question regarding evangelization

oldsouth · #1 Jun 1, '12, 11:10 am

I'm new here, so please forgive me if this question is dealt with elsewhere or if this is not the right sub-forum - with so many threads, its a bit overwhelming!

I'm a convert and I live in a rural area of the south, populated mostly by the descendants of Scots-Irish settlers..... where catholics are both few and foreign. I grew up southern baptist and converted in college, essentially after being exposed briefly and for the first time to the doctrines (and Biblical evidence for those doctrines) of the Church. Frankly, Catholicism made more sense, was more reasonable, intellectually "thought through", historically sound and in keeping with the Bible. In my area, most folks are culturally anti-Catholic... most oppose the church without really knowing why. We also have a very large population of Seven Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Pentecostals and "Primitive" or "Independent" Baptists. (These sub-sets of Baptists are essentially the result of schisms in mainline southern baptist churches who were influenced by the Pentecostal movement and Temperance movement of the 1920's or so). Most of them are fairly good people, who make an honest and earnest effort to know and do God's will as they understand it. The problem is that most of them only know what they have been taught by their ministers and parents - they are very loyal to what they have been taught.... but what they believe is often not well reasoned or founded on sound history, doctrine, etc. The baptist probably doesn't even know that the Jehovah's Witness up the road doesn't really believe in the divinity of Christ and probably has a stronger opposition to Catholicism because it is less familiar and they have heard so many anti-Catholic massages.

Anyway, on any given day someone might show up on my front porch, holding a Bible and trying to convince me to come to their church. I can defend Catholicism pretty well, having read many of the books recommended on this website. I had to become informed and get a pretty think skin fairly quickly when I converted, so it doesn't bother me. My question is actually regarding these "missionary" activities. Would it be advisable, or even appropriate, to try to form a group in my church to go out door to door and inform people about the Catholic Church in a manner similar to the Jehovah's Witnesses? I imagine that there is at least a small percentage of folks, who like I was, are entirely ignorant of the doctrines of the Church and may be interested in learning more... even converting. Even if not though, perhaps it would help combat the ant-Catholic culture of the area. Or, would this effort perhaps cause greater division and more negative feeling? Some people become quite defensive when their beliefs are challenged.

I would appreciate any and all input. I suppose we could put a training course together based on Frank Sheed's work, updated with Catholic Answers material. I just don't want to do more harm than good.

onceablasphemer · #2 Jun 1, '12, 12:25 pm

The Legion of Mary engages in door to door evangelizing. I would see if there is a group meeting at a church near you. They may have stopped but who knows, perhaps you could be the one who gets them started again. I would talk to your pastor as well. I think it is a good idea because that is why these fringe groups are so successful in converting. They go door to door and have quick answers for those who are not well grounded in their faith. Good luck and God Bless.

Semper Zelare · #3 Jun 1, '12, 12:52 pm

Hey! Welcome to CAF!

First, I'd recommend that if you're going to be active on this site, then definitely check out the "Groups" and look at the side for the Most Popular groups, and you should check out the group: "Catholics in the South".

Anyways, I guess you'd have to prayerfully consider if you're called to participate in door to door evangelism.

And yeah, I'd definitely stick to dispelling misconceptions about Catholicism. It's unlikely you're going to change someone's view of salvation or sacraments in a brief visit, but as a Catholic you can authoritatively tell people what we believe. So at least they would know more about actual Catholic beliefs and less about the "straw man" Catholic Church.

Again, I'd just pray about whether this is right where you live or not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldsouth

Some people become quite defensive when their beliefs are challenged.

Just don't challenge their beliefs. If I can turn this around... we can't go on the defensive just because our beliefs are challenged. And door to door evangelism would certainly be going on the OFFENSIVE. Just stick to talking about Catholicism... you may not even know what their particular Church believes anyways.

oldsouth · #4 Jun 1, '12, 3:15 pm

Thanks onceablasphemer and Sempre Zelare for your encouragement and suggestions. I'll definitely check out the Catholics in the South Group and the Legion of Mary - I hope they are active in my area, but I kind of doubt it. As you both many know, the Ku Klux Klan lynched more Catholics and Jews in their hey-day than they did blacks or other purely racial minorities... a fact that surprises many when it comes up in discussion. I think Catholics around here learned to keep their heads down. Such racial attitudes have pretty much faded away... or, at least, into the background - but, anti-Catholicism may be more widespread than ever. Or, maybe it just seems that way to me. I actually never heard much anti-Catholicism at all growing up. Only once I began to convert did it seem to come out of the woodwork - granted, I was at a baptist college and had been working in a methodist church, but I lost ll of my friends and my fiancee when I converted. But... I didn't come here to complain. Regardless, there is one point that you made, Sempre Selare, that I'm not sure would be entirely possible:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Semper Zelare

Just don't challenge their beliefs. If I can turn this around... we can't go on the defensive just because our beliefs are challenged. And door to door evangelism would certainly be going on the OFFENSIVE. Just stick to talking about Catholicism... you may not even know what their particular Church believes anyways.

I certainly agree in principle and in general - and also in practice as I live my daily life. But, that would be especially difficult with the Adventists. As you may know, they observe the sabbath on Sat. and believe that the Catholic Church is the "whore of Babylon" for "inventing" church on Sunday. They aren't just protestant (whose protests against the Church have lost at least some steam over the centuries), but their entire definition of who they are depends on us being agents of the devil!

Other concerns I have are more practical, like stumbling on a meth lab... I'll keep praying about it and continue soliciting advice.

adf417 · #5 Jun 2, '12, 12:16 pm

You could try to form a prayer group w/ participation form all groups. I was invited to one by a protestant brother. After a few months, and in a loving and companionate manner, they are starting to realize we pray to the same God as they do. Once this revelation has come about it has opened up discussion between us and has been very encouraging.

Our group was started by a Presbyterian elder w/ simple rules sense there would be a possibility of all sects involved.
1. Prayer and only prayer - no preaching - no proselytizing
2. Pray for whatever the holy spirit moves you to pray for
3. Always be respectful of all religions.

We do this once a week and it is a pretty wonderful thing.

Peace and God Bless!!!

Semper Zelare · #6 Jun 2, '12, 2:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldsouth

I certainly agree in principle and in general - and also in practice as I live my daily life. But, that would be especially difficult with the Adventists. As you may know, they observe the sabbath on Sat. and believe that the Catholic Church is the "whore of Babylon" for "inventing" church on Sunday. They aren't just protestant (whose protests against the Church have lost at least some steam over the centuries), but their entire definition of who they are depends on us being agents of the devil!

Oh... well in that case I entirely understand. I actually didn't really know anything about the Adventists... other than the whole Church on Saturday thing. Certainly do what you have to do. But, in general I think it's a lot better to prove a Catholic belief than to disprove a Protestant belief- you'll probably end up having to do both though.

Anyways, as has been suggested, talk to your priest. When I talked to my priest about another matter, the new evangelization came up. And he was hinting that if I wanted to get involved in the parish, that the focus would primarily be trying to reach all the Catholics who aren't practicing.

Now, I'd imagine the situation is different where you are. But, I'd also imagine that your local priest has some idea of what would be the best approach to evangelism in your area. He might even have a project or 2 that he's never started, and all he needs to start them are some interested lay people!!

P.S.
I'm going to be posting on this soon... but the 2 week protest against the HHS mandate is a good opportunity for evangelism in my opinion. If all you do is get some of your Protestant neighbors to express solidarity with the Catholic Church for standing against the government... then that's progress.

PJM · #7 Jun 5, '12, 3:40 pm

Quote:

=oldsouth;9360764]I'm new here, so please forgive me if this question is dealt with elsewhere or if this is not the right sub-forum - with so many threads, its a bit overwhelming!

Anyway, on any given day someone might show up on my front porch, holding a Bible and trying to convince me to come to their church. I can defend Catholicism pretty well, having read many of the books recommended on this website. I had to become informed and get a pretty think skin fairly quickly when I converted, so it doesn't bother me. My question is actually regarding these "missionary" activities. Would it be advisable, or even appropriate, to try to form a group in my church to go out door to door and inform people about the Catholic Church in a manner similar to the Jehovah's Witnesses? I imagine that there is at least a small percentage of folks, who like I was, are entirely ignorant of the doctrines of the Church and may be interested in learning more... even converting. Even if not though, perhaps it would help combat the ant-Catholic culture of the area. Or, would this effort perhaps cause greater division and more negative feeling? Some people become quite defensive when their beliefs are challenged.

I would appreciate any and all input. I suppose we could put a training course together based on Frank Sheed's work, updated with Catholic Answers material. I just don't want to do more harm than good.

WELCOME TO CAF

As a FYI if shoulld find your post shortened it's likely do to space limitations prudently allowed by the staff.

It's a great idea BUT heres some very prudent advice.

NEVER consider such an action without:

1. Discussing it with your pastor [he is charged by God for the souls in His parish]
2. Having a plan prepared on who [can help should] come after the pastor discussion], but be ready to discuss the what, why, and HOW it will be handled.
3. Be willing to chair the lead position

Then don't be surprised or disapointed if you can't get help or father coes not think its a good idea.

Here's an alternative you might consider [AGAIN DISCUSS WITH FATHER FIRST]

a inter denominational "bible study" BUT ONLY if your qualifed to lead it and explain clearly and in chariy ALWAYS in charoty; the Catholic position and WHY we can hold such views.

a Third option is do something to further educate and enlighten your fellow parishioners so they too can Know; Live and SHARE our faith.

Best of LUCK my friend.
LOOK for a private mesage from me

God B;less,
pat /PJM here on the forum

InternetWoman · #8 Jun 6, '12, 4:45 pm

It is my understanding that the Church does not encourage door-to-door evangelization. The reason being that people need to feel the call first THEN we welcome them (into RCIA). The Legion of Mary (referenced by a previous poster) is limited to looking for fallen away Catholics (only).

Now, it could be that the Church has changed her mind on this topic. I'd be interested to hear if that is so.

And, if you are constantly receiving folks knocking at your doors then hey! What an opportunity! Ask a few pointed questions, get them thinking. I had one Jehovah's Witness ask me where he could get a copy of the Catechism!

As or Seventh's Day Adventists there is a book "It's OK To Not be a Seventh Day Adventist." It's written by former Adventists. Might want to read it. Or keep a copy handy for when those folks come calling (or both). And Blessed Pope John Paul II wrote a great encyclical called "The Day of the Lord." That pretty much answers the "moved the Sabbath to Sunday" question. You can get it free online.

kkollwitz · #9 Jun 6, '12, 6:27 pm

What an opportunity!

Yes indeed.

SurlyMermaid · #10 Jun 7, '12, 10:49 am

I can relate. I'm from rural South surrounded by Baptists, etc.

One thing: It's Seventh-day Adventist. Knowing the proper way of titling the denomination goes a long way in evangelizing.

It does get tricky with Adventists. I'm from a very Adventist area and have ties to the church. There is a ton of info online about their prophet, Ellen G. White. I recommend look at it. She was said to have plagiarized in her writings, etc. Most SDAs I know are very sweet and wonderful, and certainly their health message is appealing and relevant.

Best to you and thanks to the other posters for the links, etc.

ljpgoodwin · #11 Jun 20, '12, 8:38 pm

Hi Oldsouth
It might be helpful to start with understanding the terms. First the word “evangelize” means telling people about “The Good News” (that is Jesus) to people who have never heard about Jesus. Then there is the word “catechize” which means teaching people who are already baptized about the Catholic Church or more about the Christian faith. Then there is the word “apologetics” which is what one uses when one is defending something against someone who knows something about what it is being defended. So for Catholics, we would use apologetics when we are defending the Catholic Church against someone who already knows about the Church but does not agree with the teachings of the Church.
My suggesting is to use apologetics as little as possible. I know that it is fun to get into these kinds of discussions every now and then. But the problem with apologetics is that it appeals to the rational mind. Our rational minds are a good thing, but to really help someone see the truth of Catholic Christianity we have to appeal to their hearts. If we make a rational argument for our Church we run the risk of having people call themselves Catholic based on what they know ABOUT the Church. The real Catholic is Catholic because they know and love the person of Jesus Christ.
All the stuff of the Magisterium and doing things right and blindly obeying the pope are good to a point. But first we have to introduce someone who wants to know about our Church to Jesus. Knowing Jesus is the most important thing any Christian can know. We get to know Jesus through prayer, scripture, good works, the sacraments, study and by seeing how love works in our life and our world. Love is the most perfect image and way of coming to know the person of Jesus. If we know every law of the Church but have not had an experience of God's love and compassion, we do not know Jesus and then the Church become a bunch of does and don'ts.
So, helping people know about the Church is not as easy as knowing all of the teachings of the Church. That’s legalism and it can be a bar against learning about our loving Lord and Savior Jesus who seeks to be in a loving relationship with us.