If Catholicism is the True Church of Christ, Why Are Not Catholics Knocking on Doors?

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I recognize my church’s efforts in spreading the gospel, by knocking on doors as the Jehovah’s Witnesses as well (I have had countless JWs knocking on my door), why if the Catholic church is the true church of Christ are not Catholics knocking on doors and spreading Catholicism?

Are Catholics ashamed of the Roman Catholic church or what? If the rest of the world should be converted to Catholicism, as you profess, why are not the average Catholic not actively spreading Catholicism? Why does it take Catholic.com or other apologists more active in this effort than a typical Catholic?
 
I’d first ask you to define what the “average or typical” Catholic" is. I’ll bet I can find as many (proportunatly) Mormons or JWs, or those that call themselves such, who resemble those you illude to. I’ll for the moment even exclude “Jack Mormons”.

More telling than a one or two year mission, is how one show’s Jesus message through how we live our day to day lives. If we live them in prayer, and holiness, rather than door knocking, we have spread the Gospel. If we show God’s love through our efforts and examples, then we are preaching the Gospel by being a light unto the nations.

While Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists and a many other groups have to one extent or another associations and projects that are aimed at helping provide medical and other assistance to the poor. The Catholic Church has the largest effort to provide free and affordable health care, education, vocational training, food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, clothing for the naked, and other services, in response to our Lord when he said, “Whatsoever you do to the least of your brothers, that you have done unto me.”

Since there are many ways to preach the Gospel, like the example of Mother Theresa of Calcutta, I don’t think that the Catholic Church has ignored the missions either, be they at home or afar. The difference is that Catholic efforts to spread the Gospel are not primarily focused on, or as easily identifiable as a white sirt, black tie, and bike.

As an aside, Mormon “Elders” are banned from knocking on my door, as are Jehovah’s Witnesses. The local Bishop is tired of being asked questions that the Elders who used to come into my house, and became baffled when they could not answer some of the questions I asked them to ponder. The JW’s are upset that a few of their folks have returned to the Catholic Church after I showed the contraditictions in their doctrine from their own publications when I had my collection of old JW publications handy for their visits.
 
Historically, we have not done that. The idea of the grass-roots spread of the faith is an American idea, and a rather late one at that. Catholics are more likely to go into an area where there is no faith, build schools and hospitals and food banks, and then spread the faith in that way.

You are onto one thing: many Catholics will not discuss their faith. There are lots of reasons for it. Some just feel it to be rude. Some are not knowledgeable enough to do so. Some are shy about these matters.

Door knocking makes more people adverse to your faith than converts to it. How many times have people complained about the JWs?
 
ralphinal said:
Historically, we have not done that. The idea of the grass-roots spread of the faith is an American idea, and a rather late one at that. Catholics are more likely to go into an area where there is no faith, build schools and hospitals and food banks, and then spread the faith in that way.

You are onto one thing: many Catholics will not discuss their faith. There are lots of reasons for it. Some just feel it to be rude. Some are not knowledgeable enough to do so. Some are shy about these matters.

Door knocking makes more people adverse to your faith than converts to it. How many times have people complained about the JWs?
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i’d put up more than two thumbs up for this if i had more thumbs 👍

Catholics go on missions to places where the faith is virtually non-existent and not only provide teaching but provide help as well, such as schooling and medical supplies and food.

and i do agree, knocking on people’s doors would only turn more people away than win them. Jesus did not go around knocking on people’s doors. He was always in public, accessible by anyone who wants to come to Him. the same with the church today. in places there is a church, the door is open for those who want to come in and listen. there’s no forcing people the same way Jesus and the apostles did not force anyone to follow them.
 
The EOC and OOC likewise think that they are respectively the true church of christ, and both also recognize that theosis is a much greater means of spreading the Gospel than door to door proselytism.
 
ralphinal said:
Historically, we have not done that. The idea of the grass-roots spread of the faith is an American idea, and a rather late one at that. Catholics are more likely to go into an area where there is no faith, build schools and hospitals and food banks, and then spread the faith in that way.
You are onto one thing: many Catholics will not discuss their faith. There are lots of reasons for it. Some just feel it to be rude. Some are not knowledgeable enough to do so. Some are shy about these matters.

Door knocking makes more people adverse to your faith than converts to it. How many times have people complained about the JWs?
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👍
Ralph,
I hope you know how good it is to see your handle popping up again. 😉
Jon
 
agiosotheos said:
The EOC and OOC likewise think that they are respectively the true church of christ, and both also recognize that theosis is a much greater means of spreading the Gospel than door to door proselytism.
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They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. 🙂
 
Filioque said:
I’d first ask you to define what the “average or typical” Catholic" is. I’ll bet I can find as many (proportunatly) Mormons or JWs, or those that call themselves such, who resemble those you illude to. I’ll for the moment even exclude “Jack Mormons”.

More telling than a one or two year mission, is how one show’s Jesus message through how we live our day to day lives.
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To be fair, every Mormon I have ever known has been kind, generous, well-mannered and helpful. I can’t say the same for every Catholic or Lutheran I’ve known. 🤷
 
Door knocking is a form of Evangelization that I simply cannot handle. It does nothing for me, and I too, have found less reception from my visitors when I present them with a rosary and a rosary card. YOU came to my door to discuss religion, so let’s do it. Let’s open with a prayer first 🙂

Catholic evangelization is amazing. The Charitable contributions to our society cannot be underscored. I don’t remember the last time I saw a JW Hospital or a Mormon Charity Center. :confused::confused::confused: Much more effective.

However, I know that those that do knock on doors fervently believe in what they have to say. I just wish it was accurate.

Peace Be With You :)😃 (<…my face when I have a visitor at the door!
 
I think it’s an interesting concept. But, I have to agree with the one poster that a door-to-door effort may be counterproductive. I am personally a little irritated when a JW knocks on my door. I found that if you place a small sign on or near your front door that says basically, “this is a Catholic Household”, they don’t even try. 😉

I think the one response that points out that Christ basically broght people to him through his actions (healing the lame, sick, and blind, etc.) and his authoritative preaching was quite effective. I like that Catholic Church builds hospitals and such as way to spread the faith. Excellent!! 😃

But, I guess there’s no prohibition against a door knocking campaign. If it’s your calling go for it!! 👍

Peace be with you
 
In Luke 10 Christ sends them to towns and if needed they were to speak in the streets about the kingdom of God. They are to go to one house; presumably to stay and lodge and make that their home base. Now the culture is different and we cannot be anachronistic too much but the call is to go and heal and speak about Christ. That is one of our examples. Performing good works in the name of Christ is one thing but there is a biblical example of preaching and teaching others about the kingdom.
 
Respect.

We Catholic Church ] are easily accessible for all. Our doors are open…We are not a closed door church no need for special permissions ].

Maybe, if others weren’t of “closed door” ordinances…they wouldn’t have the need to knock on doors???
 
Rightlydivide said:
In Luke 10 Christ sends them to towns and if needed they were to speak in the streets about the kingdom of God. They are to go to one house; presumably to stay and lodge and make that their home base. Now the culture is different and we cannot be anachronistic too much but the call is to go and heal and speak about Christ. That is one of our examples. Performing good works in the name of Christ is one thing but there is a biblical example of preaching and teaching others about the kingdom.
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And what better way than by teaching the Beatitudes through example? Our doors are ALWAYS open…you don’t need ‘recommends’ or a friend to bring you to church to hear us preach.

And, if you know me, you’ll know that I am certainly on fire! Difference is I don’t feel the need to interrupts someone’s family time to preach. 🙂
 
thecourt said:
I recognize my church’s efforts in spreading the gospel, by knocking on doors as the Jehovah’s Witnesses as well (I have had countless JWs knocking on my door), why if the Catholic church is the true church of Christ are not Catholics knocking on doors and spreading Catholicism?

Are Catholics ashamed of the Roman Catholic church or what? If the rest of the world should be converted to Catholicism, as you profess, why are not the average Catholic not actively spreading Catholicism? Why does it take Catholic.com or other apologists more active in this effort than a typical Catholic?
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It doesn’t seem to me that door to door evangelism is necessarily tied in with being the true church of Christ. I have knocked on thousands of doors, probably scores of thousands during my time as a fundamental Baptist in Chicago. My experience is that you can talk some folks into praying a prayer which may be a beginning of grace or just relaxation of conscience. You don’t get life changing decisions very often. I don’t know of one person who I reached through ten years of non-stop door to door work every week. It is very discouraging work. Mormons only send out their missionaries for two years. I know there are exceptional adult missionaries who work longer, but usually with “leads”.

Now as a Baptist, I would comfort myself with the idea that they “prayed the sinner’s prayer” and I’ll see the fruit in eternity. As a Catholic, we are looking for a bigger commitment than a momentary prayer and no worries about church attendance or sacraments. I am just offering some reflections. With my background in both worlds, I have to say that I have a clear conscience about failing to go cold turkey door knocking anymore. I don’t think there is necessary connection between this method of evangelism, and the claim to be the true Church of Christ.

Rory
 
=thecourt;5902515]I recognize my church’s efforts in spreading the gospel, by knocking on doors as the Jehovah’s Witnesses as well (I have had countless JWs knocking on my door), why if the Catholic church is the true church of Christ are not Catholics knocking on doors and spreading Catholicism?
Click to expand...
Are Catholics ashamed of the Roman Catholic church or what? If the rest of the world should be converted to Catholicism, as you profess, why are not the average Catholic not actively spreading Catholicism? Why does it take Catholic.com or other apologists more active in this effort than a typical Catholic?
Click to expand...
Have you ever read what Paul has to say about the gifts of the Spirit?

1 Cor. 12, Eph. 4, Rom. 12, Heb. 2

The question is answered in GREAT PART by these short chapters.

However your basic point is VALID! A GREAT MANY catholics leave it to others to do the “heavy Spiritual lifting.” However there are many ways to evangulize, most importantly,knowing, practicing and publicly living our faith like a “lamp on a hillside.”

You are quite correct in that God expects*** everyone*** to share “Thee Good News” and one can’t share what one does not themselves possess:thumbsup:

Thanks for pointing out this deficentcy!

God Bless you.

Pat
 
One of my favorite stories of Catholic Evangelization is Bishop Buddy.

Bishop Buddy was the first bishop of San Diego when the Diocese was founded. You can still find his books in used bookstores. Among the many things he did was to start an apostolate where catechists were trained, and went out to the homes of lapsed Catholics to see why they had either neglected their obligations to God, or had fallen prey to other religions. Through these efforts many people returned to the practice of the Faith.

If you are lucky enough to find them, look for his books, his work in educating and promoting a truly Catholic life among his flock is detailed in the book, For them also, and a very nice little prayer book, Send Forth Thy Spirit. Both are worth a few minute conversation with St. Anthony in order to find a copy.
 
Knocking on doors?!?😊

It’s written somewhere… “Don’t be like ‘busy-bodies’… bla…bla…bla”.🤷
So, no.

Peace. But Truth is more important…🙂
 
I have real admiration for JWs knocking on doors but for the errors of prophacy that they have had.

I have had two differnt couples knock when i was home and welcome them with open arms, i belive their intent is to glorify Hashem.

I have never challenged them on their prophacy and enjoyed sharing the good news with them but sadly they dont come back, they say they will but dont.

I have an old Catholic man on my visitation list and know a JW that also visits him. I ran into this JW at an auto shop once and he asked after the old man. I told him he was ok but was in hospital. The JW was quick to say he was going to visit him. The old man will never convert and the JW would know this but still he was in a rush to visit him in hospital.

The JWs testomony in his action increases my love and respect for JWs enormously.

As for people saying knocking on doors to share good news turns people away makes me wonder where the people turning them away are at. Catholics IMO are people of hospitality and doubt any bible reading Catholic would not invite them in or welcome listening to them.

IMO Catholics are called to be humble and loving people like Yeshua (pbwh) an expression of this is the open welcome eager to learn where the person knocking on the door are at long before disrespecting them by shoving Catholic belief at them, after all who got off their bum and made the first step.

Of course a pride filled or Catholic free of error would be in a position to jump straight in to get the splinter from their eye.

Praise be to Hashem for His goodness in JWs
 
Someone earlier touched on this with a comment about the beatitudes.

The reason I came to the Church was very simple.

I met someone that appeared to have it all together, not a care in the world, everything coming up roses. You know the type.

Ultimately, I learned was it was all by the grace of God. He lived his faith, and it shone as bright as the sun.

He let me bring up the subject of faith. He shared his faith, and explained many things. He would invite me to Mass with him and his family, and never flinched a bit when I politely declined. It never affected our friendship because I wouldn’t go to Mass with him. He knew it would happen at the right time, and it did.

Ultimately, I guess you could say he planted a mustard seed in fertile ground. It took a couple of years before it flourished, but it flourished big time.

So, you see, there was no need for door knocking. This guy was the shining example that drew me in.
 
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