Do you feel the need to change others' beliefs? Just curious.I, myself do not think that is possible and quite frankly, wouldn't want to try.
2007-04-30 03:44:12 · 14 answers · asked by mrs O 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
gbd2001: yes, that's exactly how I feel. I just find alot of christians here arguing with one another. Religion is heartfelt, I believe.You cannot force it on someone.You can lead, maybe, but not push.
2007-04-30 04:04:12 · update #1
I like debating religion with people of all faiths, so long as they also enjoy debating religion. It helps me think more critically about both my own faith and other people's. I suppose if they're receptive to it, then to actually change someone's beliefs would be the most satisfying outcome possible. At the same time, I don't feel the NEED to change anyone's beliefs, and I don't really ever expect it to happen. Also, I don't ever try arguing religion with people who aren't interested because that only breeds bad feelings and never leads to a good outcome for anyone.
2007-04-30 03:57:30 · answer #1 · answered by Caritas 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Should Catholics desire that others should convert? Of course! This is THE great commission given by Christ Himself. "Go preach the good news to all nations...."
However, this can never be forced.
Most of all, Catholics must live their faith so that they will be a credible witness to others, and change hearts and minds that way.
There is a verse in scripture about "that they may see the good works that you do and give glory to God..."
As Catholics, we are convicted about what we believe and certainly desire that others should come to full knowledge of the Truth. But we must also remember that God changes hearts first, so we have to always pray that He will initiate a conversion.
2007-04-30 11:35:05 · answer #2 · answered by Veritas 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You cannot change another persons beliefs. All you can do is present the fullness of truth to them. It is the Holy Spirit Who changes their hearts, opening them up to God's truth and guiding them out of manmade religious tradition and into the true Church Jesus Christ founded for them. Over a million adults found that truth and entered the Holy Catholic Church last year alone. They would not have done so if Catholics had not freely shared the fullness of truth with them.
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2007-04-30 11:07:40 · answer #3 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This venue is a good place for a Catholic to instruct the ignorant and adminish the sinner. That is what we, as Catholics, are supposed to do.
We don't force people to listen or, in this case, read our pontification. All we have to do is put it out there for people to read (and hear), and just let God take care of the rest.
The trick is, we have to work as if it all depended on us. Then we must pray as if it all depended on God. Do that and you will be doing God's work.
2007-05-01 11:49:08 · answer #4 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes, but I'm a convert...so my desire is to "enlighten" others about what I have found. I don't talk about it unless others bring it up. Honestly though...I find myself enlightening Catholics more then anyone else.
I would like others to know about the Eucharist, about the amazing sacramental gifts available within Catholicism. The beauty and reverence of the Mass, the presence of Christ, and the endless spiritual depth and love I've found in Him through Catholicism.
They just don't know what they're missing.
2007-04-30 11:24:49 · answer #5 · answered by Misty 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I do not feel any need to change another's personal beliefs.
I simply try to inform people what Catholic Christians believe and why.
If God chooses to touch their heart in some way then that is between them and God.
With love in Christ.
2007-05-01 00:40:31 · answer #6 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
And I know why you wouldn't want to try. You've bought into other's religion. Religion is no good... religion says "Do this, do that--" whereas the true Gospel of our Immutable and Unchangeable God and Savior says "Christ has done it all!!" Your "faith" is not grounded in biblical truth. True faith comes from God. (Eph. 2:8-9) Read your word, look for direction, and God will show you who needs to hear your testimony of faith.... after all, if He can use an ***...
2007-04-30 10:51:13 · answer #7 · answered by Soundtrack to a Nightmare 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Not at all. The only thing I feel the need to do is correct the misconceptions and outright lies about what we believe.
2007-04-30 11:05:59 · answer #8 · answered by SpiritRoaming 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Join UNICEF's effort to stop the growing problem of children serving in armed forces.
2007-04-30 10:47:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't go door to door or stand on a street corner with a bull horn and a sandwich board, if that's what you mean.
If, however, someone makes themselves accessible, I'll express my opinion.
2007-04-30 10:46:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋