We will never convert a single person by attacking them with the power of rationality, and if we approach others merely with the purpose of “winning an argument,” we will never reach a soul. It may be a generalization, but I’m going to declare by the power of 26 years of experiencing human nature that nobody listens to their enemies, only their friends. Ironically, though, ecumenism may be the best way to open a dialogue that could actually lead to conversion.
I’ve already said that ecumenism is not about proselytizing. You can talk about transubstantiation and the philosophical definitions of substances, accidents, and natures later. Not only will it force you to read more Scripture, but it will also keep the lines of communication open between you and your other Christian friends. Get flashcards and learn a new one every week. So if you’ll be discussing faith with a Protestant friend, learn more Bible verses. The basic idea is to approach people through a familiar means to open a dialogue with them and lead them from there. So they came back dressed in the silk garments of royalty, which got them audience with people of power. When Jesuit missionaries first came to China, they wore their somber cassocks and collars and attempted to convert people. If we’re going to be discussing matters of faith with our Protestant friends, we need use an old Jesuit principle that’s worked for centuries: enter through their door and lead them through yours. While our Catholic terminology is great, it creates a stumbling block for communication. They say, “I’m saved!” We say, “I have received the sacrament of Baptism, which washes away original sin and leaves an indelible mark on my soul.” We have theological terms defined by years of study they quote the Psalms. The Bible was first.)īecause of the sola scriptura doctrine, Protestants actually have an entirely different language and vocabulary than we do. (I could mention that, as Catholics, we have a lot more to read… you know, encyclicals and Catechisms and stuff, but still. It’s a Catholic stereotype, but it’s true of many of us: we don’t know as much of the Bible by heart as our Protestant brethren. I live in the Bible Belt, and the average Baptist high schooler can probably rattle off more Bible verses in their sleep than I have memorized at all. Guess they can’t be ecumenical with idolaters… LEARN MORE BIBLE VERSES. Until we let them in and they saw all our statues and stuff. They love sharing so much that they started coming to my house every Tuesday. People love to share what they’re passionate about. Even if you think someone’s faith practices are odd, don’t dismiss them. The most practical way to share that love and honor someone’s faith is to ask questions. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) This doesn’t mean that the Catholic Church is any less the true Church. That’s awesome! I believe their work serves the Kingdom. I’m not going to respond to hearing about someone’s faith by proselytizing I’m going to praise God for what they’re doing. My friend is a Methodist, she is an intelligent person, and she and her congregation do great work for God through their ministry. Just because someone isn’t Catholic doesn’t mean they don’t really love God, or even that they’re not intelligent enough to understand the historical validity of the Catholic Church. The first step in ecumenism is honoring the faith of others. Nor is the point of ecumenism to befriend the enemy, infiltrate his camp, and poach them for your parish. Between all the theological differences, diverging musical taste is the least of our problems. Now, I really don’t get how a Beatles service works I seriously don’t see the attraction. I wouldn’t have asked about what the ministry does, and I would not have been summarily given a blanket to distribute to the next homeless person I saw. If I hadn’t kept my mouth shut, I wouldn’t have heard about her church’s intense homeless ministry. Let’s imagine for a moment that, after hearing about the Beatles service, I immediately stopped my friend and harangued her about how Beatles music was not appropriate for church. Then again, it’s always fun playing with fire… ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR FAITH.
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