How do I convert someone?

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youngsaint

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Alright, I have a “friend” who’s a heretic. He CONSTANTLY tries to convert me. He mostly does this through reading random scriptures. I know for a fact that the scripture, under closer inspections than a protestants, supports fully and truly the church of God, the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I know, by hearing him constantly reading, that it doesn’t work, … at all. So how can I try to convert himthe guys a great christian, and he would defiantly approach sainthood if he was Catholic. I feel bad that he hasn’t been baptized, so he still has original sin. What should I do? He’s to stubborn to listen.

Can you guys pray for me?
:signofcross: God Bless!**
 
Hi there.

In the spirit of apologetics, you don’t use your knowledge of Catholicism to “attack.” Nor can you, per se, convert anyone. That’s the province of the Holy Spirit, if the soul is willing and not too strong of will.

If he’s already a validly baptized Christian, then he has at least one sacrament under his belt. I’m still a novice in apologetics myself, but I would first see your friend (who is not a heretic in the modern form) not as target to be conquered, but as someone who is confused about the truth, or misunderstands. Carefully use Sacred Scripture in a way he’s not likely doing–that is, show the context of what he’s missing, which is a common mistake of many non-Catholics who study Scripture. Avoid discussing Sacred Tradition for now, and try not to let him ask multiple questions at once should you discuss Catholic traditions. Take things one matter at a time.

Then wait. Let him take it in. If you present your information clearly, he will soon see where his interpretations have error. From there, it is possible that it will be your friend who will ask more questions. 🙂
 
HHHMMMMMM… good advice. But he is a heretic, anything that has broken off the Catholic Church is, and I don’t see how time changes that. Also, its not a sacrement, it wasn’t preformed by a Catholic priest, (or a lay person in an emergency 😉 )
Thanks for the tips, I’ll try it.

The thing is, however, he, in himself, is a danger to souls. He spreads never ending lies about the catholic church, always degrading us. I’ve saved two non-practicing Catholics so far, and brought them back to the church.
Should I keep doing that? Or take a more direct approach?

Keep Praying!
 
If you consider him unbaptized then how come the Catholic church does? For instance, I am baptized (at one of those heretic churches) and if I do go ahead and convert my baptism is considered a baptism in the eyes of the CC. If it weren’t I would have to have an official Catholic baptism, no?

Maybe you should quit trying to convert him. If he sees your example of Catholicism as a good one, maybe he would do it. But as long as you act like he’s a second class Christian he’s probably not going to.
 
Is your name H. Spirit? Or H. Ghost?

if not, you can’t. So don’t try.
 
I have a suggestion since he seems more entrenched then the two non-practicing Catholic you have help. When you see him, do a prayer with him if he is willing, if not do a prayer in your heart before you respond to him. Pray to the Holy Spirit to guide your words and his heart. Then become quiet and let God’s wisdom guide you.

At the same time remember that it is not you who convert. If they do not listen to the Holy Spirit, even if they “convert” it won’t be real. So pray for the Holy Spirit to be the guide for the both of you in your conversations.
 
Yes I agree with what everyone is saying about the Holy Spirit. I think that some people are very much stuck in their ways. If you look at the bible, there are verses supporting everyones beliefs, thats how come their is so many denominations of Christianity now. I dont think you should look down on him, even though he is saying bad things about the Church. You should probably either, not associate with him much anymore if he is putting you down. Or pray that the holy spirit helps you tell him the CC is not what he thinks it is.

Also, Cluny- I think the CC accepts baptism in the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (not 100% sure but I’m pretty sure the name is interchangable with the Holy Spirit), it is only not accepted when someone believes the three are three seperate Gods etc. Or when the beliefs are different about the trinity, or when the trinity is not said at baptism.
 
sckcd said:
If you consider him unbaptized then how come the Catholic church does? For instance, I am baptized (at one of those heretic churches) and if I do go ahead and convert my baptism is considered a baptism in the eyes of the CC. If it weren’t I would have to have an official Catholic baptism, no?

Maybe you should quit trying to convert him. If he sees your example of Catholicism as a good one, maybe he would do it. But as long as you act like he’s a second class Christian he’s probably not going to.
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Thanks, really? thats new to me, I was raised Catholic.

Does anyone now how the converts get original sin get removed?
 
youngsaint said:
Thanks, really? thats new to me, I was raised Catholic.

Does anyone now how the converts get original sin get removed?
Click to expand...
Maybe water boarding?~~ (just joking around)
Catholics, in my experience, as a lifetime one, have played it low key and not huge on pushing anyone towards becoming one of us. Cold calling, bible thumping is not what I’ve experienced, we do. A person curious, should attend a mass or even a function such as a guest, someone to go with them that is of the faith perhaps. Perhaps a parish picnic, a play or something like that, a dinner, or some fund raiser or social which may be fun, maybe even a bingo game and perhaps they can test the fellowship and the good will and see if this sparks further interest and let them go at their own pace. No pressure, no hype. There are probably some good readings on the topic they may enjoy. I know of several converts and they are the best Catholics of all, would not miss mass. I stand in awe of a few of them. They were not born into it, they truly chose it.
 
youngsaint said:
Thanks, really? thats new to me, I was raised Catholic.

Does anyone now how the converts get original sin get removed?
Click to expand...
A convert does not have to be baptized in the CC to become Catholic. I have asked. My baptism did the same job yours did. My original sin is removed.
 
sckcd said:
If you consider him unbaptized then how come the Catholic church does? For instance, I am baptized (at one of those heretic churches) and if I do go ahead and convert my baptism is considered a baptism in the eyes of the CC. If it weren’t I would have to have an official Catholic baptism, no?
Click to expand...
kristanl said:
I think the CC accepts baptism in the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (not 100% sure but I’m pretty sure the name is interchangable with the Holy Spirit), it is only not accepted when someone believes the three are three seperate Gods etc. Or when the beliefs are different about the trinity, or when the trinity is not said at baptism.
Click to expand...
Any Baptism that is done using the Trinitarian formula is valid. I was baptised Anglican and when I converted received the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation only during a normal Mass. My daughter was baptised into her father’s church (long story) and when she converted she received the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation at an Easter Vigil.

From “Compendium Catechism of the Catholic Church”
256. In what does the essential rite of Baptism consist?
The essential rite of this sacrament consists in immersing the cnadidate in water or pouring water over his or her head while invoking the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (This is also found in CCC 1229-1245, 1278, which I do not have with me to quote.)
 
NewAgeCatholic said:
Maybe water boarding?~~ (just joking around)
Catholics, in my experience, as a lifetime one, have played it low key and not huge on pushing anyone towards becoming one of us. Cold calling, bible thumping is not what I’ve experienced, we do. A person curious, should attend a mass or even a function such as a guest, someone to go with them that is of the faith perhaps. Perhaps a parish picnic, a play or something like that, a dinner, or some fund raiser or social which may be fun, maybe even a bingo game and perhaps they can test the fellowship and the good will and see if this sparks further interest and let them go at their own pace. No pressure, no hype. There are probably some good readings on the topic they may enjoy. I know of several converts and they are the best Catholics of all, would not miss mass. I stand in awe of a few of them. They were not born into it, they truly chose it.
Click to expand...
Thanks, great advice! 👍

haha, my brother and I tried water boarding on each other, (we’re teens, we do stupid stuff :D), and it didn’t work… so I couldn’t if I tried, I don’t work for the FBI;)
 
sckcd said:
A convert does not have to be baptized in the CC to become Catholic. I have asked. My baptism did the same job yours did. My original sin is removed.
Click to expand...
Thats interesting… 🙂
I didn’t know that. Thanks for getting back!
 
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