We tackle the biggest, most complicated, stickiest issues of morality: contraception and same-sex attraction. How is a Catholic evangelist to approach such a minefield when proclaiming the gospel?
In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” So we know that we have to tell people about morality, but we need to make sure we’re doing it in a way that actually helps.
We talk about when, how, and why to bring these issues up, and examples of times these strategies have actually worked (we promise we’re not using you as guinea pigs).
We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your story, question, or comment–or if you’ve got a new nickname for Dave.
Snippet from the Show
Holiness and happiness are coterminous in God. Me seeking my own happiness is what God made holiness to be–seeking union with him forever in Christ Jesus.
SHOWNOTES
Contraception
- It should be addressed regularly in the Church in a group setting.
- Give talks and presentations of the Theology of the Body and the Church’s teaching on contraception. Understand the theology and philosophy around the issue.
- Encourage a call to personal repentance.
- Understand that the call to conversion to Jesus is a call to radical Christian holiness.
- We are called to sacrifice and suffer for our faith. It is not meant to be easy.
- Jesus died on the Cross for us. He understands and is the example of our faith.
- Happiness does not equal comfort.
- Make sure to teach the context before you teach the details.
Same-Sex Attraction
- Don’t lead with morality. The issue is too complicated.
- Ground it in the relationship with Jesus and teach it slowly over years.
- While you don’t want to lead with the difficult conversations, don’t make Jesus sound like a soft teddy bear either.
- Try saying “I love you, but I do not condone it and will not assist it.” You are always welcome home and they are welcome to visit.
- Make sure it comes from a place of love, then evangelize.
- Some people do need a direct conversation. You need to discern when it is time to be strategic and when it is time to be direct.
- We can treat people with love even when we know they are sinning.
5 Practical Tips
- Read and Reflect on Inter Mirifica.
- Read and Reflect on The Sermon on the Mount.
- Be self-reflective on an issue of morality in your own life that was a hurdle for you.
- Have someone who will hold you accountable.
- Share something evangelical through your social media.
Resources from the Show
- Michael Gormley – Radical Communities
- Everett Fritz – The Art of Forming Young Disciples: Why Youth Ministries Aren’t Working and What to Do About It
- Livio Melina – Sharing in Christ’s Virtues: For the Renewal of Moral Theology in Light of Veritatis Splendor
- On the Means of Social Communication – Inter Mirifica
- Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5-7
- Norma McCorvey – Won By Love
Meet Your Hosts
Michael “Gomer” Gormley
Michael has been leading evangelization and ministry efforts for the past ten years, both as a full-time parish staff member and as a speaker and consultant for parishes, dioceses, and Catholic campus ministries.
He is also the founder and creative director of LayEvangelist.com, and the producer and cohost of a Catholic young adult podcast Catching Foxes, which discusses the collision of Faith and Culture.
He is married to his college sweetheart, Shannon. Together they have about 1,000 children and get about 3 hours of sleep a night, which is alright by him.
David “Dave” VanVickle
Dave VanVickle fell in love with the Lord at the age of fourteen. Since then, he has dedicated his life to bringing others into a radical relationship with Christ.
He is a speaker and retreat leader. His programs focuses on proclaiming the universal call to holiness, authentic Catholic spirituality, spiritual warfare and deliverance. Additionally, Dave has over ten years of experience assisting Priests with their ministries of exorcism and deliverance.
Dave resides in Pittsburgh with his wife Amber and their five children: Sam, Max, Judah, Josie and Louisa.
