German bishop: No need to evangelize the world, people are happy without God

Bishop Overbeck. Photo: renovatio21.com

German Catholic Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck stated that believers do not need to evangelize the entire world and that people are "happy and content" without God, according to renovatio21.com.

Speaking in a sermon at the Essen Cathedral, the bishop emphasized that "one should not evangelize the whole world for a specific form of church life."

"God will find a way to guide those who cannot or do not want to believe in Him onto the right path," Overbeck said.

At the same time, he noted that Christians should offer the Gospel as an invitation, not as pressure or coercion.

Referring to studies, the bishop stated that many people feel no need for God or religion, yet they are "happy and content, live fulfilling lives, and are by no means selfish."

However, Catholic philosopher Sebastian Ostric criticized this position, reminding that the primary concern of Christians is the salvation of the soul, not superficial well-being.

"Otherwise, it would be selfishness, even a lack of love, because then one would see another person merely as a being confined to this world," the philosopher remarked.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a German bishop stated that the diversity of gender identities is a scientifically proven fact.

Read also

Most Britons oppose abortions, poll finds

The survey found that 62% of UK residents support legal protection for unborn children from the moment their heartbeat is first detected.

Annual academic conference opens at Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary

The fifteenth annual conference was dedicated to the anniversaries of Prince Vasyl-Kostiantyn Ostrožský and Metropolitan Rafail (Zaborovský).

Feminists attack Roman Catholic churches in Latin America

During protest actions, members of radical groups attacked cathedrals in several Latin American countries, assaulted police officers, and threw paint at believers.

UOC hierarch takes part in German bishops’ conference

Bishop Veniamin of Boyarka took part in the OBKD assembly in Düsseldorf.

Ivano-Frankivsk scraps school project planned on demolished UOC church site

The authorities in Ivano-Frankivsk have dropped plans to build the school for whose construction a UOC church was demolished.

Shostatsky to UOC: If you are so righteous – do not cling to your churches

The OCU metropolitan called on UOC faithful and clergy to pray rather than defend their churches from seizures.