What do you think of this statement

[papadon]

Another use of this statement is to gauge where the person is in his or her faith. St. Augustine said that ecumenism must begin at where the student is, not where the teacher is. You cannot evangalize to everyone the same way. In my experience, you must get to the heart of the person’s objections before you can try to dispel the myths. If you back your claims with facts, and that person is not ready to receive those facts, it will go in one ear and out the other. Evangalization must be done out of love and a true desire for what is best for that other person. All this must be done through prayer and discernment.

 

[Reformed_Rob]

Reformed Rob:
Well, when I quoted Catholic4AReason a few posts ago, like a few days ago, I thought I had written some sort of reply with it. But that was a few days ago, and for some reason it didn’t get posted.

Anyways, thanks for your post Nancy :tiphat:

You know how it is, you have something on your mind to say, and then it’s gone in few days!!

Anyways, yeah, in Scripture, Christ speaks to us as individual people, the God we have a relationship with makes Himself known to us and comes to us, and one of the ways that is done is through Scripture. Even people who don’t like the statement in question should believe that.

And at times, simply reading familiar passages again and again, you’ll see things that were hidden previously, I suppose a good example is typology or the Mysteries of the Rosary. Most likely, when that happens, it happens alongside of being taught, discussions with friends, or by outside reading one has done. ie. the analogy of faith.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

I’m having a hard time deciding how to vote.

For nearly 40 years I was under the false assumption that when a teacher, boss or authority figure asked “what do I personally think” they actually meant for me to answer the question honestly, but then they seldom responded well, as if by answering them I have challenged them on something they haven’t even explained yet. :whacky:

Finally in the last couple years I’ve figured out that I need to filter that question because most often what it apparently means to most people (and I can see why given the way we teach kids and impugn them in front of their peers for “unique” ideas) “can you give the right answer on this?” or “has your thinking come around to my way yet?”

When I began serious, full time study of my spiritual condition, having lost all power in the world and feeling nearly helpless, I found that very few people actually have thought anything through to the point they even have a personal opinion. If they do, it is very buried by fear of mentioning it.

I noticed one friend I trust who was very faithful Catholic and knowledgeable about Catholic teachings, used to answer my questions with references that this saint says that, or he “thinks” the Church teaches this. Finally when I broke through his barrier and got him to speak from personal opinion, our communications went up and he was able to help me even as I felt I’d helped him by letting out things he’s kept in for years.

I think it’s a great question, but often is asked when the answer really isn’t wanted, so with that caveat I’ll probably end up voting in favor of its being a good question.

Alan

 

[catsrus]

That is a standard jw question. As if my opinion on a line of scripture carries any weight.
My answer is always that it doesn’t matter what I think or feel. Truth is not determined by me or a majority vote. (kinda “borrowing” from Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI)

 

[frdave20]

maybe, though, instead of leaving it as an opened ended question… u should ask, "what does this Bible passage mean to you, [in light of revealed truth]?