Other religions invited to church to discuss their faith

[Autumn-Smoke]

Mature Christians who are solid in their faith are encouraged to be knowledgeable in the beliefs of other religions so they may better understand how to win those people to Christ. The whole point, though, is that of evangelism–not a cozy-up, I’m OK/you’re Ok–let’s all get together idea. No: “Go out and preach the gospel to all the nations.”

Is every single person at church today considered a ‘mature believer’ who wants to evangelize others? I don’t think so. I don’t think this is a good idea at all, but rather it causes Jesus’ words when he said that He is the “ONLY way” to be called into question and this becomes an “all paths lead to God” notion which sinks into the minds and hearts of those who are not well acquainted with scripture.

 

[gracepoole]

I agree. Although if they want to attend Mass as guests in the pews like everyone else, that I can definitely support.

 

[Lee1]

This statement by mother Teresa is a little like the point you’re making
“I’ve always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic”

Someone has said that she expressed a kind of pseudo pantheism when she spoke of all religions actually worshipping the same one God, but she may have been thinking about what Jesus said with regard to being present in the thirsty, the poor, the sick etc.

 

[Ardent_Fire]

Right. There wouldn’t even be enough time to really discuss anything in depth in some kind of homily format even in theory, but welcoming them to mass would be a very good thing. I might be taking the OP’s “to church” a little too literally, because “inviting someone to church” to me usually means mass.

 

[MarthaSo]

Thank you for sharing this was beautiful

 

[PJM]

I recently heard it suggested that other religions - Muslims and Buddhists in this instance - should be invited to church, in order to allow them to discuss their religious beliefs with Catholics. Does anyone else think this is a very strange idea?

GREAT idea if:

1. its outside of Mass and even {IMO} the Church itself
2. That their ARE QUALIFIED people to lead the discussion factually and with charity

Thanks for asking

Patrick