Why Do Protestants think They Know Everything There Is To Know About The Catholic Faith?

[RobHom]

How do you reconcile that with the Great Commission, or the extensive missionary efforts of the early apostles?

Good question…and I’ve often asked myself about that very thing. My answer to myself is that there is more than one way to do things… Some more polite and subtle than others.

It is only through the Holy Spirit that we can know God, that is true, but God has instructed us to go into the world and preach the gospel: who am I to oppose Him?

Oh, don’t get me wrong… I am not at all incline to oppose God in any way. But there are ways to preach the gospel, and then there are ways to preach the gospel… I believe there is a famous Catholic Cardinal…who said something about spreading the gospel and sometimes even using words.

Of course, there are certainly ways that we can try to spread the gospel which do more harm than good (sometimes we are all too quick to forgot o speak the truth in love). However, that fact that it can be done wrongly isn’t license to avoid doing it at all.

I won’t disagree, but I will say that I wish there was some way to let those doing it “wrongly” should desist and get it right before trying again. I have met very earnest people honestly trying to “preach”…but their way of doing it shuts people down, and causes more damage than good.

I prefer a more subtle and kindhearted approach…which is somewhat contra-indicative of my general personality…

 

[a_mirror_dimly]

Oh, don’t get me wrong… I am not at all incline to oppose God in any way. But there are ways to preach the gospel, and then there are ways to preach the gospel… I believe there is a famous Catholic Cardinal…who said something about spreading the gospel and sometimes even using words.

The quote is generally attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, but I’ve yet to see a good source for such an attribution. It’s an expression that sounds good, but looking at it closer, what does it mean? Are we called to be indifferent to society and hope that they decide to wander into our church one day? Rather than relying on a quotation of uncertain origin, I prefer to look at the example set by the Apostles themselves.

I won’t disagree, but I will say that I wish there was some way to let those doing it “wrongly” should desist and get it right before trying again. I have met very earnest people honestly trying to “preach”…but their way of doing it shuts people down, and causes more damage than good.

I prefer a more subtle and kindhearted approach…which is somewhat contra-indicative of my general personality…

Kind-hearted is of the utmost of importance, but if we are so worried about offended those that we’re talking to that we never actually share truth about Christ, what have we profited those who listen? All too often we assume that everyone around us has already heard the gospel and accepted or rejected it, but all too often that is not the case. I have met all too many people whose only knowledge of Christianity is through politics, they believe that the most important parts of Christianity are don’t have sex before marriage, don’t get abortions, and hate gay people. How can they turn to Christ if no one has explained to them what Christianity actually is?

 

[RobHom]

The quote is generally attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, but I’ve yet to see a good source for such an attribution. It’s an expression that sounds good, but looking at it closer, what does it mean? Are we called to be indifferent to society and hope that they decide to wander into our church one day? Rather than relying on a quotation of uncertain origin, I prefer to look at the example set by the Apostles themselves.

Yes, it was St. Francis of Assisi who is most often seen as the source… In meaning, to me it means showing and proving your Christianity by how you live and interact with people daily. In this world today…I do believe that those who genuinely and humbly follow the words of Christ…are known for what they truly are, not as what one might suspect them of pretending to be. It does not mean in any way to be indifferent to society…it means to “engage” society…and do it in a Christian manner. Patience, love, humility…set the example. And yes…its “faith proven to be alive with works”.

Kind-hearted is of the utmost of importance, but if we are so worried about offended those that we’re talking to that we never actually share truth about Christ, what have we profited those who listen? All too often we assume that everyone around us has already heard the gospel and accepted or rejected it, but all too often that is not the case. I have met all too many people whose only knowledge of Christianity is through politics, they believe that the most important parts of Christianity are don’t have sex before marriage, don’t get abortions, and hate gay people. How can they turn to Christ if no one has explained to them what Christianity actually is?

A kind hearted and polite approach is the only way. If you are not afraid to offend, then there is a large chance that you might or just plain will. A closed mind cannot hear. And an aggressive loud self-righteous holier than thou type of speaker will shut down every mind within hearing. That person can clear an auditorium in a heartbeat. I have seen these kinds of people in action…and the results are not good. Especially when the speaker violates any number of social conventions…of particular note…another persons “personal space”. In that event the “speaker” is inviting possible violence. I’ve seen it happen.

I too have met many people who are basically ignorant about God, and they claim to be Christians…but they would have a hard time proving it or convincing anyone. Be happy they have at least a “notion”. Did not Christ say that we had to have faith as that of a child? There is nothing wrong with “simple faith”. It is uncomplicated, and is quite difficult to compromise. And those kinds of people are fertile ground to be planted. But, while some people delve very heavily into religion…others don’t. The age old homily applies: You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.

Keep in mind…there is a time and a place for everything. While I don’t ascribe to what most people call “predestination”, I do somewhat believe that things happen for a reason. The reason does not always make a lot of sense…but sooner or later it falls into place.

One other problem with some people who approach others about God…is that they have little or no understanding of the human psyche. They think everyone is like them, or haven’t a clue as to what the person is like, or even their frame of mind. Bad. Often times the lack of knowledge in those areas…spells imminent doom. There are people out there, that if you approach them in the wrong manner…they will not accept a ten pound brick of pure gold from you for free.

Oh, one other thing… I do think some people do wander in to a Church sometimes…humans are curious creatures. But then, maybe it was the Holy Spirit guiding them?

Peace!

 

[a_mirror_dimly]

You’ve listed a bunch of ways that people can do evangelism wrong, but that doesn’t change that fact that we’re called to do it. A couple other points:

– I didn’t say that we should not worry about offending people, but rather that we should not be so fearful of offending people that we deny people the opportunity to hear the gospel and decide for themselves.

– Certainly some people have a simple faith, but when some people’s “notion” of what Christianity is not merely simple, but rather completely incorrect, how would you expect such a person to make a ise decision about faith in Christ? There are many people among us that have never had the gospel explained to them, are we called to leave them in the dark and hope they wander to us?

– The Holy Spirit can arouse a curiosity in people to just happen into Church, but how many people out there don’t do that? Are we to condemn them by their lack of curiosity?

– Most importantly, and I point which I notice you didn’t respond to, is the example set before us by the Apostles. Jesus told us to “go and make disciples of all nations” and the Apostles set a clear example of not waiting for the world to walk in their doors, but rather they traveled extensively, sharing the gospel wherever they went to whoever would listen. God directly commanded us to go out and share the gospel. We most certainly need to approach that task with great humility and love, but we are called to share that gospel, and the Apostles example shows us that that call is not simply to silent works.

 

[Methodi]

You’ve listed a bunch of ways that people can do evangelism wrong, but that doesn’t change that fact that we’re called to do it. A couple other points:

– I didn’t say that we should not worry about offending people, but rather that we should not be so fearful of offending people that we deny people the opportunity to hear the gospel and decide for themselves.

– Certainly some people have a simple faith, but when some people’s “notion” of what Christianity is not merely simple, but rather completely incorrect, how would you expect such a person to make a ise decision about faith in Christ? There are many people among us that have never had the gospel explained to them, are we called to leave them in the dark and hope they wander to us?

– The Holy Spirit can arouse a curiosity in people to just happen into Church, but how many people out there don’t do that? Are we to condemn them by their lack of curiosity?

– Most importantly, and I point which I notice you didn’t respond to, is the example set before us by the Apostles. Jesus told us to “go and make disciples of all nations” and the Apostles set a clear example of not waiting for the world to walk in their doors, but rather they traveled extensively, sharing the gospel wherever they went to whoever would listen. God directly commanded us to go out and share the gospel. We most certainly need to approach that task with great humility and love, but we are called to share that gospel, and the Apostles example shows us that that call is not simply to silent works.

I think maybe if a person is comfortable with his relationship with God, It`s OK. Ignorance is Bliss, when U search to deep U begin to not be able to comprehend it all.Simple faith as that of a child is what we need , it even says that in the bible We can argue till the end of time about religion , but every person is on a different level of spirituality> TRUST in GOD is most importantI think thats why a lot of people dont want to hear about it, cause it gets too deep

 

[SIA]

I think maybe if a person is comfortable with his relationship with God, It`s OK. Ignorance is Bliss, when U search to deep U begin to not be able to comprehend it all.Simple faith as that of a child is what we need , it even says that in the bible We can argue till the end of time about religion , but every person is on a different level of spirituality> TRUST in GOD is most important

You are absolutley right. Jesus tells them, “do not hinder the little children”. He alludes to how one must accept the kingdom of Heaven as a child accepts a gift.

 

[a_mirror_dimly]

I think maybe if a person is comfortable with his relationship with God, It`s OK. Ignorance is Bliss, when U search to deep U begin to not be able to comprehend it all.Simple faith as that of a child is what we need , it even says that in the bible We can argue till the end of time about religion , but every person is on a different level of spirituality> TRUST in GOD is most importantI think thats why a lot of people dont want to hear about it, cause it gets too deep

Well it depends on what you mean by that statement. If you mean that it’s alright for people to simply believe that Jesus is their savior via his death and resurrection to cleanse their sins and not a complex theology, then yes I agree. If you’re saying that it’s ok for people to have a vague notion of spirituality in general and not any real idea of who God or Jesus is, I’d say you’re letting them gamble with their eternal lives and withholding critical information (and not merely information, but good news!)

As for the general statement of “Ignorance is bliss”, from what do you derive that concept? Certainly Paul did not believe that the best way to show God’s love was to leave others in ignorance. Quite the contrary, he devoted his life to illuminating the gospel for believers and non-believers both. “Ignorance in bliss” conveniently frees us from the obligation and occasional awkwardness of sharing our faith with others, but I see no Biblical basis for the statement.

My sister just got engaged last night, and is so excited that she’s calling all sorts of people to let them know. Sometimes there were bystanders around when she was telling a friend and they heard and stopped to give their congratulations, drawn in by the excitement of what was going on. That is what the gospel is lke, news so good that we shouldn’t be able to contain it within ourselves, a joy that we cannot help but share and attracts others.

"I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and to the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness for God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’" – Romans 1:14-17

 

[Podo2005]

I am tired of Protestants thinking they know everything there is to know about the Catholic faith. One claims he knows about the attendance at Catholic churches, another claims to know how the Catholics are dwindling (which is totally false, they are getting stronger), another claims they seem to know which way to heaven is correct their way, but not the Catholic way.
Why don’t you just worry about your own self interpretation about your own church and not worry so much about mine? If Jesus didn’t choose the Catholic faith, (as you claim), then what’s all the fuss?

Please don’t generalize all protestants based on your arguments with a few of them.

 

[SIA]

Please don’t generalize all protestants based on your arguments with a few of them.

Amen to that. I am tired of being roped together with every Protestant in the world and then being ranted and raved at with this useless worn out tirade of lies and insults perpetrated to demean and discourage anyone who disagrees with Catholicism. The Catholic Church itself doesn’t condone this kind of bashing.

 

[RobHom]

Amen to that. I am tired of being roped together with every Protestant in the world and then being ranted and raved at with this useless worn out tirade of lies and insults perpetrated to demean and discourage anyone who disagrees with Catholicism. The Catholic Church itself doesn’t condone this kind of bashing.

But the more pressing question is this:

**Does your church condone your activities? **

Check your conduct…before you step into the mire with them…

 

[Methodi]

Well it depends on what you mean by that statement. If you mean that it’s alright for people to simply believe that Jesus is their savior via his death and resurrection to cleanse their sins and not a complex theology, then yes I agree. If you’re saying that it’s ok for people to have a vague notion of spirituality in general and not any real idea of who God or Jesus is, I’d say you’re letting them gamble with their eternal lives and withholding critical information (and not merely information, but good news!)

As for the general statement of “Ignorance is bliss”, from what do you derive that concept? Certainly Paul did not believe that the best way to show God’s love was to leave others in ignorance. Quite the contrary, he devoted his life to illuminating the gospel for believers and non-believers both. “Ignorance in bliss” conveniently frees us from the obligation and occasional awkwardness of sharing our faith with others, but I see no Biblical basis for the statement.

My sister just got engaged last night, and is so excited that she’s calling all sorts of people to let them know. Sometimes there were bystanders around when she was telling a friend and they heard and stopped to give their congratulations, drawn in by the excitement of what was going on. That is what the gospel is lke, news so good that we shouldn’t be able to contain it within ourselves, a joy that we cannot help but share and attracts others.

"I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and to the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness for God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’" – Romans 1:14-17

Ignorance is bliss because the more we delve, the more confused we get,Simple faith & trust in Gods Mercy is all we need& to praise him of course. A Catholic Priest told me Ignorance is bliss, & religion is an argument that can go on forever, believe in the creed the doctrine, theology will only drive You crazy, the theologians are still trying to decifer the Bible. There is such a thing as too much information

 

[RobHom]

Ignorance is bliss because the more we delve, the more confused we get,Simple faith & trust in Gods Mercy is all we need& to praise him of course. A Catholic Priest told me Ignorance is bliss, & religion is an argument that can go on forever, believe in the creed the doctrine, theology will only drive You crazy, the theologians are still trying to decifer the Bible. There is such a thing as too much information

Well said!!

 

[RobHom]

You’ve listed a bunch of ways that people can do evangelism wrong, but that doesn’t change that fact that we’re called to do it. A couple other points:

I never said we weren’t.

– I didn’t say that we should not worry about offending people, but rather that we should not be so fearful of offending people that we deny people the opportunity to hear the gospel and decide for themselves.

Ok, and my response was generic. But, my point was that one must be careful, because what one person considers ok, another may find extremely offensive. One should not be fearful, just careful and aware.

• Certainly some people have a simple faith, but when some people’s “notion” of what Christianity is not merely simple, but rather completely incorrect, how would you expect such a person to make a ise decision about faith in Christ? There are many people among us that have never had the gospel explained to them, are we called to leave them in the dark and hope they wander to us?

I find it rather difficult to say that people are in the dark…especially if they live in the US… Religion has been a burning issue for many years, and to be in the dark about it one would have to live in a sealed bunker below ground cut off from civilization. Of course I realize that the definition of “in the dark” is rather subjective. For instance… you do not identify your religious affiliation in your “profile” thus the possibility exists that you might erroneously think that I am in the dark…and try to preach to me…which in turn I might be inclined to find very offensive.

– The Holy Spirit can arouse a curiosity in people to just happen into Church, but how many people out there don’t do that? Are we to condemn them by their lack of curiosity?

If the Holy Spirit has aroused their curiosity… I don’t think they may have much chance of resisting the pull or push. I condemn no-one, but I get what you mean…and still the answer is no.

Let me explain something to you…maybe this will make my point better: Years ago, I was in uniform on my way to Viet Nam, and a young man came literally rushing up holding a Bible and just absolutely gushing and asking me if I found Jesus yet. He went on and on, and I couldn’t get a word in sideways. In fact he deeply irritated and offended me. He actually got in my face and made physical contact. Point blank: I had to forcefully remove him from my personal space and advise him that I did not want to hear what he had to say. I had to threaten to punch his lights out to get him to quit. Now… first, I think he may have been sincere in what he was trying to do…but his method was all wrong. It was thoroughly offensive. I am a rather restrained person…others may have “cleaned his clock” in a heartbeat.

I am just saying…there is a time, a place, and a proper method to everything. The when, where, and the how…may not be up to us…and I don’t think we have the right to force the issue. Yes, the scriptures tell us to Preach the Gospel…but nowhere does it say Shove it down their throat whether they like it or not! Step out of your own skin for a minute, and beyond Christ’s treatment of the money-changers… How did He speak to people and teach the people? His example is what we are called to follow…not ours.

– Most importantly, and I point which I notice you didn’t respond to, is the example set before us by the Apostles. Jesus told us to “go and make disciples of all nations” and the Apostles set a clear example of not waiting for the world to walk in their doors, but rather they traveled extensively, sharing the gospel wherever they went to whoever would listen. God directly commanded us to go out and share the gospel. We most certainly need to approach that task with great humility and love, but we are called to share that gospel, and the Apostles example shows us that that call is not simply to silent works.

See above… and please understand that I never said it was to be by “silent works”…its just one method of several that I find Christ-like.

 

[SIA]

But the more pressing question is this:

**Does your church condone your activities? **

Check your conduct…before you step into the mire with them…

I know good and well that your church doesn’t condone yours.

 

[jean8]

You’ve listed a bunch of ways that people can do evangelism wrong, but that doesn’t change that fact that we’re called to do it. A couple other points:

– I didn’t say that we should not worry about offending people, but rather that we should not be so fearful of offending people that we deny people the opportunity to hear the gospel and decide for themselves.

– Certainly some people have a simple faith, but when some people’s “notion” of what Christianity is not merely simple, but rather completely incorrect, how would you expect such a person to make a ise decision about faith in Christ? There are many people among us that have never had the gospel explained to them, are we called to leave them in the dark and hope they wander to us?

– The Holy Spirit can arouse a curiosity in people to just happen into Church, but how many people out there don’t do that? Are we to condemn them by their lack of curiosity?

– Most importantly, and I point which I notice you didn’t respond to, is the example set before us by the Apostles. Jesus told us to “go and make disciples of all nations” and the Apostles set a clear example of not waiting for the world to walk in their doors, but rather they traveled extensively, sharing the gospel wherever they went to whoever would listen. God directly commanded us to go out and share the gospel. We most certainly need to approach that task with great humility and love, but we are called to share that gospel, and the Apostles example shows us that that call is not simply to silent works.

mirror,
It is certainly true there are many issues to cover about the Catholic Church. However, after some study and discussion I find that many Catholics do not know what they should about their church.

God bless,
jean8

 

[jean8]

I know good and well that your church doesn’t condone yours.

SIA,
They don’t.
Keep in mind , we all have and love the same Savior, Jesus Christ.

I don’t think there are doors at Heavens Gates which reads, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists , and so-on.
God looks on the heart of man.
I would never assume to judge your walk with the Lord because you attend a different church. I know God loves us both with an everlasting love that we can’t even begin to understand.
isn’t God Great!!!

I love you in the Lord,
jean8

 

[RobHom]

I know good and well that your church doesn’t condone yours.

Really… and your “proofs” of that? Common…show us some “proof” beyond your trite expressions.

 

[SIA]

Really… and your “proofs” of that? Common…show us some “proof” beyond your trite expressions.

Would you just stop all of this nonsense please.

 

[SIA]

SIA,
They don’t.
Keep in mind , we all have and love the same Savior, Jesus Christ.

I don’t think there are doors at Heavens Gates which reads, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists , and so-on.
God looks on the heart of man.
I would never assume to judge your walk with the Lord because you attend a different church. I know God loves us both with an everlasting love that we can’t even begin to understand.
isn’t God Great!!!

I love you in the Lord,
jean8

Very well put. I agree totally.

 

[RobHom]

mirror,
It is certainly true there are many issues to cover about the Catholic Church. However, after some study and discussion I find that many Catholics do not know what they should about their church.

God bless,
jean8

Jean…you are very right. And it appears that some who knew the least are those that wrongfully abandoned their faith out of ignorance and have seemingly dedicated themselves to attacking it out of continued ignorance.

Sorry if that sounds harsh…but some people fit that shoe.