Question about calling

[t68ware]

Since we Catholics believe we are the true Church and have the fullness of truth, what about those Protestant ministers who say they are called to be ministers? I know many who have very fruitful ministries and God is clearly working in their midst, so how can separated brethren be called to minister since they do not have the fullness of truth?

 

[Aelred_Minor]

Since we Catholics believe we are the true Church and have the fullness of truth, what about those Protestant ministers who say they are called to be ministers? I know many who have very fruitful ministries and God is clearly working in their midst, so how can separated brethren be called to minister since they do not have the fullness of truth?

In my opinion, they might have a real calling to a particular ministry/apostolate, but are mistaking in what community/faith tradition they are called to live it out. So a Protestant minister might really be called to be a Catholic priest or deacon, or to be a lay or religious Catholic teacher or theologian or administrator or something of that sort, but not to be a Protestant minister as such. I know there are honest Catholics who would disagree with this assessment though.

 

[Dorothy]

The way I see it God takes us from where we are coming and is always trying to draw us closer and closer to the fullness of His truth. The person feeling called loves the Lord and wants to serve Him, and is doing the best he can right now.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

Is God calling a person to teach and preach a man-made religion in opposition to the one He founded? Not likely! I don’t think it’s God calling, but an ongoing emotional experience that’s mistaken as a call from God. But, God knows that many Protestants lack the Truth through the fault of their ancestors, but through no fault of their own.

Jim Dandy
Former Protestant