I just wanted some lunch meat

[notsmart]

MOnkey,

You are so kind, thank you for the prayers!
If anyone needs to change usernames, it would be you.

 

[SeekerJen]

I don’t assume all those who have beliefs I find to be baseless to be all insincere people knowingly telling me lies.
Maybe that is because I am not a trenchant member of anything yet. Maybe its because its just unfair to think that individual people are trying to lie to you when they believe it “hook line and sinker” and as wrong as they may be- they care enough about you to help you in the only way they believe and know how to.
Sure, there are those who are out there to fleece people for their money, but I can’t really say with assurance who those people are (well… I could throw out a few names of “leaders” of cults but it would not be charitable)

You’re right, they’re not all liars. Most of them are sincere and believe in their hearts what they are preaching. Unfortunately the young woman whom I recalled in my post was not one of those. She claimed things that were verifiably false, and claimed to have been raised in the Church, which could not possibly have been true based on the outlandish claims she was making- and she backed off once I made that point to her. I do see a stark contrast between her and the young Mormon who attempted to convert me. I believe that he was sincere and was doing what he believed to be right in his faith. Doesn’t mean that I have to go along with him, but I do respect him for standing up for his own beliefs.

 

[Kelli_Gregori]

After mass this morning I went to the small local grocery. I was waiting with my ticket in my hand, and realized there was a very long wait because there was only one person behind the counter.
Well, I had grabbed some cards on the way out of Church, one was about St. Anthony of Padua and one was about Mary.
So, I dropped my ticket and the cards and the lady next to me bends down really quick to pick up my mess. She takes a peek at the cards and her eyes get really big and she nearly tossed the cards and ticket into my hand, as if she could not believe she touched them. So I thanked her for picking them up and her reply was: Are you catholic? face is very serious, tone of voice is very concerned, and she is speaking rather slow in speed for impact I told her no. So, I see I only have 4 ahead of me so I try to go grab some eggs and come back to wait for my order of lunch meat. As I turn to leave the line she grabs me!
She tells me her name and that she is a pastor at the church (methodist) a block away from the store and that I should try them out. She then tries to get my email and my phone number and address! I said I was simply not interested at the moment. So its finally my turn to order and she is still talking about her church. I acted like I was really considering some salad choices so she would give me a few minutes of silence. Thankfully it was her turn after me so I was able to scoot out to the checkout line asap. I got as far as my car and there she was again! She was telling me what a relief that we “can really talk now” ? (because we were not in the store?)
And that I need to know that there IS NOTHING MORE WRONG (yes thats how loud she said it) then saints that need to be cannonized. Of all things for her to dislike, I was really surprised her beef was with the cannonization process and not something else.
Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone else has been agressively targeted like this, and if so did it turn you off of their denomination?
I have to say this lady meant well, but she over did it for my tastes.

Why did you deny being Catholic? TO me, that is a denial of knowing Christ. I don’t sense from your post that you were in any physical danger, and it was one person not a mob. You could have cut her off at any time and told her thank you but that you are very firm in your faith. I’ve done this it works.

So, once more, why did you deny your faith and in turn Christ?

 

[tGette]

Why did you deny being Catholic? TO me, that is a denial of knowing Christ. I don’t sense from your post that you were in any physical danger, and it was one person not a mob. You could have cut her off at any time and told her thank you but that you are very firm in your faith. I’ve done this it works.

So, once more, why did you deny your faith and in turn Christ?

I am just butting in…

It is because she is not Catholic!
At least not yet…God willing…that will change!

I think, especially for those new to the faith, as was discussed in this thread earlier, that it takes some growing to become bold in your faith to be able to proclaim unequivocally “against” naysayers and the like…

It takes some spiritual growth to be unabashedly faithful!

Hope you did not mind me responding for you notsmart!

 

[RC_Matt]

I do see a stark contrast between her and the young Mormon who attempted to convert me. I believe that he was sincere and was doing what he believed to be right in his faith. Doesn’t mean that I have to go along with him, but I do respect him for standing up for his own beliefs.

I grew up with a lot of Mormons and there is a big difference. Most of those guys are naive kids a long way from home; they’re just doing what their parents and church expect them to do and many, if not most, would rather be doing just about anything other than promoting Joseph Smith door-to-door. Some of them aren’t even convinced about the veracity of the dogma themselves. I’ve had friends who had to do the mission thing and it can totally suck, big time. We get lots of them around here and I go out of my way to treat them well. Of course, once in awhile (and not often) you get an arrogant jerk and those types reap what they sew. I’ll ask a couple of leading questions and then rip him a new one for lying to me.

 

[T700]

:
I’m trying to think of good answers to the “Way of the Master” approach we used to drill in my old church. That’s when someone asks you on the street, “Can I ask you a personal question?” and then “Do you ever think about spiritual things?” then “Do you think of yourself as a good person” and then “Have you ever told a lie?”

Disclaimer: Don’t try some of these yourself. I take no responsibility if you are arrested or punched in the nose. Please don’t judge me too harshly, as I spent many years living a very un-Christlike life in a very Evangelically infested part of the country.

Method 1: When asked that or a similar question, I simply say, “No, you may not” and I keep walking. Seldom will they chase me.

Method 2: If they do chase, I pause, turn around and say in loud clear, voice, “Stop. I do not want to speak with you. If you come closer I will assume you intend me harm and I will exercise my legal right of self-defense.” Only once in recent years has anyone ignored that warning. (Having a shaved head and a face that scares small children may help! )

Method 3: [Not used in many years!] “Sure, if I can ask you a personal question first.” I’d then follow on with something utterly tasteless, shocking, and indecent. This typically caused them to scurry away.

Method 4: Since I am not sure about the statue of limitations, I will not say exactly who did this, but once upon a time, there was a very, VERY, pushy, Protestant minister. For some reason, he set his sights on this person and had harangued him relentlessly.

After some months, the person in our story got completely fed up with the minister and asked him, "Reverend, are you ready to see Jesus? Of course he answered, “Yes!” With that, the pursued prey picked up the predatory padre and dangled him out a third story window, head down to the pavement below. “Glad to hear that, since you’re going to see him in about 10 seconds.”

Luckily for all involved, some friends of the aggrieved sinner intervened and pulled everyone away from the window. The minister must have been quite shaken, as no charges were filed and that was the last time he showed his face around those parts.

Paul

 

[Wolseley]

Another useful tactic is to look then in the eye and say, “Entschuldigung—ich habe keine Englisch, und ich musse gehe jezt. Weidersehen.”, and walk away.

 

[Cat]

Several of the posts above have suggested rude, “clever,” “witty” responses to street evangelists.

I see no reason for this. Christ encourages us to return good for evil. A soft answer definitely turns away wrath. I’ve seen it over and over again in my life. It is when I am “clever” that I hurt people and hurt the Lord Jesus and His Church.

If you act like Don Rickles, then you will give a very poor impression of the Catholic Church and of our Savior and His Mother.

Showing bad manners is actually just a way of being hateful, and hate is not of Christ. Even if they were rude to you first, that’s no reason to return the rudeness. When Christ was scourged, He could have called upon the Hosts of Heaven to beat all of His tormentos to death, but He didn’t.

Also, if they ask you a question, and you have no good answer, you will reinforce their stereotype of Catholics as “ignorant.”

Finally, the Bible says that we should ALWAYS be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us, with GENTLENESS and REVERENCE! (I Peter 3: 15) Do you really think you have a better idea than St. Peter? He certainly had to learn the hard way to return gentleness for harsh treatment, and now we honor him as one of the greatest saints ever.

I want to be like St. Peter. Don’t you?

The OP asked me specifically if I have a method. I have yet to find Catholic “methods” for street evangelism. I wish there were such written methods. If anyone knows, I hope you’ll post.

I agree that living our faith is important, however, again, I return to the Bible, which says very clearly that we are to be ready to SPEAK about our faith.

Evangelicals in particular are not impressed by a good life. A lot of atheists live an exemplary life of philanthrophy, good works, and kindness, yet they are not believers and are very likely going to hell for their rejection of the Lord Jesus.

Evangelicals are very impressed by words, especially when those words come straight from the Bible.

continued in next post

 

[Cat]

So to the OP–here are a few suggestions, simple ones, from me.

1. Pick a “life verse” and memorize it. My suggestion is to choose this verse from the books of the Bible that are in the Protestant Bible, because they don’t accept the Deuterocanonicals as valid Scripture. There are certainly plenty of good verses in the “Protestant” books of the Bible!

Evangelical Protestants love the Bible and accept it as their only authority.

Write out in just a few sentences exactly why you love your life verse. Then when someone asks you about your faith, ask them if they would mind if you shared your life verse with them and why it is important to you. An evangelical will be very interested and touched by this kind of testimony, and also surprised and impressed that you actually have a “life verse.”
.
It doesn’t have to be wise or deep, just personal. E.g., I like John 2: 24 & 25, and if asked, I would explain that when I was kicked out of my evangelical Protestant church by pastors that I trusted and loved, these verses comforted me because they show that I cannot trust mere human beings, but only Jesus Christ. HE is the only One that I can trust and cling to.

Obviously these sentences are NOT a compendium of the Catholic Church and dogma! But they are in line with Catholic teachings, AND they are extremely intriguing to evangelicals, who immediately ask, “You were kicked out of your evangelical church?!”

If there is time and they are interested, I can go on and give them more details. IF there is no time, or they’re not interested, I will say, “Yes, but as God promised in Romans 8: 28, He worked it all out for good, and I thank Him!” (You see, ANOTHER Bible verse, and it’s a GOOD verse to remember!).

Obviously this “life verse” method can backfire, as Protestants can begin flipping through the Bible to demonstrate how your Catholic beliefs are wrong. But your answer, delivered in a gentle voice, is, “I am just a beginning student of the Bible and I’m afraid that I can’t yet answer your questions or respond to your arguments. What I can do is testify about the verse that I love and have chosen for a life verse, and testify that I am in love with Jesus, my Lord and Savior.”

Get the conversation back to YOUR faith in Jesus. That’s what’s real!

ALSO–be sure to ask them to share THEIR life verse with you! They will be touched and honored, and will return the favor by sharing a verse with you and a testimony.

Isn’t this a much nicer way to “evangelize” that using a silly retort or rude comment? It’s very edifying to all involved.

1. Another suggestion, as I mentioned in an earlier post, is to write out a Two-Minute PERSONAL Testimony. This is something that is best done with other Christians. In fact, it would be fun to get together with a few friends and all work on this together. Read your testimonies to each other, criticize and make suggestions, and pray for each other.

Your testimony may not be exciting–e.g.,“I was doing drugs and killing people and having sex with everyone I met, and then I joined the Catholic Church and now I’m a nun helping the poor people in the Big City!”–wow, now that’s an exciting testimony!

Yours might be something like this: “I grew up in the church and I’ve always believed in God. But when I was (age), I started searching for Truth. I tried all kinds of things (describe, if not too nasty), but I kept coming back to the truth of Jesus Christ. He said in John 14 : 6, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” I decided to take Him seriously, and I joined the Church and now I’m praying to Him and studying His Word, and serving Him. I am so in love with Jesus!”

Not very exciting. Certainly not screenplay material. You won’t be writing any best-sellers. But it’s YOUR testimony–that’s what’s important. In two minutes, tell people what Jesus means to YOU personally.

1. If you are Catholic, don’t try to summarize the Catholic Church in two minutes! Simply make a statement to the effect of, “I’ve done a lot of studying and praying and I’ve come to the conclusion that the Catholic Church is the Church that Jesus Christ founded here on this earth.”

or “I believe that the Catholic Church is the Church that teaches the pure Word of God.”

or “I believe that everything the Catholic Church teaches is in line with the Holy Scriptures.”

Just one of those sentences is enough. If they press you for details, tell them that it would take weeks for you to explain everything about the Catholic Church to them. Ask if they would like to come to Mass with you and see for themselves.

1. And that’s my last suggestion–ask them to come to Mass with you (if you’re Catholic). It’s amazing how many Protestants have NEVER been to a Catholic Mass. Make sure that before they come, they understand what they will be seeing and hearing, especially if you attend a TLM. I believe there is a great tract that Catholic Answers publishes about the Mass that explains all the various things that happen. I’m sure that there are materials that will explain the TLM also.

Yes, invite them to Mass. After all, Jesus said that if He is lifted up, He will draw all men unto Him. And it is in the Catholic Church, during the Holy Mass, that He is literally LIFTED UP. This is when my husband recognized Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for the first time. They will, too, eventually, because Jesus tells the truth. Ask them to come with you.

Godspeed as you and I all do the work of an evangelist and fulfill your ministry! (II Timothy 4: 5)

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Cat–those are very impressive posts with a lot of good, solid understanding. I think we would all do well to heed your advice. . .and thank you for sharing your insight with us.

 

[Ruthie]

Well, this is not the most charitable response, but it’s funny.

One day, my parish priest was crossing the street to the church, in his clericals. A guy riding by on his bicycle saw him and hit the brakes. Approaching Father aggressively, he pointed at him and said, “Do YOU know Jesus?”

Father responded, “Not only do I know Him, I eat Him every day!”

Father himself does not recommend this method…

Ruthie

 

[Gamera]

Nothing more dangerous than a Catholic bible study leader turned loose on a plane load of Baptist missionaries.

Just like the movie “Snakes on a Plane!”

 

[Kelli_Gregori]

You know who I am. Why don’t you reply?

 

[Contarini]

After mass this morning I went to the small local grocery. I was waiting with my ticket in my hand, and realized there was a very long wait because there was only one person behind the counter.
Well, I had grabbed some cards on the way out of Church, one was about St. Anthony of Padua and one was about Mary.
So, I dropped my ticket and the cards and the lady next to me bends down really quick to pick up my mess. She takes a peek at the cards and her eyes get really big and she nearly tossed the cards and ticket into my hand, as if she could not believe she touched them. So I thanked her for picking them up and her reply was: Are you catholic? face is very serious, tone of voice is very concerned, and she is speaking rather slow in speed for impact I told her no. So, I see I only have 4 ahead of me so I try to go grab some eggs and come back to wait for my order of lunch meat. As I turn to leave the line she grabs me!
She tells me her name and that she is a pastor at the church (methodist) a block away from the store and that I should try them out. She then tries to get my email and my phone number and address! I said I was simply not interested at the moment. So its finally my turn to order and she is still talking about her church. I acted like I was really considering some salad choices so she would give me a few minutes of silence. Thankfully it was her turn after me so I was able to scoot out to the checkout line asap. I got as far as my car and there she was again! She was telling me what a relief that we “can really talk now” ? (because we were not in the store?)
And that I need to know that there IS NOTHING MORE WRONG (yes thats how loud she said it) then saints that need to be cannonized. Of all things for her to dislike, I was really surprised her beef was with the cannonization process and not something else.
Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone else has been agressively targeted like this, and if so did it turn you off of their denomination?
I have to say this lady meant well, but she over did it for my tastes.

Good heavens! A Methodist pastor, and a woman at that (I say this only because you do find obnoxious conservative evangelicals among Methodist pastors, but they are usually not women). Well, as a sort-of Methodist (my wife is Methodist and I attend Methodist as well as Episcopal churches), I apologize! Most Methodists do not do this kind of thing. But there are a lot of Methodists.

That being said, note the fact that her beef was with the canonization process. In other words, she doesn’t have as much of a problem with the idea of saints as some Protestants might, but she has a problem with sainthood being some sort of official status handed out by the Church (not saying this is a fair description, but this is probably how she sees it).

Edwin

 

[cfrancis]

That being said, note the fact that her beef was with the canonization process. In other words, she doesn’t have as much of a problem with the idea of saints as some Protestants might, but she has a problem with sainthood being some sort of official status handed out by the Church (not saying this is a fair description, but this is probably how she sees it).Edwin

It’s a shame she doesn’t understand the process, what it means. and does not appear to want to discover and understand such.

 

[adstrinity]

Well, this is not the most charitable response, but it’s funny.

One day, my parish priest was crossing the street to the church, in his clericals. A guy riding by on his bicycle saw him and hit the brakes. Approaching Father aggressively, he pointed at him and said, “Do YOU know Jesus?”

Father responded, “Not only do I know Him, I eat Him every day!”

Father himself does not recommend this method…

Ruthie

Well, it’s not like it’s a false statement…

 

[notsmart]

Hello Edwin,

I think another Methodist posted here, Zooey, and I told her that I do not harbor any bad feelings towards Methodists due to this, and that no Methodist should apologize for this, because I know that she may not be representing the entire Methodist’s view of evangelizing. We all have different gifts, God willingly gives us if we only take them and use them. I can’t judge her, because I don’t know what gifts he has given me. At least she cared about my eternal destiny. I may not have expressed that enough in my original post, I aplologize for that.
I went to Mass this morning because I found out it was a saint’s anniversary that I was reading about. I prayed to God that this lady will see that there could be some value in looking at those who lived lives of virtue. I would not try to do more than ask that.
The Holy Spirit has led her to where she is, and where I am.
It is a wonderful thing, that we are likely both praying for each other when you think about it.

I am kinda curious to go to her church after mass next week, just to tell her thank you for caring.

Good heavens! A Methodist pastor, and a woman at that (I say this only because you do find obnoxious conservative evangelicals among Methodist pastors, but they are usually not women). Well, as a sort-of Methodist (my wife is Methodist and I attend Methodist as well as Episcopal churches), I apologize! Most Methodists do not do this kind of thing. But there are a lot of Methodists.

That being said, note the fact that her beef was with the canonization process. In other words, she doesn’t have as much of a problem with the idea of saints as some Protestants might, but she has a problem with sainthood being some sort of official status handed out by the Church (not saying this is a fair description, but this is probably how she sees it).

Edwin

 

[notsmart]

You know who I am. Why don’t you reply?

?

You could PM me about your idea that you know me. What is my dog’s name?

 

[notsmart]

Also, if they ask you a question, and you have no good answer, you will reinforce their stereotype of Catholics as “ignorant.”

I thought about that. I have two choices, “that’s a good question, let me get you the information you need that truely expresses the Church’s teaching on that. Can I get back to you with some information?”

Finally, the Bible says that we should ALWAYS be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us, with GENTLENESS and REVERENCE! (I Peter 3: 15) Do you really think you have a better idea than St. Peter? He certainly had to learn the hard way to return gentleness for harsh treatment, and now we honor him as one of the greatest saints ever.

I try my best to do this, in non religious matters, so I think I can try even harder to do this for Jesus Christ.

I want to be like St. Peter. Don’t you?

One day, I hope I could be so ready as he was to be crucifyed upside down as tradition tells us, and catacombs, and it makes sense he would feel that way. He must have felt a huge burden to be chosen even after denials, 3 times. His love for Jesus was very clear. He was not educated, yet Jesus wanted him. Yes, I love St. Peter very much.

The OP asked me specifically if I have a method. I have yet to find Catholic “methods” for street evangelism. I wish there were such written methods. If anyone knows, I hope you’ll post.

When I get baptised, I will try out methods, and I will post!

I agree that living our faith is important, however, again, I return to the Bible, which says very clearly that we are to be ready to SPEAK about our faith.

I think there is a time to speak, a time to love, a time to share life with a person, and as long as all these things are done with the love of Jesus in your heart, and prayers for the person’s conversion to christ, none is lost. But, I agree I am one who likes to talk, so I guess I will have to speak, but judiciously and carefully!

Evangelicals in particular are not impressed by a good life.

Hanging on a cross like Jesus, or Peter or stoned like Stephan, well- depends on what we think is a good life I guess. A good life may not be limited to the parameters for cannonization. But, a good life is one that bears fruit.

A lot of atheists live an exemplary life of philanthrophy, good works, and kindness, yet they are not believers and are very likely going to hell for their rejection of the Lord Jesus.

Say a prayer for my atheist husband, please. I was one too, until a short time ago, like umm, a bit after I joined here…

Evangelicals are very impressed by words, especially when those words come straight from the Bible.

Words and actions go together, or the words are meaningless.
It is good to know this, because I would take a different approach with an evangelical. All my christain friends are evangelicals…
I don’t like their style though… I guess I need to think more about how to talk to them in a way that they will not get offended.

Thank you for so many ideas! And this is only part one!

 

[notsmart]

So to the OP–here are a few suggestions, simple ones, from me.

1. Pick a “life verse” and memorize it. My suggestion is to choose this verse from the books of the Bible that are in the Protestant Bible, because they don’t accept the Deuterocanonicals as valid Scripture. There are certainly plenty of good verses in the “Protestant” books of the Bible!

I can do this!

Evangelical Protestants love the Bible and accept it as their only authority.

I think they do this, and as much as I don’t understand this, I will use the bible only for now!

Write out in just a few sentences exactly why you love your life verse. Then when someone asks you about your faith, ask them if they would mind if you shared your life verse with them and why it is important to you. An evangelical will be very interested and touched by this kind of testimony, and also surprised and impressed that you actually have a “life verse.”

.

I never thought about that. I have 3 major ones that would fit this description. They mostly do tie into the gospels too. I will have to really think about who I am talking to, and their life and which may be more applicable to them. Good ideas.

It doesn’t have to be wise or deep, just personal. E.g., I like John 2: 24 & 25, and if asked, I would explain that when I was kicked out of my evangelical Protestant church by pastors that I trusted and loved, these verses comforted me because they show that I cannot trust mere human beings, but only Jesus Christ. HE is the only One that I can trust and cling to.

That is the truth.

Obviously these sentences are NOT a compendium of the Catholic Church and dogma! But they are in line with Catholic teachings, AND they are extremely intriguing to evangelicals, who immediately ask, “You were kicked out of your evangelical church?!”

I am sorry that happened to you. God will never reject you though, as long as you do not reject him!

If there is time and they are interested, I can go on and give them more details. IF there is no time, or they’re not interested, I will say, “Yes, but as God promised in Romans 8: 28, He worked it all out for good, and I thank Him!” (You see, ANOTHER Bible verse, and it’s a GOOD verse to remember!).

I like the book of Romans also. All suffering is for good if you think about it.

Obviously this “life verse” method can backfire, as Protestants can begin flipping through the Bible to demonstrate how your Catholic beliefs are wrong. But your answer, delivered in a gentle voice, is, “I am just a beginning student of the Bible and I’m afraid that I can’t yet answer your questions or respond to your arguments. What I can do is testify about the verse that I love and have chosen for a life verse, and testify that I am in love with Jesus, my Lord and Savior.”

That is the best plan for me now.

1. Another suggestion, as I mentioned in an earlier post, is to write out a Two-Minute PERSONAL Testimony. This is something that is best done with other Christians. In fact, it would be fun to get together with a few friends and all work on this together. Read your testimonies to each other, criticize and make suggestions, and pray for each other.

They won’t like mine!

Your testimony may not be exciting–e.g.,“I was doing drugs and killing people and having sex with everyone I met, and then I joined the Catholic Church and now I’m a nun helping the poor people in the Big City!”–wow, now that’s an exciting testimony

!

My testimony is not that exciting, but its not boring either.

Yours might be something like this: "I grew up in the church and I’ve always believed in God.

I was an athiest, raised by militant atheists. This won’t work.

Not very exciting. Certainly not screenplay material. You won’t be writing any best-sellers. But it’s YOUR testimony–that’s what’s important. In two minutes, tell people what Jesus means to YOU personally.

I will have to try to do that. Its hard to do in two minutes, but I can try to.

Just one of those sentences is enough. If they press you for details, tell them that it would take weeks for you to explain everything about the Catholic Church to them. Ask if they would like to come to Mass with you and see for themselves.

That’s the way I did it so far. Going to Mass. Coming here.

1. And that’s my last suggestion–ask them to come to Mass with you (if you’re Catholic).

Don’t worry, I don’t even get out of the pew at Holy Communion, I sit and pray a prayer to be closer to Christ, and grateful to be in his midst.

It’s amazing how many Protestants have NEVER been to a Catholic Mass. Make sure that before they come, they understand what they will be seeing and hearing, especially if you attend a TLM. I believe there is a great tract that Catholic Answers publishes about the Mass that explains all the various things that happen. I’m sure that there are materials that will explain the TLM also.

I will try to do this, because I should be able to do this when I am a catholic.

Yes, invite them to Mass. After all, Jesus said that if He is lifted up, He will draw all men unto Him. And it is in the Catholic Church, during the Holy Mass, that He is literally LIFTED UP. This is when my husband recognized Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for the first time. They will, too, eventually, because Jesus tells the truth. Ask them to come with you.

When I can get someone to go with me, I will really be happy!

Godspeed as you and I all do the work of an evangelist and fulfill your ministry! (II Timothy 4: 5

You are very kind Cat, thank you for helping me out!