Length warning
A lady with whom I have been friends many years, and a neighbor, a person to whom I tried very much to show Christian charity and really put myself out for physically, bringing her food and comfort when she was in divorce aftermath – well, I don’t know where the relationship is now, frankly. I feel it may have been the last straw.
Fortunately for myself, I have my dear husband who cares for both of us, does the bulk of the cooking, buying groceries and food prep.
A little background: I knew from early on in the friendship that she was in a group that is anti-Catholic. She admitted she is a fundamentalist. Actually, just a couple years ago, I learned this is the ‘house-church’ movement of Watchman Nee, which started in China in the '70’s. They believe THEY are the true Church, though their main doctrine is that the Bible Alone is the sole rule of faith for Christians. She was kind of secretive of just who they are. One of her adult kids has left this community; one has become an acolyte.
Anyway, I’ve done more research on Living Streams Ministry (which is the official publishing arm of the group). There are also sites and some youtube vids where ppl who have left this group tell about it. These are not all folks who have been harmed, but saw how inconsistent the teachings are. I have surmised that this is a cult, or at least cult-like.
I have been praying for an opening to talk about faith, or even scripture. She is apparently not able to do so without getting emotional/upset. Not long ago, we had a conversation while she was driving & I tried to point out certain points, like where the Bible originated… can’t recall what else exactly. Then there was a text exchange - in general she sent me something regarding faith, and I felt the need to interject that (among other matters), the Bible cannot authenticate itself, that that is not logical. WELL… she responded with scripture, and not what I was hoping, which was an apologetic type argument. Oh well.
That brings us to last wk. We were out walking and in reference to the text exchange, she said I was just “doing Religion”. I said, “No, I was doing apologetics.” Then came the figurative smack upside the head: “Mimi, I HATE THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. I HATE IT!” there was more, but I was taken aback at the vehemence and emotion with which this was said. I tried to keep my emotions in check and to reply with calm.
These ppl have been SO indoctrinated against Catholicism, the institutional Church, clergy and the Mass, that it is just unreal to me. I think she thought she was doing me some kind of favor. But, I’m the one who is prejudiced!
So my question now is: can I really be friends with her knowing just how much antagonism there is?
I have prayed about a response. I pray that God will prompt me and give me the words He wants me to say when it is time. We will undoubtedly run into each other, or she’ll want to go walking together. Advice would be appreciated.
This devastated me! 
pen_mouth:I prayed about it and decided to resign my position…I feel 100% better. I only have two friends and that is enough! To have a friend, one must be a friend…accept, trust, and support them!
