How would you talk to a Baptist about the Catholic Faith?

[Selah_KY]

Just be Catholic. Your actions speak louder than words. Make the Sign of the Cross before meals, pray the rosary, go to Adoration and Mass. If she has an interest in you, and your interests that go along with you being you, she will likely inquire on her own.

This!

Because of my family’s experience with Baptists who put evangelization over friendship, who lead you to believe they are interested in relationship, but in fact are just looking for yet another notch in their “saved” belt, I would witness by loving and real relationship.

Sound advice in general, but when two Christians are dating, the issue must be addressed and resolved at some point in order for the relationship to progress.

I don’t believe he mentioned that they are dating, only that they are friends.

 

[Riser]

Did I miss something, nowhere in the OPs statements did I see this comment. Please explain???

The comment below indicated to me that the OP felt the need to “preach the gospel” to this new friend:

I don’t want to cause offense to her, but at the same time, I know I am called to preach the gospel, I do believe all Christians are, but at the same time, I do not want to sound harsh.

One does not feel that need for someone who already knows the Gospel Message.

 

[rcwitness]

The comment below indicated to me that the OP felt the need to “preach the gospel” to this new friend:

One does not feel that need for someone who already knows the Gospel Message.

I can see your point

I also can see how someone can be anticipating the need to preach a more accurate Gospel to some who have a reputation of demonizing our faith.

 

[Randy_Carson]

I recently made friends with a girl that is (I do believe) a Baptist. She is one of the few people at my college that is near my age (most people are either a good bit older or as much 9 or ten years younger). She seems very kind, and very sweet, and I bet she certainly noticed the cross around my neck (there’s a miraculous medal around my neck too, which is less obvious). She has not attacked me for being Catholic, and I don’t think she would. But how would you explain the Catholic faith to someone with that background? I would actually like (name removed by moderator)ut from both Catholics and Baptists on this. Thanks.

Well, you could wait to see what questions she asks you first.

Until then, if you want to discuss religion, just focus on talking about Jesus.

Oh, and make sure you starting reading the NT daily. She will want to know how much you know about scripture…and that’s not a bad thing in a potential spouse, is it?

 

[Riser]

I can see your point

I also can see how someone can be anticipating the need to preach a more accurate Gospel to some who have a reputation of demonizing our faith.

I guess it would take a developed sense of ESP to know if one’s Gospel is more accurate than another’s.

The demonizing between denominations doesn’t always have anything to do with “The Gospel.” It has a lot to do with arrogance.

 

[wmscott]

The comment below indicated to me that the OP felt the need to “preach the gospel” to this new friend:

I do not see that at all. It may be that you see it that way but I do not.

One does not feel that need for someone who already knows the Gospel Message.

**OK, using this logic are we to operate in a vacuum and not bring up the Gospels to one another??? Its called sharing the faith, and my sense is that the OP is not going to do that any other way than with charity and kindness. Other wise why would he ask for help in his relationship and how to talk to someone of another faith tradition. **

**Lets see the good in his intentions rather than assume ill will. **

 

[rcwitness]

I guess it would take a developed sense of ESP to know if one’s Gospel is more accurate than another’s.

Ha! Yea… or the Holy Spirit.

Acts 18 (RSVCE)

26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of God more accurately.

The demonizing between denominations doesn’t always have anything to do with “The Gospel.” It has a lot to do with arrogance.

I agree. Its much more edifying to find the common faith in the Gospel

 

[Randy_Carson]

Do you have Baptists “attack” you often?
I find it curious you would mention in your first two posts that this young woman hasn’t “attacked” you for being Catholic, as if this surprises you.
Perhaps, like many people, she respects the various beliefs people have.

Are you expecting her to try and convince you that the Baptist faith is the way to go and you should convert?

(Conversely…are you wanting to try to convince her that the Catholic faith is the one to follow?)

FWIW-

It was not uncommon for me to hear negative comments from the Baptist Student Union/FCA crowd when I was a student on a southern campus.

And, of course, if you hang out in the apologetics forum for awhile, you will see the same thing here. :yup:

 

[jmcrae]

I recently made friends with a girl that is (I do believe) a Baptist. She is one of the few people at my college that is near my age (most people are either a good bit older or as much 9 or ten years younger). She seems very kind, and very sweet, and I bet she certainly noticed the cross around my neck (there’s a miraculous medal around my neck too, which is less obvious). She has not attacked me for being Catholic, and I don’t think she would. But how would you explain the Catholic faith to someone with that background? I would actually like (name removed by moderator)ut from both Catholics and Baptists on this. Thanks.

I would wait for her to bring up the subject, and answer any questions she has with honesty and to the best of my ability, while promising her that you will work with her to research the answers to any questions she has that you can’t answer very well at the moment.

 

[Riser]

I guess a few points are in order - if for no one else but myself:

I see the good and the concern in the OP. I applaud that as the good thing to do.

I asked only about why the OP thought that the Gospel Message was necessary - as if the other person didn’t already know the Gospel message. I submit that it is wrong to make that assumption. If it really is an honest question - ask. A person committed to following Christ will not be alarmed that anyone would ask. It should be quite the opposite - a follower of Christ Jesus should be thrilled about being asked!

If I were pursuing a young lady, I would not want to think that I must tiptoe around the subject. That would be a shaky start of a relationship.