Different Bible studies at university started this very week, so my Catholic friend and I got to the cafeteria, ready to lead ours. We had met (with 2-3 more Bible study leaders) last week to do the Bible study ourselves and etc. I did not expect anybody to show up. We have about 100 names listed as “Christian contacts” but only about 20 actually participate in Bible studies and/or meetings, activities, etc. Obviously nobody came. I’m just going to join another Bible study group since nobody seem to be available on Monday mornings.

So you might wonder what my Catholic friend and I did as we waited from 10 to 11. We talked about the weather for a little bit, but I could not bear it much longer so I asked him a question “So, according to you, what are the differences between Catholics and Evangelicals?”, with a big smile he told me, “There aren’t any differences!”

I proposed some differences Catholics and Evangelicals have that are quite meaningful (although we didn’t get to talk about salvation). Our conversations were mostly around praying to the saints, baptism and the Lord’s Supper. I felt it was almost useless to chat about these things because he kept telling me, “I know what evangelical people say and how they prove me wrong, but…” or “I know you will say that it’s not written in the Bible but…” no arguments of his challenged me because they were not founded in the Bible and he knew it.

I’m not going to tell all the interesting and sometimes dangerous things he said, but seriously, our conversation on praying to the saints was a little ridiculous.

G: What’s the purpose of praying to saints?

C: Well, saints are people that were made saints after they died. Usually they had done one or two miracles. They are people God has given a very particular gift. So, when we have a specific problem, like with a certain illness, we pray to St. Joe (I can’t remember the names) so that he can go to God on our behalf. They’re like … mediators.
G: Ok, so instead of directly going to Jesus (the only mediator between man and God) you would rather ask a specialized saint who will then go to God for you. So you’re basically substituting Jesus for a saint. Oh, and that whole concept or praying to the saints or dead Christians that can help you… well, to the best of my knowledge it’s foreign to the New Testament too.

C: You don’t substitute Jesus with a saint, you just… it’s like in a big company. If you need to call there, you would not want to talk to the big boss because it would take longer, he’s busy etc. you would want to talk to the person who is specialized in the field you need information on.

I could not bear it any longer, what kind of illustration was that! Ridiculous! I must say that I was quite blunt with him, I’m not going to smile and nod about things that are contrary to the Bible eh. It was all done in a good spirit and no hard feelings. He was actually happy to talk about these things.

So yeah, I was happy I got the chance to talk to him, but I hope we can talk about salvation some other time.