Catholics, please answer?

Question

How do you talk to fundamentalists, especially witnesses, who seem so bent on our church bieng evil?

Heron by the sea, I am so glad to hear you are considering this faith, I would suggest John Paul II' s book CROSSING THE THRESHOLD OF HOPE to help you.

Answer 1

I'm not Roman Catholic, but I'm Lutheran -- kissin' cousins to RC's -- and we have the same problem. Personally, it's hard for me to be patient with fundamentalists. (I've found Jehovah's Witnesses to be politer -- in my experience they will leave you alone if you very nicely tell them that you have a church home and are not interested in talking to them.)

Even though I am not an expert on engaging fundamentalists, my advice to you is to:

Keep stressing your commonalities -- that you both believe in the Triune God; that you both believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, "God With Us," who has set us free to be God's people.

Gently correct them when they talk about Christians and Catholics as if they're two different belief systems. Use the phrase "Catholic Christian."

The things that seem to yank their chain the most are infant baptism, the intercession of the saints, corporate/private confession with absolution by clergy, and the primacy of the Pope. I can't help you with that last point, LOL, but as to the other issues you will want to educate yourself as much as you can in your church's theology and practice. Explain infant baptism as an affirmation that "God always comes down"; that we catholic Christians believe that we don't earn a relationship with God, but rather that God comes down and claims us as his own, regardless of any merit on our part -- a tiny baby and an adult convert like St. Paul come to their baptisms with exactly the same merit -- nothing; on exactly the same playing field -- saved by the grace of God. Sometimes it helps to explain the intercession of the saints by pointing out to them that they often ask their friends to pray for them; that for catholic Christians the saints are not "dead" but alive to and with God, and that you believe that they can pray for you just like your best friend or your church family can pray for you...and explain clearly that you are nnot "praying to" a saint, but rather asking for that saint's prayers. Scripture tells Christians to confess their sins to one another, and also talks about the "Office of the Keys," the empowering of Christians to pronounce forgiveness on Jesus' behalf. Keep in mind that these people walk around with a lot of inherited misperceptions about what you believe -- they're just parroting what others have told them. So helping expand their understanding of what you do believe is a good thing, even if they can't quite get to that same place themselves. Grace and peace to you from a battle-scarred survivor of these conversations!

Answer 2

I'm a Hindu, but I've become very interested in Catholic practices and beliefs lately. I even attended a Mass, and watch the Catholic channel sometimes. I have a lot of respect for your beliefs.

I actually grew up as a Protestant and was always given the impression that the Catholic traditions have no basis in the Bible. What I have come to find out is that this is not entirely true. The Catholic Church is very Biblically based, and I think this is what needs to be argued.

I've seen some pretty good arguments about this on the Catholic channel, EWTN. I wish I could answer your question better. I'm sure others will have some good input. I just wanted to say I feel for you.

Answer 3

I like to point out that we have more similiarities than differences.

"What separates us as believers in Christ is much less than what unites us." (Pope John XXIII)

Almost all important doctrine is completely agreed upon between Catholic Christians and other Christians.

Here is the joint declaration of justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006):

By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works.

I use a lot of Bible verses to back up what we believe.

WWJD? What would Jesus do? is also a good way of pointing out that Jesus:
+ Drank wine
+ Did not marry and was celibate like John the Baptist and Paul. Our celibate priesthood is based on these holy models.
+ Did not take the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) literally like the Pharisees did.
+ Personally appointed Simon Peter as the first Pope.
+ Honored Mary as His mother in accordance with the Commandment to honor your parents
+ Chose men to form the college of the twelve apostles then the apostles did the same when they chose people to succeed them in their ministry.
+ During the transfiguration, talked to Moses and Elijah (saints) and they spoke back.
+ Never condemned slavery. The belief that slavery is evil is a holy tradition inspired by the Holy Spirit that took hundreds of years to fully express itself in the Church.

With love in Christ.

Answer 4

I haven't had too much trouble with this, as I do honor any Christian's faith in Christ; I tend to talk about what we have in common rather than our differences. If they ask about something, I do my best to explain it in a way they can understand.
For instance, when I am asked about "praying to saints," I explain that we believe that people in heaven may be able to hear us, and we ask them to pray for us just as we would ask a friend on earth.

Answer 5

To whatabout: Are you nuts? I don't know, I get so fed up with their culpable ignorance, I just want to yell at them and insult their parents parents. Then of course I have to say "Sorry Lord" The only thing I can smile about when it comes to some of their comments is I know when we are sitting there with Jesus as their judges they will be trembling because they will remember everything they said.

Answer 6

I have a couple of JW friends. You just tell them of your love for GOD and Jesus, then tell them there is no way they could possibly know that GOD thinks our religion is evil, I mean did they talk to HIM?I promise you, that will shut them up fast.Be nice though when you say it. GOD bless and I hope this helps

Answer 7

"How do you talk to fundamentalists, especially witnesses, who seem so bent on our church bieng evil?"

With respect, love, and patience.

Answer 8

With patience and love. For it is the meek and humble that will inherit the earth.

Answer 9

you try to educate thhem but sometimes they wont listen if that is the case just know that you did your job by the defneding your faith

Answer 10

The same way you'd talk to a deranged, crazy person. Very, very carefully, taking great care not to get them excited.

Then again, why would you want to talk to such people???