Interdenominational Conversation and Reactions

[Kliska]

This is just a conversational set of questions, nothing really deep, I’m just curious after some recent interactions. In person, and online, there are times when there are multiple Christians from multiple denominations interacting in conversation. Bible studies open to all are one example, or even open forums such as Catholic Answers, so that gives you an idea of some settings I’m referring to.

The first situation is if there is, say a Catholic asking another Catholic about the Immaculate Conception. So we have Catholic A asking Catholic B what the definition of the Immaculate Conception is. Catholic B says that it was when Mary conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. A Methodist hears/reads this and goes up to them and says, “Actually the Immaculate Conception speaks to Mary’s conception without original sin.” Now, do you think Catholic A would believe Catholic B or the Methodist? Would Catholic B be offended that the Methodist commented on a Catholic belief?

Let’s say another Catholic, Catholic C, walks up and asks what’s going on; when told by Catholic A, Catholic C says “Actually the Immaculate Conception speaks to Mary’s conception without original sin.” Then, the other two Catholics actually believe that coming from another Catholic, but in effect ignore the Methodist.

Another situation; let’s say we have a Baptist and a Nondenom having a conversation and they start talking about how Catholics worship Mary. They agree, yes, Catholics worship Mary. Along comes a Catholic and tells them that no, Catholics worship God, not Mary. The Catholic accurately explains their belief. The Baptist and the Nondenom argue with the Catholic for awhile, and then a Lutheran walks up and tells the Baptist and the Nondenom that the Catholic is right, Catholics don’t worship Mary. The Baptist and the Nondenom believe the Lutheran.

In short, do you think we sell others short who aren’t “on our side” in religious matters? If you are a protestant, do you believe other protestants more than Catholics? If you are Catholic do you believe other Catholics over Protestants? Do you respect those of other denominations the same as your own? Do you show respect and love to those of other denominations the same as your own? Do you think it’s possible that those outside of your denomination may actually know more about your denomination than you do?

You guys get the idea, I’m just curious of thoughts and experiences along these lines.

 

[Peter_J]

In short, do you think we sell others short who aren’t “on our side” in religious matters?

No, I think just the opposite, at least with respect to Catholicism: all too often Protestants read something posted by a Catholic on the internet, and assume that it represents the whole Catholic Church. Even if it’s a Catholic the reader never heard of before or a Catholic posting anonymously.

 

[SAVINGRACE]

I take most of what read on here with a grain of salt unless its Father Don or another cleric on the forum. If I want to know what the Church truly teaches about a topic I go to the real experts:

• the actual catholic.com website and check what the Apologists are writing;
• I check my Catechism or
• I go to www.vatican.va or
• I ask my Priest.

Having said that, there are some amazing conversations on here which have stimulated me to actually research further or see things from a different perspective.

I don’t immediately believe a person just because they say they are Catholic. They may not be qualified or I may misunderstand or they may have their own agenda etc etc…it risks becoming chinese whispers. Just as if I was interested in converting to Judaism, I would see Rabbis from different schools of thought or if I was interested in converting to Islam I would see Imams.

Before and after I converted to Catholicism, I went to the real experts to get the real Truth.

 

[pablope]

This is just a conversational set of questions, nothing really deep, I’m just curious after some recent interactions. In person, and online, there are times when there are multiple Christians from multiple denominations interacting in conversation. Bible studies open to all are one example, or even open forums such as Catholic Answers, so that gives you an idea of some settings I’m referring to.

The first situation is if there is, say a Catholic asking another Catholic about the Immaculate Conception. So we have Catholic A asking Catholic B what the definition of the Immaculate Conception is. Catholic B says that it was when Mary conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. A Methodist hears/reads this and goes up to them and says, “Actually the Immaculate Conception speaks to Mary’s conception without original sin.” Now, do you think Catholic A would believe Catholic B or the Methodist? Would Catholic B be offended that the Methodist commented on a Catholic belief?

Let’s say another Catholic, Catholic C, walks up and asks what’s going on; when told by Catholic A, Catholic C says “Actually the Immaculate Conception speaks to Mary’s conception without original sin.” Then, the other two Catholics actually believe that coming from another Catholic, but in effect ignore the Methodist.

In short, do you think we sell others short who aren’t “on our side” in religious matters? If you are a protestant, do you believe other protestants more than Catholics? If you are Catholic do you believe other Catholics over Protestants? Do you respect those of other denominations the same as your own? Do you show respect and love to those of other denominations the same as your own? Do you think it’s possible that those outside of your denomination may actually know more about your denomination than you do?

You guys get the idea, I’m just curious of thoughts and experiences along these lines.

In your hypothetical situation, I would get confused and actually go seek answers from a more authoritative source…a more knowledgeable source or actual church document, which are now more readily available via the internet.

 

[FollowChrist34]

When I interact with those in other denominations or religions, I am demure to the point of timidity. I would hope most of us are much more calm and civilized in real life than on the Internet. (I think there is ironically real value to being able to be so open online with others but we have to know how to have tact and respect too - manage real life social exchanges) When I talk to a Jew or a Muslim or a Protestant my main goal is to represent my faith well, leave a good impression (ideally a fair, kind, honest, principled, dogma holding/defending Catholic). . This ideal is my guide for every single thing I say. I think long and hard about disagreeing. Sometimes, if enough buttons get pushed, I will shoot back. But I think this is one area to put aside differences, look for the good (to sound a little Francis I guess) in others, build bridges, focus on things we have in common. Once you know the person better (and they know you), then quarrel if needed - in good faith, good will. I do never misrepresent my faith in any way - I own being conservative, et al. I just don’t mention it until it comes up.

 

[LexDivina]

When I interact with religious people its mostly just catholics at my parish. I don’t really talk about religion much in my day to life, but I’ve had a few issues with Protestant people. I have no problems with Protestant, but they seem to have a problem with me and Catholicism in general. I’ve been told I worship Mary, that my church is the great whore of Babylon, that I’m an idolatry sinner for having statue of saints,etc. I’ve had people shove reformed theology down my throat and force feed it to me, and a lot of nasty things were said to me about my priest to try and get me to turn away. I prevailed. I get a lot of crazy people try to sabotage me. One of the reasons i dont bother much with soxial media too, or give out my exact location. I just try to educate as much as I’m able to help. Basically I tell people " go pick up a catechism, and see for yourself if you think what so and so said is true things. " most don’t bother. In real life im very shy and dont talk much. I dont approach people on religious issues, they usually approach me and its usually because they notice my roasry or see me reading a catholic book and want to just troll me. People are social and the spreading of misinformation just happens, and then of course people Interpret things like differently and its hard for them to accept people denying their interpretations. Even the church hierarchy members don’t always agree on things.

 

[adamhovey1988]

I have a Sunni Muslim friend that was asking me about the Trinity and about the phrase “Mother of God”. I told him when I was not sure how to explain something, to read up on the councils that defined the terms. In inter-religious or inter-denominational dialogue, there’s no shame in admitting you don’t know. I am not perfect at explaining, but I at least got this guy to understand why it’s fine for us to ask people in heaven to pray for us. I think a lot of these conversations can be confusing due to differences in terminology and meaning. Being “saved” means something different to a Lutheran than it does to a Baptist.

 

[Kliska]

…all too often Protestants read something posted by a Catholic on the internet, and assume that it represents the whole Catholic Church.

I think that may stem from knowing that there is “supposed” to be a unity in teaching and belief in the CC, but many times the Protestant doesn’t realize that individual Catholics vary widely on their practice, knowledge, etc… just as with Protestant denoms. Plus it’s just not as “exciting” to actually read the CCC.

I don’t immediately believe a person just because they say they are Catholic.

In your hypothetical situation, I would get confused and actually go seek answers from a more authoritative source…a more knowledgeable source or actual church document, which are now more readily available via the internet.

I think you both hit on something here, which is the fact we can more easily “go to the source” via the internet. But I wonder that many times it seems that the source gives an answer that people don’t like or did not expect, and the questions continue. Plus I think there is something to talking to an actual person face-to-face that makes things seem more relevant, so perhaps that’s why the conversations continue even if a definitive source is cited.

When I interact with those in other denominations or religions, I am demure to the point of timidity. I would hope most of us are much more calm and civilized in real life than on the Internet.

I think in a strange way a face-to-face meeting can go either way; it either keeps both sides much more calm and respectful OR it starts getting awkward so fast that people either clam up or get mad. I feel it is easier for voices to be ignored online, even if that voice is right and the rest are wrong.

When I interact with religious people its mostly just catholics at my parish. I don’t really talk about religion much in my day to life, but I’ve had a few issues with Protestant people. I have no problems with Protestant, but they seem to have a problem with me and Catholicism in general. I’ve been told I worship Mary, that my church is the great whore of Babylon, that I’m an idolatry sinner for having statue of saints,etc

I just wonder if those Protestants that make those claims would tend to believe another Protestant that could step in and correct the information? In essence do we have a bias toward those of our own “side” or our own denomination over people from the actual denominations that we are discussing.

I have a Sunni Muslim friend that was asking me about the Trinity and about the phrase “Mother of God”. I told him when I was not sure how to explain something, to read up on the councils that defined the terms. In inter-religious or inter-denominational dialogue, there’s no shame in admitting you don’t know. I am not perfect at explaining, but I at least got this guy to understand why it’s fine for us to ask people in heaven to pray for us. I think a lot of these conversations can be confusing due to differences in terminology and meaning. Being “saved” means something different to a Lutheran than it does to a Baptist.

Yes, I do think terminology makes a huge difference, and I definitely agree that people should admit if they don’t know something, or are hesitant to try to explain it. I teach Apologetics off and on and tell people it’s ok to say, “I don’t know, let me do some reading and get back to you,” or “Here’s this resources you can find that explains it.”

 

[Peter_J]

I think that may stem from knowing that there is “supposed” to be a unity in teaching and belief in the CC, but many times the Protestant doesn’t realize that individual Catholics vary widely on their practice, knowledge, etc… just as with Protestant denoms. Plus it’s just not as “exciting” to actually read the CCC.

Or they never noticed that it’s *Papal *Infallibility, not Joe Catholic Infallibility.

 

[Kliska]

Or they never noticed that it’s *Papal *Infallibility, not Joe Catholic Infallibility.

But… doesn’t that mean that everything Pope Francis says or writes is automatically infallible? And what if he says Joe Catholic is infallible too… wouldn’t that make Joe Catholic infallible??

It’s a joke folks.

 

[Peter_J]

But… doesn’t that mean that everything Pope Francis says or writes is automatically infallible?

Heh. I realize that isn’t meant as a serious question, but I’ll answer it anyhow: No.

But that aside, I mentioned on another thread that a certain poll shows that the number of Americans whose view of Pope Francis is “Unfavorable” went from 10% in June 2015 to 19%, nearly double, now. Striking numbers, but what do they mean? That he isn’t doing his job well? Or that doing his job well is more important to him than the number of Catholics with an unfavorable view of him?