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
UN expresses concern over escalating pressure on Estonian Orthodox Church
UN experts have warned of risks to freedom of religion in Estonia amid an escalation of legislative and administrative measures against the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC).
OCU seizes Intercession Church of UOC’s Balta Eparchy in Myrony village
Without the participation of the religious community, the parish was “transferred” to the structure headed by Dumenko.
Bulgarian Patriarch to pay official visit to Phanar
At the invitation of Patriarch Bartholomew, Patriarch Daniil will visit Istanbul for the first time since his election.
Video shows Metropolitan Arseniy brought to court in handcuffs
The hierarch was escorted by a four-person guard.
Future of OCU may lie in union with UGCC, says Dumenko's former cleric
According to Yasents, the Uniates benefit the most from the schism in Orthodoxy and may become the "national church" of Ukraine.
Daughter of Hamas leader shares her conversion to Christianity
The daughter of the founder of a radical Islamic movement shared her story of finding faith in Christ.