"On February 28 the Catholic bishops of Alta and Baja California issued a "Pastoral Exhortation Concerning Proselytism." The document mentions the Mormons, the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Seventh-Day Adventists, and Pentecostals--in other words, the groups most successful in wooing Catholics..."
Catholic bishops speak out!
by Nathan Natas 4 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Pahpa
It would seem that the Catholic church is only reaping what it has sown down through its history. Traditionally, it aligned itself with the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor and vulnerable. It exploited its members to maintain a firm grip over them religiously and politically. From time to time, Catholics rebelled and tried to reform the institution. They were usually persecuted and executed. Finally, the movement for reform overwhelmed the church when the Reformers organized and established their own churches. It's reaction was to use the Inquisitiion to maintain its power. It failed.
Now, the church has finally become aware that the old tactics no longer work. Great inroads have been made by the various sects and cults especially among hispanics where the abuse of the church was especially egregious. It may be too late for "patchwork" attempts to bring the lost sheep back. If the church had really practiced the teachings of Christ instead of pursuing its worldly course this would not even be an issue today.
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Billy the Ex-Bethelite
I didn't read the whole pile of
crapwords, but in the very intro where they introduce the evil proselytizers (LDS, JW, etc.) and the blessed evangelizers:By proselytism we mean the use of unfair and coercive methods--that is to say, those which apply pressure--to convince a person to leave his/her religion and join another.
By evangelization, on the other hand, we mean giving witness to God as revealed through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit in a simple and direct manner. It includes the renewing of humanity, witness, explicit proclamation, adherence with the heart, entry into the community, acceptance of signs, and apostolic initiative. It means to carry the good news to all areas of human life and through its influence transform from within and renew humanity itself, but without pressure.I think they need to re-read the history of the Catholic Church in the new world. The native American population was given the option to become Catholic or die, and then they were treated as slaves to send gold and silver back to Spain.
When the Catholic Church is dominant and powerful in a country they tyranize the population. When they are a minority, or in this case shrinking, they wrap themselves in this cloak of righteousness and claim to be unjustly persecuted.
Strangely, most Catholics I've known admit that the Church is goofed up, but locally they have many friends plus social events there and it gives them a warm, fuzzy feeling to be told that just being Catholic fast-forwards them through purgatory to heavenly bliss.
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jefferywhat
Billy couldnt your comment "Strangely, most Catholics I've known admit that the Church is goofed up, but locally they have many friends plus social events there and it gives them a warm, fuzzy feeling to be told that just being Catholic fast-forwards them through purgatory to heavenly bliss."
Be easily translated to Strangely, most JW's I've known admit that the Church is goofed up, but locally they have many friends plus social events there and it gives them a warm, fuzzy feeling to be told that just being JW's fast-forwards them through this system to earthly bliss?
Same tail, different dog. -
jefferywhat
Nathan, good post, pity its 18 years old.