How should I respond

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rikkk1958

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When I commented regarding other religions with some of the people I know (mostly Catholics) I always get the answer of “it’s okay, as long as they are behaving good and do not commit anything wrong is fine”. I always thought that any respond from Catholics like this is not right because I always believe that we have obligation to teach those who are lost.

What is the best answer if someone comments like this?
 
rikkk1958 said:
When I commented regarding other religions with some of the people I know (mostly Catholics) I always get the answer of “it’s okay, as long as they are behaving good and do not commit anything wrong is fine”. I always thought that any respond from Catholics like this is not right because I always believe that we have obligation to teach those who are lost.

What is the best answer if someone comments like this?
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Anyone, especially Catholics who believe that it really doesn’t matter what one believes do not understand what the Church actually is. If it didn’t matter what one believes then why did Christ found his Church? The fact that he did means that a relationship with God would forever mean having a relationship with his Church and that means following all that it teaches. It is where we find salvation; not on the top of some hill with our comfortable imaginations and our own rules on what following Christ means.
 
Not to offend them, I wish that there is a very strong short statement to say. Perhaps a question first?
 
rikkk1958 said:
Not to offend them, I wish that there is a very strong short statement to say. Perhaps a question first?
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After pointing out that Christ did start a Church, I would just ask them why they think he did that. For Catholics, however, there is really no excuse. They have just been poorly catechized for the most part, or have chosen not to follow the teachings of their own Church.
 
rikkk1958 said:
Not to offend them, I wish that there is a very strong short statement to say. Perhaps a question first?
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How about “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand”?

“We should always be ready to give an account for our hope” and when necessary use “words”.
 
po18guy said:
“So, Jesus suffered and died on the cross for no reason?”
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This is a good thought.
Should I also say, “you mean I should just ignore it and say nothing?” Are we not under instruction to teach?
 
rikkk1958 said:
This is a good thought.
Should I also say, “you mean I should just ignore it and say nothing?” Are we not under instruction to teach?
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Fraternal correction is motivated by love, which is the greatest theological virtue. It’s nature is medicinal. You are the good Samaritan passing by spiritually wounded friends. What to do? Correct away.
 
rikkk1958 said:
When I commented regarding other religions with some of the people I know (mostly Catholics) I always get the answer of “it’s okay, as long as they are behaving good and do not commit anything wrong is fine”. I always thought that any respond from Catholics like this is not right because I always believe that we have obligation to teach those who are lost.

What is the best answer if someone comments like this?
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What if they in turn try to teach you back in the earnest belief that it is you who are lost and not them? Assuming that neither will listen to the other, where does that lead? Just curious.

Your friend,
Sufjon
 
rikkk1958 said:
When I commented regarding other religions with some of the people I know (mostly Catholics) I always get the answer of “it’s okay, as long as they are behaving good and do not commit anything wrong is fine”. I always thought that any respond from Catholics like this is not right because I always believe that we have obligation to teach those who are lost.

What is the best answer if someone comments like this?
Click to expand...
I would not totally “push” it too far, but I WOULD bear witness to the truth of Holy Mother Church----particularly if asked.

That’s what I would do.

IMO.
 
OrdinaryMelkite said:
I would not totally “push” it too far, but I WOULD bear witness to the truth of Holy Mother Church----particularly if asked.

That’s what I would do.

IMO.
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My concern for this is that we Catholics I think had been so silent when faced with situations like this. My heart pains knowing that too many are getting lost and I am hopeless because of my limited knowledge and ability to teach. I wish we encourage Catholics now to be bolder in defending and teaching the faith.
 
Steve-

I didn’t know deleting a post was an option. Thanks for the info.
 
I would remind them that the Church is missionary by its very nature. This charge comes from Christ. I would also politely ask them to define their terms. Once terms are defined there is a lot less wiggle room for generalities. You can also bring up the principle of non-contradiction. For example, Catholics believe that Jesus is the God (obviously) and Muslims believe He is not God. Both statements cannot be true. Just a couple things to get you started.
 
rikkk1958 said:
My concern for this is that we Catholics I think had been so silent when faced with situations like this. My heart pains knowing that too many are getting lost and I am hopeless because of my limited knowledge and ability to teach. I wish we encourage Catholics now to be bolder in defending and teaching the faith.
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I agree that Catholics often remain silent and that we need to be bold in defending the Church. If you feel that you have limited knowledge, I would recommend making a serious effort to expand your knowledge so that you can defend the Church and instruct others. Since you have diagnosed a few important problems and have a desire to follow the mind of the Church, you could be a great force for good.
 
akasseb said:
I agree that Catholics often remain silent and that we need to be bold in defending the Church. If you feel that you have limited knowledge, I would recommend making a serious effort to expand your knowledge so that you can defend the Church and instruct others. Since you have diagnosed a few important problems and have a desire to follow the mind of the Church, you could be a great force for good.
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Thank you.
 
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