D
Della
Guest
Why other denominations have “better” outreach is really the question, I think. I’m not so sure it’s better, though. From my experience in such a denomination, I know that we were compelled to accost people on the streets because we feared losing our salvation if we didn’t. A lot of pressure was put on us to bring people in–we were manipulated into thinking our eternal destiny depended on it. Talk about motivation! But, since we were all but forced into it, not really doing it completely of our own free wills, it had serious downsides that no one dared talk about. I don’t want to get into a big discussion over evangelization tactics, but that was the reason, not simply because we believed what we had was the truth or the best thing for everyone. We didn’t simply “witness” we badgered and befriended (with the intention of conversion–and if no conversion happened, the “friendship” ended, as well).It’s because other denominations have had better evangelical outreaches than the Church, at least in my experiences and especially here in the South. In all the years of my life, I’ve never been approached by a Catholic at a street corner, shopping mall, college campus, etc., and asked if I knew about Jesus or what He’s done for me. I have, however, been approached by non-denominationals and protestants. Which is why I really do like the Catholics Come Home commercials. They’re a breath of fresh air!
Making use of the media is essential, I certainly agree with that. But unless and until we can motivate our people to be open to opportunities to evangelize for the Catholic faith, things will stay the same. Catholics have the fullness of the truth and the Eucharist, but we have let ourselves be cowtowed by society and the idea that we aren’t to “bother” others with what we believe. I agree we don’t need to accost people, but we definitely should be praying that we can be helpful to others when the opportunities arise, and to be involved in apostolates that help others understand the teachings of the Church, or at least bone up on Church teachings enough to be able to answer the more basic questions non-Catholics might have. And we have to be a witness in our daily lives, living out our baptismal vows in whatever circumstances we are placed into.