Attend protestant baptism

[Lutheranteach]

I think you’re going to go a long time without talking to her if you send that letter

 

[andersonbd1]

I think you’re going to go a long time without talking to her if you send that letter

Really? What is so upsetting in it?

Also, what I’m looking for is not necessarily the most peaceful thing to do, but what is the right thing to do. Do you think this it is wrong to send the letter? If so, should I sugarcoat it more or send nothing? If nothing, then please help me to understand when the spiritual works of mercy apply.

 

[sharmin]

quite honestly, yes. Is there anything wrong with that?

Well, I don’t suppose it’s a matter of right or wrong in this example as everyone has different comfort levels. But I guess in my opinion if she is truly important to you, then you will go to this event that is important to her whether or not it is of the faith you subscribe to. I have a feeling this is how she will look at it too, so you should prepare yourself for the fallout.

so maybe it’s not like this everywhere, but we have maybe 1 person we know who could be a godparent and who is a practicing Catholic.

I’m not sure what you mean by this. What I meant was that she was obviously an important person in your life as you chose her to be your child’s godparent.

Can I ask why?

Sure! Because (as I said above) if she was an important person in my life (and in my child’s life) and this event was important to her, I would move heaven and earth to be there for her. In my world, it’s what you do. It doesn’t mean I have to tell her I approve. In face, I would probably say something like, “I’m not sure why you are choosing a protestant baptism rather than a Catholic one…our Catholic faith is so important in my life, but I will be there for you even if it’s not something I agree with.”

perhaps in some sense, but I think that leaves our culture totally devoid of any depth. What we’re left with is trite sayings like, “you have to do what’s best for your family” or “I’ll pray for you” or “we’re all God’s children”. What’s wrong with adding a little intellectualism to the mix? I feel like I can articulate much more in an email. Like I said, this isn’t to say I won’t discuss in person as well, but it’s more difficult especially when the other person doesn’t seem open to talking about it

If she wouldn’t be open to talking about it in person, I certainly wouldn’t email her then! You’re trying to force an audience in that case, and that can be taken as quite rude. I know I’d be furios know that someone I cared about emailed me a bunch of stuff she KNOWS I wouldn’t want to listen to in person.

Ouch. The whole reason I started this thread is because I love my sister-in-law and her family and that a Catholic is WALKING AWAY FROM HER FAITH. So, I’m supposed to just ignore that and it’s my own problem that I wish to bring her back into the fold?

Well an email that you propse would probably not bring her back to the fold. In fact, I dare say that it will send her further away. Remember, preach the gospel and sometimes use words.

God bless, and good luck

 

[andersonbd1]

I’m not sure what you mean by this. What I meant was that she was obviously an important person in your life as you chose her to be your child’s godparent.

What I meant is that we don’t have much choice in picking godparents. In fact, I almost would rather just pick no one. I feel like we’re forcing it because almost anybody we pick is either not Catholic or CINO.

If she wouldn’t be open to talking about it in person, I certainly wouldn’t email her then! You’re trying to force an audience in that case, and that can be taken as quite rude. I know I’d be furios know that someone I cared about emailed me a bunch of stuff she KNOWS I wouldn’t want to listen to in person.

hmmm - this is probably a good point.

Remember, preach the gospel and sometimes use words.

That quote is often associate with Francis of Assisi, but there’s no evidence for it. I feel like it’s a manufactured response to keeping your faith entirely private when in fact Catholics need to do a better job at sharing their faith.