Why Converting Muslims is Taboo in the Catholic Church

What are they talking about at the Synod for Evangelisation? This article by Sandro Magister tells us that the Bishops have broached the taboo subject of conversions from Islam to Christianity. It makes interesting reading, despite the rather ponderous translation, (read the original here ) and I was particularly struck by this section of it, which I beg readers to consider carefully:

Particularly well developed was the reflection of Archbishop Joseph Absi, auxiliary and protosyncellus in Damascus of the Greek-Melkites in Syria, who noted that the “openness of some Muslims to Christianity, undoubtedly helped by today’s means of communication” and the fact that “some of them have even reached the point of discovering in Christ the loving face of God the Father.”

But since, he added, “The Muslims do not see the difference between Christians and Westerners, because they do not distinguish, themselves, between what is religious and what is political and social. What precedes the Westerners is perceived by the Muslims as preceding the Christians. Now, Western behaviour, especially on the cultural and political level and in a general way, harms the religious and national sensitivity of the Muslims, their values, their ethics and their culture. Consequentially, this forms an obstacle to their openness to Christianity and to their possible evangelisation.”

In fact, he explained, “The majority of Muslims are convinced that the relaxing of mores, the exploitation of weak and poor peoples, the disdain of the Muslim religion that they feel from Westerners, comes from Christians. What can be done to stop the Muslims from confusing Christianity and the West, Christians and Westerners, and to not feel ridiculed and frustrated? The Synod, in its configuration of new evangelisation, should lean towards this question, to learn how to avoid, as much........

Insofar as the two “religions” are not all that different, it is no wonder that Muslims are feeling more comfortable with Catholicism. Both are religions of rewards, both need mediators here on earth, both have rituals one must follow to approach God. Both are cults. The Muslims who are among the elect will disavow any connection to Islam once they have been adopted by Christ, as do those Catholics from the RCC.

Western behaviour, especially on the cultural and political level and in a general way, harms the religious and national sensitivity of the Muslims, their values, their ethics and their culture

Uh, if you live in a hut and the guys across the pond have A/C, heat, toilets, and put child rapists in jail, then of course your poor little feelings are hurt.

Well, Muslims should feel right at home, then - “relaxed mores” (such as the 15 minute Islamic “marriage” for sexual purposes, the widespread use of young boys as sexual objects, etc.) and contempt for the poor (unless you consider Muslim concern to be shown by creating hordes of the poor while the rulers have a stable of wives and live in palaces with gold bathroom fixtures) are pretty much the norm in Islamic societies. I guess they consider the repression of women to be somehow a sign of decency, though.

And as for contempt for Islam, maybe they should ask themselves why this is so.

One of the reasons we don’t have that many converts is that (a) many of the clergy discourage them from converting and (b) our religious organizations that work in Muslim countries or around Muslims are indifferentists and don’t really think there’s anything special about Christianity themselves.

If the disciples had preached the way their modern heirs do, Christianity would never have made it beyond two weeks after Our Lord’s death.

“Insofar as the two “religions” are not all that different, it is no wonder that Muslims are feeling more comfortable with Catholicism. Both are religions of rewards, both need mediators here on earth, both have rituals one must follow to approach God. Both are cults.”

Insofar as your IQ is not all that different from a poor retarded soul, maybe one or two points.

"Insofar as your IQ is not all that different from a poor retarded soul, maybe one or two points."

That was unnecessarily harsh. Granted that anti-Catholic comments are instinctive and perfunctory for many of the posters, but it has nothing to do with IQ. In most cases it is actually in spite of appreciable IQs. I put it down to ignorance. In this case both of Catholicism and Islam because most Protestant curricula do not offer a complete or honest presentation or study of either. It seems clear that Dutchboy88 is not aware of the significant doctrinal parallels between Calvinism and Islam.

Keep in mind that, as Jesus forgave from the cross, ignorance can be salvific. We need to forgive and pray for Dutchboy88 and , given the opportunity, educate him as to the truth.

Peace be with you.

"Insofar as your IQ is not all that different from a poor retarded soul, maybe one or two points."

It is at least two points, my FRiend. The argument, however, is whether the RCC comports with the Scriptures that it pretends to have delivered to the world. Answer: It does not. Therein lies the problem.

Instead Rome supplies imaginary doctrines, traditions of men, and worldly fables fit only for old women (that's Paul's line, not mine). The Scripture offers clear truth delivered by the Apostles. Read your Book, my FRiend, especially the letters delivered to us Gentiles (letter to the Romans, Ephesians). You will find no pope, no sacerdotalism, no sacraments, no central authority, no indulgences, no absolution, no purgatory, no nunneries, no genuflecting, no pater nosters assigned, no gold gathered in Rome.

Rather, there in the Scriptures, in stark contrast to the Roman error, is the clarity of "salvation by grace alone, through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works that no one should boast". But, Rome does not like such God-driven theology. Instead, it drinks man-centered religion to control the masses.

We invite you to read the epistles (the place into which we Gentiles are added to the story line) and see for yourself. If you are among the elect, you will cry with Luther, Calvin, and others that the message is, "Christ, alone, no Rome!" Escape, if you are permitted.

"Instead Rome supplies imaginary doctrines..."

Do not be swayed or angered by those who hate His Church for they hated Him first. The Traditions of the Church anchored and nurtured the His Church for over 300 years before there even was a Bible or a Canon of Scripture. The Traditions formed the basis of the Creeds and the Creeds the measure of Canon. Pity and pray for those who do not share the completeness of His Church, they drink from a half empty cup.

By all means test and measure everything and hold fast to that which is good. Everything good is from God. The proof of whether a person or an organization is of God is the presence of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Where you find the Fruit you find God. If a man hates you because he believes you hold on to that which you believe to be good he is not of God.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." - Gal 5:22-26

Peace be with you

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