www.byzcath.org Forums Evangelize Muslims

If we are serious about evangelization then we need a Muslim outreach program.

I envision an organization which is made up of volunteers from all ECC�s. Primarily this organization would get most of its resources from the Coptic rite. With help from the Coptic�s we can generate Arabic tracks and webpages. Volunteers will be knowledgeable in apologetics and Islam.

This organization can be divided into regions of North America. An example, the southern region and the Midwestern region would have chapters etc� Debates at local Universities could be arranged (i.e. like Karl Keatin from Catholic Answers).

Support programs for Muslim converts who are afraid of there families could be created (like safe houses). Websites will be created and the Bishops would help facilitate funding by allowing for fundraisers at Churches.

Ray,

That is excellent. I believe that this is an idea that would fit well into the Aug. 6th meeting. Are you coming? Even if you can't I will insert this idea into the program.

Did you hear Father Loya's interview with the Melkite priest broadcast on July 3? If not, check the website www.byzantinecatholic.com [byzantinecatholic.com] There are some fascinating insights offered by this Jordanian Melkite priest in Chicago to attend the annual Melkite world conference.

And of course, a Byzantine Ruthenian conference is an excellent idea as well. One I plan to offer on Aug. 6.

Dan L

This is funny! Just before you posted this the Lord led me to come in and pray for suicide bombers.

We know who is in control and sits on the Throne!

This is funny. Just before you posted this the Lord led me to come in and pray for suicide bombers.

PRAISE THE LORD FOR HE WHO SITS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD HAS BROUGHT US LIFE ETERNAL! THANK YOU JESUS

While I believe this is a most commendable idea, please remember that in 2002, the Bishops Committee On Ecumenical And Interreligious Affairs condemned the targeting of Jews for conversion as unacceptable. I'm afraid a similar response might be heard regarding Moslems. Perhaps the Orthodox take a more positive position in this matter.

That can't be true. Do you have a source for this?

I'm ashamed to say that it is true http://www.lcje.net/rc-doc.html

Oh my word.

The link is dead in the article you posted, but I believe it's to this [bc.edu] one dated 2002.

I have to say this is one of the most disturbing things I've come across in a while. The comments of Cardinal Kasper I actually cannot fathom at all.

Wow.

Yes, it's sort of a universalist "all roads lead to heaven" approach.

Dear Lawrence and Andrew,

If I were a Catholic, but wanted to be a Jew or a Muslim, do I stand a chance of going to Heaven?

No, emphatically!

But if I were an observant Jew or Muslim and disagreed with Christianity for any number of reasons that stem from the religious philosophy of my faith and adhered strongly to my religious community - what then?

And our outreach cannot and should not resemble that of Evangelical and other sects where we try and "win souls for Christ."

This will only work among those who are weak in their own faith.

We can and must preach Christ through example and witness. We must always be ready to give an account for the faith we hold.

We must always respect the religious beliefs of others - as did St Paul when he was among the Greeks.

After that, it is the Holy Spirit that is at work.

In doing otherwise, we could even be hindering His work.

The first step in any of this is for us to become friends with people of other faiths.

We can only do that through mutual acceptance, respect and love.

We cannot be so insecure in our faith so as to be nervous about this or to somehow think that we aren't being "non wishy-washy" Christians if we aren't.

And Muslims know all about "Christian" North America.

That is why they prefer to be Muslims.

Alex

Kasper "the friendly ecumenist" is also on
record as not believing in the historical
authenticity of Apostolic Succession.....


antonius

Lawrence, I was having a good day until you mentioned something about "Special K"... It seems Greek Catholics and Special K don't mix very well...

This whole thing seems a bit redundant - we "target" everyone through evangelism. And Pan Doktor Olexsandr, chudovo...those are excellent thoughts.

We even "target" lax BC's.

dan L

Dear Diak,

Your command of Ukrainian grammar is amazing!

What's your secret?

Perhaps I can 'evangelize' my students into using solid Ukrainian like you do!

Alex

Alex, I�m afraid I must disagree with you. You said

We believe in the Holy Trinity. To reject Christ is to reject God. Can you be saved while rejecting God? I don�t see how.

All of this predates the excesses of American evangelicalism though and goes back to the very nature of the church from the day of Pentecost. The basics of the faith are we bring the good news to the world. Salvation is through Christ and his victory over death. We proclaim this in the lives we live of course, but in the words we proclaim as well. We cannot live as Christians and accept that others are not. It will not do. To say otherwise, even if in the spirit of love, is spiritual destruction. That is why religious relativism is so dangerous, because it is manifested in the guise of love and toleration.

There�s not much more I can say that I think wouldn�t make everyone want to circle up and toss me off the board. The link Lawrence posted was awful enough in and of itself, but the words of Cardinal Kasper are simply unbelievable. I can only imagine what the more rigorist Orthodox would say if they read his comments (and he�s the one the Vatican has sent to talk to us). It would confirm the worst fears about what has happened to modern Catholicism.

Andrew, a most sinful and unworthy servant