Why Is Catholicism So Unattractive to Evangelicals?

[TC3033]

It has to do with them wanting to rely on themselves and not having to answer to anyone for what they do.

My wife’s first cousin is an evangelical/Pentecostal fanatic. She attends a church where the preacher talks all about the enemy (Satan). Not only that, but the preacher also condones "confronting, fighting, and defeating the enemy (in addition to encouraging the purchase of take-home communion kits ).

So this cousin actually went to some Christian supply store and purchased some sort of oils and incense. She also blessed some holy water herself. Late in the evening she decides to perform some sort of backwoods Pentecostal exorcism on herself and her home in order to rid any trace…of the enemy.

At some point she was saying a prayer when her vial of holy water was knocked from her hand and any time she tried to pick it up, the vial was struck down from her hand multiple times I tried putting a call into her to tell her that this sort of behavior should never be done by herself and that confronting Satan is not advisable.

It all fell on deaf ears with her claiming that she “didn’t need anyone but Jesus”. Would you believe 4 days later she was driving her brand new car and ALL the lugnuts came off one of her wheels along with the entire tire and she proceeded to crash head on into a tree causing a severe neck injury Naturally she blamed Satan, and she was back into square one of exorcising things herself. My point with all this is that non-Catholics don’t want to submit to the will of the Church.

I have to disagree, what are you basing this off of? I replied with my experiences and opinion and nowhere did I bring this up. Maybe you could say “some”, but not blanket the everyone with your opinion.

 

[TC3033]

The Catholic believes that the universal Church is all Christians. What you are seeing here is not Catholic teaching. We stand in communion with all Christians - imperfect communion with the Protestants, but they are our brethren before God. When you run into a Catholic who acts or says anything not in accordance with this belief - they are wrong about the Catholic Church - think of it as Westboro Baptist Catholicism - and shake the dust off your shoes and take your peace back unto you.

You…I like you.

 

[EIF5A]

The Catholic believes that the universal Church is all Christians. What you are seeing here is not Catholic teaching. We stand in communion with all Christians - imperfect communion with the Protestants, but they are our brethren before God. When you run into a Catholic who acts or says anything not in accordance with this belief - they are wrong about the Catholic Church - think of it as Westboro Baptist Catholicism - and shake the dust off your shoes and take your peace back unto you.

To the best of my knowledge, the Church also didn’t teach that it doesn’t matter what type of Christian one is, that there’s no importance in the One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church, that there’s no importance of being deprived of the Sacraments, intercession of saints, etc.

Judgment only belongs to God, and grace and mercy come only from God, but if one way is more beneficial for the soul, should we concede that all ways are correct and equally efficacious for the salvation of the soul?

What about people who are led astray by false teachings? For instance, certain well-meaning Christians believe same-sex relations are morally permissible.

 

[punisherthunder]

I have to disagree, what are you basing this off of? I replied with my experiences and opinion and nowhere did I bring this up. Maybe you could say “some”, but not blanket the everyone with your opinion.

I didn’t read your experiences. For the record it is everyone I am blanketing my opinion with.

The classic basic example is, the forgiveness of sins. Non-Catholics do not see the need in going to confession and telling their sins to a priest. They all clamor the same song about only God can forgive sins and not “man”. Many the time you hear a non-Catholic or Protestant rail on about how “only God will judge them”. Such an expression is usually prefaced by some sort of sinful action on their part. Even if there is a true contrition by a non-Catholic, they will never, ever entertain, engage, or tolerate the idea of penance.

Another example is the communion of saints. Non-Catholics don’t stand for such a thing at all. They have no issue with asking other people to pray for them, but if you ask for the Blessed Mother to pray for you, then you’re tarnished in their small minded vision.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

I didn’t read your experiences. For the record it is everyone I am blanketing my opinion with.

The classic basic example is, the forgiveness of sins. Non-Catholics do not see the need in going to confession and telling their sins to a priest. They all clamor the same song about only God can forgive sins and not “man”. Many the time you hear a non-Catholic or Protestant rail on about how “only God will judge them”. Such an expression is usually prefaced by some sort of sinful action on their part. Even if there is a true contrition by a non-Catholic, they will never, ever entertain, engage, or tolerate the idea of penance.

Another example is the communion of saints. Non-Catholics don’t stand for such a thing at all. They have no issue with asking other people to pray for them, but if you ask for the Blessed Mother to pray for you, then you’re tarnished in their small minded vision.

You know for a fact that every single non-Catholic believes that they don’t see the need to go to a priest to confess their sins, or never entertain the idea of penance? Sounds like a sweeping generalization to me.

My church does have confession. It is not something that happens weekly, etc., but it is there if someone wants to request it.

Small minded vision? I have to say that you don’t exactly sound open minded, either.

 

[FollowChrist34]

To the best of my knowledge, the Church also didn’t teach that it doesn’t matter what type of Christian one is, that there’s no importance in the One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church, that there’s no importance of being deprived of the Sacraments, intercession of saints, etc.

Judgment only belongs to God, and grace and mercy come only from God, but if one way is more beneficial for the soul, should we concede that all ways are correct and equally efficacious for the salvation of the soul?

Well, I am a Catholic. I chose Catholicism over Protestantism for a variety of reasons - I believe it is the original, true Christian Church. I would love to see every other Christian in it. The purpose of this thread as I see it is to give Catholics an opportunity to see how well we are representing the Church; are we pulling them in?

The answer to that I am afraid is, in many cases, a big fat no. (did you read the original article?) I honestly don’t blame people for not wanting to join the Catholic Church. Think of those poor souls out there watching EWTN, reading the CCC, undergoing an inner conversion to the Catholic Church…and walking into their local parish or coming onto CAF. This thread makes us sound like Pharisees - angry mean ones at that. And what are we worried about - the dumb coffee-guzzling Protestants who don’t know the fullness of our Church. This isn’t a p**ssing contest. Remember the guy with the mote in his eye? Once we get that out, let us go out and evangelize, or better yet start in your own parish or on CAF. You might be surprised at how the Church grows.

What about people who are led astray by false teachings? For instance, certain well-meaning Christians believe same-sex relations are morally permissible.

Here, I agree with you. Would you put Kim Davis in this group of Christians? How about Cardinal Marx and the Shadow Council - where do they fit into all of this? The Synod Mid-Term Report? My point, as I have made before, is that, based on this evidence, we are forced to conclude that some Catholics AND Protestants get the basics of their faith better than others…I respect that. Again, for me, we all need to witness our faith - it is in essence the same one. The more authentically you do that, the more you heal the body of Christ.

 

[EIF5A]

I don’t know if Protestants are against the idea of penance, per se. Maybe just the idea that penance is required for forgiveness. The fear is that belief in human penance somehow diminishes the Sacrifice of Calvary.

Similarly, the fear is that praying to saints amounts to pagan practice of communicating with the dead. Of course, God is God of the living…but anywho…

We can only profess our faith in accordance with the teachings of the Church. That some disagree due to being taught incorrectly is unfortunate, but can we really assign blame?

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

Well, I am a Catholic. I chose Catholicism over Protestantism for a variety of reasons - I believe it is the original, true Christian Church. I would love to see every other Christian in it. The purpose of this thread as I see it is to give Catholics an opportunity to see how well we are representing the Church; are we pulling them in?

The answer to that I am afraid is, in many cases, a big fat no. (did you read the original article?) I honestly don’t blame people for not wanting to join the Catholic Church. Think of those poor souls out there watching EWTN, reading the CCC, undergoing an inner conversion to the Catholic Church…and walking into their local parish or coming onto CAF. This thread makes us sound like Pharisees - angry mean ones at that. And what are we worried about - the dumb coffee-guzzling Protestants who don’t know the fullness of our Church. This isn’t a p**ssing contest. Remember the guy with the mote in his eye? Once we get that out, let us go out and evangelize, or better yet start in your own parish or on CAF. You might be surprised at how the Church grows.

As for “pulling them in,” again, I don’t see why that needs to be done. If the Catholic church is the true church, etc., why not just leave it up to God? The church should speak for itself, if it is the truth, etc.

I have to say that one of the reason why I am hesitant to convert is because of a number of judgments made by a number Catholics on this board. I get the sense that some Catholics look down up those of us who are not Catholic. I don’t think that is part of what being Christian is about.

Either it seems that a number are very harsh against non-Catholic religions or the minute someone expresses even the slightest interest, then they are called to convert. I go to RC church with my RC husband. In another thread, I was called to convert, because I should be the same faith as my husband, etc. The more people try to say that I should convert is all the more that I’m not interested. If the Catholic church is the truth and the one true church, I don’t see why members need to try to get others to join. Again, the teachings of the church should be able to stand on their own, IMO.

 

[FollowChrist34]

As for “pulling them in,” again, I don’t see why that needs to be done. If the Catholic church is the true church, etc., why not just leave it up to God? The church should speak for itself, if it is the truth, etc.

I have to say that one of the reason why I am hesitant to convert is because of a number of judgments made by a number Catholics on this board. I get the sense that some Catholics look down up those of us who are not Catholic. I don’t think that is part of what being Christian is about.

Either it seems that a number are very harsh against non-Catholic religions or the minute someone expresses even the slightest interest, then they are called to convert. I go to RC church with my RC husband. In another thread, I was called to convert, because I should be the same faith as my husband, etc. The more people try to say that I should convert is all the more that I’m not interested. If the Catholic church is the truth and the one true church, I don’t see why members need to try to get others to join. Again, the teachings of the church should be able to stand on their own, IMO.

You are a Protestant? Which denomination - I don’t mean to get personal - you don’t have to answer. All denominations try to witness the truth of Christ - it is part of the basic Christian calling, at the core really. We don’t leave the Gospel out there as “self-evident,” right? (light under a bushel; saltless earth) Protestants are ironically the ones who are so big into evangelization. I think Catholics almost self-consciously and usually rather unnaturally follow the age-old Protestant model in this regard - a model I must admit that comes straight out of the Gospel. Thus, a Lutheran wants to see more Lutherans; a Quaker Quakers; a Catholic Catholics. Flannery O’Connor captures this essential witnessing of Christ perfectly in her Protestants - think Hazel Motes. One of my great inspirations. (Read Wise Blood if you haven’t )

But in reality I think a lot of us have seen that over zealous or vindictive evangelization can alienate people, right? Drive them away. It is really an art form, witnessing the Church. I am not that great at it myself. But there is equally a problem with not professing your faith to others. Spreading the Word, building the Kingdom of God. I would hope anybody in any Church would do this for the sake of bringing others to the truth.

 

[TC3033]

I didn’t read your experiences. For the record it is everyone I am blanketing my opinion with.

The classic basic example is, the forgiveness of sins. Non-Catholics do not see the need in going to confession and telling their sins to a priest. They all clamor the same song about only God can forgive sins and not “man”. Many the time you hear a non-Catholic or Protestant rail on about how “only God will judge them”. Such an expression is usually prefaced by some sort of sinful action on their part. Even if there is a true contrition by a non-Catholic, they will never, ever entertain, engage, or tolerate the idea of penance.

Another example is the communion of saints. Non-Catholics don’t stand for such a thing at all. They have no issue with asking other people to pray for them, but if you ask for the Blessed Mother to pray for you, then you’re tarnished in their small minded vision.

Cool, it’s good of you to point out that my opinion is incorrect, attempt to invalidate my experiences and blanket myself under a theory you have.

Kidding aside, if this was why Catholicism was unattractive to me, I would have said it.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

You are a Protestant? Which denomination - I don’t mean to get personal - you don’t have to answer. All denominations try to witness the truth of Christ - it is part of the basic Christian calling, at the core really. We don’t leave the Gospel out there as “self-evident,” right? (light under a bushel; saltless earth) Protestants are ironically the ones who are so big into evangelization. I think Catholics almost self-consciously and usually rather unnaturally follow the age-old Protestant model in this regard - a model I must admit that comes straight out of the Gospel. Thus, a Lutheran wants to see more Lutherans; a Quaker Quakers; a Catholic Catholics. Flannery O’Connor captures this essential witnessing of Christ perfectly in her Protestants - think Hazel Motes. One of my great inspirations. (Read Wise Blood if you haven’t )

But in reality I think a lot of us have seen that over zealous or vindictive evangelization can alienate people, right? Drive them away. It is really an art form, witnessing the Church. I am not that great at it myself. But there is equally a problem with not professing your faith to others. Spreading the Word, building the Kingdom of God. I would hope anybody in any Church would do this for the sake of bringing others to the truth.

I am. Episcopal. I try to show God’s goodness by the way I live my life. I’m sure I fall short all the time, but I try.

 

[punisherthunder]

You know for a fact that every single non-Catholic believes that they don’t see the need to go to a priest to confess their sins, or never entertain the idea of penance? Sounds like a sweeping generalization to me.

My church does have confession. It is not something that happens weekly, etc., but it is there if someone wants to request it.

Small minded vision? I have to say that you don’t exactly sound open minded, either.

If it’s not an Episcopal priest (and even that’s a stretch), there are no documented Protestant churches (and there are over 33,000 different types of them) that present and offer the Sacrament of Confession/Penance like the Catholic Church does.

I challenge any Protestant church out there to show cause that they offer penance. Too much “Jesus is Lord” and next sin behavior. Even when Pope Francis offered post-abortion women the offer of complete forgiveness, I watched one local Baptist church protest and deny that such forgiveness is possible.

I’m not trying to come off as snide, but any time that I attempt to dialogue with a Protestant or non-Catholic, I’m met with only vitriolic disdain.

 

[EIF5A]

You are a Protestant? Which denomination - I don’t mean to get personal - you don’t have to answer. All denominations try to witness the truth of Christ - it is part of the basic Christian calling, at the core really. We don’t leave the Gospel out there as “self-evident,” right? (light under a bushel; saltless earth) Protestants are ironically the ones who are so big into evangelization. I think Catholics almost self-consciously and usually rather unnaturally follow the age-old Protestant model in this regard - a model I must admit that comes straight out of the Gospel. Thus, a Lutheran wants to see more Lutherans; a Quaker Quakers; a Catholic Catholics. Flannery O’Connor captures this essential witnessing of Christ perfectly in her Protestants - think Hazel Motes. One of my great inspirations. (Read Wise Blood if you haven’t )

But in reality I think a lot of us have seen that over zealous or vindictive evangelization can alienate people, right? Drive them away. It is really an art form, witnessing the Church. I am not that great at it myself. But there is equally a problem with not professing your faith to others. Spreading the Word, building the Kingdom of God. I would hope anybody in any Church would do this for the sake of bringing others to the truth.

I think you’re drawing beautiful landscapes, and I’m drawing stick figures. Maybe I’ll level up to petroglyphs soon.

 

[FollowChrist34]

I am. Episcopal. I try to show God’s goodness by the way I live my life. I’m sure I fall short all the time, but I try.

So do I. I always try to keep it simple. I try to remember that every person you meet will think, “Ok, so that is a Catholic/Episcopalian/Evangelical, etc.” Leave a good impression. An authentic one, so people can see what the Church really does in people, how Christ transforms us into something better. Make your faith seem desirable, a good.

 

[FollowChrist34]

I think you’re drawing beautiful landscapes, and I’m drawing stick figures. Maybe I’ll level up to petroglyphs soon.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

If it’s not an Episcopal priest (and even that’s a stretch), there are no documented Protestant churches (and there are over 33,000 different types of them) that present and offer the Sacrament of Confession/Penance like the Catholic Church does.

I challenge any Protestant church out there to show cause that they offer penance. Too much “Jesus is Lord” and next sin behavior. Even when Pope Francis offered post-abortion women the offer of complete forgiveness, I watched one local Baptist church protest and deny that such forgiveness is possible.

I’m not trying to come off as snide, but any time that I attempt to dialogue with a Protestant or non-Catholic, I’m met with only vitriolic disdain.

When someone makes blanket statements about what a certain denomination believes, and basically calling non-Catholics closed minded, I think that is probably not going to be taken too well.

I do not think that my church has penance. From what I have read, you can be absolved and that is the end of it, unless I missed something along the way. N

Naturally, the Protestant churches are going to be different than the Catholic churches. .

 

[EIF5A]

So do I. I always try to keep it simple. I try to remember that every person you meet will think, “Ok, so that is a Catholic/Episcopalian/Evangelical, etc.” Leave a good impression. An authentic one, so people can see what the Church really does in people, how Christ transforms us into something better. Make your faith seem desirable, a good.

For me personally, I see our sibling churches sometimes teach error and people fall to them. And that error propagates, and eventually, non-Christians believe that Christians should believe such things to be deemed “loving” and “inclusive”. But there are Catholics who go against Church teachings, so it’s not just a Protestant thing: error touches upon all of us so we need a sure guide to correct us, and we believe Christ left the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, with such a role.

The situation, from our point of view, is like anti-vaxxers who believe false information (unless there is legitimate health reason like allergic reaction) and do not vaccinate their children, and when their children come in contact with pathogenic viruses, they become sick.

This world is scary, and satan is clever. We need all the help we can to survive this cruel, cruel world, and we believe Christ left His Church to guide His creatures to salvation. It’s entirely possible He has means of salvation aside from what He specifically left behind with the Church, but we can’t say for certain so it seems to me it’s better safe than unsure.

 

[FollowChrist34]

For me personally, I see our sibling churches sometimes teach error and people fall to them. And that error propagates, and eventually, non-Christians believe that Christians should believe such things to be deemed “loving” and “inclusive”. But there are Catholics who go against Church teachings, so it’s not just a Protestant thing: error touches upon all of us so we need a sure guide to correct us, and we believe Christ left the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, with such a role.

The situation, from our point of view, is like anti-vaxxers who believe false information (unless there is legitimate health reason like allergic reaction) and do not vaccinate their children, and when their children come in contact with pathogenic viruses, they become sick.

This world is scary, and satan is clever. We need all the help we can to survive this cruel, cruel world, and we believe Christ left His Church to guide His creatures to salvation. It’s entirely possible He has means of salvation aside from what He specifically left behind with the Church, but we can’t say for certain so it seems to me it’s better safe than unsure.

Yes! I think we must protect and profess the moral teachings of the Church as an important part of our witness. And we need to resist distortions of it, regardless of where they come from.

But I also think basic social approachability, congeniality, humility on the parish level (or CAF level ) would help, just judging by comments on this thread and some of my own experiences - if we are trying to look good to newcomers or outsiders. Kind of the way your family goes on their best behavior for strangers…you clean the house…don’t swear…don’t interrupt or argue…etc.

 

[andrewstx]

Let me begin by telling about my upbringing. I was raised in a very evangelical home. Many Evangelicals worship in very plain and near ugly churches. The one I was sent to was ultra plain. But personally many lived in macmansions. My parents always drove Caddilacs or Lincolns. Yes they built a mansion for themselves, while giving God a cinder block near shack.

 

[Peter_J]

think of it as Westboro Baptist Catholicism

What, that’s a bad thing?