Monday, January 5, 2009
Happy New Year... new year, new journal
Well, I am planning a blog move over to livejournal since I like livejournal's format better... and it's easier to read friends on it and make posts "friends only" or public...
I'll post a link once I get the journal set up...
I'll post a link once I get the journal set up...
Saturday, December 20, 2008
12 painless ways to evangelize
12 Painless Ways to Evangelize
Copyright © 2000, Catholic Answers.
All Rights Reserved.
Introduction
Why not face it? Most Catholics shy away from publicly engaging in evangelization. Even those who know their faith well hesitate to discuss it with strangers, and those who don't know their faith as well as they should usually find themselves running for cover when they think they may be asked to engage in evangelization.
Not to fear. This booklet explains twelve ways you can spread the faith--at very little expense, often with complete anonymity, and even "from the comfort of your own home," as the old phrase puts it.
But first of all, what's "evangelization"? It's the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ, as it has been entrusted to the Church he established. When we evangelize, we explain the truths of the Catholic faith and invite people to consider them and to consider becoming Catholics. We offer them a welcome into the house that God built for them.
Many lay Catholics still think evangelization is a task just for priests and religious. "Let Father or Sister do it," they say. But it's really a task for every baptized Christian. Nowadays, with a decreased number of priests and religious, it's especially important that lay Catholics get involved in spreading the faith.
How to begin? Most parishes don't have effective evangelization programs, so you might be forced to fall back on your own resources.
But don't worry. In the following pages we present twelve easy (and usually cheap) ways to get the Good News out. Some of these methods are best done by several people together, so you might consider asking your friends over to your home to discuss techniques. Which method best fits your budget? Which makes best use of your time? Which makes best use of your talents? As you will see, you won't need much of a budget, you won't need much time, and you won't need to be a theological whiz.
Now roll up your sleeves, read on, and choose the techniques that are right for you. Who knows--one of them just might launch you as a full-time Catholic evangelist!
1
Stuff bill payment envelopes with Catholic tracts.
Everyone pays bills, and each remittance envelope is handled by someone at the other end. Opening envelopes is a tedious job. (Imagine going through a few thousand a day.) The contents of the envelopes never vary, except for the amount remitted.
Why not give the person who opens your envelope a little variety by including a tract that explains a Catholic belief? You can be sure the opener will take the tract home.
Of course, you do not need to restrict yourself to remittance envelopes. You can stuff tracts or booklets into every envelope you mail. Tracts can be obtained for as little as four cents apiece. Booklets may cost you a little more.
Either way, you can reach a hundred people for the cost of a fast-food lunch. Best of all, you won't have to pay anything extra for packaging or postage--you'll be using the envelope and stamp you would have used anyway.
Do you want responses to come to you or to your group? Purchase an inked address stamper at an office supply store, and stamp your name (or your group's name) and address onto the back of each tract or booklet. You'll get replies in no time.
2
Volunteer to take charge of your parish's literature rack.
Most parishes have vestibule literature racks. For the pastor they can be a source of modest income and regular headaches. You can accomplish two things if you volunteer to oversee the rack. First, your pastor or his secretary will be relieved of the burden. They won't have to worry about keeping the rack neat and filled.
Second, you can be reimbursed for the cost of the rack's literature if there's a donation box next to the rack. (If you receive more than enough to cover your costs in buying the literature, donate the excess to the parish--a great way to make yourself well-liked.)
But what should go in the rack? If you look at racks in neighboring parishes, you'll see that some literature seems neat, while other is dog-eared. Skip the latter: Tracts and booklets become dog-eared when many people pick them up, but few people take them home.
Most Catholics--and most non-Catholic visitors to Catholic churches--would like to know more about the Catholic faith, so your best bet is literature that explains Catholic beliefs in a clear, straightforward way, one topic per item. A prominent sign asking for donations should bring in enough to cover your costs.
3
Play a video or audio tape for door-to-door missionaries.
The last thing you should do, when missionaries ring the doorbell, is to tell them to go away. This gives them a bad impression of you and, if they know you're a Catholic, of the Church. Instead, invite them in to view or listen to a tape.
You won't have to do anything except be friendly. Whether they're Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons or "Bible Christians," ask them to sit down and tell them you'll be happy to take and read their literature, but say that first you'd like them to see a videotape or listen to an audio tape.
A few missionaries will excuse themselves at this point, but most, even those who won't accept Catholic literature, will be willing to sit through a tape. When the tape is through, ask them their impressions of it. Have on hand Catholic literature, in case they want more information. Invite them back for another visit (at which you'll play another tape).
Don't get into an argument or a deep discussion. What you want to do is have them listen to the truths of the Catholic faith as spoken by experts. Those truths will settle in their minds and, over time, will affect them.
4
Place tracts or booklets in the pews at your parish.
For this one you'll need your pastor's permission, of course, but that shouldn't be hard to obtain if you offer to supply top-quality materials.
You'll be doing your pastor two favors: He won't have to purchase the tracts or booklets (you and your friends will do that), and he'll end up with a more educated parish--especially welcome to a pastor who is frustrated because he has to start at "square one" each time he gives a homily.
To ensure that parishioners take your literature, consider taping a little note that says "Free: Please take me home!" to the top of each one. You don't want folks to think the tracts or booklets, like the missalettes, should be left in the pews after Mass.
A general distribution of literature, especially in a large parish, can be a drain on your wallet, so you might want to team up with other parishioners.
In fact, you can go to the rectory as a group to present your plan--the pastor will be impressed that several of you are willing to dig into your own pockets to help others in the parish.
5
Write and answer messages on your online service.
If your home computer has a modem, subscribe to an online service. Among the commercial services are America Online, CompuServe, Prodigy, and the Catholic Resource Network (CRNET information by modem: (703) 791-4336), and there are thousands of subscription-free bulletin board systems (BBSs).
Most services include public message forums in addition to private e-mail (electronic mail). A message in a public forum might be read by tens, hundreds, or thousands of people. This can be a cost-effective way to explain Catholic beliefs and to overcome common misconceptions about the Catholic faith.
Some local BBSs share messages with other BBSs around the country. This means that what you write tonight can be read tomorrow in hundreds of cities. (The Catholic Information Network [CIN information by modem: (619) 449-6030] operates this way.) Your cost: no more than a local phone call.
Online messages, unlike printed literature, allow for immediate responses. You can keep up continuing dialogues with people far away. Plus there's good news for the shy: Most systems allow you to use a "handle" instead of your real name.
6
Go door to door, hanging leaflets from doorknobs.
If you want to saturate your neighborhood with good Catholic literature, there's no better way than going door to door--and you never have to ring a doorbell.
Leave tracts or booklets hanging from the doorknob by means of cheap plastic bags. (Look in the Yellow Pages for manufacturers of such bags.) Or slip your literature under the doormat, or prop it against the door. But be sure you don't put your literature in anyone's mailbox. Mailboxes are for mail only, and it's a federal offense to put anything else in a mailbox.
If you feel up to face-to-face encounters, bring along other material, including tapes, for those times when you run into someone as you're leaving your tract or booklet. If you want to avoid such encounters, skip houses with open front doors or with people standing outside.
Going door to door is most enjoyable when you walk with a friend. Each of you can cover one side of the block. If one of you gets into a discussion with a resident, the other can cross the street and help guide the conversation.
7
Write to the editor when the press misrepresents the faith.
We all have seen anti-Catholic bias in the media. Sometimes it is a function of simple ignorance. Sometimes it is evidence of a deep-seated hostility. Either way, don't let misrepresentations about the faith go by without composing a quick answer.
Every opinion page editor wants lively letters to the editor. (He keeps his job only if he keeps this section popular.) The editor may not be a Catholic--he may not even like Catholics or their beliefs--but he'll print your letter if you write charitably, succinctly, and with verve.
The chief rule: Keep it short. An editor reserves the right to shorten long letters, but he usually doesn't want to use his time doing that. It's easier to throw long letters away. Your chances of getting your letter printed are greatest if you stay within 200 words, if you type your letter neatly, and if you include your name, address, and telephone number (so the editor can check that it was you who wrote, not someone using your name).
Many folks have their letters printed regularly. So can you. Remember: By writing just one short letter, you can influence thousands.
8
Place Catholic literature on windshields.
Two cautions: Don't do this on private property without getting permission from the owner. And, if you're going to place literature on windshields of cars parked along streets, check with your city about regulations. In most cities there's no problem at all, so long as the cars are on public property, including public parking lots, but some cities have restrictions. It's always good to check.
That said, this is an easy way to grab people's attention. After all, who can drive with a tract or booklet staring him in the face? Drivers have no choice but to remove your literature from their windshields. Few will toss your tract or booklet on the ground (being a litterbug is pass today), so even most of those who might not welcome the message will take your literature home, where it may sit for a day or two until it's read.
The key to getting your material read is to restrict yourself to topics that many people are interested in. Good examples: the Eucharist, the papacy, salvation. Even non-Catholics want to learn more about these.
9
Give away photocopies of articles from periodicals.
Again, you'll need permission for this one. Write to the publisher and explain that you want to make photocopies of a particular article and will give them away at no charge. (Most publications will refuse permission if you intend to sell the copies.) Be sure to include, on the last page of the article, the publication's name and address and the date of the issue in which the article appeared.
Passing out photocopies is a good way to distribute "I-wish-I-had-written-that" articles--you know, the kind that say just the right things in just the right words, but that probably never will appear in leaflet or booklet form.
If you take an article to a copying service, and if you order a large number of copies, prices can be less than four cents per magazine page. A hundred copies of a five-page article would run you $20--an inexpensive way to reach a hundred people.
These photocopied articles can be used as envelope stuffers, can be left in pews, or can be placed on windshields. If you want to receive responses, stamp your or your group's name and address on the last page.
10
Send a friend (or a stranger) a book or a tape.
Few people can resist a gift, especially one that has "perceived value," as the marketing phrase has it. Whether or not the intended recipient of your largesse likes books or tapes, he'll probably feel obliged to read or listen to whatever you give him.
Don't restrict your giving to friends. Preaching to the choir is often necessary, but you also should preach to the people in the pews and to the people who never even make it to church. Besides, there's no better way to overcome a lack of friendship than to give a gift that says, "Please accept this. I'm interested in having your opinion of it."
If you purchase a single title, whether a book or a tape, in quantity, you usually can receive a substantial discount from the supplier--anywhere from twenty to forty percent, sometimes more. If one or two friends will join you in underwriting the costs, you'll be able to give a book or tape to someone for as little as a dollar or two. This is an effective way to spread the good news about the Catholic faith.
11
Call radio talk shows.
Most talk shows on "Christian radio stations" are hosted by Protestants. Inevitably the Catholic Church and Catholic beliefs are discussed--but not necessarily with sensitivity or understanding. Here's where you come in.
All you have to do is call these shows--most of them advertise a toll-free number or a local number--but do a little preparation first. Since you'll have only a few moments on the air, you must know what you're going to say and how you'll say it. Before dialing, pencil a list of "talking points" so you won't become tongue-tied or lose your train of thought.
On most stations you maintain anonymity, with only your first name and city being given over the air. (You may have to give your full name and other information to the station's program engineer, but all that will be kept confidential.)
When you finally get on the air, make sure you speak constructively, even when you need to correct the program's host, his guest, or another caller. Don't say, "The guest on today's show doesn't know what he's talking about." It's better to say, "The guest on today's show seems to have a misconception about Catholic teaching on such-and-so. Let me explain what the Catholic Church really believes . . . ."
12
Leave Catholic tracts and flyers in conspicuous places.
Do you take a bus to work or to school? If so, leave Catholic literature on the seat as you exit, and the next person no doubt will read it. After all, what else is there to do on a bus?
If you find yourself waiting at a bus stop or on a train platform, leave a few copies of a tract or flyer on the bench--provided it's not a windy day, of course.
Before leaving your house, stuff a dozen pieces of Catholic literature into your pocket or purse. Make it a point to distribute that many pieces each time you go out. You can leave literature nearly anywhere, but be careful not to leave it where it likely will fall to the ground and be trampled underfoot.
If someone sees what you're doing and expresses interest, smile broadly and offer him samples. There's no need to argue about the contents of the literature. Just say, "Why don't you take one? You might find it helpful."
Copyright © 2000, Catholic Answers.
All Rights Reserved.
Introduction
Why not face it? Most Catholics shy away from publicly engaging in evangelization. Even those who know their faith well hesitate to discuss it with strangers, and those who don't know their faith as well as they should usually find themselves running for cover when they think they may be asked to engage in evangelization.
Not to fear. This booklet explains twelve ways you can spread the faith--at very little expense, often with complete anonymity, and even "from the comfort of your own home," as the old phrase puts it.
But first of all, what's "evangelization"? It's the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ, as it has been entrusted to the Church he established. When we evangelize, we explain the truths of the Catholic faith and invite people to consider them and to consider becoming Catholics. We offer them a welcome into the house that God built for them.
Many lay Catholics still think evangelization is a task just for priests and religious. "Let Father or Sister do it," they say. But it's really a task for every baptized Christian. Nowadays, with a decreased number of priests and religious, it's especially important that lay Catholics get involved in spreading the faith.
How to begin? Most parishes don't have effective evangelization programs, so you might be forced to fall back on your own resources.
But don't worry. In the following pages we present twelve easy (and usually cheap) ways to get the Good News out. Some of these methods are best done by several people together, so you might consider asking your friends over to your home to discuss techniques. Which method best fits your budget? Which makes best use of your time? Which makes best use of your talents? As you will see, you won't need much of a budget, you won't need much time, and you won't need to be a theological whiz.
Now roll up your sleeves, read on, and choose the techniques that are right for you. Who knows--one of them just might launch you as a full-time Catholic evangelist!
1
Stuff bill payment envelopes with Catholic tracts.
Everyone pays bills, and each remittance envelope is handled by someone at the other end. Opening envelopes is a tedious job. (Imagine going through a few thousand a day.) The contents of the envelopes never vary, except for the amount remitted.
Why not give the person who opens your envelope a little variety by including a tract that explains a Catholic belief? You can be sure the opener will take the tract home.
Of course, you do not need to restrict yourself to remittance envelopes. You can stuff tracts or booklets into every envelope you mail. Tracts can be obtained for as little as four cents apiece. Booklets may cost you a little more.
Either way, you can reach a hundred people for the cost of a fast-food lunch. Best of all, you won't have to pay anything extra for packaging or postage--you'll be using the envelope and stamp you would have used anyway.
Do you want responses to come to you or to your group? Purchase an inked address stamper at an office supply store, and stamp your name (or your group's name) and address onto the back of each tract or booklet. You'll get replies in no time.
2
Volunteer to take charge of your parish's literature rack.
Most parishes have vestibule literature racks. For the pastor they can be a source of modest income and regular headaches. You can accomplish two things if you volunteer to oversee the rack. First, your pastor or his secretary will be relieved of the burden. They won't have to worry about keeping the rack neat and filled.
Second, you can be reimbursed for the cost of the rack's literature if there's a donation box next to the rack. (If you receive more than enough to cover your costs in buying the literature, donate the excess to the parish--a great way to make yourself well-liked.)
But what should go in the rack? If you look at racks in neighboring parishes, you'll see that some literature seems neat, while other is dog-eared. Skip the latter: Tracts and booklets become dog-eared when many people pick them up, but few people take them home.
Most Catholics--and most non-Catholic visitors to Catholic churches--would like to know more about the Catholic faith, so your best bet is literature that explains Catholic beliefs in a clear, straightforward way, one topic per item. A prominent sign asking for donations should bring in enough to cover your costs.
3
Play a video or audio tape for door-to-door missionaries.
The last thing you should do, when missionaries ring the doorbell, is to tell them to go away. This gives them a bad impression of you and, if they know you're a Catholic, of the Church. Instead, invite them in to view or listen to a tape.
You won't have to do anything except be friendly. Whether they're Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons or "Bible Christians," ask them to sit down and tell them you'll be happy to take and read their literature, but say that first you'd like them to see a videotape or listen to an audio tape.
A few missionaries will excuse themselves at this point, but most, even those who won't accept Catholic literature, will be willing to sit through a tape. When the tape is through, ask them their impressions of it. Have on hand Catholic literature, in case they want more information. Invite them back for another visit (at which you'll play another tape).
Don't get into an argument or a deep discussion. What you want to do is have them listen to the truths of the Catholic faith as spoken by experts. Those truths will settle in their minds and, over time, will affect them.
4
Place tracts or booklets in the pews at your parish.
For this one you'll need your pastor's permission, of course, but that shouldn't be hard to obtain if you offer to supply top-quality materials.
You'll be doing your pastor two favors: He won't have to purchase the tracts or booklets (you and your friends will do that), and he'll end up with a more educated parish--especially welcome to a pastor who is frustrated because he has to start at "square one" each time he gives a homily.
To ensure that parishioners take your literature, consider taping a little note that says "Free: Please take me home!" to the top of each one. You don't want folks to think the tracts or booklets, like the missalettes, should be left in the pews after Mass.
A general distribution of literature, especially in a large parish, can be a drain on your wallet, so you might want to team up with other parishioners.
In fact, you can go to the rectory as a group to present your plan--the pastor will be impressed that several of you are willing to dig into your own pockets to help others in the parish.
5
Write and answer messages on your online service.
If your home computer has a modem, subscribe to an online service. Among the commercial services are America Online, CompuServe, Prodigy, and the Catholic Resource Network (CRNET information by modem: (703) 791-4336), and there are thousands of subscription-free bulletin board systems (BBSs).
Most services include public message forums in addition to private e-mail (electronic mail). A message in a public forum might be read by tens, hundreds, or thousands of people. This can be a cost-effective way to explain Catholic beliefs and to overcome common misconceptions about the Catholic faith.
Some local BBSs share messages with other BBSs around the country. This means that what you write tonight can be read tomorrow in hundreds of cities. (The Catholic Information Network [CIN information by modem: (619) 449-6030] operates this way.) Your cost: no more than a local phone call.
Online messages, unlike printed literature, allow for immediate responses. You can keep up continuing dialogues with people far away. Plus there's good news for the shy: Most systems allow you to use a "handle" instead of your real name.
6
Go door to door, hanging leaflets from doorknobs.
If you want to saturate your neighborhood with good Catholic literature, there's no better way than going door to door--and you never have to ring a doorbell.
Leave tracts or booklets hanging from the doorknob by means of cheap plastic bags. (Look in the Yellow Pages for manufacturers of such bags.) Or slip your literature under the doormat, or prop it against the door. But be sure you don't put your literature in anyone's mailbox. Mailboxes are for mail only, and it's a federal offense to put anything else in a mailbox.
If you feel up to face-to-face encounters, bring along other material, including tapes, for those times when you run into someone as you're leaving your tract or booklet. If you want to avoid such encounters, skip houses with open front doors or with people standing outside.
Going door to door is most enjoyable when you walk with a friend. Each of you can cover one side of the block. If one of you gets into a discussion with a resident, the other can cross the street and help guide the conversation.
7
Write to the editor when the press misrepresents the faith.
We all have seen anti-Catholic bias in the media. Sometimes it is a function of simple ignorance. Sometimes it is evidence of a deep-seated hostility. Either way, don't let misrepresentations about the faith go by without composing a quick answer.
Every opinion page editor wants lively letters to the editor. (He keeps his job only if he keeps this section popular.) The editor may not be a Catholic--he may not even like Catholics or their beliefs--but he'll print your letter if you write charitably, succinctly, and with verve.
The chief rule: Keep it short. An editor reserves the right to shorten long letters, but he usually doesn't want to use his time doing that. It's easier to throw long letters away. Your chances of getting your letter printed are greatest if you stay within 200 words, if you type your letter neatly, and if you include your name, address, and telephone number (so the editor can check that it was you who wrote, not someone using your name).
Many folks have their letters printed regularly. So can you. Remember: By writing just one short letter, you can influence thousands.
8
Place Catholic literature on windshields.
Two cautions: Don't do this on private property without getting permission from the owner. And, if you're going to place literature on windshields of cars parked along streets, check with your city about regulations. In most cities there's no problem at all, so long as the cars are on public property, including public parking lots, but some cities have restrictions. It's always good to check.
That said, this is an easy way to grab people's attention. After all, who can drive with a tract or booklet staring him in the face? Drivers have no choice but to remove your literature from their windshields. Few will toss your tract or booklet on the ground (being a litterbug is pass today), so even most of those who might not welcome the message will take your literature home, where it may sit for a day or two until it's read.
The key to getting your material read is to restrict yourself to topics that many people are interested in. Good examples: the Eucharist, the papacy, salvation. Even non-Catholics want to learn more about these.
9
Give away photocopies of articles from periodicals.
Again, you'll need permission for this one. Write to the publisher and explain that you want to make photocopies of a particular article and will give them away at no charge. (Most publications will refuse permission if you intend to sell the copies.) Be sure to include, on the last page of the article, the publication's name and address and the date of the issue in which the article appeared.
Passing out photocopies is a good way to distribute "I-wish-I-had-written-that" articles--you know, the kind that say just the right things in just the right words, but that probably never will appear in leaflet or booklet form.
If you take an article to a copying service, and if you order a large number of copies, prices can be less than four cents per magazine page. A hundred copies of a five-page article would run you $20--an inexpensive way to reach a hundred people.
These photocopied articles can be used as envelope stuffers, can be left in pews, or can be placed on windshields. If you want to receive responses, stamp your or your group's name and address on the last page.
10
Send a friend (or a stranger) a book or a tape.
Few people can resist a gift, especially one that has "perceived value," as the marketing phrase has it. Whether or not the intended recipient of your largesse likes books or tapes, he'll probably feel obliged to read or listen to whatever you give him.
Don't restrict your giving to friends. Preaching to the choir is often necessary, but you also should preach to the people in the pews and to the people who never even make it to church. Besides, there's no better way to overcome a lack of friendship than to give a gift that says, "Please accept this. I'm interested in having your opinion of it."
If you purchase a single title, whether a book or a tape, in quantity, you usually can receive a substantial discount from the supplier--anywhere from twenty to forty percent, sometimes more. If one or two friends will join you in underwriting the costs, you'll be able to give a book or tape to someone for as little as a dollar or two. This is an effective way to spread the good news about the Catholic faith.
11
Call radio talk shows.
Most talk shows on "Christian radio stations" are hosted by Protestants. Inevitably the Catholic Church and Catholic beliefs are discussed--but not necessarily with sensitivity or understanding. Here's where you come in.
All you have to do is call these shows--most of them advertise a toll-free number or a local number--but do a little preparation first. Since you'll have only a few moments on the air, you must know what you're going to say and how you'll say it. Before dialing, pencil a list of "talking points" so you won't become tongue-tied or lose your train of thought.
On most stations you maintain anonymity, with only your first name and city being given over the air. (You may have to give your full name and other information to the station's program engineer, but all that will be kept confidential.)
When you finally get on the air, make sure you speak constructively, even when you need to correct the program's host, his guest, or another caller. Don't say, "The guest on today's show doesn't know what he's talking about." It's better to say, "The guest on today's show seems to have a misconception about Catholic teaching on such-and-so. Let me explain what the Catholic Church really believes . . . ."
12
Leave Catholic tracts and flyers in conspicuous places.
Do you take a bus to work or to school? If so, leave Catholic literature on the seat as you exit, and the next person no doubt will read it. After all, what else is there to do on a bus?
If you find yourself waiting at a bus stop or on a train platform, leave a few copies of a tract or flyer on the bench--provided it's not a windy day, of course.
Before leaving your house, stuff a dozen pieces of Catholic literature into your pocket or purse. Make it a point to distribute that many pieces each time you go out. You can leave literature nearly anywhere, but be careful not to leave it where it likely will fall to the ground and be trampled underfoot.
If someone sees what you're doing and expresses interest, smile broadly and offer him samples. There's no need to argue about the contents of the literature. Just say, "Why don't you take one? You might find it helpful."
Friday, December 19, 2008
It's good to educate yourself
I'm reading up on Non-Catholic belief groups... just to learn something I may not already know... I did order this book too.
http://www.catholic.com/library/noncatholic_groups.asp
I did NOT know so much about JW/WTS and it's really kinda odd some of the things. Having said this, I still love Joanne and what she believes is her own business and I'm not to judge her personally. But I could just never be a JW after being raised Catholic...
And well, re: the 144,000 anointed ones who will live on earth in Paradise....
http://www.catholic.com/library/noncatholic_groups.asp
I did NOT know so much about JW/WTS and it's really kinda odd some of the things. Having said this, I still love Joanne and what she believes is her own business and I'm not to judge her personally. But I could just never be a JW after being raised Catholic...
And well, re: the 144,000 anointed ones who will live on earth in Paradise....
Is Heaven Just for the "Anointed Class"?
The WTS teaches that only the anointed 144,000 seen in Revelation 7 will enter heaven (the "anointed class"), while the remainder that are not annihilated (the "other sheep") will live forever on earth in paradise. However, the Bible poses some irreconcilable difficulties with this idea.
If Revelation 7 is to be taken literally, there would only be 144,000 Jewish male virgins taken from a square shaped earth that are now in heaven worshipping a sheep. This would mean that Peter (not a virgin), the Blessed Mother (not a male), and Charles Taze Russell (not a Jew) could not be in heaven. Reading one number literally while taking the rest of a book symbolically is not sound exegesis. Beyond this, we see in Revelation 14 that the 144,000 stand before the 24 elders from Revelation 4:4. This at least brings the grand total to 144,024 people. But, the Scriptures indicate that there are still more to come. Revelation 7:9 speaks of a countless multitude before the throne, which is in heaven (Rev. 14:2-3). Still in the book of Revelation, we read that all those with their name in the book of life are in heaven (Rev. 21:27), while all whose names are not in the book of life are thrown into the pool of fire (Rev. 20:15). There is no third "earthly" class. Jesus reiterates this, and never speaks of two flocks. He has one bride, whose "reward is great in heaven" (Luke 6:23). Paul even exhorts the Christian community, calling them to remember, "As for us, our citizenship exists in the heavens" (Phil. 3:20).
The JWs attempt to use verses such as Psalms 37:29 as evidence that the just are to inherit the land forever, which is earth. In context, this refers to inheriting the promised land as a sign of God’s blessing in the Old Testament. But, Hebrews 11:8-16 indicates that there is a homeland better than the promised land on earth, and this is the heavenly one for those who die in faith. The Old Testament patriarchs "publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land . . . they are earnestly seeking a place of their own. . . . But now they are reaching out for a better [place], that is, one belonging to heaven. . . . God . . . has made a city ready for them. . . .These [OT men and women] did not get the [fulfillment of the] promise . . . as God foresaw something better for us" (Heb. 11:13-16,39-40). Even the footnote of the NWT makes clear that the "city" spoken of in these verses is the heavenly Jerusalem mentioned in Hebrews 12:22 and Revelation 21:2. But, the Watchtower still maintains that no one that lived before Christ will ever enter heaven. "The apostle Paul in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews names a long list of faithful men who died before the crucifixion of the Lord. . . . These can never be a part of the heavenly class" (Millions Now Living, p. 89). Only the 144,000 elite that all lived after the death of Christ will supposedly go to heaven. Matthew 8:11-12 provides severe difficulties for this idea, since Jesus proclaims, "many from eastern parts and western parts will come and recline at the table with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of the heavens; whereas the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the darkness outside. There is where [their] weeping and the gnashing of [their] teeth will be." No verse could be clearer in declaring that the patriarchs are in heaven. The following verses all demonstrate that Christians go to heaven, and do not remain on earth: 2 Corinthians 5:1; Hebrews 3:1; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 1:4-5; 1 Peter 1:4.
Note to self - namesday prayer
I meant to post this on Alex's namesday (Dec 12), but never got around to it.
Dear Saint (Name),
I have been honored to bear your name,
which you made famous by your holiness.
Help me never to shame this name.
Obtain God's grace for me
that I may grow in faith, hope, and love,
and all the virtues.
Grant that by imitating you I may imitate
your Lord and master, Jesus Christ.
Watch over me all my life
and bring me safe to my heavenly home.
Prayer while Working in the Kitchen During Advent
What joy this brings me, Lord. Thank you for guiding me into the kitchen for some time of silence with you. The room fills with wonderful smells and I share tastes and samples with my family as they make extra trips through the kitchen on days like this. Thank you for each and every one of these special people in my family. They are like the ingredients of my own life, adding spice and heat and wonderful flavor and melding together into a unique dish designed to glorify you. You know, God, cooking is quite a bit like my life. It's messy, I get careless and sometimes things don't turn out as I had planned. But in the mess of my life, that's where I can turn to you. Help me when I have to deal with being so imperfect. Bless me with humility when I grapple with my own poverty. Let me feel how deeply you love me, even when all I have to offer is scorched and humble.
Be with me Lord, in this kitchen today. Help me to take the time in this intimate silence with you, to pray for each person who will eat this food. Allow me to remember all of those around the world who have so little food, and bless those who share what little they have.
Be with me Lord, in this kitchen today. Help me to take the time in this intimate silence with you, to pray for each person who will eat this food. Allow me to remember all of those around the world who have so little food, and bless those who share what little they have.
Interesting
Well, I deleted yesterday's post but here it is again....
And today's report:
A JW (Jehovah Witness) woman called me yesterday and found herself shocked to be talking to a devout Christian !! LOL She started off: "Are you familiar with the book called the Bible..." and I thought, "Oh no, is the Church of Sweden trying to recruit me to them?" and I replied to her: "I should think so, I'm a very devout Catholic Christian woman." and she was taken aback, as in this secular country, you don't find many people saying so. LOL!
Well, I did make it clear that we were not converting to being JW, as we are a Catholic family, but she was welcome to come for coffee and learn about my faith and perhaps I'll learn more about JW Christians so I'm not so ignorant when talking with my best friend Joanne (who's a JW) ;o)
I just hope she's not freaked out with my religious table (has Our Lady of Mt Carmel on it, and I have heard that JW avoid homes with Marian statues) and paintings up on the wall.. nor allergic to dogs..
So she's coming over at 10:30am for a coffee chat. I have my Swedish little book, "25 Frågor & Svar om den Katolska Tron" to give to her, since they usually offer booklets when they visit. ;o) I'll call Joanne after per her request ;o))
And today's report:
Well I did end up having S (the JW woman) in, even if my sinuses are kinda buggin' me.
It was nice, no "We want to convert you" talk and I could ask what I wanted about her beliefs so I wasn't so ignorant. Found out why they believe 144,000 people will go to Paradise, she explained it to me, and the # and such were in the book of Revelations and it was actually an all around nice coffee chat.
Alex was on the go, talkin' a lot and runnin' around playing... I did have Toon Disney on as he likes watching different cartoons, not just Playhouse Disney ones. ;)
A nice lady, just like my best friend Joanne. :) Nothing odd about her and she believes as she does and is not pushing it on me at all. And in fact, she mentioned the latest issue of Watchtower feature the Blessed Virgin Mary in it ;)
So - don't be afraid to ever offer a cup of tea or coffee to a fellow believer even if their beliefs differ from yours. It's not very Christian-like to be that way. She took the book (Swedish) that is called "25 questions and answers about the Catholic Faith" and thanked me for it and said she'll read it and ask me questions as well about Catholicism. In all reality, it's no different than when one goes to Bible Study with other Christian denominations (Baptists, Evangelicals....) - we all love Jesus and that, to quote Martha Stewart, "is a good thing!" :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
