I understand your point and agree with it, but my usage is acceptable. For example, in Luke 1:16 we read that St. John the Baptist "shall convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God". In Acts 3:26 the Jews are descibed converting themselves. But the best scriptural example of conversion not by Bible-quoting but by prayer is found at the end of the Epistle of James:
16 Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man passible like unto us: and with prayer he prayed that it might not rain upon the earth, and it rained not for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again: and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. 19 My brethren, if any of you err from the truth, and one convert him: 20 He must know that he who causeth a sinner to be converted from the error of his way, shall save his soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.Speaking of Christian mysticism, St. Francis suggested that the Gospel should be preached to animals. The saints are known to have control over the fiercest of them. Do you suppose one gives them quotes?
On another instance St. Francis invited his friend to go and preach in town. Together, they crossed the town in silence and came back to where they started. -- I thought we were going to preach, -- said the friend. -- We just did, -- said St. Francis. Imagine a barefooted bedraggled monk followed by every street dog, with birds resting on his outstretched arms, and tell me if Billy Graham could outpreach that.
Christian mysticism is just as dangerous as Christian Bible reading. In either case presumption dooms the enterprise, and in each case spiritual direction and prayerful attitude are necessary ingredients.
Do you advocate this approach?
Christian mysticism is just as dangerous as Christian Bible reading.
I find it indescribably sad that you believe this.
On another instance St. Francis invited his friend to go and preach in town. Together, they crossed the town in silence and came back to where they started. -- I thought we were going to preach, -- said the friend. -- We just did, -- said St. Francis.
No, Frank and his pal did not preach.
Although perhaps that is to our benefit.