In this series on Why Be Catholic? I am mainly addressing the issue of attacks from Protestants* on the Catholic Church.  In this final article, I want to emphasize that many good things are found within these ecclesiastical communities.   Although it certainly would be a sad thing if a Catholic were to leave the Church founded by Christ for one of these denominations that have broken away from the true Church, yet we as Catholics should recognize that the Holy Spirit still is at work with these groups who are seeking to follow Christ in the best way they know how.  Actually, we should be inspired and imitate the zeal and dedication that many of them have in trying to put the Good News of Jesus into practice in their everyday life and sharing this Good News with others.  This is how all followers of Christ should respond to the teachings of Jesus!  Although there are some clear differences in our views of authority, salvation and ecclesiology (church), we agree on more than we disagree.  We need to work with each other in the transforming of ourselves and society to conform more with God's will.

Should we go to Protestant churches, be involved with their groups, listen to Protestant preachers, hang-out with them, etc.?  In the past, the Church's instruction on this matter was one of great caution. This is logical, since the greatest gift we have in this world is our Catholic faith, we shouldn't do anything to put this in any way in jeopardy.  So a very cautious approach is very advisable here, especially for those Catholics who are not well-formed in their faith.  (Remember, many of these groups are well-trained in luring Catholics away from the Church, and those who don't know any better are very vulnerable to falling away.)  On the other hand, there are some advantages for those who are strong and dedicated Catholics, well rooted in the teachings of the Church, to interact with Protestants.  Having a dialogue to help Protestants better understand truly what the Catholic Church teaches and why, working with Protestants for Christian causes like Pro-Life or fighting against pornography or the "gay agenda", all can be good for both the Catholic and the non-Catholics.

I, personally, have enjoyed listening to Protestant speakers on the radio like Chuck Swindall, Tony Evans, Elizabeth Elliot, and others.  Although I rarely find anything they teach being contrary to Catholic teaching, one still needs to be sure that one's "diet" of such instructions contains as the "main course" solid Catholic teachings (anything from EWTN / WEWN, Fr. John Corapi, Scott and Kiberly Hahn, and thousands more).

The bottom line is "they will know we are Christians by our love."  Being able to defend the Catholic faith against those who attack it is important, but let's not loose sight of the true goal.  Let's work in love and charity to fulfill our Lord's desire that "that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (Jn 17:21).

*Protestant - In this series, I use this term loosely.  I am mainly addressing the evangelical Protestants (many who claim to be "non-denominational") or those who base themselves upon the principles of sola scriptura (Bible alone) and/or sola fide (by faith alone is one saved).  For detailed information on Protestantism, click here.