How to evangelize a liberal believer in Jesus?

[Holly3278]

Hey everyone. How would I go about evangelizing a liberal believer in Jesus? I am speaking about my boyfriend. He goes to a United Church of Christ church. Well, he has many doubts about the Catholic Church and even orthodox Christianity in general. For example, he doesn’t believe that the Bible is actually completely true. He has a lot of uncertainty about it. I am not sure why but he does. Also, he has a lot of doubts about the Eucharist. For example, he asked me once, “If the body and blood of Jesus are present in the Eucharist and they are given to the faithful at every Mass, how do they not run out of Jesus’ body and blood?” This is a paraphrase of what he asked. Of course, I didn’t know exactly how to answer so I simply told him that it is a miracle. Also, he is constantly making fun of Catholicism and Catholics. For example, he frequently refers to Catholic priests and even the Pope as pedophiles. He is always making pedophile jokes about them. It really angers me and I tell him this and he’ll stop but then later on (usually on a different day) he’ll make another joke. Also, he is not baptized. He seems to be afraid to make a commitment to Christ. He seems to feel that as long as he goes to church, he’ll go to Heaven.

Another thing is that he has a lot of depression. He used to have a lot of anxiety but not so much anymore. How can I show him that Jesus and Jesus’ Church is the answer to his problems?

When I first met him, he was an Agnostic. However, after talking to him and going to church with him at the United Church of Christ, he began to believe in God. But to be honest, he really doesn’t have much of a grasp of Christianity. He really even seems to doubt the resurrection to a certain extent although I think he does believe in the resurrection although his faith in it may be somewhat weak. He prays every day but he really doesn’t understand many things about Christianity. I have tried discussing it with him before but every time I do, he feels like I am pushing Catholicism on him and he gets upset with me.

Any advice?

 

[JRKH]

You may find this to be too simple, but my only answer is,

Patience, Prayer, and keep doing what you are already doing - which is to present to him a model Christian life (to the best of your ability).

You have already moved him from Agnosticism to belief in God. Now you must simply continue to charitably answer his questions to the best of your ability.
If you don’t know the answer don’t be afraid to say “I don’t Know - But I’ll try to find out”. Then follow up on this and get back to him.
You might consider getting him a copy of “Catholicism for Dummies” which I hear is a very good book. (don’t get the "idiots guide to catholicism as I understand it contains errors.)

As to his jokes abotu the preisthood, he is just parrotting things he has heard and does not understand how wrong it is. This will take time to overcome.

If you know a good personable priest, it might be a good idea to try and introduce them to each other. I find that most people have a harder time making such jokes when they are friends with the object of their joke. This would also give him and you another good source for answers to questions.

Hope some of this helps.

Remember - All Things in Charity

Peace
James

 

[Holly3278]

You may find this to be too simple, but my only answer is,

Patience, Prayer, and keep doing what you are already doing - which is to present to him a model Christian life (to the best of your ability).

You have already moved him from Agnosticism to belief in God. Now you must simply continue to charitably answer his questions to the best of your ability.
If you don’t know the answer don’t be afraid to say “I don’t Know - But I’ll try to find out”. Then follow up on this and get back to him.
You might consider getting him a copy of “Catholicism for Dummies” which I hear is a very good book. (don’t get the "idiots guide to catholicism as I understand it contains errors.)

As to his jokes abotu the preisthood, he is just parrotting things he has heard and does not understand how wrong it is. This will take time to overcome.

If you know a good personable priest, it might be a good idea to try and introduce them to each other. I find that most people have a harder time making such jokes when they are friends with the object of their joke. This would also give him and you another good source for answers to questions.

Hope some of this helps.

Remember - All Things in Charity

Peace
James

Hey James. I do pray for him practically every day. I always pray for him whenever I go to Mass. Also, as far as introducing him to a priest, I don’t see that happening any time soon. He doesn’t seem to like priests in general.

 

[PJM]

=Holly Hey everyone. How would I go about evangelizing a liberal believer in Jesus? I am speaking about my boyfriend. He goes to a United Church of Christ church. Well, he has many doubts about the Catholic Church and even orthodox Christianity in general. For example, he doesn’t believe that the Bible is actually completely true. He has a lot of uncertainty about it. I am not sure why but he does. Also, he has a lot of doubts about the Eucharist. For example, he asked me once, “If the body and blood of Jesus are present in the Eucharist and they are given to the faithful at every Mass, how do they not run out of Jesus’ body and blood?” This is a paraphrase of what he asked. Of course, I didn’t know exactly how to answer so I simply told him that it is a miracle. Also, he is constantly making fun of Catholicism and Catholics. For example, he frequently refers to Catholic priests and even the Pope as pedophiles. He is always making pedophile jokes about them. It really angers me and I tell him this and he’ll stop but then later on (usually on a different day) he’ll make another joke. Also, he is not baptized. He seems to be afraid to make a commitment to Christ. He seems to feel that as long as he goes to church, he’ll go to Heaven.

Another thing is that he has a lot of depression. He used to have a lot of anxiety but not so much anymore. How can I show him that Jesus and Jesus’ Church is the answer to his problems?

The depression issue often requires professional help. Can God do it? Of course; but “God helps most those who help themselves.” This issue will not likely disapear on its own. be careful of what you are getting into.

As to the pedophile issue.

FACT the CC has a lower percentage than most * other denominations. THAT said there is NO excuse for it and ought to be NO tolerance of it! [Tht ougt to be your position]

As to the Eucharist:

With charity ask him: “what part of a miracle” is it that you don’t understand?

The Eucharist is a MIRACLE [by defination; unexplainable]. Accomplised By God, through God and for God.

Christ is BOTH the victim and the priest. “In Him, with Him and throught Him, in the UNITY of the Holy Spirit.” are some of the words of Consecration.

Further we ARE SPEAKING about a God of unlimited power! Able to do anything GOOD.

And this gift of Jesus Himself to us in BY FAR the GREATEST GOOD possible on planet earth.

Be carefull [AND PRAYERFULL] dear friend, of what yu are getting into.

Gently let him know how important your faith is too you. [By among other ways; living it clearly] and suggest that while your happy to answer his questions, comments that make fun of your beleifs are hurtful.

Love and prayers,

Pat*