How to witness to a Catholic?

[tinytim]

I'd accept the invitation to go to mass, then ask a whole bunch of questions about what was said and done. Let THEM do the talking. Don't worry, they'll run out of things soon enough. That's when they turn to you and ask, "What do you do?"

I LOVE THIS ADVICE!... shows respect, but at the same time, opens the door for the Gospel message.

 

[quantumfaith]

I'd accept the invitation to go to mass, then ask a whole bunch of questions about what was said and done. Let THEM do the talking. Don't worry, they'll run out of things soon enough. That's when they turn to you and ask, "What do you do?"

Now theres a great idea. Good one GL. Hey, we actually agree.

 

[glfredrick]

Now theres a great idea. Good one GL. Hey, we actually agree.

Thanks guys... BTW, it works for almost any alternative religion. Adds a bunch of life-experiences, builds a lot of good relationships, and almost always leads to sharing the true gospel.

After all, we really have nothing to fear by exposure to a false gospel. To quote Brother Willis, "I am I Am's." We know the truth and are born into the One True God. Let the others speak. Quiz them about their own "good news" (which is seldom really "good news" at all - more likely to be some form of works-based religious exercise that no one can actually live up to), and then be ready, as Peter says, "to give a reason for the hope that is within you," seasoned with love, respect, and humility.

 

[Grace&Truth]

My mother was a very Christ Centered individual & Catholic. to her it was all about Christ.

Most R. Catholics are Christ centered....in that they would see Christ's very presence in the Eucharist (wafer) during their Mass. So is this what you mean by Christ centered or would your mother not partake of the Mass or believe that she is receiving Christ (literally) at that time.

The reason I am asking is that often Catholics use the language (terminology) but they do not mean what we mean by it or more importantly what the Bible means. Example: I am saved by God's Grace (Past Tense) meaning when I believed (faith) I was saved at that time (forever). However, a Catholic using the same term "I am saved by God's Grace" means "they are being saved (continuance action)" depending on their walk (living right, doing right, etc.), as they do God then gives them more grace. If they stop doing then they do not receive grace and are not saved. They mix salvation verses with sactification verses to prove their point. So it is important to understand what they mean when they use the same terminology or Biblical words. And it is important for them to clarify and for whoever is witnessing to them to be able to know and show the difference.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Now theres a great idea. Good one GL. Hey, we actually agree.

I dont know.....if I was a Catholic why Id want to invite a Protestant to a Mass. I wouldnt do it unless they expressed an interest in it & then I'd probably first hook them up with a priest. And I wouldnt consider anyone a friend if they baggered me about my faith. I'd consider them a pest.

I also dont talk to people who post to me in red.

 

[Osage Bluestem]

I dont know.....if I was a Catholic why Id want to invite a Protestant to a Mass. I wouldnt do it unless they expressed an interest in it & then I'd probably first hook them up with a priest. And I wouldnt consider anyone a friend if they baggered me about my faith. I'd consider them a pest.

I also dont talk to people who post to me in red.

Catholics think that the Roman Catholic Church and those in communion with it are the only places to "receive Christ".

They believe they receive Christ by taking communion. They want others to see it so they will want to take it too.

They believe in transubstantiation in communion. They have a system of sacraments that they believe are the way to participate in the christian life.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Catholics think that the Roman Catholic Church and those in communion with it are the only places to "receive Christ".

They believe they receive Christ by taking communion. They want others to see it so they will want to take it too.

They believe in transubstantiation in communion. They have a system of sacraments that they believe are the way to participate in the christian life.

LOL, Ive been a Catholic for 32 Years prior to my latest iteration so you dont have to tell me what a Catholic believes. I'm just telling you that if they are serious in their faith then they will resent anyone trying to convince them of otherwise just as you would resent it if a Catholic tried to convert you. And your probably not going to win any friends or influence them. If you want to try, come up to New Jersey as we are infested with them.

 

[Bro. James]

Put the question: Where will we be in 100 years? This puts most people in eternity. Where one goes after that question depends on the answer.

Are you sure? How do you know? Could you be wrong?

Go into the scripture using their Bible--the Duay-Confraternity has Ephesians 2, Romans 1-5 and many others really close to the Textus Receptus--just stay out of the footnotes. Then take a tour of John 3, also the epistles of John--looking for the promises of the eternal security of the believer--through the real Jesus in the scripture.

Let the Holy Spirit do the convincing--the Word does not return void.

Catholicism is very much a "this world" religion--a member can get confession and communion on Saturday afternoon and live like the devil the rest of the week--not unlike many Sunday Christians in other persuasions. The hippocracy of many so-called Christian groups is a major stumbling block for the lost.

Peace,

Bro. James

 

[glfredrick]

I dont know.....if I was a Catholic why Id want to invite a Protestant to a Mass. I wouldnt do it unless they expressed an interest in it & then I'd probably first hook them up with a priest. And I wouldnt consider anyone a friend if they baggered me about my faith. I'd consider them a pest.

I also dont talk to people who post to me in red.

I have been invited and have attended many Catholic Masses. I have even seen and participated with joint Protestant/Catholic services. Does that absolve all of the differences between Catholics -- not by any means -- we are to far apart on core doctrines like justification for that to happen easily (without one side recanting historical position) BUT... We can and have, very simply, magnified our God and His Son, Jesus together, and that, I am all for!

And, how is having an honest discourse badgering? I've had the most interesting religious conversations with persons who held all sort of beliefs. Currently (and I'll probably forget a few):

Catholic (of several different sects, Thomist, Latin, Conservative, and Jesuit)
Baptist (apart from SBC -- and for the record, they are the "fightin'est of all of the various religions -- Primitive, GBC, 7th Day, American, Swiss, IFB, GARBC, Separatist, CBF)
Presbyterian (USA and American)
Mormon
Jehovah's Witness
Wiccan
Pagan
Christian Science
Lutheran (several synods, Evangelical, Missouri, Wisconsin)
Jewish (Orthodox and Moderate)
Methodist (both liberal and conservative factions)
Anglican
New Age
Baha'i
Hindu
Buddhist
Evangelical Free
Jain
Bible (and other baptistic independent)
Animistic
Muslim
Fatima
Agnostic
Atheist
Congregational
Universal
Satanic

I have only been actually threatened by the Satanic and Baptist believers. Not sure which was more frightening. The others were perfectly willing to hold a religious conversation.

I have led many to Christ from among these groups. In some groups I have yet to see someone come from my efforts, but it worth the time and I will seek out more opportunities.

 

[Osage Bluestem]

LOL, Ive been a Catholic for 32 Years prior to my latest iteration so you dont have to tell me what a Catholic believes. I'm just telling you that if they are serious in their faith then they will resent anyone trying to convince them of otherwise just as you would resent it if a Catholic tried to convert you. And your probably not going to win any friends or influence them. If you want to try, come up to New Jersey as we are infested with them.

God will influence them when we tell them the truth. It would be unloving of us to leave them in their mire.

Have you ever read spurgeon's statement on roman catholicism?

CHARLES SPURGEON ON ROMAN CATHOLICISM: “A VAST MOUNTAIN OF RUBBISH COVERING THE TRUTH.”
By Ken Silva pastor-teacher on Oct 7, 2008 in Quotes, Roman Catholicism

Soon after apostolic times there came the old
Roman rubbish, which in the end proved a
worse hindrance to the gospel than all the
errors which had preceded it.

This Popish rubbish was found in layers; first
one doctrinal error, and then another, and then
another, and then another, and then another,
until at this time the errors of the Church of
Rome are as countless as the stars, as black
as midnight, and as foul as hell.

Her abominations reek in the nostrils of all
Christian men. Her idolatries are the scorn
of reason and the abhorrence of faith.

The iniquities of her practice, and the
atrociousness of her doctrine, almost
surpass belief.

As the gospel is the masterpiece of God,
“Popery” is the masterpiece of Satan!

There can scarcely be imagined anything of
devilish craftiness or Satanic wickedness
which could be compared with her.

She is the unparalleled queen of iniquity!
Behold upon her forehead the name, Mystery,
Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and
abominations of the earth.

The church of Rome and her teachings are a
vast mountain of rubbish covering the truth.

Charles Spurgeon, sermon on Nehemiah 4:10, “Rubbish” (No. 1156)

Link: http://apprising.org/2008/10/07/roman-catholicism-a-vast-mountain-of-rubbish-covering-the-truth/

 

[Grace&Truth]

I also dont talk to people who post to me in red.[/QUOTE]

I will use blue ink this time....so what is wrong with red ink? Can you please explain for me? Thanks!

 

[JesusFan]

a lot depends on if the catholic friend is a "traditional" catholic or not.

If he is one who holds firmly to the catholic traditions/doctrines

best is to choose to be pyayed up and speak to him from the bible

Do not get bogged down into debating the differences between catholics and others
But pick a common to both doctrineand explore what the Bible says on it

Listen to him and ask him what he thinks the Bible means here

Allow both the Bible and Holy Spirit speak to him

Do it in prayer and grace let the Spirit bring conviction and openning of the heart and mind

Remember that it is rare to find a Catholic who knows and endorses strict catholic dogmas/doctrine many are 'casual" believers in catholic ways
that is why best to teach them basic doctrines of how one is saved what bible is etc and allow time for the Spirit to bring them understanding and renew them to life in Christ!

 

[ituttut]

Hi. I am having a tough time figuring out how to help my neighbors, who are Catholic. I had a dilemma earlier this year about a Catholic friend who invited me to Mass (ended up not going) and it caused us to drift apart. I want to handle this one delicately.

Our neighbors just moved here a few months ago, and my husband and I are just now getting to know them. We are all roughly the same age (mid 20's). Both husband and wife are Catholic, while we are southern Baptists. We're all getting along really well and I hope to see that they go to Heaven :smilewinkgrin:

How should I start this conversation? What are some points that they will try to make that I should be prepared for? Thanks so much!!:wavey:

How to start the conversation? It's best to have something in common. Invite them over for a glass of wine, and cheese. I am not trying to be funny or antagonistic. Just using common sense. The Bible is replete with references to wine for breaking the ice.


Start out with hope that you will not offend them. Don't let them know that you think they are going to h*ll, just because they are Catholic. Be ready to back up your FAITH in Jesus Christ, NOT YOUR CHURCH. You know their CHURCH cannot save them, and neither can yours.

Become good friends (or neighbors) by not being judgmental on things that are not a sin. The Catholic church is liberal on what their members can do, and Baptists have a hard time accepting some of this, even though we (Baptist) have liberties we are afraid of. One of these liberties is drinking wine, or strong drink. If they can see in you that you believe it is wrong for them to, then they know you are condemning them.

I have not found many Catholic's that know their Bible, but do know what their church believes, and most will go right down the line with the church. You know, or should know Baptist's do not all believe alike, but they all do believe the One Truth. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, without work of the hands of man.

Good luck, and pray for guidance in this matter.

In my youth, I may have done more harm, than good.