Ora et Labora Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 (edited) Do you ever get tired of defending Catholicism? I know this sounds very bitter and angry and I don't mean for it to sound that way. But a couple of Protestant friends at school bring it up EVERY chance they get. And if I can't quote it straight from the bible, what I'm saying is absolutely crazy. And if I do explain it as best as I can, they still think I'm crazy. My own brother (Pat22) keeps telling me how CRAZY the Catholic church is and how it's all a bunch of fairy stories. How do you tell someone otherwise? I believe the Catholic Church and it's teachings and I try to love and embrace every minute of being Catholic, but am I doing my job well enough if I can't rationally talk to the unbelieving? They all seem so much more sure of themselves then I look. I don't know, it just worries me I guess. Pax! Kristina Edited April 19, 2010 by Ora et Labora Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Era Might Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 (edited) Today I was giving away my Catholic books to a man who was picking them up for his mother in law. First he asks me what I think about the recent controversy in the news about the Pope, and I didn't know how to respond succinctly, so I just said that I think the Pope gets a bad rap from the media. The man (a complete stranger, mind you) then proceeded to tell me an obscene joke having to do with abusing priests. I have my issues with the Church, but I was still taken aback at how this man spoke to me about the Church. Edited April 19, 2010 by Era Might Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolmom Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 [quote name='Era Might' date='19 April 2010 - 05:38 PM' timestamp='1271713081' post='2096379'] Today I was giving away my Catholic books to a man who was picking them up for his mother in law. First he asks me what I think about the recent controversy in the news about the Pope, and I didn't know how to respond succinctly, so I just said that I think the Pope gets a bad rap from the media. The man (a complete stranger, mind you) then proceeded to tell me an obscene joke having to do with abusing priests. I have my issues with the Church, but I was still taken aback at how this man spoke to me about the Church. [/quote] Wow... classy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatherineM Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 I don't defend the church because I the "Church" didn't do anything wrong. A few people who worked for the church did some things wrong, and I hope that those who are still alive will be brought to justice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouisvilleFan Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 [quote name='Ora et Labora' date='19 April 2010 - 06:32 PM' timestamp='1271712725' post='2096371'] Do you ever get tired of defending Catholicism? I know this sounds very bitter and angry and I don't mean for it to sound that way. But a couple of Protestant friends at school bring it up EVERY chance they get. And if I can't quote it straight from the bible, what I'm saying is absolutely crazy. And if I do explain it as best as I can, they still think I'm crazy. My own brother (Pat22) keeps telling me how CRAZY the Catholic church is and how it's all a bunch of fairy stories. How do you tell someone otherwise? I believe the Catholic Church and it's teachings and I try to love and embrace every minute of being Catholic, but am I doing my job well enough if I can't rationally talk to the unbelieving? They all seem so much more sure of themselves then I look. I don't know, it just worries me I guess. Pax! Kristina [/quote] Those kinds of people aren't interested in actual conversation, so I wouldn't waste my breath humoring them. Just ignore them or change the subject to sports I would suggest having a little fun with them... I've always enjoy friendly jabs with my Protestant brethren, but these kids don't sound like they could handle it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Sorry to hear about Pat, Ora. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ora et Labora Posted April 19, 2010 Author Share Posted April 19, 2010 [quote name='CatherineM' date='19 April 2010 - 05:46 PM' timestamp='1271713602' post='2096389'] I don't defend the church because I the "Church" didn't do anything wrong. A few people who worked for the church did some things wrong, and I hope that those who are still alive will be brought to justice. [/quote] I'm well aware of this and that's not what I'm talking about. I'm saying the differences in our beliefs...not the current issues that we're having with the people inside it. And it's not that I don't want to defend it. I wish I knew how! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatherineM Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 [quote name='Ora et Labora' date='19 April 2010 - 05:12 PM' timestamp='1271715171' post='2096417'] I'm well aware of this and that's not what I'm talking about. I'm saying the differences in our beliefs...not the current issues that we're having with the people inside it. And it's not that I don't want to defend it. I wish I knew how! [/quote] I guess that one went right over my head. Sorry. I'd recommend apologetics. That is specifically the field for defending our faith. Try these websites: [url="http://www.catholicapologetics.org/aptoc.htm"]Catholic Apologetics[/url] and [url="http://www.thedefender.org/"]The Defender[/url]. There are lots of resources out there. If need be, I'm willing to come down and bop his upside his head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john654 Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Hi, I usually ask protesting Christians if they can tell me the meaning of the word "whatever" in the context of Matthew 16:19. They VERY RARELY try to answer and 99% of the time become frustrated. Then I almost always ask if they know if the word Bible is in the Bible. After that, I ask what does the Bible say the Pillar and Foundation of Truth is? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca2009 Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Yes I do get really tired of it sometimes. I am at the point of just saying we aren't going to agree, so let's just drop it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slappo Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 [quote name='CatherineM' date='19 April 2010 - 03:29 PM' timestamp='1271716194' post='2096423'] I guess that one went right over my head. Sorry. I'd recommend apologetics. That is specifically the field for defending our faith. Try these websites: [url="http://www.catholicapologetics.org/aptoc.htm"]Catholic Apologetics[/url] and [url="http://www.thedefender.org/"]The Defender[/url]. There are lots of resources out there. If need be, [b]I'm willing to come down and bop his upside his head.[/b] [/quote] Use that option!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totus Tuus Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 [quote name='LouisvilleFan' date='19 April 2010 - 05:50 PM' timestamp='1271713842' post='2096394'] Those kinds of people aren't interested in actual conversation, so I wouldn't waste my breath humoring them. Just ignore them or change the subject to sports I would suggest having a little fun with them... I've always enjoy friendly jabs with my Protestant brethren, but these kids don't sound like they could handle it. [/quote] Considering I kind of know your situation (seeing as you're my sister and all... haha) I agree with this. I think if there is truly nothing you can say, don't take on the stress. Some people are completely closed, and what appears to be their pursuit of truth in asking you questions is really just an attempt to puff up their own egos, or get a kick out of flabbergasting you. Yeah. I love you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinytherese Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 If a friend, family member, co-worker, etc. mock your faith or constantly insult you like that I'd ask them to please quit talking like that around me and if they respect me even the slightest bit, they'll promise to stop and keep that promise. You can even walk away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winchester Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 I get sick of not being allowed to hit people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Adam Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 [quote name='Ora et Labora' date='19 April 2010 - 06:32 PM' timestamp='1271712725' post='2096371'] Do you ever get tired of defending Catholicism? I know this sounds very bitter and angry and I don't mean for it to sound that way. But a couple of Protestant friends at school bring it up EVERY chance they get. And if I can't quote it straight from the bible, what I'm saying is absolutely crazy. And if I do explain it as best as I can, they still think I'm crazy. My own brother (Pat22) keeps telling me how CRAZY the Catholic church is and how it's all a bunch of fairy stories. How do you tell someone otherwise? I believe the Catholic Church and it's teachings and I try to love and embrace every minute of being Catholic, but am I doing my job well enough if I can't rationally talk to the unbelieving? They all seem so much more sure of themselves then I look. I don't know, it just worries me I guess. Pax! Kristina [/quote] I recommend the Great Adventure Bible Study. You've got a "heap of Catholicism" as Jeff Cavins says, now its time to make it all flow together in a way that you can explain all of your beliefs to non-Catholics with ease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now