There is a story, possibly apocryphal, about a child who repeatedly bashed his head against the wall. When asked why, the child replied, "Because it feels so good when I stop."
There are people who carry anger and bitterness against the church, against organized religion, against Christianity. Many of them have endured great pain and suffering in their lives. Some have come to the conclusion that their sorrows are because of the (to them) malign influence of religion. They become anti-Catholics, anti-Semites, anti-Christians and some even become crusaders for their cause, trying to protect others from the influence of religion.
I guess I can understand the crusading zeal - I have my share of it too. I want to protect those I love and even those I have never met from what I see as the errors of common value systems such as secular humanism, scientism, the worship of sexual expression as the highest good, or whatever. So on some level I can understand those crusaders out there who want to restrict or eliminate various 'Christian' values such as traditional marriage, monotheism, sin and redemption, chastity, faith, or whatever.
What I don't understand is why some of these persons spend the time and energy seeking out the weblogs and other outlets of those whose values are in opposition to theirs, and why they try so earnestly to convince those of us who hold these values, to change. They must find it frustrating, even painful, much like the child bashing his head against the wall.
I must confess, I find myself admiring their missionary zeal even as I shake my own head in disagreement with their viewpoints. I personally don't take the time and energy to seek out the weblogs of, say, radical feminists, atheists, secular humanists, and argue their points. Maybe I should.
I remember, though, that when I was in their midst, I would not have been convinved by any kind of argument. My then-belief in moral relativism would have kept me from being persuaded by any argument, at least to the point where I would have had to change. I could not be converted to Christianity until I became convinced that there was and is an absolute truth, and that my task is to find and follow that truth wherever it might lead.
So, I will reply to those who visit here and have questions, concerns, or comments. I will follow links that I have been given and will consider the wisdom of commenting. But I have decided not to become a frustrated and frustrating missionary. Does that make me a moral coward? Or am I simply trying not to cast pearls in the slop? Or is it a little of both?
If I truly believe in what I profess, do I have a moral duty to proselytize? Or do I run the risk of alienating those I would like to see converted? The great commission was given - "Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." How best should I follow that commandment?
Excellent questions. You are right about the energy of the atheists; it reminds me of Yeats poem about the worst being "full of passionate intensity".
Send them over to DeoOmnisGloria.com ;-)
We're actually getting used to dealing with them!
But seriously, I think you have to be careful to decide whether to "do" apologetics or not. Originally, DeoOmnisGloria wasn't an "apologetics" blog, but it quickly went in that direction (from our posts as well). At my other blog, LivingCatholicism.com, we simply don't allow extremely negative or anti-Catholic type posts - we kindly ask them to go to Deo Omnis Gloria for that type of stuff.
In terms of following the great commission, I think you can live a life that convicts others and have a blog without it being traditional apologetics. Of course, if God has someone ask you a question, it may be that He intends for you to answer it. It's a fine line . . .
Anyway, I think you have to be comfortable doing it as well - my apologetics blog takes 10x the amount of energy and time as my normal Catholic blog (research, research, research. oh, and a lot of prayer for patience and love!).
God bless,
Jay
Speaking from personal experience, I can say that evangelism is important -- but that doesn't mean arguing with people. Someone once said, "It is pointless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into." Before I was a Christian, that was certainly true of me for a long time, as I had all sorts of arguments why I wouldn't believe the Bible or believe in God. It was only when I saw Christians who seemed genuinely different from everyone else (more caring, living holy lives, etc.) that I began to wonder what they believed. So the first step to evangelism, in my opinion, is to live a life that pleases God. The second is to be prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have -- so be willing to testify about what God has done for us to those around us when given the opportunity. There's a lot more I could say, but those are a couple thoughts.
I agree with David that it is the testimony of a fully realized Christian life that makes the best witness. When I also was one of the unbelievers I wouldn't have been swayed by evangelism or apologetics. And then, of course, having the right answers if one is asked any questions.
Great post.
Actually the passage about going out and making disciples was written to the church as a whole.
But there is another verse that IMO is more applicable to individuals and allows God to lead instead of us running around "hitting and running" on people with the gospel. It's found in Col. 4:6 and says for us to have our speech with grace, sesoned with salt and know how to answer every man.
Note that it says answer, not attack..:).
You aren't being a moral coward - you are being very wise. Just curious - you say you didn't become a Christian until you became convinced that there is such a thing as absolute truth. What caused you to become convinced that there is such a thing as absolute truth? From my experience, there is usually a relational element in conversion. People become willing to consider the possibility of Christianity or that there is such a thing as absolute truth when they see it embodied in someone they know, love and respect.
I have always assumed that my call to evangelization entailed living out the Catholic life--and being ready to answer those "How come ya'll do THAT" questions.
But sometimes it does cross my mind that perhaps it is because I am such a coward that any other kind of evangelization would make me throw up in terror. So, instead of asking God what he would have me to do, I start by telling him what I will not do.......
A moral duty to proselytize? I don't think so- but we do have a moral duty to use the talents God gave us, and to use them for God's service & glory. If God gave you a talent for proselysation, then use it! Or if God gave you a talent for counseling the distraught, then use it.
I think it's important to see the verses surrounding the I Peter verse that David M. quoted:
"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil." (I Peter 3:13-17, ESV)
I think it's important to see the verses surrounding the I Peter verse that David M. quoted:
"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil." (I Peter 3:13-17, ESV)
Your post made me think of a couple of things.
I thought of that famous quote by St. Francis. Isn't it something like, 'Preach the Gospel always, when necessary, use words." I don't actively seek out places to evangelize, but try to live the best life I can as an example to others of faith, hope, and love. I agree with the others that it is important to try and be ready to answer others' questions.
The other thing I thought was about those people who are anti-Catholic who seem to seek out Catholic blogs or message boards and try to challenge us. I think sometimes this saying applies to them: Thou doth protest too much. It's almost as if they are trying so hard not to be Catholic. It makes me wonder what is going on deep in their consciences.