Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and author, advised attendees at SEEK 2026 against fighting opposition with aggression. Brooks emphasized that the missionary's objective is to "win a soul," not necessarily to win arguments. He noted that the current world is not just cold but actively attacking, making the temptation to retaliate strong. Brooks shared an anecdote about addressing an ideologically oriented audience in 2014, urging them to see opponents as neighbors rather than enemies. SEEK 2026, organized by FOCUS, gathered approximately 26,000 attendees across events in Columbus, Denver, and Fort Worth.
2 months ago
Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and New York Times bestselling author, delivered a keynote speech on January 4, 2026, at the SEEK 2026 conference in Columbus, Ohio.1 2 3 4
The event, organized by FOCUS, drew about 26,000 attendees across Columbus, Denver, and Fort Worth through January 5.1 2 3 4
Brooks, known for books like From Strength to Strength and Build the Life You Want (co-authored with Oprah Winfrey), also writes columns for The Atlantic or The Free Press.1 2 3 4
Brooks urged missionaries to avoid "fighting fire with fire" in a world that "attacks you."1 2 3 4
He emphasized: "Your job isn’t to win arguments, it’s to win a soul."1 2 3 4
In culture wars, victory comes through love, not violence or hatred, as "nobody has ever been insulted into agreement."1 2 3 4
Brooks shared a 2014 experience speaking to an ideologically charged audience in Manchester, New Hampshire.1 2 3 4
As the only non-presidential candidate among 15 speakers, he reminded listeners that opponents are "neighbors and family" who simply disagree, not enemies.1 2 3 4
Brooks described a retreat center chapel sign: "You are now entering mission territory," visited with his wife for marriage preparation.1 2 3 4
He applied it to attendees leaving SEEK: the world outside is mission territory, urging them to "set the world on fire together."1 2 3 4
Sophomore Katie Tangeman from Northwest Missouri State University felt motivated to view others as "beloved sons or daughters of God" and respond with love, not contempt.1 2 3 4
Agricultural business major Andrew Stuart highlighted battling conversations with kindness to change their trajectory.1 2 3 4
Examine Catholic teachings on missionary love versus argumentation
Catholic teachings on missionary activity emphasize love—expressed through respect, dialogue, welcome, and witness—as the primary mode of evangelization, distinctly contrasting it with reliance on argumentation, strategies, or proselytism. This approach stems from Christ's own example and the Church's mission to draw all people to the fullness of truth not by force or debate, but by the attractive power of lived faith and charity. While the Church unequivocally affirms the unique salvific role of Jesus Christ and the necessity of proclaiming the Gospel, she rejects tactics that treat conversion as a conquest won through intellectual maneuvers. Instead, evangelizers are called to embody a motherly hospitality that prepares hearts for the truth.
At the heart of missionary zeal is an ever-increasing love for those being evangelized, modeled on the Apostle Paul's paternal and maternal affection: "With such yearning love we chose to impart to you not only the gospel of God but our very selves." Pope Paul VI in Evangelii Nuntiandi describes this love as more than a teacher's concern; it manifests in respect for the religious and spiritual situation of others, their tempo, conscience, and convictions, avoiding any harshness that wounds the weak in faith. This love avoids "statements that may be clear for those who are already initiated but which for the faithful can be a source of bewilderment and scandal."
Pope Francis echoes this in his teachings, portraying the Church as a mother with an open heart, welcoming the hungry, stranger, sinner, and those of different faiths without strategies or tactics. "You do not convince people with arguments, strategies or tactics. You convince them by simply learning how to welcome them." Evangelization begins with witness, as St. Francis of Assisi advised: "Preach the Gospel: if necessary, also with words." The Holy Spirit works through attraction, not proselytism, which Pope Francis calls "baneful" and sectarian. The Church grows "by attraction, that is, the attraction of witness."
The Catechism reinforces this: missionary dynamism arises from God's love for all, urging the Church to meet people where they are, appreciating "elements of truth and grace" found among nations as a "secret presence of God." Yet this love compels proclamation, not coercion.
Dialogue is a cornerstone of missionary love, demanded by deep respect for everything the Spirit has wrought in human hearts and traditions. It uncovers "seeds of the Word" and rays of truth enlightening all, fostering mutual enrichment without abandoning principles or false irenicism. Pope John Paul II stresses that respect and cordial collaboration do not diminish the missionary mandate—"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19)—but prepare for it by recognizing the Spirit's groanings. "By dialogue we let God be present in our midst."
The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue clarifies that while participants enjoy equal personal dignity, this does not equate doctrinal content or Christ's unique position. Dialogue is part of the mission ad gentes, proclaiming the "necessity of conversion to Jesus Christ and adherence to the Church" through Baptism. It involves listening sincerely, acknowledging the good in others, and avoiding false witness.
Pope Francis describes dialogue as a theology of welcoming, entering others' cultures "from within" without a spirit of conquest. It transcends apologetics, focusing on the kerygma—the heart of the Gospel—discerned through existential encounter. Proclamation today means inhabiting culture, not judging from afar or shouting from balconies, but walking streets, sharing spaces of suffering and joy. Truth gains credibility through life-witness, not raised voices.
Catholic doctrine explicitly contrasts missionary love with argumentation. Pope Francis warns against seeing mission in terms of plans, programs, maneuvers, or techniques, as if conversion were achieved by human arguments. Proselytism replaces the Spirit's meek witness with conquest. Instead, evangelizers act as "guardian angels," sharing life's questions: "Whom are you seeking?"
Evangelii Nuntiandi affirms respect for non-Christian religions as containing "seeds of the Word" and preparation for the Gospel, yet insists the Church must not withhold Christ's riches: "These multitudes have the right to know the mystery of Christ." The Church's religion establishes an authentic relationship with God that others seek gropingly. Patient inculturation is key, as the Church "touches and penetrates" gradually.
The social duty remains: Christians must make known the worship of the one true religion subsisting in the Catholic Church, infusing societies with Christian spirit. Proclamation is "for today," a living testimony amid culture's crossroads.
While love predominates, teachings do not negate reasoned proclamation. The Church proclaims definitively revealed truth out of charity and respect for freedom. Evangelizers transmit solid certainties anchored in God's Word, not doubts. Yet this occurs within dialogue's humility, avoiding prejudice and fostering inner purification. Pope Paul VI exhorts evangelizers to exercise their vocation "without reticence of doubt or fear."
Pope Francis urges confirming inner certainty amid setbacks, as God's grace shines in weakness. The first Christians proclaimed amid persecution, unconcerned with defense, focused on Jesus. Sadness yields to joy; pain to missionary ardor.
In summary, Catholic teachings present missionary love—through welcome, respect, dialogue, and witness—as superior to argumentation, which risks wounding or alienating. This love fulfills the mandate to proclaim Christ as the one Savior, drawing souls by the Gospel's joyful attraction while honoring human dignity and the Spirit's hidden work. Evangelizers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, go forth not as conquerors but as companions, confident that "now is the acceptable time" (2 Cor 6:2).