Comments on: ‘Sheep Stealing’ Among Christians http://cosmos-liturgy-sex.com/2007/08/06/sheep-stealing-among-christians/ Now This Is The Real World! Where Theology and Real Life Meet. Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:07:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: shelray http://cosmos-liturgy-sex.com/2007/08/06/sheep-stealing-among-christians/#comment-257223 shelray Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:58:12 +0000 http://cosmos-liturgy-sex.com/2007/08/06/sheep-stealing-among-christians/#comment-257223 Tom, I agree with what you're saying. I actually believe it's our duty to <i>evangelize</i> the truth, and as a spiritual works of mercy - we are bound to instruct the ignorant and counsel the doubtful. Conversion should come only as a natural outcome of our sincere and charitable efforts, and we need acknowledge the fact and act in a manner knowing that we have no control over the decisions of others as we are merely instruments of God's grace. The individual's disposition and God's grace which will ultimately determine a conversion. Thanks Tom, I agree with what you’re saying.

I actually believe it’s our duty to evangelize the truth, and as a spiritual works of mercy - we are bound to instruct the ignorant and counsel the doubtful.

Conversion should come only as a natural outcome of our sincere and charitable efforts, and we need acknowledge the fact and act in a manner knowing that we have no control over the decisions of others as we are merely instruments of God’s grace. The individual’s disposition and God’s grace which will ultimately determine a conversion.

Thanks

]]> By: Tom Hurley http://cosmos-liturgy-sex.com/2007/08/06/sheep-stealing-among-christians/#comment-256899 Tom Hurley Tue, 07 Aug 2007 04:29:32 +0000 http://cosmos-liturgy-sex.com/2007/08/06/sheep-stealing-among-christians/#comment-256899 I agree that it is important not to aim at manufacturing conversions, so to speak, in the way you describe. The focus in conversion must always remain on the other person as a person. I would just also add that this does not mean that we should place less emphasis on conversions. I'm not saying that's what you're saying, obviously, but it is just what I personally have seen more of than the impulse to manufacture conversions. Focusing on the good of the other person makes conversions more important, not less so, and forms a better reason for the clear proclamation of the truth than any "numbers game" of conversions would. The problem with scenarios such as the one you describe is the way in which conversion is understood and approached, not the strong desire for conversions. I would consider the statement from the Vatican/WCC report, "All should heal themselves from the obsession of converting others," dangerously broad, but if that line is to be true, it clearly must not be interpreted in such a way as to mean that there is a problem with people who actively pursue conversions as something extremely important. I agree that it is important not to aim at manufacturing conversions, so to speak, in the way you describe. The focus in conversion must always remain on the other person as a person. I would just also add that this does not mean that we should place less emphasis on conversions. I’m not saying that’s what you’re saying, obviously, but it is just what I personally have seen more of than the impulse to manufacture conversions. Focusing on the good of the other person makes conversions more important, not less so, and forms a better reason for the clear proclamation of the truth than any “numbers game” of conversions would. The problem with scenarios such as the one you describe is the way in which conversion is understood and approached, not the strong desire for conversions. I would consider the statement from the Vatican/WCC report, “All should heal themselves from the obsession of converting others,” dangerously broad, but if that line is to be true, it clearly must not be interpreted in such a way as to mean that there is a problem with people who actively pursue conversions as something extremely important.

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