Advice plz

[seanom]

Hello there, I’m 16 and I have a bit of a problem. On facebook I posted a photo that basically described how foolish atheism is. That started a huge debate which went on for quite a while. There were many people whom I know from school etc, they were aggressive at times and there was also other people posting at times. I feel like I’m really hated by them now, and I have to go to school with them and I don’t know what to do. Any help plz

 

[Dorothy]

Hello there, I’m 16 and I have a bit of a problem. On facebook I posted a photo that basically described how foolish atheism is. That started a huge debate which went on for quite a while. There were many people whom I know from school etc, they were aggressive at times and there was also other people posting at times. I feel like I’m really hated by them now, and I have to go to school with them and I don’t know what to do. Any help plz

Pray to the Lord and get closer to Him. Remember, Jesus said “You will be hated because of me.” Look at him whenever you hear an angry remark. He suffered all that before us.

 

[anruari]

These storms do pass.

We live in a society now where it is fine to attack and deride people for religious belief in traditional religions, but people take great offence if you turn the tables and attack the “Politically correct” beliefs in atheism, relativism the Culture of Death, radical secularism, the current thrust of the “Gay Rights” movement asking for “Rights” that are new and novel, rather than basic equality. etc.

Pray about this. Pray for the gift of discression.

This is a learning experience for you about evangelisation: It is most usefull when you are giving a personal witness. That is best achieved in person not on the internet.

The internet is useful as a place where you can challenge other peoples statements but this should be done charitably, not as an attack. don’t call them stupid.

It gives a place where you can let people see that you are a Christian. That that faith matters to you. That it affects and drives how you live your life in a good way.

In the short term, you may need to keep your head down and let this storm blow over.
Depending on what you wrote (you don’t repeat it here) you may need to apologise to people for a carelessly worded post…
Alternatively you may be dealing with people who would take offence if you had posted “I Love God”, and you may need to rigoursly defend your statements… but it must be done in a spirit of fraternal love… not a spirit of argument.

Without seeing the Thread on Facebook I cant tell you which of the 2 options above is more appropriate. You must not apologise for the truth… but if you were actually offensive in your wording you may need to apologise for your attitude…

 

[mountee]

Dear Seanom, I am so sorry that you have to experience this storm but if you work at this it can become a great opportunity fo you in so many ways. You have had some good advice in the prior posts and I would like to add some encouragement fo you. I spent the majority of my teaching career as a high school teacher, I have a good sense of what you are experiencing right now and I know it is not fun. This will pass as next week someone else will be the topic of conversation so hang in there. But, more importantly, try to turn this over to God and let it be an opportunity to grow closer to Him in your prayer life. Praying for you.

 

[ReachingFaith]

Seanom,
This is the thing about facebook, and it’s harsh. When you act in a controversial manner, you will get the same reply. So if you know something’s going to “stir the waters”, think hard about how committed you are to posting it. For the same reason we believe strongly, atheists also do. Facebook is not a likely place to convert anyone, and really, the debate probably was leaning on the atheism side, I’m guessing?
What I’m trying to say, m’dear, is that you are entitled to your opinion, but other people are entitled to their’s, too. They will react to what you put out, and if you lose friends because they cannot tolerate your beliefs, it’s not meant to be.
Hang in there, and maybe keep your posts neutral. Ppl hardly join facebook to be converted, so I wouldn’t post anything having to do with another religion.

 

[seanom]

Thanks for the replies, but It’s gotten pretty bad. I don’t want to defend myself when they humiliate me but still don’t know what I should do. I feel like I have no one but God and His Blessed Mother now. I suppose I’ll have to carry the cross for the time being.

 

[ReachingFaith]

Thanks for the replies, but It’s gotten pretty bad. I don’t want to defend myself when they humiliate me but still don’t know what I should do. I feel like I have no one but God and His Blessed Mother now. I suppose I’ll have to carry the cross for the time being.

Honey, like I said, let it go. Unless they ask you to explian something, which you can then use to help them, you just have to think positive. And yes, I know how hard it is. A great majority of ppl at my own church are very angry with me for having the guts to step up to a moral, illegal, problem. So i know how it is. If you have a choice next time, just keep your views on other religions off facebook.

 

[Joe_5859]

Thanks for the replies, but It’s gotten pretty bad. I don’t want to defend myself when they humiliate me but still don’t know what I should do. I feel like I have no one but God and His Blessed Mother now. I suppose I’ll have to carry the cross for the time being.

God and His Blessed Mother are four good people to have in your corner.

Yeah, high school can be hard. I can only imagine how much Facebook and social media have exacerbated the already trying dynamics of high school socialization.

The other posters are right, though. This too shall pass.

Just remember, you have nothing to be ashamed of. If other kids are acting stupid and making angry comments, then they should feel bad.

Keep praying. God loves you. He will see you through every trial.

 

[Dorothy]

Thanks for the replies, but It’s gotten pretty bad. I don’t want to defend myself when they humiliate me but still don’t know what I should do. I feel like I have no one but God and His Blessed Mother now. I suppose I’ll have to carry the cross for the time being.

Be aware that God and His Blessed Mother is sufficient for you!

 

[ccmnxc]

If what you posted was insulting, not informative, you may have some apologizing to do. I know I wouldn’t be particularly happy if someone attacked my faith and intelligence. If it was a fair comment, then lift it up in prayer and be honored you are being martyred for your faith.
God Bless.