Michael Brooks
Many Catholics are born into their religion and have never examined their faith through the lens of Scripture. They are taught that salvation comes through their church and that they merit saving grace through the sacraments and religious rituals. This is why Catholics need to be evangelized with the true Gospel of grace. When witnessing to a nominal Catholic, it is important to be compassionate and non-judgmental. One must be patient and gentle, and let the Holy Spirit guide the conversation. It is also crucial to establish Scripture as the supreme authority for truth and to proclaim Jesus as the all-sufficient Savior. It is important to focus on the Gospel and avoid unrelated tangents. Additionally, it is helpful to combine biblical reading with personal testimony to encourage Catholics to move beyond simply following religious rituals and to develop a personal relationship with Jesus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Be patient | Persevere with patience to untangle the sticky web of religious indoctrination |
| Be kind | Be kind, gently point to Scripture and its authority as God's Word |
| Be humble | Put away self-righteousness, don't be judgmental or hard |
| Be understanding | Understand that Catholics are taught that everything from Rome takes precedence over the Bible |
| Be prayerful | Pray for God to grant them repentance and knowledge of the truth |
| Be authoritative | Establish Scripture as the supreme authority for truth |
| Be focused | Stay focused on the Gospel, proclaim the Lord Jesus as the all-sufficient savior |
| Be compassionate | Be in the Word and "prayed up", let the Holy Spirit guide you |
| Be clear | Let the Bible define your language and lead your conversation |
| Be relatable | Combine biblical reading with your personal testimony |
| Be aware | Understand that Catholics share much of your vocabulary but interpret it differently |
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What You'll Learn
Show that no man or pope is infallible
The doctrine of papal infallibility is a dogma of the Catholic Church, which states that the Pope, when speaking ex cathedra, is preserved from error on matters of doctrine. This doctrine was defined at the First Vatican Council of 1869-1870 and is based on the belief that the Pope is the successor of Peter and thus the spokesman for the whole church. However, it is important to note that papal infallibility does not mean that the Pope is sinless or incapable of error in all cases. It specifically applies to solemn, official teachings on faith and morals, and even then, only when the Pope intends to make an irrevocable declaration that must be accepted by the entire church.
To show that no man or Pope is infallible, it is important to understand the limitations of papal infallibility. Firstly, it is not a new doctrine, but a clarification of the early Church's implicit understanding of the Pope's role. Secondly, it does not belong solely to the Pope but is a charism of the entire church, including the body of bishops. Thirdly, it does not imply sinlessness or impeccability. The Pope can still sin and err in many cases, but he is prevented from issuing heretical teachings by the assistance of the Holy Spirit.
Additionally, papal infallibility is not frequently invoked, and there have been controversies and disagreements regarding its interpretation. For example, Pope Paul VI's encyclical on human life, "Humanae Vitae", was not considered a product of papal infallibility by the Pontifical Academy for Life. This incident highlighted the distinction between the Pope's personal opinions and official teachings.
Furthermore, the doctrine of papal infallibility does not imply that the Pope has the authority to create new doctrines. Any doctrines defined must conform to Sacred Scripture and Apostolic Traditions, and the Pope cannot introduce new teachings but can only defend and clarify what has been received from Jesus through the apostles. This limitation is evident in the case of Pope Liberius, who, under pressure from Emperor Constantius, endorsed a heretical Arian creed in the fourth century. Despite his endorsement, the Catholic Church did not adopt this creed, demonstrating that the Pope's fallibility does not compromise the Church's ability to preserve orthodox doctrine.
In conclusion, while the Catholic Church upholds the doctrine of papal infallibility, it is essential to recognize that this infallibility is limited in scope and does not render the Pope or any man incapable of error in all aspects of life and decision-making. The doctrine specifically pertains to official teachings on faith and morals, and even within those parameters, there are strict conditions that must be met for papal infallibility to be invoked. Therefore, it is important for nominal Catholics to understand the nuances of this doctrine and recognize that it does not imply the Pope's absolute perfection or authority over all matters.
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Warn of the dangers of following non-apostolic traditions
When witnessing to a nominal Catholic, it is important to warn them of the dangers of following non-apostolic traditions. This is because Catholics often see their faith as Scripture plus tradition, and this addition to the Gospel is a denial of the sufficiency of Christ.
Firstly, it is important to establish Scripture as the supreme authority for truth (2 Tim. 3:15-17) and to proclaim the Lord Jesus as the all-sufficient Saviour (Heb. 7:25; Acts 4:12). Catholics need to understand that salvation comes from Scripture alone, and that any additions or changes to the Gospel nullify the saving grace of God (Romans 11:6), which is the only means by which God saves sinners.
Secondly, Catholics should be made aware that oral traditions are notoriously unreliable. They are subject to errors of memory, accidental or deliberate corruptions, and are easily polluted (John 21:22-23). Written revelation, on the other hand, has durability, can be universally disseminated, and has fixedness and purity. It is also important to note that the Catholic Church has never provided a complete and exhaustive list of the contents of extrabiblical apostolic tradition, making it a nebulous entity.
Thirdly, the Catholic use of tradition is inconsistent. There are contradictory traditions, and the Church arbitrarily chooses which tradition to pronounce infallible. For example, the Council of Trent chose to follow a weaker tradition in pronouncing the apocryphal books inspired, despite opposition from earlier authorities.
Finally, Catholics need to understand that no man or pope is infallible (Gal. 2:11-14). While they may have been taught that salvation comes through the church and its traditions, they must recognise that this is a deception and that true salvation comes from Scripture alone.
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Establish Scripture as the supreme authority for truth
To witness to a nominal Catholic, it is important to establish Scripture as the supreme authority for truth. This is because Catholics are often taught that salvation comes through their church and that they can merit saving grace through rituals and good works. However, Scripture clearly establishes that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
The Bible is the written representation of God—His character, nature, and ways. It tells us what He has done, is doing, and will do, and how we should respond to Him. As A. A. Hodge wrote, “Whatever God teaches or commands is of sovereign authority… The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the only organs through which, during the present dispensation, God conveys to us a knowledge of his will about what we are to believe concerning himself, and what duties he requires of us.”
The Bible is not just a collection of stories or teachings; it is the very Word of God, inspired and breathed out by Him (2 Timothy 3:16). It is inerrant and infallible, free from any error or contradiction, because its Author is perfect and incapable of mistake or misstatement. The prophecies, teachings, and principles found within its pages are timeless and applicable to all people for all time.
The authority of Scripture is further established by the fact that it has been preserved for thousands of years. Despite efforts by some to suppress or distort its message, God has ensured that His Word remains intact and accessible to people around the world. This preservation is a testament to the Bible's divine origin and authority.
As we witness to nominal Catholics, it is essential to gently and lovingly point them back to the Scriptures, helping them to understand that it is God's Word, not the teachings of any religious institution, that has the final say in all matters of faith and practice. We must encourage them to examine their beliefs in light of Scripture and to submit to its authority, recognizing that it is God Himself speaking to them through its pages.
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Proclaim Jesus and His Word as the most trustworthy source for truth
When witnessing to a nominal Catholic, it is important to proclaim Jesus and His Word as the most trustworthy source of truth. This is a fundamental principle in reaching out to Catholics, as they may have been taught from infancy that salvation comes through the church and that their good works and religious rituals will merit saving grace.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the Catholic perspective on truth. Catholics hold that the whole of Scripture proclaims God as the source of all truth, and that Holy Scripture, being inspired by God, is infallible and incapable of containing formal errors. This belief in the inerrancy of Scripture is a cornerstone of their faith.
However, it is important to note that Catholics also believe in the infallibility of the Church's Magisterium, which is tasked with interpreting the Word of God. This interpretation authority is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ, and the Church is considered the "pillar and bulwark of the truth" (1 Tim 3:15).
When proclaiming Jesus as the most trustworthy source of truth to a nominal Catholic, it is essential to emphasize the sufficiency of Christ's finished work. Catholics, who are victims of deception, need to be shown that any addition to the Gospel is a denial of Christ's sufficiency (Heb 7:25). This includes adding Mary, works, merit, tradition, or purgatory to the Gospel of grace.
Additionally, it is crucial to establish Jesus as the all-sufficient Savior (Acts 4:12). In John 14:6, Jesus proclaims, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." This declaration is a claim to His divinity and exclusivity. He further emphasizes this by stating, "No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). By proclaiming Himself as the truth, Jesus asserts that He is the only way to God, and every other path leads to a dead end.
In witnessing to a nominal Catholic, it is important to gently and patiently correct misunderstandings and indoctrination, always being kind and gentle, as Paul instructs (2 Tim 2:24-26). Remind them that Jesus is not just someone who teaches truth but is the Truth itself (John 1:14). His words are performative utterances that transform reality and restore it according to the truth (CCC 1376, 1503). When He speaks, things happen, and when He forgives, true forgiveness occurs.
In conclusion, when witnessing to a nominal Catholic, it is vital to proclaim Jesus and His Word as the most trustworthy source of truth. This involves untangling religious indoctrination, establishing Scripture as the supreme authority, and revealing Jesus as the exclusive and all-sufficient Savior. By doing so, we can help our Catholic friends see the radical transformation that comes from a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Be patient and compassionate, not antagonistic
When witnessing to a nominal Catholic, it is important to remember to be patient and compassionate, rather than antagonistic. This is a gradual process that requires patience and gentleness.
Firstly, it is important to understand the mindset of a nominal Catholic. Many Catholics have been indoctrinated from an early age and taught that everything that comes from Rome or the Pope takes precedence over the Bible. They are taught that salvation comes through their church and that they must merit saving grace through sacraments, religious rituals, and good works. This is a barrier to biblical truth, and Catholics may be resistant to the idea of being "born again". They may also not be familiar with the Bible, beyond the passages read during Mass. Therefore, it is important to approach them with compassion and patience, rather than direct confrontation, which may cause them to become defensive.
Instead of confrontation, gently point them towards Scripture and its authority as God's Word. Let the Bible define your language and lead your conversation. Share how the Bible has impacted your life and combine biblical reading with your personal testimony. This can help encourage Catholics to move beyond simply following religious rituals and traditions, and towards a personal relationship with God through His Word.
Remember that Catholics may have a different understanding of certain words and concepts. For example, they may view salvation as an open-ended process dependent on their works, rather than as a gift from God received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Be prepared to explain these differences and gently correct misunderstandings, always pointing back to the authority of Scripture.
Pray for guidance and for their salvation. Remember that it is God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit that changes hearts. As you witness, rely on the power of God's Word to speak to their hearts and cause them to see the truth for themselves.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to be compassionate and non-judgmental. You should also be prepared to explain how the Bible has impacted your life. Let the Bible define your language and lead your conversation. You can also pray for guidance: "Lord, You know the heart and the motives of this person. Give me the words she needs to hear."
Catholics are often resistant to the idea of being "born again" because they have been indoctrinated from an early age and taught that everything that comes from Rome takes precedence over the Bible. They are also taught that salvation is an open-ended process where good works and sacraments are necessary. So, it is important to explain that salvation comes from God's grace alone and that Jesus is the all-sufficient saviour.
Nominal Catholics may believe that faith in Christ is not sufficient for salvation, and that good works and other mediators like Mary and the saints are also necessary. They may also believe that only a priest can provide access to God. It is important to gently point them towards Scripture and its authority as God's Word, and to explain that Jesus extends an invitation to all.
