Help in dealing with non-catholic friends

[angierabbit2012]

JustaServant

THANK YOU!

That was very well written!

To realize that she possibly has no control over the way that she feels about me (now that I’m Catholic) is surprisingly comforting.

I shall continue to pray for her and perhaps one day she’ll realize how mistaken she is.

I can always hope huh?!

Thanks again for lifting my spirits this evening.:hug1:

 

[anodos]

The history of the Catholic Church is re-written to show what a monster she is. Even her future is determined by ‘Bible prophecy’ which destines the monster to Hell. So there is no way out for the Catholic Church.
Born a monster, die a monster.
We teach our children to fear this ugly monster who will devour us on a whim. When asked about her they say, ‘she’s a horrible monster disfigured at birth and is destined for Hell and damnation.

:sad_yes:

When anyone DARES to face that phobia, remove the mask that has been put over her, he discovers that the Catholic Church is not the evil institution responsible for every evil imaginable.
But she is instead the most beautiful Lady Christ purchased, fear is replaced by love. She captures the heart and you fall in love with her.
Perfect love casts out fear.

:yup:

“You are all fair, my love, and there is no spot in you.”

 

[Cindyr9]

Angie, in response to your update of 2/4/12, JustaServant wrote an excellent, rather colorful explanation of “Rome Phobia”.

May I add, that having come from a similar experience, my fundamentalist friends, with whom my husband and I were so close that several families built houses on the same street so that we could form a Christian micro-community - now they are simply nothing more than acquaintences on Facebook with no other contact whatsoever. I do miss them and I wish them well and continue to pray for them and their families, however I know what they think about Catholics and it is ingrained in them and it will unfortunately be an impediment to resuming the close friendships that we once shared. I pray that in time, your friends, especially the close ones, will desire to rekindle the friendships so that you may have the opportunity to share in a loving way, the gift that you have received by entering the fullness of the Holy Catholic Church. But even if they do, it is very likely they will be cautious lest they “fear” that you will try to win them over to Catholicism. As harsh as it may sound, they most likely consider you as a “back-slider” and their religion teaches that it would be wrong to associate with you. I pray for you to begin to form new friendships within your new church because I know that you surely hunger for godly fellowship. Try to approach it pro-actively, by introducing yourself to people after Mass, wearing a name-badge and getting involved with prayer groups, bible studies and social functions at your church. I wish you well as you grow and find your place in the Body of Christ. God bless you!

 

[anodos]

Angie, in response to your update of 2/4/12, JustaServant wrote an excellent reply.

May I add, that having come from a similar experience, my fundamentalist friends, with whom my husband and I were so close that several families built houses on the same street so that we could form a Christian micro-community - now they are simply nothing more than acquaintences on Facebook with no other contact whatsoever.

Wow! Lawn work must be awkward if the neighbors happen to be outside too.

 

[Cindyr9]

To Anodos:
Well, that’s not a problem, because three of us have moved away since then. If we all still lived there I am sure that the parties involved would show each other Christian charity, even if the friendships have waned.

 

[Miriam1947]

This is a very good DVD about Protestants and Catholics. I’ve watched it twice so far and maybe I’ll watch it again tonight.

ninevehscrossing.com/CommonGround/CGUserComments.php

Father John Riccardo & Pastor Steve Andrews.

USER COMMENTS

We bought 20 of the DVDs, gave them all away, and no one will give them back. I need another one. (W.P.)

There are two major reasons why I think this video is so valuable. First it is an instrumental learning tool to dialogue and evangelize our Catholic and non-Catholic brothers and sisters. Secondly , as a Catholic growing-up , I personally never experienced any contact with people of other faiths. This DVD give me a clearer prospective that Christians from other faiths, are also striving to follow the Lord. and are great witnesses to the Holy Spirit. I have so far purchased six DVD’s. (Angelina M.)

“Common Ground” is one of the most unusual apologetics videos on the market today. Every Christian should watch this video. I would never hesitate to recommend it. (L.C.)

An answer to prayer. (J.O.)

This program is not only great for understanding what we can learn from each other, but is a great tool for Catholics who want to have a better understanding of their own faith. (P.B.)

“Common Ground” brought tears to my eyes because two real Christian brothers were sincerely LISTENING to each other with great respect and mutual consideration. (M.B.)

A cradle Catholic, I fell away from the faith, explored other religions, and finally found a church I was comfortable in. Although I was happy with the people and the pastor, I still felt that something was missing. However, my feelings about the Catholic Church were less than stellar. One day I stumbled on a showing of “Common Ground” on TBN and learned more about my Catholic faith in the 45 minutes left of the show than I had in my upbringing through CCD. I ordered the DVD, and thanks be to God, I have returned home to the Catholic Church and Fr. John Riccardo is our pastor now. (P.M.)

“Common Ground” was a great asset to our Christian military fellowship. The fellowship is made up of Pentecostals, Baptists and Anglicans. It was a blessed time and cleared up many misconceptions. May His name be praised. (RDW - Australia)

The “Common Ground” series, (DVD and study guide,) has proved invaluable in sharing the beauty and joy of my Catholic faith with my Protestant and Evangelical friends. Things that I could perhaps not articulate as well as I would like are so graciously, charitably, and intelligently offered by this program. (M.T.K.)

“Common Ground” is very moving and inspiring. (D.M.L.)

The DVD with a mixed denominational group of Christians, and it was the entree to much productive dialogue, and primarily cleared up a lot of misconceptions that Christians have about each other. This is a must watch program, and must read book. (M.T.K.)

Remembering our baptismal solidarity is critical to any effective dialogue within the Christian family. Father John Riccardo and Pastor Steve Andrews demonstrate the power and presence of Christ. (C.C.S.)

Here in our ecumenical covenant community (Australia) the “Common Ground” video is well loved. It is unitive rather than divisive. It encourages spiritual growth rather than just looking at the lowest common denominator. Also a wonderful aid to those Catholics who do not really know their faith. (D.F.)

Excellent dialog. Great reference for “quiet” Catholics who do not know how to reply to Evangelical Christians. (J.R.C.)

What a difference it would make in our world if everyone could see this DVD! I have been a guest in Protestant churches where the pastor’s remarks about Catholicism were completely false. I wish all pastors and their congregations could witness the love and respect that Pastors John and Steve have for each other, in spite of their different beliefs. I would highly recommend this to anyone. (D.M.L.)

“Common Ground” is a winsome evangelism tool to get Catholics and others talking about faith in Jesus Christ. It is part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, “that they may all be one…so that the world may believe that Thou hast sent me.” (P.G.)

I think it is wonderful. I am a Catholic and have a number of Protestant friends. We may go to different churches, but we know that we are sisters and brothers in Christ. This program expresses so much of what I believe we all need to remember - that we all adore the same God and believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. (G.Y.)

Inspirational. Gives hope to all Christians that unity is totally possible. (S.T. - Australia)

A “CLASSIC” and so very well done. A “MUST SEE” (R.P.)

I can’t tell you how thankful I am for this program. My daughters would not discuss Catholicism with us. But then they saw the Common Ground DVD, AT the Kensington Church where the one was attending. Both of them and their husbands came back to the Church and we’re reunited again. Amazing. (A Thankful Dad and Mum)

Copyright © 2012, Nineveh’s Crossing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Nineveh’s Crossing is the parent company of SWC Films.
Webmaster: Jonah AT NinevehsCrossing.com<

Click-Through Affiliate BANNER ADS

 

[Miriam1947]

Great, just great! I took the DVD out of the cover and now I can’t find it.

For Lent I am giving up stupidness.

 

[UnamSanctam1302]

Hello there everyone! I am a new convert and I came into the Church after leaving an INDEPENDENT FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST CHURCH. I was a part of that church for many years and developed some friendships there that I would like to maintain. I have found this to be very difficult. I tried to attend a Bible study there and even attended a few services, but after becoming Catholic and seeing the beauty of the Mass, I NOW see the many flaws in the teachings and beliefs AND “worship” in my former church. However, I still want to maintain my relationships with some of my friends from the baptist church…I just don’t know how. Attending services and Bible studies there only made me feel uncomfortable. How can I maintain relationships with non- catholic friends outside of the church building? Thanks in advance for your help and GOD bless!

Pope Eugene IV, Council of Florence, Sess. 11, Feb. 4, 1442, ex cathedra: " Therefore the Holy Roman Church condemns, reproves, anathematizes … whoever holds opposing or contrary views."

Pope St. Clement I, 1st Century: “If any man shall be friendly to those with whom the Roman Pontiff is not in communion, he is in complicity with those who want to destroy the Church of God; and, although he may seem to be with us in body, he is against us in mind and spirit, and is a much more dangerous enemy than those who are outside and are our avowed foes.”

Pope Pius IX, Etsi Multa, #26, Nov. 21, 1873: “Therefore, by the authority of Almighty God, We excommunicate and hold as anathema Joseph Humbert himself and all those who attempted to choose him, and who aided in his sacrilegious consecration. We additionally excommunicate whoever has adhered to them and belonging to their party has furnished help, favor, aid, or consent. We declare, proclaim, and command that they are separated from the communion of the Church. They are to be considered among those with whom all faithful Christians are forbidden by the Apostle [2 John 10-11] to associate and have social exchange to such an extent that, as he plainly states, they may not even be greeted.”

 

[anodos]

For Lent I am giving up stupidness.

That doesn’t work, I tried.

 

[anodos]

To Anodos:
Well, that’s not a problem, because three of us have moved away since then. If we all still lived there I am sure that the parties involved would show each other Christian charity, even if the friendships have waned.

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to suggest that there would be fighting. I was thinking of awkward silences rather than awkward bickering.

 

[JustaServant]

JustaServant

THANK YOU!

That was very well written!

To realize that she possibly has no control over the way that she feels about me (now that I’m Catholic) is surprisingly comforting.

I shall continue to pray for her and perhaps one day she’ll realize how mistaken she is.

I can always hope huh?!

Thanks again for lifting my spirits this evening.:hug1:

Human nature does have a tendancy to overcome fundamentalist brainwashing for some. Showing them you are pretty much the same person, with strong Christian convictions and morals can have quite an impact, despite what the ‘preacha’ says.
Reality has a way of doing that.
Praying for you.

 

[Interesting]

YES!!! INDEPENDENT FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST/KJV BIBLE ONLY…I’ve come a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong way huh?!! And yes, I realize that they think I’ve gone to the devil!! One fly in the ointment though…IFB’s believe in ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED! I was baptized in the baptist church and they had no problem accepting my salvation when I belonged to their church. But when I left and became Catholic, suddenly my soul is in jeopardy!! I asked my friend, “how does that work?” How can I be “once saved always saved” as long as I’m baptist, but now that I’m Catholic, suddenly my soul is at risk!! She had no answer.

If I may respond? I am Protestant, and yes we believe once saved always saved.

Romans 8:31, simple enough.

The reason she might have said that is that she wondered if you were actually saved, because there are many misconceptions involving Catholicism. We don’t understand the justification for some of the things Catholics do is all. The problem is a lot of people don’t know what they believe (applies to Catholics and Protestants)… or perhaps they don’t know why they believe something, just that it is what they have always been taught.

 

[jmcrae]

If I may respond? I am Protestant, and yes we believe once saved always saved.

Romans 8:31, simple enough.

There are 35,526 verses in the Bible, each one of which is essential to our salvation. Even if you are a “Bible Alone” believer, you can’t pick out one verse and base your entire faith on that one verse - you have to consider the effect of the remaining 35,525 verses, and whether they nuance the meaning of that one verse. Even if all you have to go on is the Bible alone, there are many things required for salvation.

The reason she might have said that is that she wondered if you were actually saved, because there are many misconceptions involving Catholicism.

The comment was coming from someone who believes in “once saved always saved.”

If someone is “once saved always saved,” then they couldn’t lose that salvation by changing religions, or committing sin, or even by publicly denying Christ. They also can’t be deceived into thinking they were saved when really they weren’t, or else it throws everyone else’s assurance of salvation into doubt, as well. If my future behaviour can’t affect my salvation, then how could someone else’s later behaviour affect their salvation?

It’s important to be consistent.

We don’t understand the justification for some of the things Catholics do is all.

If a person were “once saved always saved” then why would it even matter? She could worship the Devil but her one-time declaration of faith would save her for all time, no matter what she did, or why she did it - isn’t that the deal?

The problem is a lot of people don’t know what they believe (applies to Catholics and Protestants)… or perhaps they don’t know why they believe something, just that it is what they have always been taught.

That’s why it’s so important to ask questions out loud, and take an interest in your faith.

 

[Metamorphoo]

I must admit that I have already feared this! I feel a tension at times that wasn’t there when they thought I was coming back into the fold! When I made it clear to them that I had joined the Catholic Church and was only visiting, the mood changed. /sad isn’t it?!

Anytime you are with a group that considers itself “the One True Church” (in their attitude, if not in the formal declarations of the denomination), you are going to have to deal with this kind of issue. If you had left the Catholic Church for the fundamentalist group (or any other Christian group), you would be dealing with the same problem. I’ve walked a couple of miles in those moccasins …

 

[Interesting]

I wasn’t implying that any one verse is simply enough to base our entire faith off of. It does, however (especially given the context of the passage), suggest that our salvation is through Christ alone, and that we are saved so long as we believe in Him.

I also wasn’t in any way downplaying the significance of the other parts of the Bible… we believe the Bible to be true in its entirety. To reject any part of it is to reject all of it. If the Scriptures and the people in them proclaim that all of the Bible is infallible, to argue that some verses are not true (I’m not saying anyone here does this, just speaking generally) means that you would have to question everything in the Bible.

Could you explain what exactly you mean by this:

“Even if all you have to go on is the Bible alone, there are many things required for salvation.”

The misconceptions I was referring to weren’t, “Once saved always saved.” They were more along the lines of wondering whether a person was saved to begin with. I was not at all saying that someone could lose their salvation. The misconceptions we have about Catholicism are more along the lines of things like why do Catholics do certain ritualistic things? Take, for example, penance. To us, that is works-related salvation, and we believe it is only achievable through Christ alone. To us, that downplays what Christ did for us, making it as if we can earn some part of our salvation through our works to “make up” for our misdeeds. We aren’t saved because of our deeds, but because of God’s grace. Am I saying that is how Catholics view their rituals? No. To pursue them when having such a view would be preposterous. However, that is exactly how Catholic rituals look to us. So, yes, it would look bad to a Protestant if someone (especially already knowing how Protestants view Catholic tradition) decided to pursue Catholicism instead, because, to us, to do so would be to place faith in traditions not solely in the Bible.

I again want to reiterate that you don’t misinterpret what I say. “Once saved, always saved,” is true to us. There is a difference between a “declaration of faith” as you put it, and actually having faith. A person can say anything, but that doesn’t make it true. Only God knows if someone is truly saved. If someone decided to renounce their “faith” and worship the devil, then we would say that they weren’t saved to begin with.

When we are saved, we are justified to the Father by Christ. Upon this, we receive the Holy Spirit, who dwells in all Christians. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just leave whenever you commit some terrible sin. You can’t become more justified or unjustified… either you’re justified or you aren’t. We don’t lose our salvation for “mortal sins.” But, one has to question whether a person committing whatever it is you view as a mortal sin (I don’t know what all is included here) was ever saved to begin with. If they were actually saved, you don’t think God will forgive us unless we confess to both God and a priest and make up for our misdeeds?

If I am misinterpreting some part of Catholicism or speaking falsely, feel free to correct me. I won’t get offended. In fact, I’m more curious to see why you believe what you believe. If it is strictly in the Bible (thought obviously some parts have been subject of various interpretations), I understand why. If it is not, then I don’t know why you bother.

 

[jmcrae]

I wasn’t implying that any one verse is simply enough to base our entire faith off of. It does, however (especially given the context of the passage), suggest that our salvation is through Christ alone, and that we are saved so long as we believe in Him.

Belief means that we obey His commandments. “Baptism now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21) but obviously Baptism alone can’t save us, any more than mere assent can save us.

I also wasn’t in any way downplaying the significance of the other parts of the Bible… we believe the Bible to be true in its entirety. To reject any part of it is to reject all of it.

Exactly my point. So when the Apostles require us to participate in the Sacraments of the Church, as they do in their Epistles in the New Testament, this is just as important as St. Paul’s admonition to believe Jesus.

Could you explain what exactly you mean by this:

“Even if all you have to go on is the Bible alone, there are many things required for salvation.”

I simply mean that the Bible is not simplistic. We must go to the Presbyters for the forgiveness of our sins and for the Last Rites. (James 5:13-16) We must eat and drink the Eucharist in order to be saved. (John 6:51) There is so much more than merely an assent that Jesus is God - although without that, the rest doesn’t make very much sense. But Jesus requires of us the whole thing - not just the beginning point.

The misconceptions I was referring to weren’t, “Once saved always saved.” They were more along the lines of wondering whether a person was saved to begin with.

And what happens to the assurance of salvation, if anyone can become undone by their future behaviour? If at a later time someone can say, “you weren’t saved to begin with,” if you happen to do something that people don’t like?

I was not at all saying that someone could lose their salvation. The misconceptions we have about Catholicism are more along the lines of things like why do Catholics do certain ritualistic things? Take, for example, penance. To us, that is works-related salvation, and we believe it is only achievable through Christ alone. To us, that downplays what Christ did for us, making it as if we can earn some part of our salvation through our works to “make up” for our misdeeds.

No. Rather, it is Christ who gave us the Sacrament of Reconciliation - it’s how we confess our sins and receive His grace from the Cross.

We aren’t saved because of our deeds, but because of God’s grace. …] So, yes, it would look bad to a Protestant if someone (especially already knowing how Protestants view Catholic tradition) decided to pursue Catholicism instead, because, to us, to do so would be to place faith in traditions not solely in the Bible.

The Bible did not die on the Cross for our sins - Jesus did. Jesus didn’t give us the Bible; He gave us the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church, in 405 AD, gave us the Bible.

 

[jmcrae]

I again want to reiterate that you don’t misinterpret what I say. “Once saved, always saved,” is true to us. There is a difference between a “declaration of faith” as you put it, and actually having faith. A person can say anything, but that doesn’t make it true. Only God knows if someone is truly saved. If someone decided to renounce their “faith” and worship the devil, then we would say that they weren’t saved to begin with.

Prior to taking up the worship of the Devil, though, how would the person even know that their declaration of faith had been false? What if they died before that happened, and nobody - not even themselves - ever became aware that they had never even really been a Christian to begin with? How would they be able to find out, and be able to remedy their situation before it was too late?

When we are saved, we are justified to the Father by Christ. Upon this, we receive the Holy Spirit, who dwells in all Christians. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just leave whenever you commit some terrible sin. You can’t become more justified or unjustified… either you’re justified or you aren’t.

So, if someone makes an honest declaration of faith, then they could still commit sin, but their sins wouldn’t have any effect on their salvation. Which contradicts the idea that a later sin would mean that they had never been saved to begin with. They should be able to commit any sin at all, and still remain saved, under that idea. (Which I happen to think is nonsense, but I want to see what the explanation is, for that.)

We don’t lose our salvation for “mortal sins.”

But instead, people say that you were never saved to begin with. You wouldn’t have gone to Heaven even if you had died before committing the mortal sin (such as worshipping the Devil, for example) - so, someone could make a declaration of faith in Jesus, and never sin (because they die before they ever get the chance to commit sin) and still go to Hell because their declaration - unbeknownst to themselves - was a false declaration? But it would only be revealed that it was false if they actually committed a mortal sin prior to their death.

But, one has to question whether a person committing whatever it is you view as a mortal sin (I don’t know what all is included here) was ever saved to begin with. If they were actually saved, you don’t think God will forgive us unless we confess to both God and a priest and make up for our misdeeds?

I believe that we always have free will, as long as we are walking on the earth. We can, by our lifestyle and our choices, move toward God’s grace, or away from it. We are never fully saved until we are actually in Heaven.

If I am misinterpreting some part of Catholicism or speaking falsely, feel free to correct me. I won’t get offended. In fact, I’m more curious to see why you believe what you believe. If it is strictly in the Bible (thought obviously some parts have been subject of various interpretations), I understand why. If it is not, then I don’t know why you bother.

We believe everything that Jesus taught to the Apostles, including the things that the Apostles didn’t write down. Remember, we had nothing but the Apostolic Tradition, up until the Bible was put together by the Bishops and Popes of the Catholic Church during the latter half of the 4th century. The Bible was added to (and remains part of) the Holy Tradition at that time. The Apostles didn’t have a New Testament, and neither did the Early Church.

 

[LEMAITRE]

Someone recommended you not doing Bible classes with them. I would advise the opposite once you are immersed in the faith. I did Bible classes with my Baptist friends a year ago, once a fortnight for 8weeks, it was one of those watch a DVD and then debate/discussion classes. I loved it and we all got along. They were surprised because I was unfazed and unmoved by the endless questions. I know my Bible and Catechism. I saw it as an educational tool (for me to educate them about Catholicism), I was there to break down the barriers and common misconceptions. Now there are 10 Baptists out there telling their mates that the Immaculate Conception has nothing to do with Jesus conception among other things. In fact I still have a couple of them emailing me regarding Catholic theology etc.

I have found that our newer converts to the faith are more able in understanding why non-Catholics think what they do and teach what they do. They know what makes them click and are therefore better equipped to convert others because they have been in that mindset previously.

Welcome home and good luck on your journey.

 

[Interesting]

If I may respond? I am Protestant, and yes we believe once saved always saved.

Romans 8:31, simple enough.

The reason she might have said that is that she wondered if you were actually saved, because there are many misconceptions involving Catholicism. We don’t understand the justification for some of the things Catholics do is all. The problem is a lot of people don’t know what they believe (applies to Catholics and Protestants)… or perhaps they don’t know why they believe something, just that it is what they have always been taught.

Oops… I realized that verse doesn’t make sense at all anyways. I was going by memory and somehow confused Romans 8:1 with Romans 8:31…