Required to Evangelize?

  • Thread starter Thread starter PyropenguinX
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
P

PyropenguinX

Guest
Hello everyone, I’m new here so if this in the wrong spot, I apologize and feel free to move it to the correct board.

This past year in school I have developed a really close relationship with a friend who is an Apostolic Christian (I’m Roman Catholic). We’ve had some fun debates/talks that have always ended well simply because we respect each others opinions and never resort to the typical I’m right you’re wrong kind of argument. A couple of nights ago we were talking about evangelization and a couple of things that were mentioned struck me and I wasn’t sure how to respond to them.

Basically what was said is that its wrong/hypocritical to wear a cross or crucifix under your clothes because that hides the symbols of God and we are all called to evangelize to everyone all the time. Personally for me, I don’t feel as if I need to wear it on outside of my cloths for a couple of reasons. One is that I hate it when people walk around with huge jewel studded crosses because to me that defeats the entire purpose as it then becomes a fashion item instead of a religious symbol. The other is that while I’m not afraid to voice my opinion and speak of my faith, I feel as though I don’t need to have an outward sign saying “Hey look at me! I’m Christian!”. To support this I used the quote “Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words” which also comes into my reasoning for not going around and talking to all of my friends about religion all the time. I know that God calls all of us to do different things and I feel a much stronger calling towards the apologetic side of things, at least more so than the evangelization side.

Her response to this was a bombardment of verses from scripture ranging from the one story about not hiding the light of Christ under a basket and Christ’s message to go out and spread the good news. Another thing that she said which really got me in a weird way was the idea that somehow on a college campus that people haven’t heard of Christianity. I find that hard to believe as Illinois has a great Newman Center and other organizations such as Intervarsity and CRU. I agree that people may have heard but not know, but when does it become our responsibility to make people know over them taking a step and asking? I might sound a bit defensive here, but college is a place to explore so shouldn’t they be exploring?

So in essence I think the gist of this topic is for some help in defending the idea that I don’t need to go stand on a soapbox and proclaim my religion and that I can bear witness by simply living as a good Catholic should. I know God calls us to do things we don’t want but I’m not entirely sold on the idea of purchasing a megafone yet. If I’m completely wrong about that though, please let me know. I would then pose the question how come there aren’t more people on my street corner?
 
Living a good life is great, but if no one knows what or who inspires you to do so, they might never make the connection.
I wear my religious jewelry because I want people to know that the values I struggle to live out are Christian values. Many people think of Christianity as an unthoughtout mentality belonging to zombies who are at last about to die out. When I show them that I’m an outspoken, reasonably bright, broadly experienced, sometimes witty, sometimes kind, occasionally exciting and involved person who can offer something to society and I’m a Christian, it at least softens them up.
 
It’s all good IMO. Interesting that you are thinking about this and positive too!

I thought of a couple of things- walking your talk and speaking softly and carrying a big stick.

I think that if you live your faith, people tend to ask you outright and that provides an opportunity for you to witness. Sometimes speaking softly (leading by example) is a better way to witness to the glory of Jesus in your life than shouting it out- the parable of the sower springs to mind, no matter where you sow, the ground has to be fertile.

Look up Micah 6:8 and 1 Peter 3:15. Do these verses speak to you about evangelisation? I am also reminded of the words of St. Paul–

If I preach the gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew to win over Jews; to those under the law I became like one under the law–though I myself am not under the law–to win over those under the law. To those outside the law I became like one outside the law–though I am not outside God’s law but within the law of Christ–to win over those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the gospel, so that I too may have a share in it. Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified."
 
PyropenguinX said:
Hello everyone, I’m new here so if this in the wrong spot, I apologize and feel free to move it to the correct board.

This past year in school I have developed a really close relationship with a friend who is an Apostolic Christian (I’m Roman Catholic). We’ve had some fun debates/talks that have always ended well simply because we respect each others opinions and never resort to the typical I’m right you’re wrong kind of argument. A couple of nights ago we were talking about evangelization and a couple of things that were mentioned struck me and I wasn’t sure how to respond to them.

Basically what was said is that its wrong/hypocritical to wear a cross or crucifix under your clothes because that hides the symbols of God and we are all called to evangelize to everyone all the time. Personally for me, I don’t feel as if I need to wear it on outside of my cloths for a couple of reasons. One is that I hate it when people walk around with huge jewel studded crosses because to me that defeats the entire purpose as it then becomes a fashion item instead of a religious symbol. The other is that while I’m not afraid to voice my opinion and speak of my faith, I feel as though I don’t need to have an outward sign saying “Hey look at me! I’m Christian!”. To support this I used the quote “Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words” which also comes into my reasoning for not going around and talking to all of my friends about religion all the time. I know that God calls all of us to do different things and I feel a much stronger calling towards the apologetic side of things, at least more so than the evangelization side.

Her response to this was a bombardment of verses from scripture ranging from the one story about not hiding the light of Christ under a basket and Christ’s message to go out and spread the good news. Another thing that she said which really got me in a weird way was the idea that somehow on a college campus that people haven’t heard of Christianity. I find that hard to believe as Illinois has a great Newman Center and other organizations such as Intervarsity and CRU. I agree that people may have heard but not know, but when does it become our responsibility to make people know over them taking a step and asking? I might sound a bit defensive here, but college is a place to explore so shouldn’t they be exploring?

So in essence I think the gist of this topic is for some help in defending the idea that I don’t need to go stand on a soapbox and proclaim my religion and that I can bear witness by simply living as a good Catholic should. I know God calls us to do things we don’t want but I’m not entirely sold on the idea of purchasing a megafone yet. If I’m completely wrong about that though, please let me know. I would then pose the question how come there aren’t more people on my street corner?
Click to expand...
St. Francis of Assisi had a great way of dealing with this subject. He said:
"Preach the Gospel daily. When necessary, use words."
This means that we are to show others by example how to live. Some of us are priests and religious, apologists, theologians and some of us are regular, everyday Catholics. All parts of the same body with different functions.
**
**
 
elvisman said:
St. Francis of Assisi had a great way of dealing with this subject. He said:
"Preach the Gospel daily. When necessary, use words."
This means that we are to show others by example how to live. Some of us are priests and religious, apologists, theologians and some of us are regular, everyday Catholics. All parts of the same body with different functions.
**
**
Click to expand...
You beat me to it, E!

Yes, we are all called to evangelize, some on a street corner, some to our families and friends, some to those in hospitals, etc. etc. You evangelize all the time by how you carry yourself in public. You many not realize how many people you will affect over your lifetime, either positively or negatively.

As far as wearing the crucifix or cross visibly or under a shirt…to say they should always be visible is a tremendous presumption. I agree with the OP that you see many non-christians wearing crosses and actings like Godless pagans…and that there kinda negates the suppostion that wearing a cross is valuable as an evangelization tool.

If wearing a cross that is not visible is bad, shouldn’t we all be carrying around our bibles as well? It doesn’t make sense.
 
PyropenguinX said:
…So in essence I think the gist of this topic is for some help in defending the idea that I don’t need to go stand on a soapbox and proclaim my religion and that I can bear witness by simply living as a good Catholic should. I know God calls us to do things we don’t want but I’m not entirely sold on the idea of purchasing a megaphone yet. If I’m completely wrong about that though, please let me know. I would then pose the question how come there aren’t more people on my street corner?
Click to expand...
I have found that one has to be careful not to feed one’s ego in one’s style of evangelism. I used to be pretty into “street witnessing”, but I never yelled preached. I was there to meet the people where they were and to share with anyone who was interested. (My testimony)

I knew some folks who almost put a notch in their Bible for every person they “witnessed to”, and I came to call them “evangelistic gunslingers”, more interested in how many they talked to than in really getting to know the person and sharing their faith with them. I don’t think some of them even had any idea they were doing it.

There’s no question that all believers are called to share our most holy faith. Matthew 28:19-20 makes that absolutely clear, but if you look at how Our Lord dealt with the apostles and others (Woman at the well, Gadarene demoniac, etc…) it was pretty personal and I think He was teaching an example for us all.

Really…it’s not what we wear outside that conveys the gospel is it? Take a look at Matthew 25:31-46.

I think that so long as we aren’t immodest or vain, and are always ready to share our faith compassionately with Jesus wherever we encounter Him, we’ll be winning souls.

My personal opinion is that it’s near impossible to evangelize if one is not willing to invest oneself in the lives of those we share with. 🤷
 
Newbie2 said:
…If wearing a cross that is not visible is bad, shouldn’t we all be carrying around our bibles as well? It doesn’t make sense.
Click to expand...
These are really just some of our tools for faith sharing, and certainly not wrong to drag around with us, but remember that the early church had none of that and they spread the faith all over the world.

I have found that the Holy Spirit is good about reminding me of any scripture that I need to use to share my faith, and giving me the demeanor and compassion that I need.

BTW, people only rarely ever see my Miraculous Medal. It’s there inside my shirt, over my heart as a reminder to me that I serve Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom as a knight of His immaculate mother Mary. The Militia Immaculata RULE! 😃 👍
 
Newbie2 said:
St. Francis of Assisi had a great way of dealing with this subject. He said:
“Preach the Gospel daily. When necessary, use words.”
Click to expand...
Also worth it to remember 1 Peter 3:15-16
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,
16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.
Click to expand...
We are to shine as a light. At some point, sooner or later, people get curious as to why we shine so brightly. When that happens, we are called to give an explanation.

Now whether or not we are to seek it out – that is IMO determined by God’s call to us and our resulting role in the Body of Christ.

IMO none of this has anything to do with jewelry, crosses, and the like. It has to do with the light shining from within.
Click to expand...
 
Ahhh a fellow Illini fan! I agree the Newman center is awesome at U of I. My family and I go there for mass and reconciliation sometimes. I find it interesting that your friend thinks that you have to be very outward about evangelizing. I agree with the other posters about your life being a shining example of your love for God and letting that light shine brightly within you. When people see something in you that they admire, they do go out of their way to ask… that is when you know it is your time to speak.
 
I think sometimes as Catholics we might be tempted to hide behind that quote by St. Francis–the fact is, St. Francis was a pretty prolific preacher. Point being: words are quite often necessary! 🙂

Anyway, most of us don’t have that gift of preaching, so find prudent times to share the truth in normal conversation–always in mildness, gentleness, compassion and charity. If you act like this guy http://bestsmileys.com/religous/3.gifyou’ll just harden hearts.
 
elvisman said:
St. Francis of Assisi had a great way of dealing with this subject. He said:
"Preach the Gospel daily. When necessary, use words."

This means that we are to show others by example how to live. Some of us are priests and religious, apologists, theologians and some of us are regular, everyday Catholics. All parts of the same body with different functions.
Click to expand...
Great post. That quote from St. Francis came to me in relation to this thread while I was asleep last night!
👍
 
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts.
But if no one knows what or who inspires you to do so, they might never make the connection
Click to expand...
I got that same thought from my friend. She basically said that you can be a good person but if no one knows why they’ll just think you’re nice person. I mean seriously, when was the last time you went up to someone and asked why they were nice? I know I always happen to take it for granted and just roll with it.

The other thing that always pops into my head is St. Iggy’s Prayer for Generosity.
Lord, teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to seek reward,
save that of knowing that I do your will.
Click to expand...
The last line always seems to be a stickler in my head. “save that of knowing that I do your will”. But then I think, what is His will? Is it go and stand on a corner, or is it to do what I can with those who will listen? I oft times I feel as though I’m in a catch 22 🤷

The St. Francis quote was my first thought when I was asked why not go out and preach. I’m not afraid of public speaking at all, it’s just that whenever I seem to want to talk to people about faith, it always comes down to me being cast aside as closed minded because I disagree with what they think. The main reason is because of all the false accusations people hear about the Church and then it turns to just saying that I have no right to say anything because of the scandals. This to me has become the easiest way for people to dismiss anything to do with Catholicism, and I’m afraid we will have to bear it for many years to come. But once I’m able to get past a lot of the previous preformed convictions, things seem to open up and they actually listen. Its just that often time we never get past the “You have no right to say anything” part.

Once again, I want to say thank you to everyone.
 
PyropenguinX said:
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts.
But then I think, what is His will? Is it go and stand on a corner, or is it to do what I can with those who will listen? I oft times I feel as though I’m in a catch 22 🤷

The St. Francis quote was my first thought when I was asked why not go out and preach. I’m not afraid of public speaking at all, it’s just that whenever I seem to want to talk to people about faith, it always comes down to me being cast aside as closed minded because I disagree with what they think.
Click to expand...
On knowing what God’s will is for you – this is an “ask, seek, knock” situation. If you want to know what his will is for you, make yourself available to him – seek him in prayer, and ask him to build you up into whatever He wants you to be. This prayer, if from the heart, does not disappoint.

I agree with above on the St. Francis prayer. I do not believe it calls us to be silent. It calls us to let our lights shine for all the world to see, and let our actions speak for us.

It is entirely scriptural that many (probably most) of the people that you discuss faith with will close themselves off to you. It can be very disappointing, but remember that you’re doing God’s work here. You don’t move anyone spiritually, you’re just acting as a conduit for God. When the opportunity comes, it comes.

God bless and thanks for this thread. I’ve been very much feeling the call to evangelize lately. My calling at this time is to work within my own parish – folks who come to church and go through the motions, but haven’t yet made a true commitment to Christ.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top