I welcomed and Praised a Jehovah's witness

[MyNameIsDan]

I would like to change my answer. Somebody tried to evangelize me today and I didn’t like it for some of the things they said which are contrary to our faith. While what you did is not a mortal sin, I would advice that you not praise them any more.

On a side note, what coincidence that it wasn’t too long ago that I wrote in this thread that somebody tried to evangelize me.

 

[Church_Militant]

Thank you. The man I spoke with clearly shows he has fully accepted the Jehovah’s withness’ teaching. I knew he saw me as a mission. I know their teaching as well. I feel sad that Jesus is only a prophet to them. It hurts me that they dont recognize Jesus and the Holy Spirit…They are missing a lot. Anyhow, I admire their faith and catechetical strategy if Catholics were like that----we would have also been very effective.

Well actually we do have something going that is even better called the St. Paul Street Evangelization

You are right. I didn’t mean we should be nasty to them but I would not praise them.

I thought so.…and I agree.

I would like to change my answer. Somebody tried to evangelize me today and I didn’t like it for some of the things they said which are contrary to our faith. While what you did is not a mortal sin, I would advice that you not praise them any more.

On a side note, what coincidence that it wasn’t too long ago that I wrote in this thread that somebody tried to evangelize me.

Yep I saw that. After the last few times they’ve encountered me I think they must have marked my driveway as one to avoid. It ruins their whole day to encounter someone who asks to borrow their Bible…looks up John 1:1 and then shows them that there is no basis for that indefinite article “a” in that verse where they say “was a god”.

CA’s links are excellent sources. Wanna turn the tables. Print one of those articles out and offer it to 'em in exchange for their Watchtower. They won’t take it but it’s worth a shot…they might slip.

 

[MyNameIsDan]

Well actually we do have something going that is even better called the St. Paul Street Evangelization
I thought so.…and I agree.
Yep I saw that. After the last few times they’ve encountered me I think they must have marked my driveway as one to avoid. It ruins their whole day to encounter someone who asks to borrow their Bible…looks up John 1:1 and then shows them that there is no basis for that indefinite article “a” in that verse where they say “was a god”.

CA’s links are excellent sources. Wanna turn the tables. Print one of those articles out and offer it to 'em in exchange for their Watchtower. They won’t take it but it’s worth a shot…they might slip.

It wasn’t Jehovah’s Witnesses that were trying to evangelize me but two women from a mixed Pentecostal/Baptist ministry. All the same, they were trying to evangelize. One said “I have many Catholic friends. Unfortunately many haven’t accepted Jesus as their saviour” and later on said something around the lines of “Catholics need to focus on Jesus only and not on Mary.” I realized a bit too late that she made an ignorant comment, thinking we worship Mary. In any case, our practices are correct and for her to tell us not to give any attention to Mary is contrary to our faith. I can’t support them no matter how well they evangelize. Now that I think about it, it’s like telling a doctor who does abortions and is a pro-life activist “I like how vocal and active you are about this issue.” They believe the wrong things, I would not encourage it. So from that experience, I gave the OP new advice.

 

[janiruchan]

I told this one to my fellow catholic friends…and I get some defensive reactions against the Jehovah’s witness. I guess you were right at some point. I’m not really very much versed with their teachings as well as the error they are causing…I was just really inspired by his faith though.

 

[Shin]

‘[Saint] John forbids us [2 John 10] to greet such people or to offer them hospitality, which in the circumstances is not at all unkind. But he also warns us not to argue or dispute with people who are unable to handle the things of God, lest we should be taken away from the true doctrine by clever arguments which have the appearance of truth.’

St. Clement of Alexandria

‘Every one that revolts, and persists not in the doctrine of Christ: has not God. He that persists in the doctrine: the same has both the Father, and the Son. If any man come to you, and bring not this doctrine: receive him not into the house, nor say, God save you, unto him. For he that saith unto him, God save you, communicateth with his wicked works.’

2 John 9-11

‘And we denounce unto you, brethren, in the name of our Lord JESUS Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking inordinately, and not according to the tradition which they have received of us.’

2 Thess. 3:6

‘I therefore, yet not I, but the love of Jesus Christ, entreat you that you use Christian nourishment only, and abstain from herbage of a different kind; I mean heresy. For those [that are given to this] mix up Jesus Christ with their own poison, speaking things which are unworthy of credit, like those who administer a deadly drug in sweet wine, which he who is ignorant of does greadily take, with a fatal pleasure leading to his own death.’

St. Ignatius of Antioch

 

[janiruchan]

‘[Saint] John forbids us [2 John 10] to greet such people or to offer them hospitality, which in the circumstances is not at all unkind. But he also warns us not to argue or dispute with people who are unable to handle the things of God, lest we should be taken away from the true doctrine by clever arguments which have the appearance of truth.’

St. Clement of Alexandria

‘Every one that revolts, and persists not in the doctrine of Christ: has not God. He that persists in the doctrine: the same has both the Father, and the Son. If any man come to you, and bring not this doctrine: receive him not into the house, nor say, God save you, unto him. For he that saith unto him, God save you, communicateth with his wicked works.’

2 John 9-11

‘And we denounce unto you, brethren, in the name of our Lord JESUS Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking inordinately, and not according to the tradition which they have received of us.’

2 Thess. 3:6

‘I therefore, yet not I, but the love of Jesus Christ, entreat you that you use Christian nourishment only, and abstain from herbage of a different kind; I mean heresy. For those [that are given to this] mix up Jesus Christ with their own poison, speaking things which are unworthy of credit, like those who administer a deadly drug in sweet wine, which he who is ignorant of does greadily take, with a fatal pleasure leading to his own death.’

St. Ignatius of Antioch

I understand you my friend and the caution you are saying…but the context of the saints teaching applyunder their social condition and context…I also try to apply the teaching of the saints especially Teresa of avila…but we are of the new age now…and shunning them away is like running away from our brothers. I’m more likely with Pope Francis’ concept of dialogue, rather than argumentation…finding common grounds than defending doctrines. Im not saying that we should not proclaim the Catholic Church as the true Church of Christ…

but as I see it Jehovah’s witness thinks they are right and we are doomed, and we too think we are right and they are in the wrong-----In my personal opinion this type of mentality is very self-righteous .I believe so much that we should pray about this one and dialogue more. We are not god to proclaim who is right in such cases unless we really try to understand them and we let them understand us. It’s like a professor with all his Truth speaking blah2x without understanding his students. It’s useless.
(I believe that the devil is behind all this self-protective and defensive anti-christian attitudes). So my point in posting this thread is may be to also see how open catholics are.

 

[thistle]

I told this one to my fellow catholic friends…and I get some defensive reactions against the Jehovah’s witness. I guess you were right at some point. I’m not really very much versed with their teachings as well as the error they are causing.…I was just really inspired by his faith though.

cuf.org/FileDownloads/jehovah.pdf
catholic.com/tracts/stumpers-for-the-jehovahs-witnesses
catholic.com/tracts/strategies-of-the-jehovahs-witnesses
catholic.com/tracts/history-of-the-jehovahs-witnesses

 

[porthos11]

I understand you my friend and the caution you are saying…but the context of the saints teaching applyunder their social condition and context…I also try to apply the teaching of the saints especially Teresa of avila…but we are of the new age now…and shunning them away is like running away from our brothers. I’m more likely with Pope Francis’ concept of dialogue, rather than argumentation…finding common grounds than defending doctrines. Im not saying that we should not proclaim the Catholic Church as the true Church of Christ…

but as I see it Jehovah’s witness thinks they are right and we are doomed, and we too think we are right and they are in the wrong-----In my personal opinion this type of mentality is very self-righteous .I believe so much that we should pray about this one and dialogue more. We are not god to proclaim who is right in such cases unless we really try to understand them and we let them understand us. It’s like a professor with all his Truth speaking blah2x without understanding his students. It’s useless.
(I believe that the devil is behind all this self-protective and defensive anti-christian attitudes). So my point in posting this thread is may be to also see how open catholics are.

There are different types of dialogue. Ecumenical dialogue is properly conducted between the baptized. You would dialogue with Protestants and Evangelicals in a manner different from the dialogue you would between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons (the former are Christians, the latter are not).

As for we being not God to proclaim what is right, unfortunately this logic falls flat. We do not need to be God to know who’s wrong and right. If we don’t believe what we hold is the truth, then there’s no point in practicing our faith. The truth is not what we make it, it is what the Church proclaims. And we know that there is only one Truth, and that Truth is a Person. If we did not believe we have the Truth, then there is no point in teaching it.

As for Catholics being open, it goes again to whether we possess the fullness of Truth. The JW’s are in serious error about Christ. There’s no reason to be open to that; our very faith hinges on it. Because of this serious error about Christ, they do not possess the Gospel. There’s nothing self-righteous about it. It’s about believing that we possess the Truth and whether we’re willing to stand by it and preach it.

JW’s are insidious. They start off by being all inspiring, catching people such as yourself to feel good and be fired up with a kind of zeal for their message. It’s only once you get drawn in to their cult that you get exposed to all their weird doctrines. The onus is on you to evangelize and inspire THEM, not vice versa.

 

[Church_Militant]

It wasn’t Jehovah’s Witnesses that were trying to evangelize me but two women from a mixed Pentecostal/Baptist ministry. All the same, they were trying to evangelize. One said “I have many Catholic friends. Unfortunately many haven’t accepted Jesus as their saviour” and later on said something around the lines of “Catholics need to focus on Jesus only and not on Mary.” I realized a bit too late that she made an ignorant comment, thinking we worship Mary. In any case, our practices are correct and for her to tell us not to give any attention to Mary is contrary to our faith. I can’t support them no matter how well they evangelize. Now that I think about it, it’s like telling a doctor who does abortions and is a pro-life activist “I like how vocal and active you are about this issue.” They believe the wrong things, I would not encourage it. So from that experience, I gave the OP new advice.

Oh man…you are dealing with a whole 'nother animal there. I know how you feel though. I had a dude tell me once that I was “too smart to believe all this Catholic stuff.” I nearly laughed in his face.

I have a couple of very good tracts that I can put in the mail to you right away if you PM me your address. (Offer is open to anyone else who feels the need too.) They will deal with those kinds of evangelists and you’ll learn a bunch along the way in reading them. Just let me know, okay?

 

[janiruchan]

There are different types of dialogue. Ecumenical dialogue is properly conducted between the baptized. You would dialogue with Protestants and Evangelicals in a manner different from the dialogue you would between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons (the former are Christians, the latter are not).

As for we being not God to proclaim what is right, unfortunately this logic falls flat. We do not need to be God to know who’s wrong and right. If we don’t believe what we hold is the truth, then there’s no point in practicing our faith. The truth is not what we make it, it is what the Church proclaims. And we know that there is only one Truth, and that Truth is a Person. If we did not believe we have the Truth, then there is no point in teaching it.

As for Catholics being open, it goes again to whether we possess the fullness of Truth. The JW’s are in serious error about Christ. There’s no reason to be open to that; our very faith hinges on it. Because of this serious error about Christ, they do not possess the Gospel. There’s nothing self-righteous about it. It’s about believing that we possess the Truth and whether we’re willing to stand by it and preach it.

Cant we look and gaze at the stars and marvel that we dont know everything that God remains a mystery?

JW’s are insidious. They start off by being all inspiring, catching people such as yourself to feel good and be fired up with a kind of zeal for their message. It’s only once you get drawn in to their cult that you get exposed to all their weird doctrines. The onus is on you to evangelize and inspire THEM, not vice versa.

Im sorry I didnt quite made my self clear. What I’m saying is that yeah there doctrine is erroneous and fallacious. Jesus is not there god and all. Ofcourse Im not willing to sacrifice our truth…but honestly and personally, may be what Im really trying to tell is not a doctrinal/intellectual truth, but the truth in our hearts—the kind of truth that is not limited to doctrine, but that quality of the heart that is open to another person and accepting them even when they disagree with us. I mean, I think people here have this anti reactions against christians spreading wrong doctrines. Of course, there is some moral correctness in this, but the anger/negativity is not from the gospel. Although catholics/protestants would say they are defending the truth because the Truth cannot be sacrificed, they end up hating/having this unhealthy reactions towards differences, like for instance the Jehovah’s witness or the protestants. I will not excuse myself because every time I look at my protestant friend, I feel in myself some kind of uneasiness and anti -feelings.
I am not romanticizing what I encountered with that JW— but may be what I am also saying is that cant we catholics get off that “insecure” and very “defensive” stand? I felt bad that a father of friend ended up arguing with a JW. I dont really like hearing things like this. It shows a lack of humility and understanding.

we have the a clearer picture of the truth compared to the other faith groups, but we dont have all of it. Some things were revealed to us, but not everything. So cant catholics be a little bit more humble and more understanding of differences? I understand that many catholics had bad experiences with JW but it does not mean that we have to shun them away—and call it off against them. It’s like saying we’re giving up on them. I feel now how the devil is really dividing us. Christians against christians–this is sad. Let’s pray more.

 

[porthos11]

Im sorry I didnt quite made my self clear. What I’m saying is that yeah there doctrine is erroneous and fallacious. Jesus is not there god and all. Ofcourse Im not willing to sacrifice our truth…but honestly and personally, may be what Im really trying to tell is not a doctrinal/intellectual truth, but the truth in our hearts—the kind of truth that is not limited to doctrine, but that quality of the heart that is open to another person and accepting them even when they disagree with us. I mean, I think people here have this anti reactions against christians spreading wrong doctrines. Of course, there is some moral correctness in this, but the anger/negativity is not from the gospel. Although catholics/protestants would say they are defending the truth because the Truth cannot be sacrificed, they end up hating/having this unhealthy reactions towards differences, like for instance the Jehovah’s witness or the protestants. I will not excuse myself because every time I look at my protestant friend, I feel in myself some kind of uneasiness and anti -feelings.
I am not romanticizing what I encountered with that JW— but may be what I am also saying is that cant we catholics get off that “insecure” and very “defensive” stand? I felt bad that a father of friend ended up arguing with a JW. I dont really like hearing things like this. It shows a lack of humility and understanding.

we have the a clearer picture of the truth compared to the other faith groups, but we dont have all of it. Some things were revealed to us, but not everything. So cant catholics be a little bit more humble and more understanding of differences? I understand that many catholics had bad experiences with JW but it does not mean that we have to shun them away—and call it off against them. It’s like saying we’re giving up on them. I feel now how the devil is really dividing us. Christians against christians–this is sad. Let’s pray more.

And let me make it clear: JW’s are NOT Christians. Your Protestant friend is in a much better place than they are because at least, Protestants are Christians.

We do have to be both defensive and offensive. JW’s with all their slickness have drawn many Catholics out of the Church. Our job is to educate both Catholics so that they know how to answer JW’s, and JW’s so that they can abandon their false religion and come home.

And contrary to your statement, no the Catholic Church possesses the FULLNESS of divinely revealed Truth. We do not have part of it; we have all of it. And you don’t need to blame the devil for the divisions .Charles Taze Russell took care of all that in the 19th century.

As I mentioned in my previous post, we should not shun JW’s. By all means let them in, and YOU evangelize them. You don’t praise them and affirm them in their errors because anyone who does that is then complicit in the spread in those errors. But show them from the Bible where they go wrong. You will most likely never persuade them on the spot, but who’s to say you won’t plant a seed of doubt that will eventually grow and bring them to realize that they should leave that group?

 

[Abu]

Janiruchan #26
We are not god to proclaim who is right in such cases unless we really try to understand them and we let them understand us.

As God has proclaimed four promises to Peter alone:
“You are Peter and on this rock I will build My Church.” (Mt 16:18)
“The gates of hell will not prevail against it.”(Mt 16:18)
I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven." ( Mt 16:19)
“Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven.” (Mt 16:19) [Later to the Twelve].

And given him Sole Authority:
“Strengthen your brethren.” (Lk 22:32)
“Feed My sheep.”(Jn 21:17).

We have the salutary truths of Christ’s chosen::
Thus, from the first, the faithful “remained faithful to the teaching of the Apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.” (Acts 2:42).

Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours." (2 Thess 2:15).

“Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, with faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.” (2 Tim 1:13-14). Again St Paul writes: “And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well.” (2 Tim 2:2).

In Colossians 2: 4-23, St Paul calls on his flock to follow Christ “as you were taught” and warns against merely “human precepts and teachings.”

1 Cor 1:10: I urge you brothers, in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.

We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. (1Jn 4:6).

The reality here is concerning the truths of the Catholic Church which Christ established on St Peter as His Supreme Vicar and His Apostles, sending the Holy Spirit as He promised: “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:15-18) “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in My name, He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14:26) “But when He comes, the Spirit of truth, He will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that He will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-15)

The Church is "the pillar and bulwark of the truth” (1 Tim 3:16).

Which other sect has anything remotely approaching this authority given to the Catholic Church? Christ’s truths need to be made known with love to those without them, not ignored.

 

[janiruchan]

And let me make it clear: JW’s are NOT Christians. Your Protestant friend is in a much better place than they are because at least, Protestants are Christians.

We do have to be both defensive and offensive. JW’s with all their slickness have drawn many Catholics out of the Church. Our job is to educate both Catholics so that they know how to answer JW’s, and JW’s so that they can abandon their false religion and come home.

And contrary to your statement, no the Catholic Church possesses the FULLNESS of divinely revealed Truth. We do not have part of it; we have all of it. And you don’t need to blame the devil for the divisions .Charles Taze Russell took care of all that in the 19th century.

As I mentioned in my previous post, we should not shun JW’s. By all means let them in, and YOU evangelize them. You don’t praise them and affirm them in their errors because anyone who does that is then complicit in the spread in those errors. But show them from the Bible where they go wrong. You will most likely never persuade them on the spot, but who’s to say you won’t plant a seed of doubt that will eventually grow and bring them to realize that they should leave that group?

True, we have a much better view of the Truth…but not the whole truth (that would make us God…and this is what my spiritual director is always telling me. There is still more to know because God is continually revealing Himself to us. It is very important to agree that we do not agree. to know that we dont know it all). My friend as I said, I praised the faith and courage of the man not his doctrine or error. I have knowledge of the basic error of the JWs. For me he is a christian (not by affiliation) but by the faith he is showing…I am not even a christian myself. I would have reacted the same way if a muslim or a protestant would have done that. Jesus would also do the same. I feel humbled by what he was doing. He was a holy man.He may be erroneous in the doctrine, but his heart and is soul is of God…I again am not defending the JW…but again, Christianity at the heart of the gospel is my concern here. I am not a gifted apologist, and I have interest in other faiths as well. As i see that God is present where his people is. I dont buy the defensive or offensive stand. Pope Francis before protestants did not even acted that way, and even. He asked for their permission if he could make a sign of the cross before them. Then he simply blessed them. For me the best argument is not doctrinal debate but a life of witness…and openness to the revelation of God in different people. It was a very beautiful experience for me to meet that man…and I dont know why.

 

[porthos11]

True, we have a much better view of the Truth…but not the whole truth (that would make us God…and this is what my spiritual director is always telling me. There is still more to know because God is continually revealing Himself to us.

Watch it…this is dangerous ground. What God has revealed for our salvation is COMPLETE. Divine Revelation ended with the death of the last Apostle. Nothing further shall be revealed for our salvation. Doctrine may develop, but there will be no further revelation. Lots of heresies and cults have sprung up because of claims of some new revelation.

It is very important to agree that we do not agree. to know that we dont know it all). My friend as I said, I praised the faith and courage of the man not his doctrine or error. I have knowledge of the basic error of the JWs. For me he is a christian (not by affiliation) but by the faith he is showing…I am not even a christian myself.

Incorrect on both counts. You are a Christian by virtue of your baptism. They are not Christians by virtue of the lack of the same. It’s not faith that makes a Christian, but sanctifying grace, which is imparted through the Sacrament of Baptism.

I would have reacted the same way if a muslim or a protestant would have done that. Jesus would also do the same. I feel humbled by what he was doing. He was a holy man.He may be erroneous in the doctrine, but his heart and is soul is of God…I again am not defending the JW…but again, Christianity at the heart of the gospel is my concern here.

Again incorrect. He is not validly baptized. As such, he cannot be holy. He may be a nice guy, but do not confuse niceness with holiness. Because he does not preach the truth about Christ, who is the heart of the Gospel, then he is not preaching the Gospel, but a counterfeit imitation of it.

I am not a gifted apologist, and I have interest in other faiths as well. As i see that God is present where his people is. I dont buy the defensive or offensive stand. Pope Francis before protestants did not even acted that way, and even. He asked for their permission if he could make a sign of the cross before them. Then he simply blessed them. For me the best argument is not doctrinal debate but a life of witness…and openness to the revelation of God in different people. It was a very beautiful experience for me to meet that man…and I dont know why.

And again, do not confuse Protestants and JW’s. Protestants are Christian. JW’s are not.

 

[janiruchan]

Watch it…this is dangerous ground. What God has revealed for our salvation is COMPLETE. Divine Revelation ended with the death of the last Apostle. Nothing further shall be revealed for our salvation. Doctrine may develop, but there will be no further revelation. Lots of heresies and cults have sprung up because of claims of some new revelation.

Incorrect on both counts. You are a Christian by virtue of your baptism. They are not Christians by virtue of the lack of the same. It’s not faith that makes a Christian, but sanctifying grace, which is imparted through the Sacrament of Baptism.

Again incorrect. He is not validly baptized. As such, he cannot be holy. He may be a nice guy, but do not confuse niceness with holiness. Because he does not preach the truth about Christ, who is the heart of the Gospel, then he is not preaching the Gospel, but a counterfeit imitation of it.

And again, do not confuse Protestants and JW’s. Protestants are Christian. JW’s are not.

This is certainly a boxed form of Christianity that you are speaking of …This is downright literal to the letter christianity. I beg to disagree with your points. You seem to be a fundamental catholic. Yes I believe revelation is with us and has been given to us and yet we are continually renewing our understanding of revelation–not that we have understood it all, although it has been revealed to us…the Church remains a mystery, and is continually renewing itself until now. God is continually renewing us…we are blind…but things are getting clearer as the Church journeys throughout history…and thus salvation has not yet ended and is still continuing until now. That also means to say we are part of the salvific act.

Yes we become adopted children of God via baptism…but there is no saying as well that those who are not baptized do not belong to God. The Church is not the building but the people of God. We are all the people of God. And Im sorry to say that the holiest people I’ve met are not even catholics…I believe that God is in all things and God is not a catholic.I am of the opinion that we should be open to different faith groups, to try to understand them and learn from them…and to find ways to meet common grounds. If this is the viewpoint of every catholic I’m not sure they want to stay in this kind of Church.

Who is more christian: a catholic who reads all day the bible but is closed off from his neighbor or an atheist though cannot seem to believe in God finds ways to reach out to others? finds ways to help others? I believe it is the latter because the gospel is in his heart. The latter has christ in him.

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“One, a temptation to hostile inflexibility, that is, wanting to close oneself within the written word, (the letter) and not allowing oneself to be surprised by God, by the God of surprises, (the spirit); within the law, within the certitude of what we know and not of what we still need to learn and to achieve. From the time of Christ, it is the temptation of the zealous, of the scrupulous, of the solicitous and of the so-called – today – “traditionalists” and also of the intellectuals.”- Pope Francis ****

I recommend you read this article:en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/10/18/pope_francis_speech_at_the_conclusion_of_the_synod/1108944

 

[tryphon]

True, we have a much better view of the Truth…but not the whole truth (that would make us God…and this is what my spiritual director is always telling me. There is still more to know because God is continually revealing Himself to us. It is very important to agree that we do not agree. to know that we dont know it all). My friend as I said, I praised the faith and courage of the man not his doctrine or error. I have knowledge of the basic error of the JWs. For me he is a christian (not by affiliation) but by the faith he is showing…I am not even a christian myself. I would have reacted the same way if a muslim or a protestant would have done that. Jesus would also do the same. I feel humbled by what he was doing. He was a holy man.He may be erroneous in the doctrine, but his heart and is soul is of God…I again am not defending the JW…but again, Christianity at the heart of the gospel is my concern here. I am not a gifted apologist, and I have interest in other faiths as well. As i see that God is present where his people is. I dont buy the defensive or offensive stand. Pope Francis before protestants did not even acted that way, and even. He asked for their permission if he could make a sign of the cross before them. Then he simply blessed them. For me the best argument is not doctrinal debate but a life of witness…and openness to the revelation of God in different people. It was a very beautiful experience for me to meet that man…and I dont know why.

Please read my previous post! JW are NOT Christians! In my own experience, they are the enemies of Christ and the allies of satan. Please do not let them into your life: they can destroy your faith, if you allow them to indoctrinate you. They start gently and you will believe that they are fellows in Christ: do not make such a grave mistake.

 

[truetofaith]

Matt 25 : 44 - 46 ( 46 “Then they will go away to ETERNAL PUNISHMENT, but the righteous to eternal life.” )

How can they be punished for all eternity, if their souls are destroyed?

 

[truetofaith]

Read John 1 : 1 - 4 " The Word was God."

JW bible says the Word was “a god.” - false teaching

 

[porthos11]

Who is more christian: a catholic who reads all day the bible but is closed off from his neighbor or an atheist though cannot seem to believe in God finds ways to reach out to others? finds ways to help others? I believe it is the latter because the gospel is in his heart. The latter has christ in him.

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No, the answer to this is the former. He may not be a good Christian, or he may be a weak one, but he is a Christian. And if this poor Christian continues to read his Bible and say his prayers, he can only eventually grow in love for God and neighbour. He may start off slow, but the Word of God in the Scriptures is power. By all means if he cannot yet reach out to his neighbour, but loves the Scriptures, then let him start there. The reaching out to neighbours will eventually come, and when it does, it will be meritorious.

An atheist who has no baptism, rejects God but does good things to his neighbour is still not a Christian, and his works, as good as they may be, do not save him. He does not possess Christ, and therefore does not possess the Gospel, even though he may be living some of its principles. But the good works nonetheless might be an avenue for God to give him actual graces that will move him towards baptism. But do not make the mistake of calling him a Christian when he is not.

You cannot reject the truth that it is Baptism that makes the Christian, not good works. Good works only have merit when done in the state of grace, which is imparted through Baptism.

All these things I’m stating are solid, Catholic teaching, not my opinion. Call me a fundamentalist or whatever names you will, but this is the truth. What you’re providing is merely your opinion and feelings. What I’m telling you are based on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

And as for Pope Francis’ quote: nowhere does he even support affirming error.

 

[DoGodsBidding]

Please read my previous post! JW are NOT Christians! In my own experience, they are the enemies of Christ and the allies of satan. Please do not let them into your life: they can destroy your faith, if you allow them to indoctrinate you. They start gently and you will believe that they are fellows in Christ: do not make such a grave mistake.