Dealing with betrayal by a close friend

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From a different point of view, but no less aware of the way you must feel…
Is this man a very’ 'by-the-books type of teacher? Are there people in his church who would be offended, should he depart from the planned lessons?

Yes, there are some people who would risk offending someone present, rather than depart from the standard lesson. And, you did say he is fairly new in his ministry.

You might be helping him by letting him know. Some people are so compartmentalized as to not realize what they have done.
Also, what about his wife? I think you said that she was also in the class, or, at least, close enough to observe.

Obviously, I don’t know these people. You and your husband do. If this truly doesn’t apply to either of them, you don’t really have to say anything. Was just trying to cover all bases. God Bless!
 
Some people say - I’m holier than thou - lol -
But your story - is what - your friend - is becoming -
a little power - corrupts.
Confront him -
He might do this with others, in the future.
I think of the Jesus story about the two people in the temple…
one guy is humbler - and thus receives pardon.
The other preached ’ his merits ’ -
Great question to put out there - for replies 😇
 
Hello.

Welcome!!! Glad to see you’re in RCIA and that your husband is interested too.

Also, I’m very sorry you’ve experienced this personal betrayal. But there’s hope.

In one of C. S. Lewis’s books he speaks about people who get angry with the faith. He points out that anger isn’t the opposite of love, but apathy. So, though it’s very hurtful, from my viewpoint it looks like maybe the animosity your friend harbors towards the Catholic faith points to his own problems with it, and so I see hope there. Anger shows a person is still invested. I guess this doesn’t exactly address your hurt, but I hope it lessens it a little.

If these comments make no sense just ignore them. Your post reminded me of the relationship between love and anger.

Thanks for listening.
 
I’m so sorry, what a horrifying experience!

Jesus understands how you feel. Give Him your pain and ask Him to help you to forgive them.

I would politely confront them about their betrayal. If they are typical Baptists, they probably think you’re heading to Hell if you choose to convert to Catholicism. So their motivation was probably to try and stop you. Obviously, such a betrayal on their part is just greater impetus to leave.

I would suggest attending Mass every Sunday from now on if you can while you keep learning about the Faith and researching your questions, but that’s just my personal opinion. But don’t convert because of their betrayal…do it because of love for Jesus and His Church.

Good luck with your RCIA class!
 
UPDATE!
We did call last night and talked for a long time. He was genuinely sorry for what he said and didn’t mean it to come out as it did. If anything, our relationship with this couple is even stronger now.

The obvious issue now is what to do about staying. I have been praying daily for God to show me what to do as far as converting, but I’m even more confused than ever. I’ve read and studied and prayed and fasted for 15+ months and I’m still unsure.
My husband doesn’t want to leave our church and our 3 children don’t really want to leave. I hate that this (my learning the truth about the Catholic Church and the real beliefs of the Early Church) is causing so much strain in my marriage.
Prayers for clarity appreciated. 😔
 
That is a good thing that the tension is off with your relationship with them.

I will put you on my prayer list. Our Lord Jesus Christ can walk you through this trying time.
Your family doesn’t have to leave the church they are attending. Our Blessed Mother can intercede for you also!

May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you on your spiritual journey!
 
I just remembered about the scripture where Our Lord said “You will be hated because of me…”

My husband became a stronger Catholic during the six years he had cancer. Prior to that he gave me a lot of grief over the years. He had a happy death surrounded by our eight children sharing good times with him, and praying around the bedside. At that point he had home hospice and wasn’t able to speak. He died a few hours later. This was in 1998.
 
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