Missions

[wmscott]

I received a letter from my niece who is on a mission for her church. She is Baptist, not sure of the particular group. They went to Greece to spread the good news of the Gospel. In her letter back to the family she stated that these people were in such need of having the Word spread to them. That the Catholic Church (Greek Orthodox) did not minister to the people the way the people wanted them to. The Church was too strict on morals and protocols of the Church. The people that she says that felt alienated from the Church were mainly young students and prostitutes. She felt that this alienation was because the Church was too rigid and judgmental because it held these folks to a standard that was too hard.

I am having trouble with a little bit of this, maybe someone can help.

Why do some Protestant religions feel the need to spread the Good News of the Gospel to folks in predominately Christian countries (Catholic of varying rites being the dominate religion) who already have the Word?

Is it because it is a Catholic community and that the Word of the Catholic Gospel is different or somehow flawed because of the Catholic flavor?

Why don’t Protestant mission concentrate on non-Christian countries where the Gospel really needs to be spread?

What is too rigid about living a moral and just life?

 

[FidesSpesCarita]

I received a letter from my niece who is on a mission for her church. She is Baptist, not sure of the particular group. They went to Greece to spread the good news of the Gospel. In her letter back to the family she stated that these people were in such need of having the Word spread to them. That the Catholic Church (Greek Orthodox) did not minister to the people the way the people wanted them to. The Church was too strict on morals and protocols of the Church. The people that she says that felt alienated from the Church were mainly young students and prostitutes. She felt that this alienation was because the Church was too rigid and judgmental because it held these folks to a standard that was too hard.

I am having trouble with a little bit of this, maybe someone can help.

Why do some Protestant religions feel the need to spread the Good News of the Gospel to folks in predominately Christian countries (Catholic of varying rites being the dominate religion) who already have the Word?

Is it because it is a Catholic community and that the Word of the Catholic Gospel is different or somehow flawed because of the Catholic flavor?

Why don’t Protestant mission concentrate on non-Christian countries where the Gospel really needs to be spread?

What is too rigid about living a moral and just life?

Things like this bring out bad replies from me. Uncharitable replies. I have my own opinions as to why this is, but I will wait for the opinions of one who has done these missions before I spout off at the mouth with things I may regret later.

FSC

 

[puzzleannie]

there really is no reply to someone with the arrogance to share the Gospel with people who have been solidly Christian for 2000 years. The fact that she does not know the difference between the Catholic and Orthodox churches, and the fact that she is obviously ignorant of Greek culture and its indivisble link with Greek religion, also argues against any group she is a part of being effective at evangelizing. If by eliminating moral law she hopes to urge historic Christian churches to “appeal to modern youth and prostitutes” why does she not simply cease to be Christian altogether, as in making such a proposition she demonstrates her ignorance of Christ’s teaching.

 

[GeorgeSword]

So, in other words, she thinks the Orthodox are too hard on sin, and we need to be more accepting of it?

 

[bpbasilphx]

I was a Baptist once, but got saved and eventually became Orthodox.

Tell your neice that.

 

[wmscott]

So, in other words, she thinks the Orthodox are too hard on sin, and we need to be more accepting of it?

I do not think it is her, rather the folks she is going to and administering to. IMHO I feel that some folks today tend to gravitate towards those religions/churches that make them feel good and tell them what they want to hear, not what God wants us to hear and then obey. It removes any responsibility and accountability towards a moral and honorable life. I know and have no doubt that my niece loves and serves the Lord. That is not an issue. I also know that prostitutes are sinners and need love and prayers, we all are sinners and need love and prayers.

 

[rev_kevin]

I think, and this is my opinion, that if you don’t bomb bard them all these rules and regulations all at once, may be too much for some to handle but if you gradually put these rules into affect, even to the point that they don’t realize it, you will bring more people to Christ. Now when they do mission trips they are invited to that country by clergy, they just don’t go there on their own, at least that is my experience with missions. Why do they go to a place that already know the Word of God. Once again this is my opinion, although there may be many who know the Word of God there are those who don’t and I don’t see anything wrong with spreading the Word of God. Now missions also go to places in other countries to help with some projects in places that are out of the main town in out of the way places. I know my church has gone to places that take them 2 days to get there and they built houses or what the people call houses fixed tractors and fixed water pumps and while doing that the spread the Word of God not only by mouth but by action as well. They pay for their own flight there and back and the church helps pay for the materials that are needed there and sometimes they pay for materials out of their own pocket without asking for the money back.

 

[DihydrogenOxide]

Weird as it may seem, many Baptist congregations tell the same stories about how Catholics are not Christian. They don’t consider them Christian, but rather some cult, that needs to be saved. It amounts to people being passed incorrect information from pastors who propagate the false information due to hatred toward Catholics.

That’s what’s happening to Mexico right now. Protestant missionaries go there to convert the Catholics.

 

[SingleMomMonica]

I received a letter from my niece who is on a mission for her church. She is Baptist, not sure of the particular group. They went to Greece to spread the good news of the Gospel. In her letter back to the family she stated that these people were in such need of having the Word spread to them. That the Catholic Church (Greek Orthodox) did not minister to the people the way the people wanted them to. The Church was too strict on morals and protocols of the Church. The people that she says that felt alienated from the Church were mainly young students and prostitutes. She felt that this alienation was because the Church was too rigid and judgmental because it held these folks to a standard that was too hard.

I am having trouble with a little bit of this, maybe someone can help.

Why do some Protestant religions feel the need to spread the Good News of the Gospel to folks in predominately Christian countries (Catholic of varying rites being the dominate religion) who already have the Word?

Is it because it is a Catholic community and that the Word of the Catholic Gospel is different or somehow flawed because of the Catholic flavor?

Why don’t Protestant mission concentrate on non-Christian countries where the Gospel really needs to be spread?

What is too rigid about living a moral and just life?

I know of an Orthodox priest who used to be a Protestant Missionary

His Protestant church (I think Assembies of God?) sent him to Greece. He was befriended by a local Orthodox Priest and they met for lunch once a week…needless to say he is now an Orthodox Priest himself!

He went on a Mission to convert, but he was the one converted!

The Protestant congregation who supported his mission were mighty t’d off at him!

 

[Shannon9791]

I do not think it is her, rather the folks she is going to and administering to. IMHO I feel that some folks today tend to gravitate towards those religions/churches that make them feel good and tell them what they want to hear, not what God wants us to hear and then obey. It removes any responsibility and accountability towards a moral and honorable life. I know and have no doubt that my niece loves and serves the Lord. That is not an issue. I also know that prostitutes are sinners and need love and prayers, we all are sinners and need love and prayers.

DING DING DING…LADIES AND GENTLEMEN WE HAVE A WINNER! From the dawn of time people have been looking for the easiest way to do things. Why do you think that first caveman back in the day “invented” the wheel? I hate to sound cynical, but to me, this is what much evangelical Christianity has boiled down too. It’s all mushy, touchy feely, sit by the fire and sing Kumbya hot air. There’s no talk about what happens when you sin, only “Jesus loves you and everything will be OK.” I’m speaking in generalizations, and I know this isn’t every evangelical church out there, but for the most part, this is what is being tossed around.

 

[wmscott]

I know of an Orthodox priest who used to be a Protestant Missionary

His Protestant church (I think Assembies of God?) sent him to Greece. He was befriended by a local Orthodox Priest and they met for lunch once a week…needless to say he is now an Orthodox Priest himself!

He went on a Mission to convert, but he was the one converted!

The Protestant congregation who supported his mission were mighty t’d off at him!

What turn of events.

 

[wmscott]

DING DING DING…LADIES AND GENTLEMEN WE HAVE A WINNER! From the dawn of time people have been looking for the easiest way to do things. Why do you think that first caveman back in the day “invented” the wheel? I hate to sound cynical, but to me, this is what much evangelical Christianity has boiled down too. It’s all mushy, touchy feely, sit by the fire and sing Kumbya hot air. There’s no talk about what happens when you sin, only “Jesus loves you and everything will be OK.” I’m speaking in generalizations, and I know this isn’t every evangelical church out there, but for the most part, this is what is being tossed around.

Do I get a prize

 

[Harpazo]

I think, and this is my opinion, that if you don’t bomb bard them all these rules and regulations all at once, may be too much for some to handle but if you gradually put these rules into affect, even to the point that they don’t realize it, you will bring more people to Christ. Now when they do mission trips they are invited to that country by clergy, they just don’t go there on their own, at least that is my experience with missions. Why do they go to a place that already know the Word of God. Once again this is my opinion, although there may be many who know the Word of God there are those who don’t and I don’t see anything wrong with spreading the Word of God. Now missions also go to places in other countries to help with some projects in places that are out of the main town in out of the way places. I know my church has gone to places that take them 2 days to get there and they built houses or what the people call houses fixed tractors and fixed water pumps and while doing that the spread the Word of God not only by mouth but by action as well. They pay for their own flight there and back and the church helps pay for the materials that are needed there and sometimes they pay for materials out of their own pocket without asking for the money back.

The Russian government banned Protestant proselytism recently. Greece and other countries would do well to do the same. Protestant missionaries stormed into Russia after the fall of communism, which was completely disgraceful how they went about it.

Perhaps Protestant missionaries should go to Saudi Arabia, Iran or Algeria to convert non-Christians rather than convert those countries who have been Christian centuries before Protestantism was even thought of?

In Christ,
Andrew

 

[Nine_Two]

Funny, my own trip to Greece this past Spring with a bunch of Protestants (of various backgrounds, from Methodists to Nazarines) yeilded quite the opposite feeling. A number went in thinking the Orthodox Church was all about ritual and worshipping icons instead of God, but our group leader made sure everyone interacted with the Church in a meaningful way. Even though no one converted they changed their minds.

Which is probably the issue here. She went with the idea that they aren’t Christian, didn’t bother to learn about the Church and never tried to interact with it. What she’s learning she’s taking from those who are dissatisfied, and it sounds like those who are already on the margins of society.

 

[wmscott]

Funny, my own trip to Greece this past Spring with a bunch of Protestants (of various backgrounds, from Methodists to Nazarines) yeilded quite the opposite feeling. A number went in thinking the Orthodox Church was all about ritual and worshipping icons instead of God, but our group leader made sure everyone interacted with the Church in a meaningful way. Even though no one converted they changed their minds.

Which is probably the issue here. She went with the idea that they aren’t Christian, didn’t bother to learn about the Church and never tried to interact with it. What she’s learning she’s taking from those who are dissatisfied, and it sounds like those who are already on the margins of society.

Thanks Nine, you are probably right.

 

[rev_kevin]

The Russian government banned Protestant proselytism recently. Greece and other countries would do well to do the same. Protestant missionaries stormed into Russia after the fall of communism, which was completely disgraceful how they went about it.

Perhaps Protestant missionaries should go to Saudi Arabia, Iran or Algeria to convert non-Christians rather than convert those countries who have been Christian centuries before Protestantism was even thought of?

In Christ,
Andrew

I don’t know what happened in Russia and presonally I don’t believe everything I here that comes from there. I sense a tone of anti-Protastant in your posts so I will not respond to this kind of post unless we can have a descent descussion instead of atomaticlly finding falt in the different religions. Thank you.

 

[Harpazo]

I don’t know what happened in Russia and presonally I don’t believe everything I here that comes from there. I sense a tone of anti-Protastant in your posts so I will not respond to this kind of post unless we can have a descent descussion instead of atomaticlly finding falt in the different religions. Thank you.

I apologize if I came across harshly. It was not my intention. I get very irritated when Protestants say that Catholics and Orthodox are not Christian and lead them astray. It’s completely superfluous AND unchristian. I cannot wrap my head around why Protestants would go to these countries that have been Christian before Protestants existed. Why?

If they really want to reach people who have never heard of Christ, why not go to Bangladesh, Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan? Why “build upon the foundation of another?” as St. Paul says?

By no means am I anti-Protestant. I was raised Protestant for the first 17 years of my life and have nothing but respect for Protestants. It is their actions that disgust me, not them.

In Christ,
Andrew

 

[rev_kevin]

I apologize if I came across harshly. It was not my intention. I get very irritated when Protestants say that Catholics and Orthodox are not Christian and lead them astray. It’s completely superfluous AND unchristian. I cannot wrap my head around why Protestants would go to these countries that have been Christian before Protestants existed. Why?

If they really want to reach people who have never heard of Christ, why not go to Bangladesh, Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan? Why “build upon the foundation of another?” as St. Paul says?

By no means am I anti-Protestant. I was raised Protestant for the first 17 years of my life and have nothing but respect for Protestants. It is their actions that disgust me, not them.

In Christ,
Andrew

No problem, no harm done. Now I can’t speak for all Protestants and I don’t claim to know everything. I can speak from my prospective and experience as I stated earler in this thread.
Yes there are some that think that Catholics are not Christian and I disagree with them saying that and my friends and church members feel the same as I do. As I stated in my earler post they are invited there from one of the clergy that live there as for as my church goes. We won’t go uninvited. I don’t think their intent is to do harm to any one religion, but I’m only speaking from my experience and can’t speak for all. Now I’m sure there are those who go there with the intent of doing what you mentioned and that is wrong and should not happen. But in my opinion, they have the right to go and spread the Word of God to whoever and wherever they want as long as the government of that country don’t object and to let those who want to here it reguardless of their religious background. Now its a shame that the actions of some tend to make all look bad and quite frankly the ones that do that disgust me also.

 

[SingleMomMonica]

The Russian government banned Protestant proselytism recently. Greece and other countries would do well to do the same. Protestant missionaries stormed into Russia after the fall of communism, which was completely disgraceful how they went about it.

Perhaps Protestant missionaries should go to Saudi Arabia, Iran or Algeria to convert non-Christians rather than convert those countries who have been Christian centuries before Protestantism was even thought of?

In Christ,
Andrew

Hi Andrew,

I’d not heard that the Russian government banned Protestant proselytism - did they also ban Catholic proselytism or just Protestant?

I agree that missionaries of Christian Faiths should go to Non-Christian Countries unless the focus of their mission is not prostelzation, but helping the poor with their physical needs - building houses and the like.

 

[rev_kevin]

Hi Andrew,

I’d not heard that the Russian government banned Protestant proselytism - did they also ban Catholic proselytism or just Protestant?

I agree that missionaries of Christian Faiths should go to Non-Christian Countries unless the focus of their mission is not prostelzation, but helping the poor with their physical needs - building houses and the like.

May I ask you a question?
I don’t know why I’m asking that question first because I’m going to ask anyway but once the Prostants are at the Non-Christian countries helping the poor with their physical needs and building houses and the like, would it be a big problem if they talked to the ones they are helping about God or should they just go there and not say a word about God? Not trying to start a argument about this but, may I be so bold as to ask, is it only the Catholics who should Catholicenize them? I’m just asking because that is how I took your last paragraph. If I’m wrong I apologize.