How to evangelize to liberals?

[mathematoons]

I am able to bring people to Jesus, but I live in a very liberal area, and so conservative doctrine is often the one thing that keeps them away from anything Christian. Because I am a very orthodox Catholic, this is difficult for me. I have prayed about it, and I feel that God urged me to go ahead and point them toward Catholics who have liberal beliefs; after all, I converted and then gradually deepened in faith. Reluctantly, I did exactly this, and that has worked. One of them told me how much better a person he became as a result. This is how I know I did the right thing. “By their fruits you shall know them.”

Just so everyone knows, I define a liberal as anyone who disagrees with Church teaching in favor of more permissive beliefs that are in line with what our sinful culture teaches. Things like abortion, same-sex “marriage”, contraception, moral relativism, etc.

My problem is the next step. Liberals, regardless of religion, hate the idea of becoming more conservative as much as I hate the idea of becoming more liberal. Is there anything I can do about that? In my experience, the reason they stay liberal is to justify a cherished sin. I can explain why those are sins until I’m blue in the face, but they will not budge.

Should I forget about trying to get people to be orthodox Catholics like me and just hope they accept God’s call to greater holiness? Or is there something. I can do to convince them of the error of their ways?

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

I am able to bring people to Jesus, but I live in a very liberal area, and so conservative doctrine is often the one thing that keeps them away from anything Christian. Because I am a very orthodox Catholic, this is difficult for me. I have prayed about it, and I feel that God urged me to go ahead and point them toward Catholics who have liberal beliefs; after all, I converted and then gradually deepened in faith. Reluctantly, I did exactly this, and that has worked. One of them told me how much better a person he became as a result. This is how I know I did the right thing. “By their fruits you shall know them.”

Just so everyone knows, I define a liberal as anyone who disagrees with Church teaching in favor of more permissive beliefs that are in line with what our sinful culture teaches. Things like abortion, same-sex “marriage”, contraception, moral relativism, etc.

My problem is the next step. Liberals, regardless of religion, hate the idea of becoming more conservative as much as I hate the idea of becoming more liberal. Is there anything I can do about that? In my experience, the reason they stay liberal is to justify a cherished sin. I can explain why those are sins until I’m blue in the face, but they will not budge.

Should I forget about trying to get people to be orthodox Catholics like me and just hope they accept God’s call to greater holiness? Or is there something. I can do to convince them of the error of their ways?

Do you see things as black and white? I am here always speaking about liberals and conservativbes.
dont you have a rainbow there? Black an white films are out of date !!!
There are many colors besides the ones I see moentioned here in the Forum: Black and White, liberals and conservatives…

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

Some things ARE black and white, no matter how many shades of gray or rainbows we would like.

A classic black and white film is never dated.

As for the OP: buy 'em a sammich, smile a lot. Don’t wag your finger. If they’re open to anything, finger-wagging will shut them out fast.

 

[Rascalking]

Some things ARE black and white, no matter how many shades of gray or rainbows we would like.

A classic black and white film is never dated.

As for the OP: buy 'em a sammich, smile a lot. Don’t wag your finger. If they’re open to anything, finger-wagging will shut them out fast.

Best answer ever.

Nothing is worse than someone who preaches to me (a “liberal Catholic” because I’m in favor of :: gasp :: female altar servers-no female priests though). Usually I think those that preach the loudest and jump up and down are the most insecure in their own beliefs.

And buy me a beer (any German brew, even though I’m British) before the sandwich!

 

[nickybr38]

God spoke of TWO roads. One that is narrow and winding, one that is broad and straight. He didn’t mention a third one full of rainbows and sunshine. God speaks in black and white terms and we should aim to see in black and white.

To the OP: The Holy Spirit will sort them out. Be a good example and show them the Orthodox way simply in how you live and love. Your example will speak more loudly to them then any words possibly could!

 

[JRKH]

You evangelize to “liberals” the same way that evangelize to anyone else. With Love, patience and Truth.

Perhaps the thing to do would be, instead of pointing out problems with their “liberal”, “cafeteria” viewpoints is to point them towards things that will bring deeper understandings. Perhaps encourage them to take advantage of the graces of the Sacrament of Reconciliation more often.
Perhaps begin a small study of the Catechism or of the Bible. Perhaps encourage them in works of charity whereby they might be exposed to some of the “consequences” of the more “liberal” lifestyle.

It seems God is calling you to minister to these children of His. Trust that He will give you insights on how best to do this.

Peace
James

 

[fall_fox]

Do you see things as black and white? I am here always speaking about liberals and Conservatives.
don’t you have a rainbow there? Black an white films are out of date !!!
There are many colors besides the ones I see mentioned here in the Forum: Black and White, liberals and conservatives…

fall fox

It always amazes me when, those that I think are good Catholics vote for a Democratic politician. My father was a factory worker and at that time that usually meant being in favor of the Democratic Party’s liberal positions on issues. I was also a factory worker and for a time voted Democratic. Then the Democratic Party changed their focus from just the working man vs. wealthy man and his Conservative views, to supporting all types of deviate issues of the day, abortion, same sex partners and their rights, embryonic stem cell research, etc. At this point I could not vote for a Democratic Politician because of my beliefs that were of course Catholic.
I cannot separate the issues of the day and my belief in God, I must always choose
the side that is more in line with my Church’s teachings.

 

[PJM]

=mathematoons;8663745]I am able to bring people to Jesus, but I live in a very liberal area, and so conservative doctrine is often the one thing that keeps them away from anything Christian. Because I am a very orthodox Catholic, this is difficult for me. I have prayed about it, and I feel that God urged me to go ahead and point them toward Catholics who have liberal beliefs; after all, I converted and then gradually deepened in faith. Reluctantly, I did exactly this, and that has worked. One of them told me how much better a person he became as a result. This is how I know I did the right thing. “By their fruits you shall know them.”

Just so everyone knows, I define a liberal as anyone who disagrees with Church teaching in favor of more permissive beliefs that are in line with what our sinful culture teaches. Things like abortion, same-sex “marriage”, contraception, moral relativism, etc.

My problem is the next step. Liberals, regardless of religion, hate the idea of becoming more conservative as much as I hate the idea of becoming more liberal. Is there anything I can do about that? In my experience, the reason they stay liberal is to justify a cherished sin. I can explain why those are sins until I’m blue in the face, but they will not budge.

Should I forget about trying to get people to be orthodox Catholics like me and just hope they accept God’s call to greater holiness? Or is there something. I can do to convince them of the error of their ways?

First permit me to welcome YOU home!

So how did you get from “there” to here"? GOD did it correct! And that friend is thee KEY.

None o of us, Pope, bishop, preist. laity can CONVERT someone that God does not first offer His Gift of Grace too. So we ALL need to allow God to do the heavey-work.

We should know, and live publically our faith. For examplw if someine were to come to your home, woiuls they know without being told that your an informed, practicing Catholic?

Thye issue seems to me is always the same

WHo’s in charge?

Either we are
or we permit God to be.

And the responsibility can’t be split.

That seems like a good starting ponit IMO:thumbsup:

God Bless,
Pat

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

fall fox

It always amazes me when, those that I think are good Catholics vote for a Democratic politician. My father was a factory worker and at that time that usually meant being in favor of the Democratic Party’s liberal positions on issues. I was also a factory worker and for a time voted Democratic. Then the Democratic Party changed their focus from just the working man vs. wealthy man and his Conservative views, to supporting all types of deviate issues of the day, abortion, same sex partners and their rights, embryonic stem cell research, etc. At this point I could not vote for a Democratic Politician because of my beliefs that were of course Catholic.
I cannot separate the issues of the day and my belief in God, I must always choose
the side that is more in line with my Church’s teachings.

Politics and Religion DO NOT MIX…
Since the Middle Ages, there was the temptation of doing that with very bad results.
Look to the Muslims who mix politics and religion !!!
No Party is Catholic by itself.

 

[JRKH]

Politics and Religion DO NOT MIX…

So - if this is true then we as Catholics should stop trying to effect public policy??

Since the Middle Ages, there was the temptation of doing that with very bad results.

Actually this goes back much farther than the middle ages. In fact, separation of religion and state is really the “new-kid-on-the-block”.
Have results been good or bad?? Probably depends on specific cases and specific points in history.

The quality of a religion OR the quality of a government depends entirely on
a) The rightness and goodness of the foundational principles of the faith or government
b) The quality of those who profess allegiance to it
and
c) The Honor and faithfulness of those who administer it.

There have good religious states and bad ones. There have been good and bad secular states as well. Likewise countries have gone from good to bad and back to good - well governed then badly and back to good…
This is far more dependent on the quality of the people than it is on the whether religion and politics are mixed.

Peace
James

 

[Flyingg]

Biblical Jesus was a socialist revolutionist liberal of his time.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Biblical Jesus was a socialist revolutionist liberal of his time.

Oh dear…

 

[JRKH]

Biblical Jesus was a socialist revolutionist liberal of his time.

Indeed He was, but not in the way that those terms would generally be understood today.
Jesus was Socialist in that we are all responsible for each other and to God.
He was a revolutionist in that He rightly saw the need for revolutionary personal changes in all who embrace repentance and come to faith in God the Father.
He was Liberal in that He offers liberation from sin to all who come to Him - regardless of their background, past sins, race color or former creed.

Yes - Jesus was quite revolutionary - and still is. Thank God

Peace
James

 

[raaucoin]

one of the absolute best ways to start is to make sure you have a clear understanding of what the Church teaches and WHY! since you used same sex marriage as an example- so will I.

One of the most obnoxious things that can be said in answer to why is SSm wrong is “because God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve”.That argument did nothing to answer the Question “why” when I needed to understand that in 9th grade. It came of *** simply flipant, callous and smart allec. But finally 25 yrs later in JPII’s theology of the Body- though it addresses little specifically about homosexuality, the explanation of sexuality as part of God’s plan in the context of being made in His image was profound and life changing for me.

Once upon a time answering why with " because the Church says so" was enough.But it isn’t anymore- generally speaking. And too many of us are great at quoting the teachings but we don’t understand them. When we learn about our faith and develope an understanding, we then realize that in as much as “liberal” means freedom- Our Church’s teachings are freeing and liberal. And the thoughts and beliefsof so called “liberals” is what enslaves. when we have a grasp of that- then weare able to evangelize them.

 

[PJM]

=Pfaffenhoffen;8683027]Politics and Religion DO NOT MIX…
Since the Middle Ages, there was the temptation of doing that with very bad results.
Look to the Muslims who mix politics and religion !!!
No Party is Catholic by itself.

They DO TOO!

And they MUST!

Wha;t we forget we are Catholics and what we beleive so that we can support aportion, Gay rights, Gay marriage ECT. AND THOSE THAT DO SO! I too at one time voted for Democrats. They are nolonger Christian or Catholic byn there actions.

Mt. 7: 14:21 [Jesus speaking!]
"For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. "Beware of false prophets,[and politicians] who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. ***You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? ***[17] So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will know them by their fruits.
"Not every one who says to me, `Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

A sin of OMMISSION HAS THE SAME PENALTIES AS A SIN OF COMMISSION!

The Catholic Catwechism:

**2271 **Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law

**2322 **From its conception, the child has the right to life. Direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, is a “criminal” practice (GS 27 § 3), gravely contrary to the moral law. The Church imposes the canonical penalty of excommunication for this crime against human life.

ANYONE SUPPORTING ANY CANDIDATE WHO SUPPORTS ABORTION IN ANY MANNOR COMMITS THE SAME SIN AS THE PERSON GETTING THE ABORTION!

For anyone to put politics ahead of moral absolutes is a MORTAL SIN! PERIOD! No Catholic and No Christian can support cnadidates or parties that have the agenda of todays Democratic part.NO THE THE CHURCH CANNOT TELL YOU HOW TO VOTE; BUT MUST TELL US HOW WE CANNOT VOTE!

Putting personal politics ahead of LIFE issues is always a mortal sin!

God Bless,
Pat

 

[Flyingg]

Indeed He was, but not in the way that those terms would generally be understood today.
Jesus was Socialist in that we are all responsible for each other and to God.
He was a revolutionist in that He rightly saw the need for revolutionary personal changes in all who embrace repentance and come to faith in God the Father.
He was Liberal in that He offers liberation from sin to all who come to Him - regardless of their background, past sins, race color or former creed.

Yes - Jesus was quite revolutionary - and still is. Thank God

Peace
James

Socialist: He cared for poor people and their welfare
Revolutionist: He didn’t accept blindly the traditions of the society and stood against them.
Liberal: He was open minded.

Peace.

 

[MartyrForJesus]

Socialist: He cared for poor people and their welfare
Revolutionist: He didn’t accept blindly the traditions of the society and stood against them.
Liberal: He was open minded.

Peace.

I don’t think those definitions are accurate. ‘Liberal’ is not necessarily open minded, the second point I think is closer to ‘defiant’ and just because you care for the poor does not mean you’re a Socialist.

 

[JRKH]

Originally Posted by Flyingg View Post
Socialist: He cared for poor people and their welfare
Revolutionist: He didn’t accept blindly the traditions of the society and stood against them.
Liberal: He was open minded.

MartyrForJesus,
Thanks for this post.
This is what I meant earlier when I said that Jesus was these things but not in the way the terms are understood today, but I didn’t know how to really express it.

Jesus Was “Social-ist” in that He taught care and responsibility (Love) one for the other. But He didn’t teach “Government Control”
He was Liberal in that He respected everyone’s right to choose but He wasn’t so “open minded” that He denied the responsibilities and consequences connected with those choices.
He was “Revolutionary” in that what He taught was bound to be divisive - and was intended to be so…He even said it would.
It was divisive between the Old Covenant and the New…

Peace
James

 

[Flyingg]

I don’t think those definitions are accurate. ‘Liberal’ is not necessarily open minded, the second point I think is closer to ‘defiant’ and just because you care for the poor does not mean you’re a Socialist.

Maybe, but he doesn’t seem in anyway to be a conservative.

 

[JRKH]

Maybe, but he doesn’t seem in anyway to be a conservative.

I dunno - I’d say he wants to conserve the Truth of God’s Love - the true root of the Law and something lost in the thinking of many.

Peace
James