Am I sinning for only wanting to tell a few people I'm Catholic?

[Trololol]

Like with politics, people can be very opinionated on religion, and after hearing comments from people on my course such as, “Jesus didn’t exist”, “Religion’s bull****”, and “Priests speak a load of bull”, it can make you feel a bit intimidated about letting people know your faith.

I don’t get embarassed wearing a cross (I’m proud of it), but at university, there are weekly masses which a few people turn up to, and I feel embarrassed telling my friends that’s where I’m going, so I only tell my Muslim friend, who understands.

The other day, a friend was round myself and saw some Catholic souvenires and asked if I was a Christian, then if my Mother and little sister are. I said ‘yes’, and was embarassed, assuming that he is judging me. Then he said ‘that’s good’. (Even though he was the one who said that 'Priests speak a load of bull".

What do you do in this situation? I just hear all the anti-Catholic things being said/written and feel insecure about telling people the real reason why I’m busy sometimes (Mass/Confession). Even two priests I know said they’ve been spat on in the streets.

 

[Myqyl]

I don’t have time to find Chapter ands Verse, but it goes something like : “Blessed are those that are persecuted in My Name”… Be joyful when they knock you! Your reward will be waiting.

It’s hard to live like this, but it’s the Truth and it’ll set you free

God bless

 

[gt8952b]

I don’t think it’s a sin to not openly tell someone your Catholic. If they ask and you willingly lie, then, sure, that’s sinful.

I think you’ll be suprised if you admit your faith to your friends in private situations when the topic arises, how many will at least accept it, even if they have issues with the Catholic Church. A lot of times, people start to ask questions once they know, so be prepared to give good answers! Those are the times that stereotypes start to break down…

Have courage.

 

[Heuchler]

It’s not a sin to try to stay away from these conflicts and their judgements. But really, you shouldn’t worry about what these people think. From what you have said, it sounds like some of your friends are young atheists who only believe what they believe out of pride. They don’t want to be told that there is some higher authority or that they are wrong. My suggestion is to either keep doing what you are doing and don’t worry about it, or to use this as a time to defend your faith and evangelize. Either way, good luck, God bless, and if you have any questions that arise from talks with these friends, we’ll be waiting to lend a hand

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Don’t be intimidated by those people.

Pray for courage to be more open about your faith. It took me years to get to that stage so I completely understand how you feel.

By standing up for our beliefs, among other things, we are standing up to increasing bullying of people who have faith in our progressive, civilised country

 

[PJM]

=Trololol;8466188]Like with politics, people can be very opinionated on religion, and after hearing comments from people on my course such as, “Jesus didn’t exist”, “Religion’s bull****”, and “Priests speak a load of bull”, it can make you feel a bit intimidated about letting people know your faith.

I don’t get embarassed wearing a cross (I’m proud of it), but at university, there are weekly masses which a few people turn up to, and I feel embarrassed telling my friends that’s where I’m going, so I only tell my Muslim friend, who understands.

The other day, a friend was round myself and saw some Catholic souvenires and asked if I was a Christian, then if my Mother and little sister are. I said ‘yes’, and was embarassed, assuming that he is judging me. Then he said ‘that’s good’. (Even though he was the one who said that 'Priests speak a load of bull".

What do you do in this situation? I just hear all the anti-Catholic things being said/written and feel insecure about telling people the real reason why I’m busy sometimes (Mass/Confession). Even two priests I know said they’ve been spat on in the streets.

NEVER BE EMBARASED ABOUT BEING AN INFORMED AND FULLY PRACTICING CATHOLIC.

Rev.3: 15 -16 "`I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.”

Matt.22: 14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

**Heb.5: 9 **“and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,”

**Heb.6: 10 “**For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.”

Rev.2: 23 “and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches shall know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you as your works deserve.”

1 Peter 1: 17 “Now if you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one’s works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, “

From these innocent denails [venaial sins] comes the opportunity to deny God which is a Mortal sin. So be careful.

We need not Boast of our faith; BUT NEVER should be embarassed to the point of hiding or denying it.

Pray daily to our Holy Mother for stregth to simply do what is right. Don’t have to make big deal out of it. But be willing to defent attacks.

God Bless you, and KEEP going to Mass!

Pat

 

[Bl_Pope_Pius_IX]

Like with politics, people can be very opinionated on religion, and after hearing comments from people on my course such as, “Jesus didn’t exist”, “Religion’s bull****”, and “Priests speak a load of bull”, it can make you feel a bit intimidated about letting people know your faith.

Welcome to my life, my friend!

I rejoice. I make it fun. I love defending the faith against those barbarians (and I mean it, they are barbaric to me and the Faith). Get informed. Know your faith the best you can. Counter their aarguments! I’m a respectful and respectable person so people usually understand to tread softly while making a mockery of the faith. Usually after one argument they back off (a conservative club I’m in tried to ban religion from the talks just to destroy my arguments).

I don’t get embarassed wearing a cross (I’m proud of it), but at university, there are weekly masses which a few people turn up to, and I feel embarrassed telling my friends that’s where I’m going, so I only tell my Muslim friend, who understands.

Good for you for going to Mass. Do it with no fear, but if they don’t ask, then there is no need to tell them.

The other day, a friend was round myself and saw some Catholic souvenires and asked if I was a Christian, then if my Mother and little sister are. I said ‘yes’, and was embarassed, assuming that he is judging me. Then he said ‘that’s good’. (Even though he was the one who said that 'Priests speak a load of bull".

Personally, I would never be a friend with someone who said something like that. Nor would I be friends with anyone who insulted the faith in any manner (Then again, I don’t have many friends). Even if he was judging you, who cares? The only true judgement comes from God.

What do you do in this situation? I just hear all the anti-Catholic things being said/written and feel insecure about telling people the real reason why I’m busy sometimes (Mass/Confession). Even two priests I know said they’ve been spat on in the streets.

Me? I defend the Church. I fight them and beat them. I may sound arrogant, but I don’t think I’ve ever lost an argument against an atheist. Don’t lie to them about where you go. Be a bastion of the faith and of holiness. Be a tool of God and of the Church. Be strong, and pray often.

I’ll pray for you in hopes you’ll pray for me

~ Pius :knight1:

 

[Blossoming]

I tell everyone. I’m so proud and happy to be Catholic. God calls on us to be strong in our faith and to live a life other people will be drawn to wanting for themselves. I do that to the best of my human ability and I delight in the wholeness I feel of God’s presence in my life. It feels like roses in my chest. Why would I want to deny the opportunity to feel like that to anybody? God’s love is there for us all but some people need to hear about or see it being lived to realize how lovely it is.

I would hardly tell you how to address your relationship between your faith and the world, but I can let you know how I approach it. I think you should do what makes you feel most comfortable, short of denying our Lord which would be a terrible betrayal and a mortal sin.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I’d like to add a few things to my above post, some suggestions on what to say to people.

Have a ready answer when asked about your sunday activities. Practice how to actually say out loud ‘I go to church’ or something similar. I know this sounds really basic but it can be difficult to get those words out.

Also, when someone makes an offensive comment you can say: “I’m sorry but your comment is quite prejudiced/ ignorant/offensive”. Practice makes perfect. First time I said it I could feel my face burn and I wished for the earth to open beneath me but guess what: it gets easier with time.

Another thing that works for me is to ask the person who has a surprised look on their face if it is a problem that I’m a practicing Catholic. People don’t like to be challenged like this and they are most likely to say no, no prob. Nobody wants to be perceived as a bigot.
However, if the answer is yes, than be ready to offer some explanations. Unless people hear authentic Catholic teaching they will never question nonsense they are fed in the mainstream British media.

It is crucial that you pray for this. God will give you strength and the right words when the occasion arises.

Hope this has helped in some small way.

 

[yosephdaviyd]

Matthew 10:33
“But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father”

 

[Julia_Mae]

What do you do in this situation? I just hear all the anti-Catholic things being said/written and feel insecure about telling people the real reason why I’m busy sometimes (Mass/Confession). Even two priests I know said they’ve been spat on in the streets.

Just think of telling them you are off to Mass as a really efficient way to sort out who is potentially a friend or not so you waste less time on worthless relationships. Think of being spat on because you are a Catholic Christian as a huge honor.

Also, you aren’t giving them the opportunity to be open and accepting, or yourself the opportunity to be a witness to your faith. You don’t have to preach at people, but when they see you prioritize your life in terms of Jesus Christ and His Church, you’d be amazed at what a deep impression that can make.

Be not afraid - they will only feed you to lions in very rare circumstances.

 

[Trololol]

Thank you everyone for all your replies. All of them are excellent and I feel bad not being able to reply to posts individually.

I will try to be more open about it. A lot of people read the Daily Mail and the Mirror (which are the British equivalent of Fox News)- infact, I think they’re owned by the same people (the Murdochs), which says a lot about them. This doesn’t help.

On the lines of what Mother Theresa said: I am first Catholic and then British.

 

[amerrychase]

I “reconverted” to the Church while I was in college, and kept all my same friends (not as close, of course). It is possible. The thing that helped me most was studying apologetics obsessively. I wanted desperately to defend my faith but didn’t have enough knowledge to do so. And when I tried anyway, people could tell I wasn’t completely confident in what I was saying. Keep reading and reading. Know your Catechism, and, if you live in a very Protestant area, practice/memorize the “Catholic” Bible verses. Get in on some adult programs at your parish. When the debates happen -less often than you’d think, thank goodness- the answers will be there.

And always pray for courage and boldness.

 

[ivory]

I don’t have time to find Chapter ands Verse, but it goes something like : “Blessed are those that are persecuted in My Name”

You’re thinking of Matthew 10-11.

On topic, I don’t attempt to hide my feelings about the Catholic faith. Most of my friends, even the atheist ones, acknowledge and respect what I believe in. I’m glad I haven’t been called to defend the faith just yet though. I’m still learning how to wield the shield and sword of the Church Militant.

OP, I think you should be open about your faith, but don’t push it on others. Many are still resistant and often hostile to the wisdom of Christ, unfortunately.

 

[admonsta]

I was/am in a similar situation to you. I am surrounded by atheist family and friends, and a few Catholics who disagree with the Church on some issues. I also have a small core of friends who are committed to being as fully faithful as they can. These are the people I can open up to.

As for the others, I used to just keep my mouth clammed shut and say nothing. Ever. I listened in silence to their anti-Catholic rants, and their flawed proof that God doesn’t exist.

Now, I am starting, just a little bit, to answer. I never deny my religion, and I never apologise for it (as I still feel compelled to do). I find that if I state my allegiance with confidence, people are almost always respectful of that. I sometimes get a few questions (like “how can you justify the Church’s position on XYZ?”). Once forced to answer, I have to muster all my bravery and just say it in the clearest and most compassionate way possible. Still working on this bit - I’ve backed down a couple of times and I really wish I hadn’t.

But I’m getting better at it, and I’m reassured by people’s politeness that even if they think I’m completely bonkers, they don’t say it to me. I think they know me as a person, and I’m not a freaky, churchy, religious nut, even after they find out I’m a practicing Catholic. The one thing I don’t do is to push my agenda. If they start to push theirs, I guess it’s fair game (maybe I will in time), but if they don’t try to convert me, I would rather live my example and pray for them. I really think that the atheists I know wouldn’t budge an inch, no matter what I said.