Same words. Different worlds. Reaching Roman Catholics - with Leonardo De Chirico and Rachel Ciano
Jan 16, 2023
auto_awesome
Leonardo De Chirico, a theologian and educator, along with Rachel Ciano, discuss the mistakes evangelicals make in engaging with Roman Catholicism. They explore the contrasting perspectives on Catholicism, the differences between Jesus and Mary within the Catholic system, and the importance of intentional engagement with Roman Catholics. They also delve into the diminishing role of the Holy Spirit and the promotion of Mary in Roman Catholicism, and its implications on the understanding of the Trinity and Jesus' humanity.
Evangelicals need to recognize the unique challenges involved in reaching out to Roman Catholics and approach Catholicism in its own terms.
The differences in language and meaning between evangelicalism and Catholicism require intentional communication strategies and an emphasis on the attractiveness of Jesus as portrayed in the Scriptures.
Deep dives
Reaching Roman Catholics with the Gospel
Leonardo DiCurico highlights the blind spot that evangelicals have when it comes to engaging with Roman Catholicism. He emphasizes the need for evangelicals to recognize the theological, missiological, and practical challenges involved in reaching out to Catholics. DiCurico describes Roman Catholicism as a carefully crafted theological and devotional system that shapes entire cultures. He argues that the system is more akin to the false gospel depicted in Galatians 1, which adds to the gospel rather than the true gospel portrayed in Philippians 1. He acknowledges that while there are individual Catholics who are genuine believers in Christ, their faith is often in spite of, not because of, Catholic teaching. DiCurico urges evangelicals to approach Roman Catholicism in its own terms and engage with it responsibly in order to effectively share the biblical gospel.
Understanding the Differences in Language and Meaning
DiCurico and Rachel Chiano discuss the challenge of communicating effectively with Roman Catholics due to differences in language and meaning. While many of the words and terms used in both evangelical and Catholic contexts are the same, their meanings diverge significantly. DiCurico explains that Catholic meaning is derived from a complex historical process that blurs biblical meaning with other interpretations and authorities, whereas evangelicals derive meaning from Scripture alone. This difference in meaning extends to all aspects of the Christian faith, resulting in a fundamentally different understanding of the gospel. Chiano emphasizes the importance of recognizing these differences and approach conversations with Catholics by appealing to the attractiveness of Jesus as portrayed in the Scriptures.
Strategic Engagement with Roman Catholics
The hosts discuss practical strategies for engaging with Roman Catholics within the church context. Chiano recommends actively engaging communities and intentionally inviting Catholics to church, while being mindful of Catholic practices and beliefs. She encourages leaders to consider how church services and activities may be perceived by Catholic visitors, such as the celebration of the Lord's Supper and systematic preaching. DiCurico suggests preaching from the Gospel of Matthew, which resonates with Catholic readers. He also emphasizes the importance of presenting the Bible as the final authority and organizing church life to demonstrate the value of community and biblical teaching. Overall, the podcast encourages evangelical churches to be intentional and culturally sensitive in their engagement with Roman Catholics.
Most of us evangelical pastors, theological colleges, indeed the whole of evangelicalism - we have a blind spot when it comes to Roman Catholicism in our theology, missiology and practice.
Where do we as Evangelicals make mistakes in our engagement with the Roman Catholic world?
What can we change? What should we change?
How do we best see our Roman Catholic friends come to a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ?
Leonardo De Chirico has been at the forefront of theological education of evangelicals in this space internationally for over a decade.
Leonardo is a church planter, pastor in Rome, and Director of the Reformanda Initiative.
Rachel Ciano, lectures in Church history at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, and has a deep interest in this topic
