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Does the Christian quit or does the Christian challenge?
Temetum Per Occasionem ^ | June 10, 2008 | F. Wm. McGraw

Posted on 06/11/2008 8:00:24 AM PDT by VidMihi

Temetum Per Occasionem.

If it is true that the Holy Spirit works in each and every baptized person, then what is the role of the individual believer when something contrary to the Gospel of Jesus is preached in a faith community? Is it to sit idly and say nothing? Is it to walk out and come no more? Or is it to confront and open dialogue in search of truth?

Is it not a sad commentary that no one in a congregation is willing to question, to perhaps object, or at least seek clarification? Are members of such a congregation active thinkers, imbued with a faith commitment, and willing to face martyrdom in defense of their beliefs, or is the congregation a social gathering for song and good fellowship? Just asking.


TOPICS: Activism; Apologetics; General Discusssion; Ministry/Outreach
KEYWORDS: ministry; sermons; truth
I have often thought it would be a nice idea to have a discussion after Mass about the Sermon. Wonder if they ever do that at certain Chicago churches?
1 posted on 06/11/2008 8:00:24 AM PDT by VidMihi
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To: VidMihi
Does the Christian quit or does the Christian challenge?

Challenge. And if the God-haters don't like it, tough nuts to them.

2 posted on 06/11/2008 8:02:18 AM PDT by Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus (Here they come boys! As thick as grass, and as black as thunder!)
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To: Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus

I believe Paul addressed this in scriptures. As usual, when you have a question on Christ’ Church go to the source.


3 posted on 06/11/2008 8:10:09 AM PDT by Patrick1
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To: VidMihi
I once had a friend, who was a church leader, tell me that if it is not too far out of line, do not interrupt the service, and take it up later in privacy.

If too far out of line, the talk should be stopped.

4 posted on 06/11/2008 8:11:56 AM PDT by fproy2222
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To: Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus

I questioned, I challenged....

The Church voted in the change, and It was 95 to 23....

we still have Our sunday school class..( which I like)

The Church is not dead, or even dying......

but it is Damaged, in My opinion.

it is worrysome that this can be the first step off a “slippery slope”

Time will tell.


5 posted on 06/11/2008 8:13:56 AM PDT by LtKerst (Lt Kerst)
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To: Patrick1; LtKerst
Sorry for the mix-up, I'm not responding to the article per se, just to the question posed in the title of the thread, and responding to it generally.
6 posted on 06/11/2008 8:28:06 AM PDT by Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus (Here they come boys! As thick as grass, and as black as thunder!)
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To: VidMihi

If it is true that the Holy Spirit works in each and every baptized person, then perhaps that is what the preacher is doing, even though to some, it appears contrary.


7 posted on 06/11/2008 8:59:22 AM PDT by stuartcr (Election year.....Who we gonna hate, in '08?)
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To: VidMihi
In John 17, Jesus prayed,
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray [...] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Obviously UNITY is a very high value of Jesus.

SO, a third option -- being peaceful and respectful when you disagree in church -- may be what honors Jesus the most.

Unfortunately, far too many Christians get huffy and march out of church when they hear something they don't like. A wise quiet reply or just biting your tongue is most likely the best Christlike response to disagreement.
8 posted on 06/11/2008 9:55:32 AM PDT by GregAllen
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To: VidMihi

I never attempted to speak to the priest who fomented errors. It was so subtle, I doubt many cared or understood the depth of the deception. I stayed but a continuing darkness that was coming over my spirit prompted me to leave until he was finally removed by the Bishop.

This priest was not removed because of the subtle errors, but because he was sexually active. (With an adult...not a Catholic.)

I doubt the Bishop was aware of this now retired priest’s dissonance with Catholicism, and perhaps I should have spoken with him, and if no understanding could be reached, written to the Diocese. None of us in the parish knew about the priest’s “activity,” but looking back, his sermons were nothing but happy-happy joy-joy blurbs without any meat to them for living and they were anything but Catholic.

The Holy Spirit did guide me to leave for another parish rather than fight. You do have to pray for guidance and wait to see what God wants.

At the time, I was younger and did not have the ablity or stomach for a fight. I’m quite old now and more able to confront people and situations. It just depends.


9 posted on 06/11/2008 11:06:28 AM PDT by OpusatFR
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To: VidMihi

2 Tim 2:24


10 posted on 06/11/2008 12:27:38 PM PDT by naturalized ("The time has come," He said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!")
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