How to Evangelize?

[Angela77]

Hi!

So, I have a very close friend whom I often get into religious discussions/debates with. I don’t know exactly what her beliefs are because she tends to analyze all sides of an issue rather than picking a side of her own. I do know that her family doesn’t go to church, and I get the feeling that she’s agnostic.

I care a lot about her, and I wish I could help her find faith. I know one of the main ways to evangelize is by living through example, which I try to do as best I can. And I pray for her. But I’m not sure if I should be more direct. Should I ask her what her beliefs are? I don’t want to turn her off.

The other catch…we’re high schoolers, so I don’t know whether it’s improper for me evangelize because I don’t know how her parents would feel about it.

Thoughts? Advice? Suggestions?

 

[SonCatcher]

Part of friendship is sharing who you are with your friends. That includes how you are living your faith and what it teaches (so, for example, she understands why you avoid your favorite meat lasagne on Fridays in Lent). It is natural that she may ask other questions of you and you may well start learning more about her in the process.

Her parents shouldn’t be concerned unless she decides to join RCIA since they are responsible for her formation. Of course, you should avoid anything that might disrupt school, but any topic of conversation at the wrong time would do that (e.g. dance plans during math class).

 

[ChurchSoldier]

Good for you for thinking about this. Just keep asking questions and answering those she asks.

 

[johnnyc176]

Hi!

So, I have a very close friend whom I often get into religious discussions/debates with. I don’t know exactly what her beliefs are because she tends to analyze all sides of an issue rather than picking a side of her own. I do know that her family doesn’t go to church, and I get the feeling that she’s agnostic.

I care a lot about her, and I wish I could help her find faith. I know one of the main ways to evangelize is by living through example, which I try to do as best I can. And I pray for her. But I’m not sure if I should be more direct. Should I ask her what her beliefs are? I don’t want to turn her off.

The other catch…we’re high schoolers, so I don’t know whether it’s improper for me evangelize because I don’t know how her parents would feel about it.

Thoughts? Advice? Suggestions?

What a good friend you are. If she does start asking questions and you are not sure of the answer do not be afraid to say you will get back to her with the proper answer. If you don’t already have one get yourself a Catholic student Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (actually there is a youth Catechism called Youcat)…

amazon.com/Youcat-Cardinal-Christoph-Schonborn-editor/dp/1586175165/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355879601&sr=1-1&keywords=youcat

And prayer is always good. .

 

[Angela77]

Thanks for the responses!

The problem is, my friend doesn’t ask a ton of questions. She knows she has the tendency to be a fiery debater, so I think she’s afraid of possibly offending me. I wish she wouldn’t feel that way! I am armed with a Catechism and a Bible and the Internet, so I’m not afraid of being stumped.

Should I ask her questions? Would that be too personal? I feel like there’s this political correctness dilemma at the current moment. She doesn’t want to offend me; I don want to offend her. Should I just risk it?

 

[PJM]

=Angela77;10148569]Hi!

So, I have a very close friend whom I often get into religious discussions/debates with. I don’t know exactly what her beliefs are because she tends to analyze all sides of an issue rather than picking a side of her own. I do know that her family doesn’t go to church, and I get the feeling that she’s agnostic.

I care a lot about her, and I wish I could help her find faith. I know one of the main ways to evangelize is by living through example, which I try to do as best I can. And I pray for her. But I’m not sure if I should be more direct. Should I ask her what her beliefs are? I don’t want to turn her off.

The other catch…we’re high schoolers, so I don’t know whether it’s improper for me evangelize because I don’t know how her parents would feel about it.

Thoughts? Advice? Suggestions?

Candor among friends is charity in action IF done in charity

So wait until she brings up the discussion of religion and then ask something like this

NAME; do you mind me asking how you and your family feel about God?

Then Listen; don’t argue their beliefs unless your friend WANTS to know more. Then we DON"T aregue. We Live, explain and PROVE biblically AMAP, what we belief and WHY.

If you don’t know; NEVER GUESS Just explain that your not sure but will find out; then do it.

God Bless, keep them in your daily prayers:thumbsup:

 

[may_they_be_one]

Thanks for the responses!

The problem is, my friend doesn’t ask a ton of questions. She knows she has the tendency to be a fiery debater, so I think she’s afraid of possibly offending me. I wish she wouldn’t feel that way! I am armed with a Catechism and a Bible and the Internet, so I’m not afraid of being stumped.

Should I ask her questions? Would that be too personal? I feel like there’s this political correctness dilemma at the current moment. She doesn’t want to offend me; I don want to offend her. Should I just risk it?

If you truly love God and your friend, at some point, the Holy Spirit will compel you to outwardly share the truth of Jesus Christ with her. It’s the greatest news she’ll ever hear!!!

The only question that remains is: How?

First remember the Gospel isn’t a debate. It is love–pure and simple. When you approach any nonbeliever in love, you actually open the door for a chance at a warm reception.

Now, if you’re ready, I’ll tell you about a secret weapon… the Divine Charisms (gifts) of the Holy Spirit. These nine gifts have been given to the Church in order to encourage one another, as well as help convert nonbelievers! And God LOVES answering our earnest prayers for Him to give us one or more of these gifts.

Whether it’s prophecy, healing, word of knowledge, tongues, miracles, faith, or… you can learn more about them here: miamiccr.com/the-gifts-of-the-holy-spirit.html or www.bible-knowledge.com/gifts-of-the-holy-spirit (the first site is Catholic, the second isn’t, but is very informative about the specific workings of the gifts).

Remember the first Pentecost? It’s still happening! God wants to empower us to win souls to His eternal Kingdom! Lord, grant your servant a full measure of your Holy Spirit working in love!

 

[fred_conty]

Hi!

So, I have a very close friend whom I often get into religious discussions/debates with. I don’t know exactly what her beliefs are because she tends to analyze all sides of an issue rather than picking a side of her own. I do know that her family doesn’t go to church, and I get the feeling that she’s agnostic.

I care a lot about her, and I wish I could help her find faith. I know one of the main ways to evangelize is by living through example, which I try to do as best I can. And I pray for her. But I’m not sure if I should be more direct. Should I ask her what her beliefs are? I don’t want to turn her off.

The other catch…we’re high schoolers, so I don’t know whether it’s improper for me evangelize because I don’t know how her parents would feel about it.

Thoughts? Advice? Suggestions?

A difficult question. Every situation is different. Timing is important. I would say play it by ear.

Listen for the nudges of the Holy Spirit. Ask him to put thoughts into your mind to communicate well with her. He makes things go smoother and also puts thoughts into her mind as well. Trust in him and you will be ok.

Just some thoughts.

 

[White_Peony]

PLEASE check into New Catholic Generation!

I’m in high school and I debate religion ALL the time