Would this be considdered ok?

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Rykuu

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Though it may not be the best reasons, I want to start conversations for evangelizing not because of it being my obligation, but more so because I find the religion arguments fun (arguments not being the common thought of yelling “I am right you are wrong!”, but the true arguments that you discuss in a civilized manner about the differences to help the other see your point while being open and listening to their words also).

So anyways on to the question… I am 18 and I wanted to get a couple friends who knew their stuff, and we could go around to protestant churches occasionally, and offer a challenge to their congregation. We would ask questions, hear their answers, respond, etc… just protestants do, but this time the roles will be reversed, they will be the ones starting on the defensive. Would this be an ok thing to do, or should I leave the evangelizing to in private sessions?
 
I think it’s great that you want to evangelize and hone your skills of explaining and defending the faith. That’s something every Catholic should aspire to do.

However, I don’t think the approach you have laid out is a good approach. It would be extremely disrespectful to walk into a Protestant church and attempt to challenge the congregation. We wouldn’t want them walking into the middle of a Mass and trying to proselytize us. We should extend to them the same courtesy.

You might meet with your priest. I’m sure he would have great guidance to offer in how best to direct your zeal for evangelization.
 
If you mean showing up at a Protestant worship service and heckling the pastor and congregation I would say no, it’s a very bad idea.

There is, of course, nothing wrong with engaging Protestants in private conversation, but it has to be done prudently and charitably. I know that when I was 18 my efforts in this area often failed at least the prudence test, so for that reason alone I would urge caution.

Also, getting the other side on the defensive right away is probably not a good strategy. They will be all the more likely to shut down any intelligent discussion and fall back on the old cliche Protestant positions. Debate works much better in a climate of mutual respect and acknowledged common ground.
 
I wouldn’t be interrupting the service, I would of course be waiting for an appropriate time, or talk to the minister for a good time to have such a discussion. I got that particular idea from a friend who is JW and she said I should goto one of their Kingdom Halls (that’s what they call it right) and they would have discussions like that with their congregation to help teach them, and I could sit in on those and ask my questions. I am not sure how each church differs, so I would be asking some minister or someone before hand, not just waltzing in and preaching my tune.
 
Rykuu said:
Though it may not be the best reasons, I want to start conversations for evangelizing not because of it being my obligation, but more so because I find the religion arguments fun (arguments not being the common thought of yelling “I am right you are wrong!”, but the true arguments that you discuss in a civilized manner about the differences to help the other see your point while being open and listening to their words also).

So anyways on to the question… I am 18 and I wanted to get a couple friends who knew their stuff, and we could go around to protestant churches occasionally, and offer a challenge to their congregation. We would ask questions, hear their answers, respond, etc… just protestants do, but this time the roles will be reversed, they will be the ones starting on the defensive. Would this be an ok thing to do, or should I leave the evangelizing to in private sessions?
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Nope, I would not recommend this. You are filled with zeal and that is a good thing, but going into another faith’s actual places of worship and trying to challenge their faith is not going to be met with a welcome, let alone success. In fact, you would be representing Catholics in a poor light, “Can you believe the NERVE of these Catholics coming here and trying to covert US??!!!”

:mad:

Study apologetics and live a holy Catholic life. Your own lives will be testimony enough for now. Do righteous things like praying in front of abortion clinics, helping the poor, doing ministry at your church. If you happen to get into a friendly discussion with someone, be respectful and know your Church history and apologetics, and look for a good opportunity to ask questions in respect. And let the Holy Spirit guide you, always.
 
Rykuu said:
Though it may not be the best reasons, I want to start conversations for evangelizing not because of it being my obligation, but more so because I find the religion arguments fun (arguments not being the common thought of yelling “I am right you are wrong!”, but the true arguments that you discuss in a civilized manner about the differences to help the other see your point while being open and listening to their words also).

So anyways on to the question… I am 18 and I wanted to get a couple friends who knew their stuff, and we could go around to protestant churches occasionally, and offer a challenge to their congregation. We would ask questions, hear their answers, respond, etc… just protestants do, but this time the roles will be reversed, they will be the ones starting on the defensive. Would this be an ok thing to do, or should I leave the evangelizing to in private sessions?
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I think you would end up Protestant. 🤷 Like many Catholics, you are underestimating the knowledge of Protestants. They will not end up on the defensive–you will. When they start flipping around in that Bible and finding verses in books that you didn’t even know were in the Bible, and when they counter every one of your points with counterpoints that you never considered–and most important–when they decimate your apologetic presentation with love and hospitality, welcoming you as a friend and praying for you–you will crumble.

Before turning apologetics into a touring ministry, study for a very long time first, and work under the guidance and discipline of older, experienced apologists, either in a formal setting (college/university/seminary), or in an informal setting (mentor relationship in your parish or diocese). Earn some kind of credentials, probably a college degree. I can guarantee that no Protestant church will let you in and arrange a public “debate” for you unless you have stellar credentials and some excellent references from Catholics that Protestants trust (e.g., Bishop Burke).

I also suggest that you seek out Catholics friends who are converts from Protestantism.

Finally, I suggest that you examine your motives for wanting to embark upon this ministry. Perhaps I’m wrong, but I have the feeling that you want to do this for the “rush.” Wrong, wrong, wrong. You should do it because you have a love for Protestants and a burden to help them find their way home to the Catholic Church. (That’s why I suggested that you make friends with ex-Protestant Catholics.)
 
Rykuu said:
I wouldn’t be interrupting the service, I would of course be waiting for an appropriate time, or talk to the minister for a good time to have such a discussion. I got that particular idea from a friend who is JW and she said I should goto one of their Kingdom Halls (that’s what they call it right) and they would have discussions like that with their congregation to help teach them, and I could sit in on those and ask my questions. I am not sure how each church differs, so I would be asking some minister or someone before hand, not just waltzing in and preaching my tune.
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Some Protestant communities may have Bible studies and would not object to a Catholic participating in it and voicing Catholic interpretations. Indeed I’ve often done this with my parents’ Methodist community. Perhaps that is the sort of scenario you should look for if you are really intent on doing this.
 
=Rykuu;10696828]Though it may not be the best reasons, I want to start conversations for evangelizing not because of it being my obligation, but more so because I find the religion arguments fun (arguments not being the common thought of yelling “I am right you are wrong!”, but the true arguments that you discuss in a civilized manner about the differences to help the other see your point while being open and listening to their words also).
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So anyways on to the question… I am 18 and I wanted to get a couple friends who knew their stuff, and we could go around to protestant churches occasionally, and offer a challenge to their congregation. We would ask questions, hear their answers, respond, etc… just protestants do, but this time the roles will be reversed, they will be the ones starting on the defensive. Would this be an ok thing to do, or should I leave the evangelizing to in private sessions?
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[Personal opinion here]

I am of the opinion that God should provide ALL of the Opprotunites for us to share; explain or defend our faith. WHY?

Because just like life and death issues; conversations are GOD"S DOMAIN:)

IF one is invited to a public discussion AND is fully qualified to do so factually; with clarity and charity; thats a different matter.

Debating in a public forum is a very risky task; especailly if one is not extremely well versed in the Bible and catholic beliefs. Knowing the 'WHY"S" as well and the “what we do”.

I’ve taught for more than 20 years and am a trianed and certifed Marian Catechist; and I WOULD avoid this sort of debate without setting up certain conditions. So anyway; that’s MY opinion:rolleyes:
 
If my memory serves me right, several others on CAF have mentioned that this is what the JW’s do, that is, try to get someone to attend THEIR meetings and discussions. Guess how many will be against you and how many questions and statements they will fire at you all at once. You won’t have time to remember your name much less your religion. They won’t let you answer, they will just keep firing questions and answers at you without you having a chance.

For a bad evening out, that would be a good choice.

Just a thought.​

“I, the Lord am with you, always by your side. Come and take my hand, for I will lead you home. Follow me.” (hymn)
 
Rykuu said:
I wouldn’t be interrupting the service, I would of course be waiting for an appropriate time, or talk to the minister for a good time to have such a discussion. I got that particular idea from a friend who is JW and she said I should goto one of their Kingdom Halls (that’s what they call it right) and they would have discussions like that with their congregation to help teach them, and I could sit in on those and ask my questions. I am not sure how each church differs, so I would be asking some minister or someone before hand, not just waltzing in and preaching my tune.
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fred_conty said:
If my memory serves me right, several others on CAF have mentioned that this is what the JW’s do, that is, try to get someone to attend THEIR meetings and discussions. Guess how many will be against you and how many questions and statements they will fire at you all at once. You won’t have time to remember your name much less your religion. They won’t let you answer, they will just keep firing questions and answers at you without you having a chance.

For a bad evening out, that would be a good choice.

Just a thought.​

“I, the Lord am with you, always by your side. Come and take my hand, for I will lead you home. Follow me.” (hymn)
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Fred is exactly right. This is how JW’s operate. She’s trying to convert you. The irony. 🙂
 
Thanks for the replies, all, seems like the best method would be to sit in on their studies.

As for the “me being converted” I have no real worries, I have had plenty of personal experience that has set me hard like a stone in not converting. Plus I see it also as, better to go with the stricter as it is better safe than sorry. Since most Protestants believe “oh, your already saved, no need for this extra stuff” or “good deeds are all you need” then I see that as a Catholic, even if they are right, I am covered 🙂 So no harm in going the extra mile that is Catholicism.

Plus I have never run across a person who could even make me double take at their questions (especially as they don’t seem to stick to one topic, or diss-apply logic when it not in their favor), as I have already role-played a good chunk of the scenarios I have been faced with, with myself playing both sides, and always come up with answers that I find are supported by the guys with the PHD’s in this stuff (I might actually be interested in theology college classes and that stuff).

I am also getting the feeling that this is something i should do, as I keep getting the urge to want to go and do this, like my guardian angel is trying to drag me by the rope telling me “go! you know you know the answer to what they are talking about, so just GO!!!”. This is even more evident now a days than before I was in Highschool, as before I was just accurately answering the questions my parents were arguing about, but now I am amoung the top 3 in my highschool RE class (lately my teachers have been grouping me in the last of the circle whom she picks on to answer questions cause they say if I were to answer, class would be over in 5 minutes (I feel they are right as I was getting really antsy last week when everyone else was not getting it, and I knew the teachers were leaving me for last xP)).

Overall I am just looking for a challenge, but I want to bring my friends who I know can hold their own, as going in this alone is probably outright stupid. I never get the random Protestant on the street trying to prove me wrong, and I am homeschooled, so no public school people to debate with. I need a challenge other than listening to EWTN and beating the Q&A guys in their answers (current ratio in answering first is 3:1 out of roughly 9 months worth of shows, they lead). It’s gotta mean something when i am giving the exact same answer as the pro guys on EWTN.

Well anyways, it is late, should probably goto bed as I have no clue what I just wrote xD

Night all, look forward to more of your replies. And sorry if there’s any bad spelling/grammar/or rambling, 1:30AM after all and allergies make me drowsier than a monotone teacher giving a lecture on biology (I dread the subject).
 
Rykuu said:
I wouldn’t be interrupting the service, I would of course be waiting for an appropriate time, or talk to the minister for a good time to have such a discussion. I got that particular idea from a friend who is JW and she said I should goto one of their Kingdom Halls (that’s what they call it right) and they would have discussions like that with their congregation to help teach them, and I could sit in on those and ask my questions. I am not sure how each church differs, so I would be asking some minister or someone before hand, not just waltzing in and preaching my tune.
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I’d strongly advise against going to this.

JWs tend to be fanatically evangelical and highly skilled at converting people they have friendly discussions about faith with to the extent that you’d think that salvation for JWs depends entirely on how many people they’ve successfully convert. [Note: That last part is just my opinion. I really don’t know how JWs think they are saved because I’m not willing to go near a Kingdom Hall and ask.]

The JWs come around my neighborhood all the time such that we put up a no solicitors sign, which means that they cannot ring the doorbell… so instead they still stick their Watchtower literature in our screen door. These people don’t give up. It’s best to stay off the JWs’ radar.
 
What you’re talking about I’d regard as proselytizing, not evangelizing; and I would discourage it. How about this sort of approach: they’re out there on the street, but not confrontational:

streetevangelization.com/
 
I’d still recommend talking to your priest. Perhaps you can start an apologetics group at your parish.
 
Cat said:
I think you would end up Protestant. 🤷 Like many Catholics, you are underestimating the knowledge of Protestants. They will not end up on the defensive–you will. When they start flipping around in that Bible and finding verses in books that you didn’t even know were in the Bible, and when they counter every one of your points with counterpoints that you never considered–and most important–when they decimate your apologetic presentation with love and hospitality, welcoming you as a friend and praying for you–you will crumble.
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You must live in a very strong Protestant area. Around here all I get are a few hand out fliers and a few memorized passages. Usually when you go past those they are a little lost. History seems to be a weak point for most Protestants I know also.

OP,
When I had to search and figure things out I wanted to share what I learned also. I’ve had more luck when people ask me questions and after getting to know me rather than striking up a conversation with “I figured out the Catholics are right, let me show you the errors of your deeply held beliefs!”
 
I’m a protestant and I believe that most Christians (Catholic or Protestant) would welcome the chance to discuss, share or exchange their beliefs in a setting of mutual respect. Unfortunately too many people approach one another with an attitude of judgement, self righteous personal beliefs and misinformation based on half truths. I used to believe that all Catholics were sailor cussing alcoholics that spent their days looking for images of Mary in their French toast. Thankfully I attended Mass, asked many questions and learned that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and have gained the utmost respect for the RCC.
If you approach anyone make sure you do it in a spirit of love and leave the judging to God. You may not agree with their beliefs but you might end up with some great friends that will encourage and challenge you in your walk with God.

All the best, 👍

Lance
 
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