FALSE NEWS OR FALSE LEADERS

For many church leaders, evangelism has become a dirty word, unless we evangelize without words.

In an article entitled, “Pope Francis Issues Top 10 Tips for Happiness,” the last two tips conclude with these suggestions:

·       We can inspire others through witness so that one grows together in communicating. But the worst thing of all is religious proselytism, which paralyses: 'I am talking with you in order to persuade you,' No. Each person dialogues, starting with his and her own identity. The church grows by attraction, not proselytizing.”

·       The call for peace must be shouted. Peace sometimes gives the impression of being quiet, but it is never quiet, peace is always proactive” and dynamic. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/pope-francis-issues-top-10-tips-for-happiness-9639488.html

Did you notice the contrast? We are to shout “peace,” but we cannot even whisper “Jesus.” I wonder what this Pope what have said at the preaching of John:

·       In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” (Matthew 3:1-3; ESV)

Would Francis have corrected Jesus along with John? Let’s look at His final instructions to His Apostles:

·       “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Sounds like proselytization, doesn’t it? In contrast, Francis claims: “But the worst thing of all is religious proselytism, which paralyses: 'I am talking with you in order to persuade you,' No.”

Well, isn’t Francis trying to persuade us? A little bit of a double-standard here? Perhaps proselytism is not the worst thing in the world.

It is also worthy to note that none of Francis’ ten tips allude to Jesus or Scripture. Could it be that this article is just another example of “false news” or are we looking at a false representative of Jesus?