Advice? Hard time being "in this world, not of this world"

[Seagull]

Sounds like you’re experiencing inner conflict. That’s a good thing. “DON’T quench the Spirit” ( St. Paul )
Whenever I read the word " superficial " - I always shudder - I think of ‘distant’ or ‘cold’ or ‘not real’ - Like Mickey Mouse attraction -
Ever read Proverbs 31 ? - Maybe you may find a nugget of wisdom there -

 

[MonteRCMS]

That’s really interesting about what is expected of Catholics in your country.

Catholics in USA are more expected to just be nice and not rock the boat. Actually that’s true of most religions. If someone brings up a loaded subject in the staff room, employees are expected to perhaps change the subject to the weather or just excuse themselves and leave.

P.S. Happy cake day!

The Church of Nice.

 

[returninghome31]

The thing is many of these people already believe they are using their “reasoning” appropriately, especially those who view themselves as “spiritual but not religious”, “agnostic” or “atheist”. So when a Catholic attempts to speak to them about reason, it can turn into a heated debate as many of them don’t/won’t/refuse to believe that Catholics (or any Christian for that matter) reason properly.

If you have any suggestions on approaching this matter with others in a way that’s not off-putting, please do share. Apologetics is not my strong-point and I recognize that I have a tendency to sound confrontational, so perhaps that’s my issue. Thanks!

 

[returninghome31]

Sounds like you’re experiencing inner conflict. That’s a good thing. “DON’T quench the Spirit” ( St. Paul )

Whenever I read the word " superficial " - I always shudder - I think of ‘distant’ or ‘cold’ or ‘not real’ - Like Mickey Mouse attraction -

Ever read Proverbs 31 ? - Maybe you may find a nugget of wisdom there -

Thanks for the suggestion! Interestingly, I just read a book called “Kingdom Woman” by Tony Evans. Great book! And he speaks of the Proverbs 31 woman. The fact that you’re now mentioning it as well is making me think I need to pay closer attention to it. I will bookmark it and reread it.

Regarding “superficial”…it’s funny you say Mickey Mouse, cuz I’m actually in Florida now haha, not near Disney World though…in metro Miami to be specific. I know it’s not all bad and there are some great people here but, overall, it is by far one of the most superficial/party cities I have ever been in…not to mention the religious melange here. From vodun to santeria to God only know what else in between. It’s a straight-up hot bed here.

Fortunately, I did find a few solid churches/communities here, so fingers crossed.