When someone says they're not Catholic

[Exoplanets]

I have a friend who I asked recently whether he was Catholic or not. He said he wasn’t. What should I do? Try to evangelize him?

 

[Aquinas11]

Find out what’s important to him when deciding on religion. Ask him waht religion he is? Point out what gaps his religion has that Catholicism fills up and how that fulfills what he already told you is important to him in his faith

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Evangelize him by being the most joyful, loving, giving example of a Catholic he’s ever seen.

And keep in mind the advice often attributed to St. Francis: preach the gospel always, use words when necessary.

 

[Exoplanets]

He’s athiest btw

 

[Tis_Bearself]

So, respect his atheism while not being afraid to be openly Catholic around him. Set a good example and if he asks you any questions, do your best to answer.

 

[Aquinas11]

If it was my friend, I’d ask him why he’s atheist. His answer to that question would dictate what I say next. For example, if he’s atheist because he had bag upbringing in Church, ask what about that experience was negative? You almost have to be (respectfully) inquiring until you find out the root of his issue with God/Church. Usually its something specific, like when he was 8 he had a horrible experience w some religion or at age 15 he had relative die and is angry at God that his relative died, etc.

 

[Pattylt]

While this maybe a reason that an atheist gives, it isn’t a common one. I would recommend however that if you ask someone why they are atheist, you listen to his answer. So often what the atheist says and the Christian “hears” are not the same thing. Clarify until you truly hear what they say.

Just wanted to point that out. There is often much miscommunication between believers and atheists.

 

[Aquinas11]

it isn’t a common one

Quote me saying its a common one. Maybe I think it is, maybe I don’t, maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. Point is - that’s a strawman to my post.

I would recommend however that if you ask someone why they are atheist, you listen to his answer. So often what the atheist says and the Christian “hears” are not the same thing

I would recommend reading that post again since I never said don’t listen. So often what the Christian writes and the Atheist reads are often not the same thing.

 

[Pattylt]

Quote me saying its a common one.

All I pointed out is that your example is not a common one. I didn’t accuse you of anything. I’m sorry you read it as such and I’ll try to be more careful.

I would recommend reading that post again since I never said don’t listen. So often what the Christian writes and the Atheist reads are often not the same thing.

Once again, I’m sorry you took this statement as an accusation. I merely wanted to point out the value of listening to the answers given…on both sides. I’ll bow out now. I’m sorry I sounded accusatory.