Have you ever tried to convert a person to be catholic?

[Brendan_64]

More recently, however, the term has taken on a negative connotation, to mean the promotion of a religion by using means, and for motives, contrary to the spirit of the Gospel; that is, which do not safeguard the freedom and dignity of the human person.

If the term has taken on a more negative connotation then is that not a case of incorrect usage of the word? The dictionary definition does not seem to reflect this negative connotation.

Is this a case of word meaning change (or word misuse, or mistranslation) or does it mean that the practice of proselytising as carried out in the past is now considered to be wrong?

 

[rabbitdonkey]

If the term has taken on a more negative connotation then is that not a case of incorrect usage of the word? The dictionary definition does not seem to reflect this negative connotation.

Is this a case of word meaning change (or word misuse, or mistranslation) or does it mean that the practice of proselytising as carried out in the past is now considered to be wrong?

I thinkt the dicionaries are using the term the same way but among leaders of the Church it has become a negative word signifying trying to convert others for motives contrary to the gospel. trying to convert others isnt wrong, jsut the way fo describing it has changed, and the usage of the word by dictionaries is different from the way many people in the Church are using the term. So nothing has really changed but the words used.

 

[Debbie_Kono]

Have you tried to convert someone to be catholic?

Has your church assembly taught you how to convert a person?

Do you know any one who was converted to Catholic ? And why they converted?

I converted…but really reverted. I was baptized Catholic but NEVER practiced the faith and neither did my parents/grandparents. I didn’t even know about the Real Presence until about 2013 or so. When I learned that and how the Church has always taught that it was only logical for me to see how important the Church’s authority was and is.

Personally, I reach out to mostly fallen away Catholics who are in Protestant churches. One couple in particular I’m concerned with got married in the Church and I know they both received Holy Eucharist while under the pain of mortal sin.

As far as conversions, I’ve been told that most Catholics who leave the faith didn’t know their faith well at all, and most converts who come into the Church know their faith well and find the Eucharist and the Church’s authority most compelling. Read Numbers 12, 14 and 16 and see how God punished the “people of God” who went up against Moses. It’s not logical to think God didn’t leave an authority for the people of God in the NT as He did in the OT. Without this authority there is chaos and confusion.

 

[psalm90]

I am praying for and trying to convert my elderly evangelical aunt and uncle, but my aunt has many deep prejudices against Catholics.

i invited her to just go and sit through a Mass at a church a mile from her, but she said all Catholics are going to hell for idolatry – worshiping bread and wine.

I’ve tried to persuade her otherwise, by email, but she is not even talking to me now.

I tried to show her with her own bible that Jesus blessed the bread and wine, which shows they were the opposite of idols, before He said the words of institution over them. I told her that Jesus would not have done or said anything that were so misleading, as she seems to interpret His words and actions.

Why would he bless idols? Why would He say they were His body and blood if they were not?

I explained that I don’t know how God cold become man, in Jesus. Likewise I cannot explain how God can become present in the appearances of bread and wine, but I don’t doubt that God can do what He wants to do, to give Himself to us.

My aunt is more of an emotional, intuitive person, rather than being logical. She cannot explain her beliefs and says she is too busy to explain them to me. Likewise, her daughter, my cousin, can’t explain her beliefs or take time to converse with me. I’m holding up the mirror to show them how they have not tried to evangelize me – somebody must be wrong ! but they will not take up the challenge.

they seem to take refuge in the fact that a lot of former Catholics belong to their churches. It’s hard for me to accept that so many catholics just slide away from the Church. I think it’s the sex abuse scandal, which is a global scandal, which is causing so many to be scandalized. People go where they can hear the gospel instead of some priest talking about an old car (as a homily), etc. So many priests are giving bad homilies, like they’re burned out.

 

[otjm]

Have you tried to convert someone to be catholic?

Has your church assembly taught you how to convert a person?

Do you know any one who was converted to Catholic ? And why they converted?

I have been involved with RCIA, (Rite of Christian Initiation) for the better part of 24 years, and I have never tried to convert anyone. Our approach is “Come and see.” we teach what the Church professes, but we never browbeat. we never proselytize. We trust the Holy Spirit to lead people (and it has been interesting how many have made it to RCIA), and we supply the information. They have to make the choice.

Most do. Some don’t right away (the program runs from September to Easter, when they would join); a very few don’t join. I would rather see a committed Lutheran or Baptist or evangelical than a half-baked, not particularly committed, part time Catholic.

 

[steve_b]

I thinkt the dicionaries are using the term the same way but among leaders of the Church it has become a negative word signifying trying to convert others for motives contrary to the gospel. trying to convert others isnt wrong, jsut the way fo describing it has changed, and the usage of the word by dictionaries is different from the way many people in the Church are using the term. So nothing has really changed but the words used.

pope Francis wrote about the difference (proselytize vs evangelize)

Key: tactics to avoid,
Deception, Force, coercion, emotional manipulation, threats, bribery or any other inappropriate tactics

• Don’t Violate free choice
• Using motives, contrary to the spirit of the Gospel;

If one doesn’t use the above tactics they aren’t proselytizing
catholic.com/magazine/on…on-proselytism

 

[steve_b]

I am praying for and trying to convert my elderly evangelical aunt and uncle, but my aunt has many deep prejudices against Catholics.

i invited her to just go and sit through a Mass at a church a mile from her, but she said all Catholics are going to hell for idolatry – worshiping bread and wine.

I’ve tried to persuade her otherwise, by email, but she is not even talking to me now.

I tried to show her with her own bible that Jesus blessed the bread and wine, which shows they were the opposite of idols, before He said the words of institution over them. I told her that Jesus would not have done or said anything that were so misleading, as she seems to interpret His words and actions.

Why would he bless idols? Why would He say they were His body and blood if they were not?

I explained that I don’t know how God cold become man, in Jesus. Likewise I cannot explain how God can become present in the appearances of bread and wine, but I don’t doubt that God can do what He wants to do, to give Himself to us.

My aunt is more of an emotional, intuitive person, rather than being logical. She cannot explain her beliefs and says she is too busy to explain them to me. Likewise, her daughter, my cousin, can’t explain her beliefs or take time to converse with me. I’m holding up the mirror to show them how they have not tried to evangelize me – somebody must be wrong ! but they will not take up the challenge.

they seem to take refuge in the fact that a lot of former Catholics belong to their churches. It’s hard for me to accept that so many catholics just slide away from the Church. I think it’s the sex abuse scandal, which is a global scandal, which is causing so many to be scandalized. People go where they can hear the gospel instead of some priest talking about an old car (as a homily), etc. So many priests are giving bad homilies, like they’re burned out.

Peter explained

2 Peter 1:5-11

note the 2nd point… education

To that point, it’s never been easier than today, to educate oneself. Practically Everybody today has a powerful computer in their hands. They can get an answer to practically anything in seconds. One needs to be vigilant on going to valued and credible sources for that information.

That’s why the CCC says ignorance isn’t always innocent.

**1791 **This ignorance can often be imputed to personal responsibility. This is the case when a man “takes little trouble to find out what is true and good, or when conscience is by degrees almost blinded through the habit of committing sin.” In such cases, the person is culpable for the evil he commits.

We can only give people information properly referenced. What they do with that then, is their business. Even God, the one who spoke in the beginning and all that is, came into existence, didn’t convince His own disciples, and they left Him saying, who could listen to this? John 6:61-67]

They didn’t have faith

 

[Roseeurekacross]

So my 'dyed in the backside ’ atheist non baptised mate. Took two movies to watch yesterday, The Rite ( he works in Mental Health). , Ben Hur - the new one and I gave him Rosary Beads, Blessed. He is going to hang them from his rear view mirror for protection from crashes. I said he needed to ask also for protection.
They are just beads without prayer, but they have a cross with crucified Jesus on it, a gentle reminder for his soul.
Then I sprinkled holy water on him. Which in normal circumstances would not be appreciated being sprinkled with water in winter. But he got half a bottle on him in the end, and on his ute.

Hmm is Our Lady making progress with him. I am going to get him a St Christopher medal.

The discussion, apart from farm chat, was of him putting his wooden false Gods, whom he claims not to worship, ie Buddha, Indian ones on a fire while burning the gorse out. He doesn’t think it necessary, but this will get him thinking about having all those statues of false Gods around his house.

 

[PJM]

Have you tried to convert someone to be catholic?’

As a Catholic Catechist for about 30 years; GOD has permitted me MINOR roles of several Souls. BUT 'conversions" ARE GOD"S exclusive domain. The HS may choose to use us in some manner, BUT it is ALWAYS God who effects the Conversion of Souls willing to accept His Truths.

Has your church assembly taught you how to convert a person?

But there ARE many options that MUST begin with learning /knowing our Catholic Faith and beliefs VERY well… As Father Hardon Taught: “YOU CAN’T SHARE WHAT YOU YOURSELF DO NOT HAVE”

The Marian Catechist can be contacted at www.mariancatechist.com

Here is another source: catholichomestudy.org/

AND the K of C offer Free Instruction just GOOGLE them

And I also offer TOTALLY FREE OF ALL COST HOME STUDY COURSE,
BUILDING BLOCKS OF OUR CATHOLIC FAITH

WITH ONE LESSON E-MAILED EACH WEEK. NO test and I answer all faith related questions. Send me a private message if your interested


God Bless you, be sure to be fully equipped before beginning this journey

Do you know any one who was converted to Catholic ? And why they converted?