Sacred Tradition.and above else, it’s not proper for us Catholics to attend other churches, is it? I heard that it makes us sin (correct me if i’m wrong, though)
The truth is that the other churches have no Eucharist…and that’s like going to a place that advertizes being a restaurant and then not gettin’ fed, y’know?
Or in the case of some churches…more like being poisoned…One of the very best sources for great Catholic courses is the Catholic Home Study Service, and I recommend it to you highly. BTW: It’s FREE. amm.org/chss/chss.htm
Pax tecum,
C
Church_Militant
Guest
Because Baptists believe that baptism is not necessary for salvation and that it does not wash away sins. It doesn’t exactly perplex them, but what really must’ve affected the baptist in that post is that they had met a Catholic who knew the Bible well enough to not only answer them but counter their doctrine from the very Bible that they say they are all about believing. Among most non-Catholics we have a reputation for not reading and knowing the Bible and not believing biblical doctrines, which is anything but the truth.
Most times n-Cs just rationalize it away or simply tell you their interpretation of a passage as opposed to taking all the topical passages in context of each other.Pax tecum,
C
Church_Militant
Guest
And then some!Pax tecum,
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