The Book of Romans is the most powerful book on the Gospel and evangelism in the Holy Bible. The Apostle Paul taught…
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:14-15)
And yet, this book was written to a church in the midst of terrible persecution. Paul reminded them earlier in Romans…
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:25-27).
However, the message from Pope Francis to persecuted Chinese Catholics was, “do not proselytize.” In order to receive acceptance of the horrific and cruel Chinese government, the Pope has been urging his followers to never share their faith.
According to LifeSite News, the Pope recently made the remarks to the Chinese people, “The Church wants Chinese Christians to be truly Christians, and to be good citizens. They should promote the Gospel, but without engaging in proselytism, and they need to achieve the unity of the divided Catholic community.”
It’s unclear how it’s possible to “promote the Gospel” without proselytism.
To proselytize means to convert someone from another faith. Apparently the Pope wants the persecuted Chinese believers to talk about their faith without encouraging anyone to join it.
Of course, the Roman Catholic Church is not a real church, and Romanists deny essential fundamental truths of Christianity like justification by faith alone. Perhaps it is good the Pope is telling them not to share their faith. Hopefully, Protestants will pick up the slack and convert their Chinese neighbors to true religion.
