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Maxirad
Guest
If an ex-Protestant who is now a Catholic was a Christian youth minister when he or she was still a Protestant, should he or she look back at that situation regretfully?
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Jon_S_1
Guest
This is an interesting question. I assume you mean because you may have as a minister, misdirected people (unintentionally) about the True Christian Faith.
The Bible speaks of leaders being held to a higher standard, as such I think one must really examine their conscience and diligence in teaching. But at the same time, one cannot be guilty of what they don’t know. As a protestant I led people in the sinners prayer and told them they were saved. I didn’t tell them to be baptized or repent when they sin, but I taught them yo follow Jesus as best I knew how. I think God understands and his grace can work in individuals despite erroneous ideas. Maybe I am an example of that as I did not find catholicism by being influenced directly by someone, but by diving in deeper to understand Christisnity as it was historically understood and God led me where I needed to be.
Interested to hear other thoughts on this.
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nodito
Guest
I don’t think so. A person might regret something particular they taught if they now realize it was incorrect, but if it was done in good faith, then the youth minister has nothing to be ashamed of.
A youth minister’s job is to lead young people to Christ, and that is respectable, laudable work.
A youth minister’s job is to lead young people to Christ, and that is respectable, laudable work.
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Joe_5859
Guest
I don’t see why they would look back regretfully. I’m sure they might recall certain specific instances with regret (like Dr. Hahn recalling when he destroyed his grandmother’s rosary beads). But I doubt that the entirety of that life would be cause for regret. Even if some of what they did or said was misdirected, they were still (presumably) trying to bring people to Jesus. Nothing to regret about that.
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SyroMalankara
Guest
One can direct that regret to making a positive contribution. This is not only for a non-Catholic or anti-Catholic youth minister, it’s for anyone that has changed their life to a more Christ-centered way- theWay, if you will.
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JerryZ
Guest
Remember the example of St. Paul, when he was called Saul he persecuted and killed Christians. BUT he converted to Christianity AND his many sins were forgiven.
I see a parallel here with protestants that enter the true Church. Whatever they did before when they received the absolution from confession to a priest with authority from Jesus they are as St. Paul.
Peace to you, may you and me persevere to the end of our journey.
I see a parallel here with protestants that enter the true Church. Whatever they did before when they received the absolution from confession to a priest with authority from Jesus they are as St. Paul.
Peace to you, may you and me persevere to the end of our journey.
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cheezey
Guest
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Bob_Crowley
Guest
Well, that would depend on whether this hypothetical Christian (are you referring to yourself?) did anything to regret.
If all the person did was to try to preach Christ and Him crucified (at the core), then I don’t see a problem.
But if the person had spent some time strongly criticising the Catholic Church to the youth under his or her control, then they might regret it.
But as St. Paul wrote, Philippians 3:12-13 NIV
What’s past is past, and you can’t change it. I’ve done things I regret, not so much in my Christian walk, but in those years when I was an atheist. But I can’t change the past and neither can anyone else. So just move on.
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aimee
Guest
thanks for this post…
whats past is past…can’t change…move on
I needed to hear it…I think others do as well
God Bless
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