Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue: worthwhile or not?

By Helen

13 Sep 2007

Catholic-Evangelical dialogueA Roman Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue will take place in Chicagoland this Sunday evening. One of my friends, John Armstrong, organized it.

Do you see value in dialogue about theology between Christians who have significant theological differences with one another?

If so, which Christians with different beliefs from you would you most like to have a dialogue with, assuming they’re open to it?

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  1. Comment by Timothy Wright

    5.57 am on 13 Sep 2007

    Hi Jason,

    If you are talking theology, for me-no. If you are talking about how we flesh out our lives, then it is valuable. I was raised catholic so I know the theology, and practices.

    I would be interested in talking to and understanding Mormons and Liberal Democrats. They are almost the same to me.

    Tim

  2. Comment by Helen

    11.15 am on 13 Sep 2007

    Tim, actually I posted this (it’s not a big deal but I want to make sure Jason doesn’t get blamed for it :))

    Do you see theology and how we flesh out our lives as two totally separate things? Doesn’t our theology determine how we should and do live our lives?

    Was that a joke about Mormons and Liberal Democrats?

  3. Comment by marc

    1.28 pm on 13 Sep 2007

    I think discussions with Cathoilcs is a great idea – we can learn an awful lot form them.

  4. Comment by Steve

    1.59 pm on 13 Sep 2007

    Hi Helen,

    Absolutely, yes. I believe that any conversation between these two groups is fantatstic, and very worthwhile.

    In terms of topics, I would avoid minutia around the most critisised catholic doctrine, such as mary and contraception etc, and I would perhaps talk about

    The role of the Holy Spirit
    An understanding of tradition and it’s value
    Involvement in our communities
    personhood

    I think that by focusing on things where there may be some common ground, albeit from a different persspective, you get the opportunity to connect and to see a little of the other person in their theology.

    After the first experience of a Catholic Charasmitic (self styled) conference in the UK here, one parish priest cam back and annoited his congregation with oil and prayed for them, which was his way of moving forward in a Catholic context.

    I’m not sure where you are, or if you are going, but if so

  5. Comment by Jamie Arpin-Ricci

    3.43 pm on 13 Sep 2007

    I am something of a product of my childhood experiences where this topic is concerned. Born into rural Evangelical community, I attended a Mennonite school (where many denominations were presented), went to a Pentecostal youth group and joined my grandmother for Roman Catholic mass about once a month. I am incredibly grateful for that foundation.

    Therefore, I am a strong advocate for inter-tradition dialogue, discussion and (if done appropriately and with established relationship) debate.

    Peace,
    Jamie

  6. Comment by Helen

    11.50 am on 14 Sep 2007

    Thanks for your comments, everyone.

    Somewhere along the way I found out that what I was told Catholics believed wasn’t the same as what they actually believed. That’s one reason I think dialogue is important; without it how will any wrong ideas we have about other peoples’ beliefs get corrected? It helps us not to spread misinformation (if we listen carefully).

    Steve, the dialogue is in Chicagoland, where I live, but I’m not able to go.

  7. Comment by Paul

    12.20 pm on 14 Sep 2007

    Thanks Helen, i think there is an aweful lot that evengelicals and catholics can agree on theologically – so the conversation is worthwhile just to highlight that. A friend of mine who was on the world council of churches (which includes all the main denomns) said they talked for 6 months and were still agreeing with each other.

    Of course there are going to be accent notes, matters of emphasis, particular traditions etc that are going to be different but i’d be surprised if there were many disagreements over the tennants of orthodox credal faith.

  8. Comment by Helen

    12.24 pm on 14 Sep 2007

    Thanks for your comment, Paul.

    I know conservative evangelicals who consider Catholic beliefs to be seriously wrong. However, I’m not convinced these Christians understand Catholic theology. Their information seems to come from each other and based on what Catholics have told me first-hand, it’s somewhat inaccurate.

  9. Comment by Helen

    12.28 pm on 14 Sep 2007

    …for example, in 1994 a paper “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” was signed and released and various evangelicals expressed concern about it.

    Here’s part 1 of an article expressing concerns in detail:

    Evangelicals and Catholics Together: An Evaluation – Part 1

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