Is evangelism an important aspect of the Catholic faith?

[shelby_sun]

“Each believer in Christ has the supreme duty to proclaim Christ to all peoples.” - Pope John Paul II

That can simply be done by telling people I am Catholic. If they ask me about my faith and religion I tell them, if they don’t, then I go on to talk about somethings else. By telling them I am Catholic, I am proclaiming I accept Jesus Christ as my savior. For those who say I am on the wrong path, I find then judgmental at best. Pope Francis just stated that we judge each other much more harshly than God judges us and he prays that to stop.

 

[aidanbradypop]

You could be the only “Jesus” anyone ever meets.

Pretty deep when you think about it. I am not one for door knocking, but I believe that how we live says a lot to others. I know many Catholics, including myself, that do not always show those around us how faithful we are to God and Church.

A priest friend of mine put it in a way that really hits home. He told me that when we proclaim to people that we are Catholic, many will look for ways to judge us on being Catholic. They will pick at anything they deem wrong. I am from the east Tennessee where Catholics are extremely in the minority. I was one of 4 Catholics in my high school of over 2000.

How did I evangelize? I simply tried to live as our Lord as told us. I would not engage in battles of wit over faith and doctrine. I would stand up for the Church and Her teachings, but that is as far as I would go. If someone said an ill word directed at me for being Catholic, I would pray for them and ask that God forgive them before he forgave me.

A Spanish teacher of mine came up to me one day. She mentioned that show noticed how caring and understanding I was towards those who “hated” me for being Catholic. I cited Sacred Scripture and told her that Christ said that if they hate me, to remember that they hated him first. The teacher later attended RCIA where she was confirmed and came into full communion with the Church. She mentioned to me that my actions made her look into the Catholic Church, which brought her into RCIA>full communion.

Moral of the story? Evangelism is extremely important. We should live the Gospel! Sorry for any typos lol.

 

[QuickCat]

That can simply be done by telling people I am Catholic. If they ask me about my faith and religion I tell them, if they don’t, then I go on to talk about somethings else. By telling them I am Catholic, I am proclaiming I accept Jesus Christ as my savior. For those who say I am on the wrong path, I find then judgmental at best. Pope Francis just stated that we judge each other much more harshly than God judges us and he prays that to stop.

Telling someone that you are Catholic is not sharing the gospel of the grace of God with them. Dr. Kreeft says, “Many Catholics do not know the gospel” If one does not know the gospel of salvation they aren’t saved and obviously can’t share something that they don’t know. I pray that you are saved and thus know the gospel of the grace of God.
QC

 

[Nicea325]

I am currently a member of a Baptist church. Although I do love my church, I have been strongly considering looking into conversion to the Catholic faith.

One of my biggest concerns, however, is the fact that I never see Catholics evangelizing. I have never been witnessed to by a Catholic. I’ve never been invited to any of their services and frankly, I would feel unwelcome waltzing into mass on a Sunday morning. They don’t seem to put on any sort of events or advertise themselves like the Protestant churches do. It all just seems so secretive.

Now, mind you, I live in a primarily Protestant town, but there are several cathedrals in the area. I’ve been attending my Baptist church for about six months now about about 60% of the sermons have an emphasis on the importance of evangelism. We hold weekly events for the community and we STRONGLY encourage visitors.

Is it just the area I live in? Or are Catholic churches just not very evangelistic?

Well it depends on your understanding of the term evangelism?

 

[shelby_sun]

Telling someone that you are Catholic is not sharing the gospel of the grace of God with them. Dr. Kreeft says, “Many Catholics do not know the gospel” If one does not know the gospel of salvation they aren’t saved and obviously can’t share something that they don’t know. I pray that you are saved and thus know the gospel of the grace of God.
QC

There are many people that have read and “know” the gospel who are hardly God like. Luckily for me Dr, Kreeft is nor the one to decide if I am saved or not.

 

[Kal2012]

Well it depends on your understanding of the term evangelism?

OP tells us.

1. Being invited to services
2. Holding community events and advertising them.
3. Talking about importance of evangelism.

OP wants Catholics to act more like the kind of Protestants that they are used to being around. Catholicism really does come off like a secret, but I’ve come to realize that it’s more cultural than the content of what people are actually taught (if they pay attention).

In protestant world, people brag about how great their churches are and how much you are missing out if you don’t go to their church. A lot of the time, that’s how you get plugged into the community, by knowing someone who already goes there. Where you go to church is a huge deal in some communities - in my area, it’s do you attend Woodside or Kensington (two mega-churches in the area- with campuses at X number of locations)? It’s a social identifier as well as a worship thing.

Also, in the protestant community, if there’s something going on, then they make a point to advertise like they are marketing the Rolling Stones or some other rock band. This event is the biggest thing - ever - and you have to bring your family, your friends, your neighbors, everyone! everyone! everyone is invited! And, if it isn’t clear that you are invited, then they will make sure to let you that we. want. you. there (and don’t be surprised if you get multiple phone calls reminding you that you are invited to this special event!) After all, it’s a great chance to witness w/out having to “go to church and listen to a sermon”.

Finally, “witnessing” is a huge deal in a lot of churches. There’s a huge emphasis on getting your friends, neighbors and family into church w/you (and preferably, at that specific church). And - of course - the lost souls. Mission trips are huge for a lot of churches. It’s not a question of where if you are going, but when. Catholics are more subdued when they talk about this kind of thing. There isn’t the hard sell like there is in some protestant communities. We get excited, but not EXCITED!!! (Does that make sense?) Some churches can’t get beyond the message “Jesus died for our sins. We are all sinners who fall short of the Glory of God and we need to be redeemed by the blood of Christ.” So, we have to go out and save the lost souls and bring them to Christ by saying the sinner’s prayer.

Good message, except that there’s a lot more to living the Christian life than realizing that you and everyone around you is a sinner. I tend to think of Catholicism as the “grad school” of Christianity because it’s so much deeper than a lot of the stuff I’ve seen in the Protestant community. That’s why I get so animated over this topic.

As a convert, Catholicism is a refreshing cultural change because I don’t go to church to be sold on a product. I’m already sold and I want to deepen my faith and relationship with Christ. I don’t see what would be gained by wanting Catholics to start acting like Protestants. I’ll take substance over style any day!

Yes, I agree that a lot of Catholics need to know their Bible better, but I’d also make the same argument about Protestants too. A lot of them claim that they know everything because they know a few Bible verses, but they don’t know anything other than those few verses and catch-phrases. How is that knowing the Bible better than a Catholic? It’s all about perspective.

Why would the RCC actively try to be a world-wide church if evangelism isn’t important? That doesn’t make sense either.

Anyway…

 

[QuickCat]

There are many people that have read and “know” the gospel who are hardly God like. Luckily for me Dr, Kreeft is nor the one to decide if I am saved or not.

You, of course, are quite right. Only you and the Lord know if you are saved. Those who read the gospel of the grace of God and reject it are lost. If they believe it they are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of the redemption of their bodies [Eph. 1:13]. They are then “complete in Him” [Colossians 2:10]. But, I repeat, telling someone that you are Catholic doesn’t constitute sharing the gospel. If someone asked you, “What must I do to be saved?” What would you tell them?
Grace and Peace,
QC

 

[shelby_sun]

You, of course, are quite right. Only you and the Lord know if you are saved. Those who read the gospel of the grace of God and reject it are lost. If they believe it they are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of the redemption of their bodies [Eph. 1:13]. They are then “complete in Him” [Colossians 2:10]. But, I repeat, telling someone that you are Catholic doesn’t constitute sharing the gospel. If someone asked you, “What must I do to be saved?” What would you tell them?
Grace and Peace,
QC

I would tell them what Catholics are taught to believe, but I would never tell a Jew,one of God’s chosen people, that they were not going to be saved. I would never tell anyone they are not going to be saved.

Would you want a devote Muslim or Taoist preaching their beliefs at you, telling you what to do to be saved. Why should they change their deep, long standing belief because you told them what your way is? Would you change your belief over something they taught you? Their beliefs are as strong and has important to them as yours are to you.

 

[QuickCat]

I would tell them what Catholics are taught to believe, but I would never tell a Jew,one of God’s chosen people, that they were not going to be saved. I would never tell anyone they are not going to be saved.

Would you want a devote Muslim or Taoist preaching their beliefs at you, telling you what to do to be saved. Why should they change their deep, long standing belief because you told them what your way is? Would you change your belief over something they taught you? Their beliefs are as strong and has important to them as yours are to you.

In answer to the question the jailer was told to: “Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!” Acts 16:30-31. Believe what? That He died on the cross to pay the full penalty for your sins; that He was buried and rose again the 3rd day," all according to the Scriptures. Paul calls this, “The gospel by which you are S-A-V-E-D!” Upon hearing the gospel and believing the gospel the saved person is S-E-A-L-E-D by God the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13. The saved person is then C-O-M-P-L-E-T-E in Him. Colossians 2:10. I would be happy to share this wonderful gospel with any “religious” person.
Grace and Peace,
QC

 

[shelby_sun]

In answer to the question the jailer was told to: “Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!” Acts 16:30-31. Believe what? That He died on the cross to pay the full penalty for your sins; that He was buried and rose again the 3rd day," all according to the Scriptures. Paul calls this, “The gospel by which you are S-A-V-E-D!” Upon hearing the gospel and believing the gospel the saved person is S-E-A-L-E-D by God the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13. The saved person is then C-O-M-P-L-E-T-E in Him. Colossians 2:10. I would be happy to share this wonderful gospel with any “religious” person.
Grace and Peace,
QC

That is wonderful for you and you should continue to do that. If you want to continue to judge those of us who live and teach our faith in other ways that is your choice. I will be ready for God to judge me not you.

 

[QuickCat]

That is wonderful for you and you should continue to do that. If you want to continue to judge those of us who live and teach our faith in other ways that is your choice. I will be ready for God to judge me not you.

Shelby, you mis-underwstand. Sharing the gospel is not judging it is loving someone enough to tell them what the Lord Jesus Christ did for them on the cross. Sharing the gospel iis not only a privilige, but an obligation. Every believer has this obligation as an ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ had you and me personally in mind when He went to the cross. What a wonderful Savior and Lord!
Grace and Peace,
QC

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Evangelism? Yes.
Proselytizing and wearing your religion like a badge? No.

 

[Diana_Catherine]

I am currently a member of a Baptist church. Although I do love my church, I have been strongly considering looking into conversion to the Catholic faith.

One of my biggest concerns, however, is the fact that I never see Catholics evangelizing. I have never been witnessed to by a Catholic. I’ve never been invited to any of their services and frankly, I would feel unwelcome waltzing into mass on a Sunday morning. They don’t seem to put on any sort of events or advertise themselves like the Protestant churches do. It all just seems so secretive.

Now, mind you, I live in a primarily Protestant town, but there are several cathedrals in the area. I’ve been attending my Baptist church for about six months now about about 60% of the sermons have an emphasis on the importance of evangelism. We hold weekly events for the community and we STRONGLY encourage visitors.

Is it just the area I live in? Or are Catholic churches just not very evangelistic?

I used to be protestant also and I have to tell you that coming into the Catholic faith was by far and wide the absolute best decision I ever made. My only regret is not having done it sooner.

That said, there are a lot of Catholics who don’t evangelize very well but there are a lot that do also. There are many shows on EWTN that the point is to evangelize, as someone else said Scott Hahn has a lot of books that are great in explaining the Catholic faith and there are many websites that share the Catholic faith.

Having said that, Catholics don’t evangelize in the same way a protestant might because for one thing a protestant evangelizing to get someone saved and then feels the work is finished. A Catholic is always a work in progress and we are to evangelize in different ways. We are to evangelize mostly with our lives but use words also.

I do agree Catholics should evangelize more to bring people to God, our culture needs it so desperately, and hopefully with the year of faith being promoted they will start but I have known people, persons who were very outspoken about the Catholic faith and thankfully has passed it on to his daughter.

Also, go ahead and go right on in there to mass, anytime you want. You are right, there won’t be any advertising but you are welcome there anytime. When it is time for communion instead of not getting in line to receive communion, just go up with your arms crossed over your chest and the priest will give you a blessing. No one will think anything or give you any cause to feel unwelcome. If it helps you might want to watch mass on tv a couple times before you go so you have an idea of what is going on.

 

[QuickCat]

I am currently a member of a Baptist church. Although I do love my church, I have been strongly considering looking into conversion to the Catholic faith.

One of my biggest concerns, however, is the fact that I never see Catholics evangelizing. I have never been witnessed to by a Catholic. I’ve never been invited to any of their services and frankly, I would feel unwelcome waltzing into mass on a Sunday morning. They don’t seem to put on any sort of events or advertise themselves like the Protestant churches do. It all just seems so secretive.

Lindsey: My experience has been much like yours. I have never been evangelized by a Catholic. In conversation with individuals I find that, by and large, they don’t know the gospel by which one is saved. Dr. Peter Kreeft, a Catholic apologist, says much the same thing. One question: As you know, the Baptist Church and the Catholic Church preach two different gospels; which one is right? Are you saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, or are you saved by water baptism plus plus plus plus? What would you say?
Grace and Peace,
QC

 

[Markus2007]

I wanted to bring this old thread back up because yesterday, the Pope himself answered the OP’s question:

youtube.com/watch?v=zy76WVHhogQ

 

[PJM]

=lindseynicole;10404362]I am currently a member of a Baptist church. Although I do love my church, I have been strongly considering looking into conversion to the Catholic faith.

One of my biggest concerns, however, is the fact that I never see Catholics evangelizing. I have never been witnessed to by a Catholic. I’ve never been invited to any of their services and frankly, I would feel unwelcome waltzing into mass on a Sunday morning. They don’t seem to put on any sort of events or advertise themselves like the Protestant churches do. It all just seems so secretive.

Now, mind you, I live in a primarily Protestant town, but there are several cathedrals in the area. I’ve been attending my Baptist church for about six months now about about 60% of the sermons have an emphasis on the importance of evangelism. We hold weekly events for the community and we STRONGLY encourage visitors.

Is it just the area I live in? Or are Catholic churches just not very evangelistic?

“Truth” like our God IS a SINGULAR thing.

Because God IS One; so too God’s own Faith beliefs are “One”
God simply cannot [impossible] hold differning [or even contradictory views, on LONG defined issues].

There is Super abundant biblical information that supports this position:

Eph. 4: 1-7 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body] and one Spirit [Means only One set of Faith beliefs], just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift".

John.10: 16 “And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd”

Eph. 2:19-20 “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,[Singular] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

Every Catholic is expected to:
Know
Live
and share our Faith
and if and when necssary, defend it

Do all do it? NO:blush:

Do all Protestants:shrug:

That is why so many of us participate in the CAF and other Christian Forums.

I also have a very active internt Ministery and know other Catholics who also do this.

God Bless you,
Pat /PJM here on CAF

 

[QuickCat]

I used to be protestant also and I have to tell you that coming into the Catholic faith was by far and wide the absolute best decision I ever made. My only regret is not having done it sooner.

That said, there are a lot of Catholics who don’t evangelize very well but there are a lot that do also. There are many shows on EWTN that the point is to evangelize, as someone else said Scott Hahn has a lot of books that are great in explaining the Catholic faith and there are many websites that share the Catholic faith.

Having said that, Catholics don’t evangelize in the same way a protestant might because for one thing a protestant evangelizing to get someone saved and then feels the work is finished. A Catholic is always a work in progress and we are to evangelize in different ways. We are to evangelize mostly with our lives but use words also.

I do agree Catholics should evangelize more to bring people to God, our culture needs it so desperately, and hopefully with the year of faith being promoted they will start but I have known people, persons who were very outspoken about the Catholic faith and thankfully has passed it on to his daughter.

Also, go ahead and go right on in there to mass, anytime you want. You are right, there won’t be any advertising but you are welcome there anytime. When it is time for communion instead of not getting in line to receive communion, just go up with your arms crossed over your chest and the priest will give you a blessing. No one will think anything or give you any cause to feel unwelcome. If it helps you might want to watch mass on tv a couple times before you go so you have an idea of what is going on.

Diana: Dr. Peter Kreeft, Catholic apologist, and professor at Boston University, bemoans the fact that “Many Catholics do not know the gospel that saves.!” This has been my experience in discussing the gospel of the grace of God with Catholic friends. A teacher of “religion” at the local RCC could not tell me what the saving gospel is nor where it is found in the Bible. Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is an ambassador and we are to proclaim the word of reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5:19-21

It goes without saying that if one does not know the saving gospel he is not saved and can’t evangelize others.
Grace and Peace,
QC

 

[PJM]

=QuickCat;10731918]Diana: Dr. Peter Kreeft, Catholic apologist, and professor at Boston University, bemoans the fact that “Many Catholics do not know the gospel that saves.!” This has been my experience in discussing the gospel of the grace of God with Catholic friends. A teacher of “religion” at the local RCC could not tell me what the saving gospel is nor where it is found in the Bible. Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is an ambassador and we are to proclaim the word of reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5:19-21

It goes without saying that if one does not know the saving gospel he is not saved and can’t evangelize others.
Grace and Peace,
QC

OK

**So friend; WHAT IS “The Gospel that saves”:**confused:

REALLY; what is you have in mind?

God Bless,

pat/PJM

 

[QuickCat]

OK

**So friend; WHAT IS “The Gospel that saves”:**confused:

REALLY; what is you have in mind?

God Bless,

pat/PJM

Hi pat/PJM: 1 Cor. 15:1-4 is the “gospel by which you are S-A-V-E-D.” Note vs 2. When the Lord Jesus Christ went to the cross He had you [and me, et al] in mind. He paid our sin debt in full. The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 1:13 “In Whom ye also trusted after ye heard the Word of Truth, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION [1 Cor. 15:1-4] ; in Whom ye also after ye BELIEVED, ye were SEALED with that Holy Spirit of promise.”

1] You hear the gospel of your salvation
2] You believe that the Lord Jesus Christ paid your sin debt on the cross
3] You are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption of your body [Ephesians 4:30]
I pray that this is of help.
Grace and Peace,
QC

 

[PJM]

FROM: QuickCat;

Hi pat/PJM: 1 Cor. 15:1-4 is the “gospel by which you are S-A-V-E-D.” Note vs 2. When the Lord Jesus Christ went to the cross He had you [and me, et al] in mind. He paid our sin debt in full. The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 1:13 “In Whom ye also trusted after ye heard the Word of Truth, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION [1 Cor. 15:1-4] ; in Whom ye also after ye BELIEVED, ye were SEALED with that Holy Spirit of promise.”

1] You hear the gospel of your salvation
2] You believe that the Lord Jesus Christ paid your sin debt on the cross
3] You are sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption of your body [Ephesians 4:30]
I pray that this is of help.
Grace and Peace,
QC

My dear friend in Christ;

I pray my response will not come as a surprise,

I’m an informed and fully practicing Catholic as my heading claims. I also have about 20 years of teaching our Faith experience, including 3 yrs in RCIA.

You indicate no religious affiliation; but I assume from your reply that your not a Catholic and tend towards a “Faith alone; or Faith through Grace salvation belief,” and OSAS.

There is ONLY [emphasis; not shouting] one Infallible Rule for right understanding of the bible.

Never- Ever, can, may or DOES one verse; passage or teaching make void; invalidate; or override another verse, passage or teaching. Such; even as a possibility [NOT!], would render the bible useless for all faith matters.

So from this ROCK foundation, let’s take a closer look at your understanding of salvation. ALSO, I was extremely impressed with your kindness. Thank you.

1 Cor. 15:1-5 “[1] Now I make known unto you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; [2] By which also you are saved, if you hold fast after what manner I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all, which I also received: how that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures: [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according to the scriptures: [5] And that he was seen by Cephas;[Peter: THE ROCK] and after that by the eleven.”

V1: Obviously Paul taught MORE than just this one limited teaching to them.
V2. “IF you hold fast to [ALL that I preached to you]
V3-4 “Relate to Christ Passion, Death and Resurrection. A topic Protestants have mis-skewed and simply have an incomplete and therefore incorrect understanding of.
V5 we can know this for many reasons; but note in Verse 5 Paul Visits Peter and the other Apostles; who no doubt carefully reviewed Paul’s message; given his background on having persecuted the “church: [singular].

Because space is limited on the FORUM, I’ll share here the very short version. Send me a “PM” if you’d care to discuss this further?

God is One
God is Perfect
& Because of this God can possibility have only one set of faith beliefs. It is impossible that God can accept more than His Own positions on long defined issues. Which commonly are often contradictory.

Note please that Paul speaks precisely and clearly of only One God; One set of Faith beliefs and One church.

2nd. Peter 1: 16-21 “You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

Eph. 4: 1-7 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body [Means “church”] and one Spirit,[One Faith] just as you were called to the **one hope **]that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, [that is all God taught and desires] one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift".

Eph. 2:19-20 “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,[Notablt Spinglar] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple[singular] in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”

John.10: 16 “And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice**. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd” **

God Bless you,
Pat/PJM