WHAT WOULD YOU DO? - OUR READERS

Sects Education, Baptist-Style
What would you do in this situation? Readers contribute suggestions

Scenario:

Mormons are making serious inroads in the town of Riverdale, converting large numbers of lukewarm Catholics. One morning, Miguel is having his coffee and reading the newspaper. He spots a large advertisement for an anti-Mormon seminar at the large fundamentalist Baptist Church across town. This Baptist church is notorious for its anti-Catholicism. In fact, six months earlier, it hosted an anti-Catholic seminar. Miguel's dilemma is that, although this seminar has nothing to do with Catholicism, many Catholics will attend it. Miguel wants to help his fellow Catholics become immunized against the lure of Mormonism, but he also knows that the Baptists will see this event as a prime opportunity to proselytize Catholics. He wonders what he should do. What would you do?

While there are many sentimental aspects of Mormonism that those who are weak in faith might find attractive, Miguel's immediate mission must be to activate a "pro-Catholic" apostolate in his own community. This "apostolate of truth" must be an ongoing part of our Christian walk. These "anti" seminars quickly lose their effectiveness as the Truth is seen in its universality verses a mere management tool of the people. Joseph Smith will no longer be able to sell his sand in this desert town!

David Hess, Escondido, CA

True evangelism is rarely effective without establishing relationships. This well-intentioned anti-Catholic church probably knows this. They have one sign, a mailing list, and follow that up with other events, including their Sunday service. I would go to this seminar (perhaps bringing some of my strong Catholic friends) and be on the lookout for other Catholics. I look for the non-singers. I look for those who feel they have walked into another world. I look for those holding the New American Bible. I listen for Catholic-based private conversations cropping up before or after the talk. I would introduce myself and ask "What church do you come from?" and listen for St. Clearly-Catholic. Once established that we are Catholics, I would try to establish a friendship, trade business cards, and maybe invite them to whatever pro-Catholic function is coming up. I would also try to be a source or point to the sources that would answer whatever "questions" he may have. This relationship approach works equally with non-Catholics, or anti-Catholics. Protestants are more interested in zeal than in doctrine, sometimes. If they see that you love Christ (and you do), they will most likely want to establish a friendship. When they find that you are a Catholic, they will either be stunned in unbelief, or somewhat elated that there is some life in what otherwise looks like a "dead church." It is in time that they will raise issues, and if you have patience to dialogue, they will see that there is merit in what you believe. Truth speaks for itself. If it weren't for this type of evangelism, I wouldn't be Catholic today.

Nicholas Kleszczewski, e-mail

First, a short-term solution: A Catholic-sponsored event that's advertised as helping to understand what Mormonism is and why it can't hope to lay claim to being the True Church of Jesus Christ is one way to go. Also, the name Miguel suggests there's a special need for Hispanic Catholics in Riverdale, who seem particularly vulnerable to Mormon blandishments. There are Catholic apologetics tracts in English and Spanish that address Mormonism and the Protestant sects, and there are the testimonies of Mormons who have converted to Catholicism. The problem would be finding Catholic clergy and laity conversant enough with Mormonism to be able to argue the Church's case convincingly against specific Mormon beliefs, etc.

Next, the long-term and probably more satisfactory solution: Confront head on the problem of lukewarm Catholics, especially those Hispanic Catholics who now feel alienated from the Church. Talk to ex-Catholic Mormons, especially Hispanics, and find out what drew them to Mormonism. Often I hear people say that the strong sense of community and communal caring is a big draw. These are enormously important values for Hispanics, and the absence of community in Catholic parishes may be a big factor in their loss of interest. It seems clear that the Catholic Church is not doing a good job in keeping Hispanics within the fold in competition with a variety of non-Catholic religions. An intensive study of the needs of the Hispanic population in this country and throughout Latin America would be in order. Since the Catholic Church is truly universal, it must reach people from every ethnic background. Finally, Evangelical zeal is essential but not enough. Both efforts need to be supported with a steady stream of intercessory prayer. Some group in every diocese should consider prayer for the reconversion of lukewarm Catholics of whatever stripe its fulltime assignment.

Robin Maas, e-mail

Miguel's problem is a difficult one but there is no reason to prevent dialogue at the seminar by keeping Catholics away from the anti-Mormon seminar. Many Catholics who attend may find that they become ardent defenders of the Faith when they're confronted by the pointed dagger of anti-Catholicism. I would approach this in two phases. First, I would gather some friends who are skilled in apologetics and attend the seminar with them. We would be prepared with some good Catholic books and tracts which would simply state the truths of the Catholic Faith and would not attack or belittle the Baptist or Mormon religions. Some of our group would stand at the doors and pass out the materials as people entered the building, others of us would circulate among the attendees and hand out additional material. At the question-and-answer time several of us would ask questions that were succinct and well stated, questions that would cut deeply into the basic tenets of the Baptists (such as tough questions about sola scriptura) as well as questions regarding Mormonism. The questions would be designed to show the errors of both groups and debunk them simultaneously.

Tim Malloy, Philadelphia, PA

Miguel should be wary about Catholics attending the anti-Mormon seminar. What should be done is to have a pro-Catholic seminar at his parish in which the errors of the different sects are addressed. This seminar could cover similarities with different groups, including the Baptists, and discuss the fundamental differences between these groups' theologies and practices and those of the Catholic Church. It's important that Miguel take a positive approach to this situation so that Catholics don't become seen as "anti-Baptist" in a crass or hostile sense. Instead, we should always want to meet them on common ground and have an open dialogue on our real theological differences. Miguel and his friends should put together a flyer to be handed out at the local Catholic churches and at the Baptist seminar, inviting folks to come to the Catholic seminar. The flyer would mention the anti-Mormon seminar at the Baptist Church and warn Catholics that if they do attend, they should be careful and prepared to hear a dose of anti-Catholic propaganda that's sure to be brought forward there.

Steven Y. Lee, Washington, D.C.

Next issue's scenario . . .

Cathy, 32, is the youngest of five children. She has a close relationship with her parents, particularly with her father. She has practiced her Catholic Faith devoutly since childhood, and, as a high school student, she even won the outstanding religious achievement award. Since graduating from college she has been active in the pro-life movement. Cathy's father is now in his late 60s. Although he was raised a Catholic and raised his children Catholic, he has sunk into a state of cynicism and apathy toward God and anything spiritual. His interest in religion has dwindled to the point that he no longer attends Mass or even prays.

Cathy is very worried about her father's spiritual state. His health is declining steadily, but he doesn't express any worry about eventualities like heaven and hell, nor is he interested in renewing his relationship with Christ and receiving the sacraments. She doesn't know how to tell him that he needs to revive his faith before he dies. She's sure he's not "invincibly ignorant," but she knows he has a good heart. How can Cathy bring him back to the Faith? What should she do? What would you do?

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