I was listening to a radio talk show last night, and they were talking about the death penalty (they were discussing a certain case). A lot of the people (I only listened to part of the show) said they were for it.
I’m with you thus far.
I was afraid, well, if I don’t call in and say that it’s wrong is it indirectly denying my faith?
Only if you’re actually on the show, as in “We’re live with KelseyBelsey who is here in our studios, and talking about the death penalty. This host thinks it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, what do you think, Kelsey?”
Think about the logical conclusion here - if you are compelled to share the Church’s view on the death penalty every single time you hear it come up, you’re constantly in chat rooms, constantly scanning the stations, and even interrupting the conversations of nearby strangers. That’s silly - and it’s a poor way to evangelize.
Anyway, I’d rather you focus on the positive aspects of the faith, evangelizing the Gospel, serving the poor and sick, and loving as much as you can. Don’t mourn your faith, Kelsey, love it and live it and show your thanksgiving in all that you do.
Am I passively listening to the conversation when they are going against church teachings? Is it a sin?
You’re actively listening but you’re not an active participant. It’s different if you’re at dinner with friends and it comes up. You’re not expect to call into these shows, but you are expected to take part in dinner conversation. Even there, you have to use your judgment. If you are introduced to a gay couple, is the first thing you’re going to say a condemnation of homosexual acts and a sincere hope that they sleep in separate beds? You won’t have any influence, and you may lose friends over it. Better to be cordial and friendly, and tread carefully. If someone were actually to ask you what the Church taught on homosexuality, then are you compelled to speak.
And don’t think too hard on yourself if you miss an opportunity because you don’t feel ready. Greater harm can be done by an unprepared evangelist taking uncertain action.
So I decided to try to call in. When they picked up I lost courage and said “nevermind”, then hung up. I tried calling again when I had my courage up but the line was busy and then the show was over.
Not easy to walk into an unfriendly argument, is it? I’ve done it from time to time, but I’m in my 30s, I speak three languages, hold a master’s degree, and am well-trained in argumentation. Even then, I dont’ know if I’d spend my time on a talk show.
Was it a sin to not share my opinion?
No. And even when you thought it was, you tried to share your opinion, and weren’t able to because the show was over (seriously, would you have gotten through anyway, that’s usually a heated topic). Short of saying a prayer for an end to the death penalty, you did no wrong.
In the future do I have to call in and tell them what I believe every time they disagree with church teachings?
Please don’t unless you’re prepared to give an ample discussion. If you’re not very well-versed in a topic, say a prayer for the show, the listeners, and society in general, and move on. I’d much rather you learn about issues and candidates so you can vote conscientiously, establish a strong prayer life and find a good way to serve the Church’s mission (we so badly need volunteers to help our charities and evangelists to uplift the Body of Christ) than chase down every wayward opinion.
If so would it be a sin to not listen to the show so I don’t have to deal with it?
Now you’re being ridiculous. Christ didn’t suffer upon the Cross to burden you with constant arguments. It’s okay to keep quiet when you aren’t ready to talk or when your talking would do no good.
One of the rules of argumentation is never to engage in an argument you can’t win - or at least hold your ground. Yes, we should give reason for our hope but don’t let anyone hold you the expectation that you can answer for every possible objection to Church doctrine. In witnessing my faith publicly I’ve been buttonholed for things like the Crusades and the Inquisition, and my response is always along the lines of:
Really, you want to hold me responsible for the actions of Medieval men facing Medieval challenges with a Medieval understanding of their Medieval world? If one of the inquisitors or Crusaders were still alive, we could ask him, but they’ve been dead 500 years so I think it a moot point. But the next time you see the Church burning heretics or raising an army to besiege Jerusalem, I assure you we’ll talk about this very relevant issue.
