In working for Catholics many blunders are due to a failure to understand their mental attitude toward religious matters. There is a difference, first of all, between Catholics of Protestant lands and those of Catholic countries. The former are no doubt more difficult to approach. They are better educated. They frequently read and cite the Catholic Scriptures. Their teachings are more adapted to resisting Protestant influences and to refuting its arguments. The clergy, as a rule, are gentlemanly and courteous toward non-Catholics. The more sinister doctrines of Romanism are virtually omitted from the catechisms, or so glossed over and tempered down that they do not shock the finer sensibilities.
Catholics in Protestant lands have an opportunity to observe Protestantism at close hand. The increasing number of sects and conflicting beliefs, the laxity in morals and discipline, the lack of authority, and the modern trend to liberalism, are all evidence to the Catholic that he has nothing to gain by leaving his own church. So Rome holds her own and grows in these lands.
On the other hand, in Catholic countries the masses are more illiterate. The Bible is scarcely known by the layman. Romish doctrines appear in their more hideous forms, and are practiced more in keeping with their nature. The clergy are more insolent, intolerant, and cruel toward dissident faiths. A great effort for years has been made to stamp out and vilify Protestantism, and the very word is itself odious to Catholic ears. Catholics often believe that Protestants "protest against God, religion, the church, and everything that is good."
Had Protestants been true to the Bible, the name "Protestant" might be the symbol of something very different from what it is today. To the Catholic it means a religious bolshevist. But we as a people are distinct from those the world at large denominates "Protestant." So I prefer to tell Catholics that I am a Seventh-day Adventist, when it is necessary to identify myself. It will often close their ears if you say you are a Protestant, whereas the word "Adventist" may raise an inquiry. And Catholics themselves, when once acquainted with us, often consider us a distinct people from Protestants as a body.
The Catholic is very much prejudiced, and no marvel. Probably born of a devout mother, baptized soon after his birth, perhaps named after the saint on whose day he was born, educated under the care of the religious school, married according to the laws of the church, expecting the last sacrament in the hour of death, burial in consecrated ground, and that he shall be prayed for after his death, he considers the church the custodian of his soul from the cradle to the hereafter.
The field of religious thought ip severely circumscribed by the church. Religious literature must bear the mark of approval by the hierarchy before it is regarded as Safe reading for the. Catholic layman. He fears to peruse what the church has proscribed. If the Bible is permitted to be read, it must have approved notes (in some versions interpolated words and phrases in the text itself), in order that the reader shall see as the church sees. To him, his is the true and only church, which Christ Himself founded. It would be unreasonable to expect him to go to another communion to worship.
Minds which have been kept in spiritual bondage do not appreciate the value of liberty. The ability to draw them out, to lead them to investigate, counts largely in winning this people. Much depends upon the first contact. Eyes that are unaccustomed to the light must not have the full glare of the sun shot into them suddenly. Begin with subjects which do not involve controversy, and lead your hearers over common ground to points where there is divergence of belief.
Christ's regard for the human soul is reason enough for using tact in our work. Tact does not mean deception. It is to understand the mind, and approach it in the best manner. It does not mean that we should master papal theology (few Catholics have done that), though the reading of standard catechisms is useful.
A positive and explanatory method is better than argument. One may explain his subject so that his hearers will listen and assent, though unconscious at the time that this acceptance is leading them from their own faith; whereas the same theme, taken up in an argumentative manner, may make them conscious of the fact that you are tearing to pieces one of their tenets, and, feeling offended, they will leave to return no more. Catholics learn a great deal by contrast, as did the Jews from the life and teachings of Jesus. Many false doctrines are self-evident without mention when the truth- is-known:
To hold an effort in a Catholic community, I prefer a hall without any religious ornaments or pictures; a table on a platform rather than a pulpit; special music and songs rather than congregational singing. Since the Catholic would not come for the purpose of worship, the place and the program should not have the "church" character. The meetings, however, should begin with subjects that from the start take the people along step by step into fuller light. As the effort progresses and personal contacts are made, and as the people begin to read or study, the nature of the services may take on a more worshipful character.
A Catholic is reverent in worship. One visit to his church will impress that upon any mind. Be reverent when speaking of God or anything divine. Reference to the word of God as the "Holy Scripture" or the "Sacred Scriptures" is preferable to the word "Bible," which is often considered by them as a Protestant term.
Be careful not to offend Catholics. Subjecting the pope and the priests to verbal floggings does no good; it only makes enemies, and stirs up opposition. Sharp thrusts and cutting statements or ridicule are entirely out of place. The least that can be said about the Roman Church, and the more that can be said of Christ and the truth, the better. Mary, the mass, and the images often lose their charm when the hungry soul once tastes of the bread of life. As soon as possible try to make a personal contact with the people and visit them. Leave as many of the controverted points as possible for personal visits. Then these subjects may be studied together from the Bible itself. Never raise objections for discussion. Let the people do that. The devil will suggest enough without our help.
Reason is rarely a basis-for Catholic belief. The command and anathema of the church usually suffice to compel obedience. "It is the custom," or, "We have always been taught thus," or some saint, apostle, or the Lord did it, will be given as explanation for certain practices. This is characteristic of a formal religion. The mind that seeks to know God and understand His will is not so easily satisfied. A presentation of the principles underlying our doctrines, and the practical spiritual lessons applied to the individual life, make a wonderful appeal to Catholics. The parables of Jesus never lose their charm.
Rome rules by fear, and peace is noticeably absent in the hearts of her followers. The elaborate rites and ceremonies, the pomp and show, may impress the eye and awe the senses, but they do not heal the sin-sick soul. They do not draw out a service of love from the depths of the heart. We cannot compete with her wealth and splendor in material things; but the simple gospel and a righteous life have a fragrance sweeter and more beautiful than the loveliest flower. The knowledge and acceptance of Jesus bring cleansing and peace to the sinner. Controversy and argument have their place, but most of our Catholic brethren say they have been drawn by the saving power of Jesus. And was it not that great fact which gave birth to Protestantism and shook the foundations of Rome?
Perhaps greatest of all is the testimony of godly living by our lay members as a factor in the winning of Catholics in Latin fields. Every Catholic is conscious of the fact that true godliness is rare among his people. The church is very lax and easy regarding "venial" sins. As long as one communicates at least once a year, he stands well, though he may be anything but righteous in character. In their religious assemblies there is not that brotherly love and interest and joy of fellowship so common in our own gatherings. The average Catholic has little interest in his neighbor's spiritual welfare. The zeal and love of our brethren, the changes wrought in their lives, honesty in business, peaceful homes, clean living, truthfulness, and neighborliness go a long way in disarming prejudice. People may deny the truthfulness of the message when it is spoken, but they cannot deny its fruitfulness when it is lived.
The stale, printed prayers, filled with flattering praise to saints and Mary, miserably fail to give vent to the sentiments of the heart. The fervent prayers of our brethren, their testimonies of praise for the benefits of Heaven, are often God's means of softening the hearts of Catholic friends present in such meetings. We must not fail to inculcate the importance of faithful living in the simple affairs of daily life.
Catholics teach the pre-existence of Christ, the virgin birth, obedience to the ten commandments, tithing, and (in the creed) that Jesus will come again to judge the quick and the dead.
They also believe in the resurrection of the body. Of course they differ with us in many points on these subjects, but there is much that can be used as common ground Almost any of our doctrines may be so presented as to be attractive, without an offensive and antagonizing tone.
Personal work is very essential in working for Catholics. The public meeting may be a means of drawing them to us, but as soon as possible get them to read or to take Bible studies. They are usually won one at a time rather than by altar appeals. Pray with them and for them, and God's power will be with you to bless. The battle is half won when they can be visited and talked with about their souls. While hundreds may never respond, some will. Never give up, but press on prayerfully and carefully, and win.
Madrid, Spain.