Catholics: sharing the faith?

Question

Catholics: how important is it to share your beliefs with non-Catholics, for the purpose of converting them to the Catholic Church?

I have had many Jehova's Witnesses, Mormons, and Penecostal and Evangelical Christians over the years try to convert me to their church/beliefs. But never any of my Catholic friends (I'm 38).

Why do Catholics not share their faith as aggressively as other groups?

Peace be with you.

Answer 1

I am a convert. We're sometimes seen as much more enthusiastic about sharing the fullness of the Christian faith that we've found in the Church than "cradle Catholics" ... but even still, not to the extent of buttonholing people on the street and asking them if they've ever been to Mass (as the evangelicals ask "are you saved?").

When I *was* an evangelical, there was heavy emphasis on "witnessing" with the goal of getting people to say a sinner's prayer and accept Jesus into their hearts. It was an expectation, and there was even an element of competition about it. So-and-so had led X number of people to Christ, that sort of thing. There was no shortage of techniques for doing so, on an individual basis and as a congregation. Summer carnival-type events, Christmas plays and music programs, etc., all with the goal of getting more bodies into the pews to hear the Gospel. Nothing wrong with that, but I do think people sometimes resent getting "set up" to be preached to in that way just as they are taken aback by strangers inquiring if they're "saved".

Catholics do evangelize, but it's rarely by either confrontational or surreptitious means. (There are many, many ways to "preach" the Gospel other than speaking!) Just as the Holy Spirit drew me to the Church in a very personal and individual way, so He draws others. I think the biggest difference between Catholics and other Christians in this regard is that we know when to get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit do His work. Conversion isn't our job; living our faith is, so that He can use us.

Answer 2

I'm Catholic, and my friends know it. I don't hide my religious beliefs from anyone, even those who don't accept my Church. I'm always happy to talk about why I believe what I believe if someone wants to discuss it. But I don't feel the need to shove my religious beliefs down someone else's throat, especially if they've never indicated any interest in Catholicism.

I respect the fact that God works with different people in different ways. Under those circumstances, who am I to say that someone else is wrong or I'm right?

Answer 3

I'm Catholic. Basically, I don't believe it's right to push my faith on anyone. I can't say the Catholic church has told me to do anything in regards to convert people or anything. But, as a child I grew up attending Catholic School. So, my beliefs about "convertion" are deeply rooted in that.

Catholics don't push because the church doesn't teach us that "non" believers are going to rott in hell. Like other religions that claim you should "save" non believers. Catholics don't see it that way.

We respect the fact others have their own opinions on religions. When you think about it, this is what's in the Bible.

The first Christians were Jews who believe Jesus was the savior. This first group of Jesus followers were VERY small. Ask yourself his, "Did Jesus push his beliefs on those that didn't believe? Did he say all the jews that didn't believe in him would go to hell, as he was suffering on the cross?"

No, he didn't.

Catholic like to spread their faith in other ways. One being through charities and good works. We don't save others by preaching to them, but through good deeds. If a "non believer needs help, we help them. We don't lecture about religion as we are doing it either.

Answer 4

We are called to share our faith every day by living it. What you're encountering is outright preaching and verbal evangelizing. That's fine, and there is a time for it, but the real test is what do people see when we're not preaching? Do they see Christ in our actions?

This is the evangelization that we should be doing, as well as verbally teaching others when necessary. People will respond to what you do before what you say.

God bless.

Answer 5

Many people have been converted simply by the Holy Eucharist, or so I've been told.
XD
No, seriously, we're there kind of like sign-posts planted into the ground. If you come upon it and see it and follow it, it is probably a good thing. The greatest sign post is Our Blessed Mother. She has done more for pointing the way to Christ than everyone else dead dying and living since the beginning of time.

"Consider the lilies of the field, they neither spin nor toil...."
(Ah, your question answered a question I earlier asked of God.)

Answer 6

I grew up catholic and now I attend a pentacostal church. I don't try to convert anyone to my church, but to Jesus. He is the only way to God.

Answer 7

Since I converted 17 years ago, I still think back to my mom (Presbyterian) ........and if a JW or Mormon came to the door, she would politely say :

"We're Catholic", and shut the door.

What was that about?

Answer 8

I admit that we do not share as aggressively as the others. It doesn't mean we don't care. We are just respecting people' s free will as God has given us. When we become light to others through our life and sincere hearts, people will be curious to find out what is that Light behind these lights and we are more than willing to share.

So, God is love and all we have to do is to continue to share His love within us with the others, leading them to God ultimately.

Answer 9

Mainly, most of us just don't consider it polite to walk up to people we don't know and ask them if they know Jesus.

Also, we don't have any kind of organized recruitment program. I figure, if people see the way I live, hear me mention my religion on occasion, as part of conversation, then fine. If they want to visit my church, I'll be happy to invite them to come with me to check it out. But knocking on doors and accosting people in shopping malls is just crass and distasteful, to me.

Answer 10

The coment about St Francis said it.