Fr. Josh answers questions about whether Catholics should invite Protestants into the Catholic Church, how to cultivate a relationship with our patron saint, and the reality of the spiritual world.
Snippet of the Show
If our Catholic faith is a gift, then why would we want to keep it for ourselves? Gifts are meant to be shared with others.
Shownotes
Evangelizing Protestants
I am a cradle catholic and have always felt blessed to be born into my faith, but have never felt equipped to explain (or defend) my faith to others so I usually avoid situations where I would be asked questions. A couple of years ago I was on a business trip and found myself seated on a plane next to a lady who wanted to have a conversation about religion. She asked me if I was Christian and asked what religion I practiced. She then told me she felt sorry for me because Catholics believe we have to ‘work’ our way to heaven, whereas in her church they believe once you say yes to their faith, you are ‘saved’. I can’t recall exactly how I ‘avoided’ getting into a discussion with her, but I do recall saying that I feel fortunate to have my faith, the sacraments and a path towards heaven. I did find it surprising that she felt the need to try to ‘convert’ me to her faith. As a Catholic I never felt I needed to try to convert other Christians to Catholicism, and (perhaps ignorantly) always felt proud of the fact that Catholics don’t push our faith on others….My question is, knowing that other protestant faiths do know Jesus Christ but do not know or honor all of the sacraments of the Catholic Church, do we as Catholics have an obligation to teach and try to ‘convert’ protestants (back) to the Catholic faith? (Note: I re-listened to your podcast of February 4th where you responded to the question as whether non-Christians, if by no fault of their own do not know Christ or the Church, could obtain salvation. I would still like clarity around whether Catholics have an obligation to educate protestants about our faith, or rather should our focus be on those who have no knowledge of Christ at all).
-Angie
Patron Saints
What should our relationship with our patron saint look like? And when we pray to them is it ok to refer to them as “brother” or “sister”{for example when we pray to St. Francis can we say Brother Francis pray for me }?
– Samantha
The Spiritual World
How do we know the spiritual world exists? I’ve never understood angels, spirits, or holy salt, and I feel a bit embarrassed that sometimes this even seems a little silly to me. My whole life I’ve been almost proud to say I’ve “never believed in ghosts” or spirits behind ouija boards, but I realize that I’m actually missing something about my Catholic faith! This came to my attention while listening to Fr. Mike’s Bible in a Year episode on 1 Sam 27-28. How can I learn about the Catholic Church’s teachings on the spirit world and be less of a skeptic
Thanks,
Elda
Resources
- Submit your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
- Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday by Danielle Bean
- Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Reconciliation by Fr. Josh Johnson & Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.
Meet Fr. Josh Johnson
While Fr. Josh was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. Then, one day in adoration, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest.
Now, Fr. Josh is the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. He is a presenter in four of Ascension’s programs: Altaration, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body, The 99, and Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, as well as the author of Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation, Pocket Guide to Adoration, and co-author of Pocket Guide to Reconciliation.
