Being charitable to protestants

[LilyPearls]

A couple years ago I converted to Catholicism. My family consists of protestants (Baptists and Christian Reformed) and also a few people of my young generation who are agnostic. So at first after my conversion I was elated to be able to have Communion and to be Catholic. I still saw my Christian family as my brothers and sisters in Christ, but for some reason my attitude has changed. I can be annoyed with protestantism and downright uncharitable to my own family when talking about religion. This change of attitude started off as recognisong that the fullness of the faith really is in the Catholic Church, and evolved with frustration with protestants for just not getting it. Why don’t they see it?!

An example of my lack of charity, one time a close relative came to Mass with me and she felt God speaking directly to a difficult situation she’s going through. We were both nearly in tears during the homily because the priests words were like a soothing balm for both of us. It was a beautiful moment. On the way out of the Church she said to me “I can see that this is a good church to go to some of the time.” My response? “No, it’s the only Church and we should go here all of the time.” She didnt seem upset but it was then that O realised my anti-protestant attitude.

So, how does a Catholic who believes the Catholic Church was established by Jesus Christ himself and is protected by the Holy Spirit, remain firm in her Catholic faith meanwhile being charitable towards protestants and protestantism? I dont want to filled with hate!

 

[IrishAm]

So, how does a Catholic who believes the Catholic Church was established by Jesus Christ himself and is protected by the Holy Spirit, remain firm in her Catholic faith meanwhile being charitable towards protestants and protestantism? I dont want to filled with hate!

Humility.

 

[MtnDwellar]

So, how does a Catholic who believes the Catholic Church was established by Jesus Christ himself and is protected by the Holy Spirit, remain firm in her Catholic faith meanwhile being charitable towards protestants and protestantism? I dont want to filled with hate!

You can be charitable without diminishing your faith or denying the truth. Jesus told the pharisees that their father was Satan. Although He undoubtedly hurt their feelings, He was also being charitable.

Remember that God loves these people as much as He loves you. Just because someone’s feelings are hurt, does not mean that there was a lack of charity. Jesus is the truth. The most charitable thing that one can do is to proclaim the truth loudly and boldly. Spreading the truth is the meaning of evangelization.

Trust in the Holy Spirit.

 

[LilyPearls]

Are your Protestant and Agnostic family members charitable and lacking-hate in their attitude to you and your beliefs?
If so, perhaps you can watch what they think and do and how they respond to you and learn from them.
That was very respectful of your close relative to come to your church with you, for example. See how they are not giving you grief or getting all upset about what you choose to believe …even being supportive in that example?
(from the examples you give, anyway…)
They sound very charitable and loving

Actually Christian Reformed folk can be very anti-Catholic. This one relative who went to Mass with me only went because I went to her church with her first. We’ve done this a few times, going to two churches on Sunday. You’re right, it is very good of her to come with me. But other than her, my family is actually very rude about my beliefs. My one sibling and I used to be soo close but now we have an extremely shallow relationship because she despises the Catholic Church. Her faith is close to her heart so when religion comes up, which it inevitably does, she can be…upset and combative… It’s very difficult and about a month after my confirmation I ended up having to move to a different city for space.

I think part of the reason the nice relative who comes to Mass with me when I visit her because she knows how unsure I feel in my own family and she wanta me to feel accepted and loved. She really is a wonderful person.

In my original post I did not say too much about their ant-Catholicism because frankly it doesnt matter if they want to skin me alive for being Catholic, I should still treat them with deep respect and charity. This is my problem, not theirs.

 

[godwithit]

hello-- yes it is easy to develop a religious self righteous attitude–

based on the religion demonination you are born into or converted to-
because the natural mind is trained to believe a certain way-

that’s what dogma is all about –

dog·ma (dôg′mə, dŏg′-)
n. pl. dog·mas or dog·ma·ta (-mə-tə)

1. A doctrine or a corpus of doctrines relating to matters such as morality and faith, set forth in an authoritative manner by a church.
2. An authoritative principle, belief, or statement of ideas or opinion, especially one considered to be absolutely true. See Synonyms at doctrine.
3. A principle or belief or a group of them: “The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present” (Abraham Lincoln).

Paul’s Defense of His Ministry

10 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!

2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.

3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.

4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

 

[marywarfield]

Tryin…

 

[po18guy]

hello-- yes it is easy to develop a religious self righteous attitude–

based on the religion demonination you are born into or converted to-
because the natural mind is trained to believe a certain way-

Quite right! We are made in the image and likeness of God, Who is Truth. Thus, when He reveals a truth to mankind, it is our very nature to embrace it and cling to it - like “Jesus is Lord” or “the scriptures are inspired by God” Those are dogmas. Dogma reflects the God Who inspired it.

As to OP’s family, I would suggest that she devote time to prayer on their behalf. It is difficult to be upset with someone when you are pleading with God on their behalf. Division in the Body of Christ is of the devil, and all efforts to defeat it are inspired by the Holy Spirit, Who is Unity itself.

 

[TCEL]

A couple years ago I converted to Catholicism. My family consists of protestants (Baptists and Christian Reformed) and also a few people of my young generation who are agnostic. So at first after my conversion I was elated to be able to have Communion and to be Catholic. I still saw my Christian family as my brothers and sisters in Christ, but for some reason my attitude has changed. I can be annoyed with protestantism and downright uncharitable to my own family when talking about religion. This change of attitude started off as recognisong that the fullness of the faith really is in the Catholic Church, and evolved with frustration with protestants for just not getting it. Why don’t they see it?!

An example of my lack of charity, one time a close relative came to Mass with me and she felt God speaking directly to a difficult situation she’s going through. We were both nearly in tears during the homily because the priests words were like a soothing balm for both of us. It was a beautiful moment. On the way out of the Church she said to me “I can see that this is a good church to go to some of the time.” My response? “No, it’s the only Church and we should go here all of the time.” She didnt seem upset but it was then that O realised my anti-protestant attitude.

So, how does a Catholic who believes the Catholic Church was established by Jesus Christ himself and is protected by the Holy Spirit, remain firm in her Catholic faith meanwhile being charitable towards protestants and protestantism? I dont want to filled with hate!

I’m not a convert myself, but my husband is, and many of my closer friends are Protestants. I really sympathize with your frustration. What we have is so beautiful; we want people to see. (Dagnabbit!) Combine that with a natural tendency to spit-fieriness, and you have a great concoction!

I think you’ve already crossed the first bridge. You recognize that you have these feelings, which I think goes a long way towards having a good “measuring cup.”

Since you asked, I’ll share some things that I attempt. When I feel this way, I try to remember that I’m dense sometimes. Really dense. I try to reflect on all the ways God has had to be patient with me, how he coaxes me closer to him. I try to remember that Christ’s love is unbiased; we are all equal in dignity. I ask Christ to sanctify my feelings, and take what is good and leave what is bad. And, recognize that the Devil wants to drive a wedge between my family and the Church; using me would be the cherry on top! I bring it before God in the Eucharist, and try to release it into His hands.

 

[4love2God]

The OP asks : "So, how does a Catholic… remain firm in her Catholic faith, meanwhile being charitable towards Protestants and Protestantism? I dont want to filled with hate!"

Hopefully, as a Catholic, you would like to follow the teachings of of our Pope.
Years ago, the Pope called off any Holier-than-Thou hatred directed at Protestants.

The Church policy NOW is that Protestants and Catholics are BOTH Christians.
AND, that Protestants are to be respected as Christians.

But the difference is, the Catholic Church is following ALL of the practices of Christianity … so that Catholics are receiving the FULL measure of Jesus Christ, while the Protestants receive LESS.

Besides, if you were a Protestant, then why aren’t you hating yourself, for being AWFUL for so many years?

 

[MtnDwellar]

As to OP’s family, I would suggest that she devote time to prayer on their behalf. It is difficult to be upset with someone when you are pleading with God on their behalf. Division in the Body of Christ is of the devil, and all efforts to defeat it are inspired by the Holy Spirit, Who is Unity itself.

Praying for them is a great suggestion. I will add fasting for them.
Christ told us that some demons can only be cast out with a lot of prayer and fasting.

 

[bardegaulois]

“Do unto others…” I know it can be easy for the faithful of any religion to develop a Pharisaical attitude. However, consider how uncomfortable you are when Protestants are preaching at you.

If this presents a problem for you, then of course bring it to your confessor-director. (I recall from one of your other posts that you have a director, correct?) In the meantime, remember that the best way to spread the Gospel is the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Do these for your family consistently, remembering that our great charitable institutions, like our hospitals, have no confessional test for those to whom they render their mercy. Many a Protestant has found himself healed in body and spirit due to the selfless acts of Roman Catholics, some so much that they have abjured their heresy and come home to Mother Church. This is the best way to preach the Gospel, using words, as St. Francis said, only if necessary.

God bless you.

 

[po18guy]

Praying for them is great suggestion. I will add fasting for them.
Christ told us that some demons can only be cast out with a lot of prayer and fasting.

Amen! Thank you for mentioning fasting. Due to recent developments, fasting is no longer prudent for me, so it slipped my consciousness.

 

[Dorothy]

A couple years ago I converted to Catholicism. My family consists of protestants (Baptists and Christian Reformed) and also a few people of my young generation who are agnostic. So at first after my conversion I was elated to be able to have Communion and to be Catholic. I still saw my Christian family as my brothers and sisters in Christ, but for some reason my attitude has changed. I can be annoyed with protestantism and downright uncharitable to my own family when talking about religion. This change of attitude started off as recognisong that the fullness of the faith really is in the Catholic Church, and evolved with frustration with protestants for just not getting it. Why don’t they see it?!

An example of my lack of charity, one time a close relative came to Mass with me and she felt God speaking directly to a difficult situation she’s going through. We were both nearly in tears during the homily because the priests words were like a soothing balm for both of us. It was a beautiful moment. On the way out of the Church she said to me “I can see that this is a good church to go to some of the time.” My response? “No, it’s the only Church and we should go here all of the time.” She didnt seem upset but it was then that O realised my anti-protestant attitude.

So, how does a Catholic who believes the Catholic Church was established by Jesus Christ himself and is protected by the Holy Spirit, remain firm in her Catholic faith meanwhile being charitable towards protestants and protestantism? I dont want to filled with hate!

If you said that to your friend lovingly and sincerely, then you did no wrong. You may have planted a seed.

 

[johnnyc176]

Well the Truth itself is polarizing so sometimes no matter how respectfully you speak the Truth of Jesus Christ and His One True Church you will get backlash.

 

[LilyPearls]

hello-- yes it is easy to develop a religious self righteous attitude–

Is it self righteous to be convinced of what the Catholic Church teaches herself to be? I don’t see that as self righteous. She really was established by Jesus Christ, and to deny that would be wrong. So where is the balance between affirming the truths of the Church and being tolerant.

When I feel this way, I try to remember that I’m dense sometimes. Really dense. I try to reflect on all the ways God has had to be patient with me, how he coaxes me closer to him. I try to remember that Christ’s love is unbiased; we are all equal in dignity. I ask Christ to sanctify my feelings, and take what is good and leave what is bad. And, recognize that the Devil wants to drive a wedge between my family and the Church; using me would be the cherry on top! I bring it before God in the Eucharist, and try to release it into His hands.

So true! This is very helpful, thank you. I am really dense too, and God has been and is still more patient than I could ever deserve, and I ought to forgive as I am forgiven and love as I am loved.

“Do unto others…” I know it can be easy for the faithful of any religion to develop a Pharisaical attitude. However, consider how uncomfortable you are when Protestants are preaching at you.
.

I love it when family, friends and strangers preach at me, so long as they aren’t being aggressive. It’s an opportunity to talk and share the truth. Again, so long as it is discussion based in an understanding that both parties love and try to follow Christ. Unfortunately that sentiment gets lost on me when it comes to family.

I look back on my protestant years with thankfulness because while I didn’t have the fullness of the truth, I did study my Bible a lot and learned to ferociously love God. I suppose I just need to figure out a way to have the same thankfulness for my family’s Christian beliefs. As some have suggested, I’ll pray for them more. This will surely help.

 

[TCEL]

I love it when family, friends and strangers preach at me, so long as they aren’t being aggressive. It’s an opportunity to talk and share the truth. Again, so long as it is discussion based in an understanding that both parties love and try to follow Christ. Unfortunately that sentiment gets lost on me when it comes to family.

One last comment from me. I understand your sentiment; I’m the same way. I love talking about this stuff, yet I too think it’s harder to talk about with family. We love them and know them more personally, so our emotions can be a struggle.

 

[oldburkes]

Ah, yes. The sound of crickets that follows the words, “I’m Catholic.” You can almost see in their faces the struggle to figure out why you have chosen that path. I believe our patience intercedes for them, and we can find solace in always being an “open door” if they are ever interested in exploring our Church.

 

[Nelka]

Ah, yes. The sound of crickets that follows the words, “I’m Catholic.” You can almost see in their faces the struggle to figure out why you have chosen that path. I believe our patience intercedes for them, and we can find solace in always being an “open door” if they are ever interested in exploring our Church.

When a Protestant pair knock on my door asking about Jesus and I say that I am a Catholic it is as if I said I was an atheist as they try to convert me to Christianity.

Very strange.

 

[po18guy]

When a Protestant pair knock on my door asking about Jesus and I say that I am a Catholic it is as if I said I was an atheist as they try to convert me to Christianity.

Very strange.

Most who claim such have been taught by others who should know better. Thus, I hold those who taught them to be in greater error. However, to be totally pop, it’s all “just plain ignant.”