Anti-Catholic Comments in a Non-Catholic Church

[Montie_Claunch]

I would suggest two possiable courses of action with the SDA church members riding you.
one is what my aunt does when that sort of stuff happens, she laughs at it as though they were telling a joke and say, “oh, how silly?” or something to that effect.
second is what I do, is passive sarcasim, “oh, thats right. we worship mary. How’d I miss that one.” roll eyes
From what I understand, the first one would more than likly be more approtriate.

 

[shannin]

stanley123:

A possible alternative is to speak with an elder after the lesson and ask if you could ask questions or communicate via e-mail.

It wouldn’t do any good to speak to a 7th Day Adventist elder. They have their minds made up that the CC is the whore of Babylon and the Pope is the AntiChrist. They feel that a “beast” will come out of the CC and put a mark on everyone’s forehead and force them to worship. They constantly condemn the Pope for changing the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday.

To make matters worse, they are extremely vocal about these things. They are one of the Catholic Church’s greatest enemies. Don’t underestimate them. This is one of the fastest growing religions that is grabbing the most people. They have Church Planters which are men that go into different areas (mostly poor areas) and start Seventh Day Adventist Churches.

They eat according to the Old Testament and are vegetarians. They observe Saturday as the Sabbath and criticize the Pope for changing one of the 10 Commandments - “Keep holy on the Lords Day”.

I got in a little trouble in here for referring to them as a cult. However, in Bob and Penny Lord’s book, “Cults”, they are described that way because they are so far removed from the mainstream.

 

[crk312]

coyote:

I have literally posted this question an several sites hoping for some guidance with no resposes.

In my job I supervise a DD adult who is a Seventh Day Adventist. It is my responsibility to take him to church on Saturdays. Initially I decided that it would be the most respectful for me to sit in during the services. I did not want to appear a snob. Also, I am expected to have direct supervision of this client. In general the people have always been very friendly and welcoming.

Occasions came up where anti-Catholic comments were made. The stereotypical Pope = antiChrist, the Catholic Church = the Whore of Babylon and that to pray to Mary is misguided idolatry that leads straight to hell kind of stuff. When this happened I did speak up and make clear that I am Catholic.

Although some were apologetic [sic], obviously they were apologising only for having offended me but continued to insert such comments during service as time went on. There was no strong arm type evangelization placed on me.

My dilemma is this, I am very uncomfortabel in the environment. I am very uncomfortable with the Catholic bashing. I feel compelled to do something in defense of the faith but becoming argumentative is counterproductive. I figure that I am on their turf and to challenge them during their worship is out of line.

Suggestions and advice requested. Anything covering this and contained in the CCC will be gratefully referenced.

 

[crk312]

coyote:

I have literally posted this question an several sites hoping for some guidance with no resposes.

In my job I supervise a DD adult who is a Seventh Day Adventist. It is my responsibility to take him to church on Saturdays. Initially I decided that it would be the most respectful for me to sit in during the services. I did not want to appear a snob. Also, I am expected to have direct supervision of this client. In general the people have always been very friendly and welcoming.

Occasions came up where anti-Catholic comments were made. The stereotypical Pope = antiChrist, the Catholic Church = the Whore of Babylon and that to pray to Mary is misguided idolatry that leads straight to hell kind of stuff. When this happened I did speak up and make clear that I am Catholic.

Although some were apologetic [sic], obviously they were apologising only for having offended me but continued to insert such comments during service as time went on. There was no strong arm type evangelization placed on me.

My dilemma is this, I am very uncomfortabel in the environment. I am very uncomfortable with the Catholic bashing. I feel compelled to do something in defense of the faith but becoming argumentative is counterproductive. I figure that I am on their turf and to challenge them during their worship is out of line.

Suggestions and advice requested. Anything covering this and contained in the CCC will be gratefully referenced.

crk312:
First as a “Protestant” of a different denomination from the Adventist I would have challenged their attitude toward Catholics as well. If it will make you feel any better this attitude of “MY THEOLOGY is better than yours” is in most Protestant Denominations. They do not want anyone to question their cherished beliefs. You need to visit a Church of Christ crowd and “Debate” them.
I think you did the right thing of expressing your point but as in most cases of Religion all went away convinced they were right. Many of the individuals have never studied scripture and are afraid to think for themselves.

 

[Strider]

It might do no good, but outside of their service, you might approach one of their elders and say something like, “It’s usually not productive to criticize something you don’t know well. Maybe this’ll help,” and charitibly hand him a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
I can’t help it, but I see this as an opportunity handed to you by the Holy Spirit. The hard part is knowing the best way to handle it. There’s plenty of good advice above.

 

[Coder]

coyote:

Occasions came up where anti-Catholic comments were made…When this happened I did speak up and make clear that I am Catholic.

I commend you!

 

[slyboots]

When I converted an Episcopal priest “friend” found out and came and confronted me about it in front of the local grocery store.
I remember most clearly he said," They’ll have you worshipping Mary in no time. And they’ve got all the answers. You just leave your brains at the door. You won’t need them anymore. But I give you a year to get tired of that."
However, another Episcopal priest who was my spiritual director gave me his blessing and told me it was the right choice.
I also once heard a protestant minister who had just passed wind loudly say that it was a kiss for the pope.