Dealing with "Christians"

[TheRealJuliane]

She was trying to connect with you as she too was pro-life. I would have graciously thanked her for her prayers of protection. She didn’t want you nor your car harmed as was hers, and I would have offered to pray for her in return. She’s fighting the same battle against abortion. Why make her an enemy?

Yep and I would have signed her up for a shift to pray at Planned Parenthood - or any other abortion provider - 40 Days for Life starts on Ash Wednesday! We don’t turn any faith away! All prayers are welcome!

 

[AlltheRoses]

I for one am rather tired of hearing people claim that Catholics are not Christians or that the Catholic Church is in error and that Catholics do not adhere to the Scriptures. Apparently the lady had no problem pointing out that there were many former Catholics in her Reality Church who had come to see the truth. I think she got a loud and clear dose of reality and truth, albeit in a frank way and without mincing words. If anything, this will probably make her investigate the Catholic Church a little deeper than just what the “Reality Church” tells her about the Catholics.

But the lady seems to be rather nutty in the first place if she’s going around parking lots praying over automobiles. But I wouldn’t want anyone from the “Reality church” praying over me or my car either. It reminds me of the time when a “Reichi Master” offered to pray her energies over a relative of mine who was very ill----thanks but no thanks–I had no problem telling the lady that Reichi is dabbling with New Age occult/nonsense.

I can understand that you are tired of hearing people claim that Catholics aren’t Christians, that we don’t adhere to the Scriptures, and/or that the Catholic Church is in error, but that is no reason to start treating evangelicals disrespectfully. We shouldn’t disrespect ALL of evangelicals by implying they aren’t Christian and putting the word Christian in sarcastic quotation marks when speaking of them just because SOME of them like to say we aren’t Christian. We shouldn’t even be saying that those who insult us aren’t Christian. We should be doing good to those who hate us, because that is what Christ called us to do. It’s hard to convince anyone that you are a Christian if you don’t act with the love, respect, and charity that should define a Christian’s approach to everybody, not just those who attend the same church.

The lady may have said that the Church is in error and that there were former Catholics at her place of worship, but that was mainly because the OP stated that the lady’s house of worship was heretical and the pastor there invalid. Such a comment is going to put the woman on the defensive, and it’s hardly that the whole scene devolved into a dispute that left both participants angry. The OP could have used this time to show the lady that Catholics have a lot more in common with her than she might have guessed, and that would possibly have made the woman want to learn more about Catholicism and interact with more Catholics. Being condescended to and insulted is going to drive her away from the Church, not toward it. She might even use this story to “prove” to her friends that Catholics are uncharitable, bigoted and not Christian.

The lady is a bit out-there for wanting to pray over random cars in lots just because she agrees with the bumper stickers, but I think that, as I said, God hears all prayers addressed to Him, so there isn’t anything wrong in letting the woman pray that the car and its driver would be safe. It may be a little weird, but it isn’t wrong. Anyway, if it did really make the OP uncomfortable, the OP could simply have said, “No, thanks. God bless you, and have a nice day,” or something to that effect. She didn’t have to insult the woman’s house of worship.

 

[Debora123]

I feel very naive in asking this question; I have been under the impression Catholics, Protestants and all individuals that accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are Christians?

They are.

 

[Debora123]

She was trying to connect with you as she too was pro-life. I would have graciously thanked her for her prayers of protection. She didn’t want you nor your car harmed as was hers, and I would have offered to pray for her in return. ** She’s fighting the same battle against abortion. Why make her an enemy?**

Bingo.

 

[Gabriel_Serafin]

Reichi IS new age occult nonsense. Prayer in our Lord’s name is NOT! I can understand if you are tired of hearing those things. I’m tired of hearing them as well. However, that does not negate our responsibility to speak the truth with charity and love. Based on what was posted, this lady was not saying any of those things anyway.

Read the post again; the parking lot lady said the Catholic Church was in error and does not adhere to the Scriptures. But you are certainly correct to say that the faith must be shared with charity, which is the only advice I would give MomandWife. Say the exact same thing, only with charity.

She wanted to pray that the posters car would not be vandelized. It was the poster that was bothered by her choice of house of worship.

She could easily pray for the car in question and anyone she wants without approaching anyone in a parking lot. It sounds like she was probably seeking new Realty church members— but nevertheless, she probably meant well, so it was a good opportunity to share Christ and invite her to discover the truth about Catholicism.

I think there is zero chance that the parking lot lady is going to investigate the Church after such an encounter and that it is highly likely that she will go around spreading falsehoods about the Church and its members until she has quite a few more positive experiences.

I think you’re wrong. Her church is already spreading lies about the Catholic Church if she believes we do not adhere to the Sacred Scriptures. I think the truth she heard will echo in her mind and urge her to check it out. People who believe false things about the Catholic Church is evil need to hear the truth loud and clear, albeit, charitably…

 

[Luna_Lovecraft]

I hope this is the right place to post this… First time here! So glad to find a Catholic board!

So yesterday I was in the parking lot at Target, and a woman approached me while I was loading my car. She said she liked my bumper stickers (they are pro life) and said she was glad to see someone making a statement for unborn children. I thanked her. She then asked if she could pray “over” me for protection, because her own car was vandalized when she had pro-life stickers on it. I was a little taken aback, and asked her what parish she belonged to. She said she went to a “church” in town called REALITY. Now, I know what this is. It is a big “come as you are, anything goes” church that some “pastor” invented on his own. They pride themselves on being open to anyone and as far as I know, there is no oversight or hierarchy in the “religion” - some guy just reads the Bible and says whatever he wants on Sunday morning while wearing Birkenstocks.

I told the woman that I’d rather she not pray over me, because she did not attend a valid church. She said she was Christian and didn’t I worship Jesus. I said that of course I did, but that I consider “REALITY” to be heretical, the pastor to be invalid, and the attendees to be in grave error. She said the “church” had many former Catholics. I said they were in a state of mortal sin for their attendance at “REALITY.” She said the Catholic Church was who was in error because we do not adhere to the Scriptures. I said that The Catholic Church is the one true church that Christ founded, and that there is zero salvation outside of Catholicism. She said I was “So wrong” and that she would pray for me that I would see the truth. I said I already knew the truth, and that I hoped she would stop attending a false church so that she could attain salvation. She stomped away.

I am still really flustered here. I know that Catholics do not “witness” to others like some of the more obnoxious “faiths” out there. We do not approach people in parking lots and ask to “pray over them.” I am just not sure if I handled this well. I got pretty upset and I might have offended this person.

Any ideas on how we should deal with these so-called Christians when we are faced with the falsehood of their religion. Clearly I could have done it better! The thing is, their churches do a good job of making them “feel good” and it’s hard , to explain that going to church is not about getting pumped and feeling energized as though it were a concert!

I try very hard not to engage strangers in parking lots. I live in a mini Bible Belt that also has one of the highest concealed carry rates in California. Blend religious fervor of the kind that compels one to approach strangers in parking lots with hidden firearms and the results could very well be lethal.

Occasionally someone will approach me as I’m entering or leaving Trader Joe’s or the Dollar Tree and want to share the Good News with me or pull the scales from my eyes. I smile as genuinely as I can and say, “Thank you so much, but you know I can’t right now. I’m already late. But if you’re here tomorrow we might have a chance to talk then.”

And I smile the whole time and just keep moving. I don’t have the time or emotional energy to chide strangers about their religion, and I certainly don’t want to end up in a trauma center.

Luna

 

[AlltheRoses]

Read the post again; the parking lot lady said the Catholic Church was in error and does not adhere to the Scriptures. But you are certainly correct to say that the faith must be shared with charity, which is the only advice I would give MomandWife. Say the exact same thing, only with charity.

She could easily pray for the car in question and anyone she wants without approaching anyone in a parking lot. It sounds like she was probably seeking new Realty church members— but nevertheless, she probably meant well, so it was a good opportunity to share Christ and invite her to discover the truth about Catholicism.

I think you’re wrong. Her church is already spreading lies about the Catholic Church if she believes we do not adhere to the Sacred Scriptures. I think the truth she heard will echo in her mind and urge her to check it out. People who believe false things about the Catholic Church is evil need to hear the truth loud and clear, albeit, charitably…

I agree that the lady could have prayed for the car in question without approaching the OP, but she could have just wanted to pray with the OP, and, if she was trying to evangelize, that only means that it was a good time to reach out to her in a positive way. She also might have just been wanting to meet another pro-lifer or meet another Christian. We shouldn’t automatically assume the worst of everyone.

Her place of worship might be spreading lies about Catholicism if she doesn’t believe that the Catholic Church adheres to Sacred Scriptures or she might have picked that up somewhere besides her place of worship. Hearing what the Catholic Church really preaches and what Catholics truly believe expressed in a gentler manner might have made her re-think her position and/or her place of worship’s position on Catholicism.

I really doubt that the truth she heard from the OP will have a positive impact on her. She’ll be hostile and resistant to what she heard, and she’ll see it as further proof of how wrong us Catholics are and how we aren’t Christian. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t think that I am. After all, our negative reaction to being accused of not being Christian should provide us with a hint as to how it feels to have your place of worship called heretical. Charitable, gentle, and kind words often speak much more loudly than angry, hostile ones.*

 

[Bezant]

if there are better ways of handling this kind of situation, please let us know because I thought she handled it just fine. I have been in a simular situation and there really is no way to politely extracate yourself from this unless you just agree to let this person pray over you and say nothing more.

Rude? she told the lady the truth-that she would prefer that she didn’t pray for her because this church is heretical. I mentioned that I went to Mass while talking to a friend(who is Evangelical), she said that Mass was so long because they are full of “old superstition and rituals”. I said nothing at the time, just changed the subject but i regret it now because I still feel like gnashing my teeth over this

Not to beat a dead horse, but it was rude. If the OP was so uncomfortable she couldn’t she have told some white lie and asked the other woman to keep the OP in her prayers later? There’s a time and a place for debate.

 

[rayne89]

She was trying to connect with you as she too was pro-life. I would have graciously thanked her for her prayers of protection. She didn’t want you nor your car harmed as was hers, and I would have offered to pray for her in return. She’s fighting the same battle against abortion. Why make her an enemy?

I agree. I know when other Christians say Catholics are not Christians or are not saved, its a complete turn off. You basically did the reverse. How open do you think this woman will be to the Catholic church after she offered to pray for you and you refused and you called her faith false? Starting with common ground would plant a seed, criticism when this woman reached out in kindness just closes her off.

 

[GraceDK]

I hope this is the right place to post this… First time here! So glad to find a Catholic board!

So yesterday I was in the parking lot at Target, and a woman approached me while I was loading my car. She said she liked my bumper stickers (they are pro life)

Good job!

and said she was glad to see someone making a statement for unborn children. I thanked her. She then asked if she could pray “over” me for protection, because her own car was vandalized when she had pro-life stickers on it.

What a nice sister in Christ!

I was a little taken aback, and asked her what parish she belonged to. She said she went to a “church” in town called REALITY. Now, I know what this is. It is a big “come as you are, anything goes” church that some “pastor” invented on his own. They pride themselves on being open to anyone and as far as I know, there is no oversight or hierarchy in the “religion” - some guy just reads the Bible and says whatever he wants on Sunday morning while wearing Birkenstocks.

How do you know that? You went there? Seems the lady is pro-life which is more than you can say about many Catholic priests and laypeople.

I told the woman that I’d rather she not pray over me, because she did not attend a valid church.

**Uncharitable of you… Did you really think this would turn out into a fruitful conversation? **

She said she was Christian and didn’t I worship Jesus. I said that of course I did, but that I consider “REALITY” to be heretical, the pastor to be invalid, and the attendees to be in grave error.
She said the “church” had many former Catholics.

See already… When you insult people, you get insults back at you.

I said they were in a state of mortal sin for their attendance at “REALITY.” She said the Catholic Church was who was in error because we do not adhere to the Scriptures. I said that The Catholic Church is the one true church that Christ founded, and that there is zero salvation outside of Catholicism. She said I was “So wrong” and that she would pray for me that I would see the truth. I said I already knew the truth, and that I hoped she would stop attending a false church so that she could attain salvation. She stomped away.

I would have stomped away from you too. How could you say such stuff to her, and say there is no salvation outside the catholic church to someone who believes in Jesus Christ who is the truth and the way. ??? You knew she would not understand that statement of yours, and you securely succeeded in making her not wanna ever visit a Catholic Church.

I am still really flustered here. I know that Catholics do not “witness” to others like some of the more obnoxious “faiths” out there. We do not approach people in parking lots and ask to “pray over them.” I am just not sure if I handled this well. I got pretty upset and I might have offended this person.

**Oh boy! Who of you started being uncharitable and jugdemental. It was you. Not her. **

Any ideas on how we should deal with these so-called Christians when we are faced with the falsehood of their religion. Clearly I could have done it better! The thing is, their churches do a good job of making them “feel good” and it’s hard to explain that going to church is not about getting pumped and feeling energized as though it were a concert!

Again… it seems you have a looooot of judgement on other Christians, on what they do, and think and believe. These people are Christians. They are Christians and so are you and I. You say their church makes them feel good? Well I certainly hope your Catholic church makes you feel good too. Where I live, we have a lot of classical concerts going on during our masses, yes… you wanna give me a swing too? Clearly you could have done better, you say. Well I certainly hope so. You should apologize to the lady, and from now on you should speak to people the way you wanna get spoken to, and realize that not all have the GIFT of catholic faith… but when someone belongs to Christ: “you have no right to judge someone elses servant,” as our Lord says.

 

[odile53]

Actually, I would have just joined her in a prayer against automotive vandalism at Target, and against abortion. Around here, there are a lot of mega-church attendees who can be intrusive about what they consider evangelism, and I’ve learned to spot them a mile away. I think you may have opened up yourself to getting “recruited” for the REALITY church when you asked her what parish she belonged to. In other words, I wouldn’t assume anything about anyone who is pro-life (I’ve known a few pro-life atheists and pagans in my day, too, believe it or not, it’s just part of their personal ethical frame of reference.)

Catholics don’t generally approach total strangers in a parking lot and offer to pray over their cars, and “pray over” is a phrase that is commonly used by the mega-church folks. If I’m approached by one of these parking lot evangelists, I tell them I’m in a hurry, say, “God bless you,” and drive away.

I figure that if they already believe in Jesus Christ, their salvation comes via the Catholic Church, whether they know it or not, and I leave the catechesis to those who might be better able to do it than I. That may or may not be lazy on my part, but why annoy them when they might hear the message of the spiritual fullness of our Church later on down the line?

 

[GraceDK]

Actually, I would have just joined her in a prayer against automotive vandalism at Target, and against abortion.

Me too… I would be happy actually. I think many people here sound rather spoiled. They should be happy that at least someone is reaching out. Here in Europe the Christians are too scared of their own shadow… Maybe if you were surrounded by atheism more, and not megachurches… you would learn to see the wonderful thing that at least some Christians are not afraid of spreading the Gospel…

Around here, there are a lot of mega-church attendees who can be intrusive about what they consider evangelism, and I’ve learned to spot them a mile away. I think you may have opened up yourself to getting “recruited” for the REALITY church when you asked her what parish she belonged to. In other words, I wouldn’t assume anything about anyone who is pro-life (I’ve known a few pro-life atheists and pagans in my day, too, believe it or not, it’s just part of their personal ethical frame of reference.)

Catholics don’t generally approach total strangers in a parking lot and offer to pray over their cars, and “pray over” is a phrase that is commonly used by the mega-church folks.

**Well what word do you use? **

If I’m approached by one of these parking lot evangelists, I tell them I’m in a hurry, say, “God bless you,” and drive away.

Why? What are you afraid of?

I figure that if they already believe in Jesus Christ, their salvation comes via the Catholic Church, whether they know it or not, and I leave the catechesis to those who might be better able to do it than I. That may or may not be lazy on my part, but why annoy them when they might hear the message of the spiritual fullness of our Church later on down the line?

**The lady asked if she could pray over another lady because her own car had been vandalized. Why don’t you just take her on her word?
Why all this suspicion against fellow Christians?
In my country we have a saying that goes: A thief thinks everyone steals. I think this thread shows a lot of unhealthy box-thinking from Catholics.
**

 

[FatherOfTwelve]

I hope this is the right place to post this… First time here! So glad to find a Catholic board!

So yesterday I was in the parking lot at Target, and a woman approached me while I was loading my car. She said she liked my bumper stickers (they are pro life) and said she was glad to see someone making a statement for unborn children. I thanked her. She then asked if she could pray “over” me for protection, because her own car was vandalized when she had pro-life stickers on it. I was a little taken aback, and asked her what parish she belonged to. She said she went to a “church” in town called REALITY. Now, I know what this is. It is a big “come as you are, anything goes” church that some “pastor” invented on his own. They pride themselves on being open to anyone and as far as I know, there is no oversight or hierarchy in the “religion” - some guy just reads the Bible and says whatever he wants on Sunday morning while wearing Birkenstocks.

I told the woman that I’d rather she not pray over me, because she did not attend a valid church. She said she was Christian and didn’t I worship Jesus. I said that of course I did, but that I consider “REALITY” to be heretical, the pastor to be invalid, and the attendees to be in grave error. She said the “church” had many former Catholics. I said they were in a state of mortal sin for their attendance at “REALITY.” She said the Catholic Church was who was in error because we do not adhere to the Scriptures. I said that The Catholic Church is the one true church that Christ founded, and that there is zero salvation outside of Catholicism. She said I was “So wrong” and that she would pray for me that I would see the truth. I said I already knew the truth, and that I hoped she would stop attending a false church so that she could attain salvation. She stomped away.

I am still really flustered here. I know that Catholics do not “witness” to others like some of the more obnoxious “faiths” out there. We do not approach people in parking lots and ask to “pray over them.” I am just not sure if I handled this well. I got pretty upset and I might have offended this person.

Any ideas on how we should deal with these so-called Christians when we are faced with the falsehood of their religion. Clearly I could have done it better! The thing is, their churches do a good job of making them “feel good” and it’s hard to explain that going to church is not about getting pumped and feeling energized as though it were a concert!

I like what you said. “Clearly I could have done it better!” I think the Spirit within you is speaking.
Here’s the advice I give myself,
Col 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving; 3 and pray for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, 4 that I may make it clear, as I ought to speak. 5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one.

Be prepared, we are told be St. Paul to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us. As verse 6 says, always be gracious, seasoned with SALT (the Truth)…

Next time, if you see her again. Humbly, re-engage. More than likely, she’ll speak with you.
Then you’ll be ready for anyone else the Lord brings your way.
God Bless.
FoT

Btw, since you are new here at CAF, try to let it roll off when you feel the folks here just “Flamed” you, nit-picking every word. Sometimes a few are caught up with looking at the speck in each others eyes. They mean well,

 

[ThyKingdomCome]

I think the circumstances surrounding your encounter are of critical importance here and this is why. It is important for us to evangelize and to stand up for our faith, however we need to carefully discern what is a good time and how to do so charitably.

If you had said what you said to her instead to someone who came knocking on your door I might even agree with your approach…or if you were in a heated conversation with someone over faith matters then I would agree you should stand up for your faith! However that is not what happened, this was a pro-life woman who went out of her way to pay you a compliment, then offered to pray for your protection so that you would not be a crime victim. She was completely kind and it seems you cut her to the quick. I beleive she offered to pray for you in kindness and that her prayers are just as welcome to God as the prayers of Pope Benedict…God hears ALL. Granted she is a member of a church that is not ideal however she seems to be trying and reached out to you in love and I worry that your response was not charitable.

Well said. I can appreciate being uncomfortable having her pray over you. I might too, not knowing if she was going to get all new-agey on me or not. But rather than call her out on her religious beliefs I might have said something like: “Thank you so much for offering. I’d prefer not to be prayed over. But I’d love it if you would pray FOR me…” Or “It is so kind of you to offer. Why don’t we pray together instead…Can we start with an Our Father?”

 

[ThyKingdomCome]

Mom and Wife, two other thoughts…

1-in addition to simply praying with her, you could’ve afterwards asked her what Church she goes to, and then told her where you go to Church. Without even criticizing her church, or getting into a theological discussion, you could evangelize her. There’s a good chance she has preconceived notions about the Catholic Church, and you could bust some of them right away by kindly praying with her. She could go home from a meeting like that thinking, “wow, maybe Catholics really DO love Jesus! Look at how we prayed together!”

2 - Welcome to the forum! Way to start off with a bang!

 

[mamaslo]

I hope this is the right place to post this… First time here! So glad to find a Catholic board!

So yesterday I was in the parking lot at Target, and a woman approached me while I was loading my car. She said she liked my bumper stickers (they are pro life) and said she was glad to see someone making a statement for unborn children. I thanked her. She then asked if she could pray “over” me for protection, because her own car was vandalized when she had pro-life stickers on it. I was a little taken aback, and asked her what parish she belonged to. She said she went to a “church” in town called REALITY. Now, I know what this is. It is a big “come as you are, anything goes” church that some “pastor” invented on his own. They pride themselves on being open to anyone and as far as I know, there is no oversight or hierarchy in the “religion” - some guy just reads the Bible and says whatever he wants on Sunday morning while wearing Birkenstocks.

I told the woman that I’d rather she not pray over me, because she did not attend a valid church. She said she was Christian and didn’t I worship Jesus. I said that of course I did, but that I consider “REALITY” to be heretical, the pastor to be invalid, and the attendees to be in grave error. She said the “church” had many former Catholics. I said they were in a state of mortal sin for their attendance at “REALITY.” She said the Catholic Church was who was in error because we do not adhere to the Scriptures. I said that The Catholic Church is the one true church that Christ founded, and that there is zero salvation outside of Catholicism. She said I was “So wrong” and that she would pray for me that I would see the truth. I said I already knew the truth, and that I hoped she would stop attending a false church so that she could attain salvation. She stomped away.

I am still really flustered here. I know that Catholics do not “witness” to others like some of the more obnoxious “faiths” out there. We do not approach people in parking lots and ask to “pray over them.” I am just not sure if I handled this well. I got pretty upset and I might have offended this person.

Any ideas on how we should deal with these so-called Christians when we are faced with the falsehood of their religion. Clearly I could have done it better! The thing is, their churches do a good job of making them “feel good” and it’s hard to explain that going to church is not about getting pumped and feeling energized as though it were a concert!

First of all, her salvation is through the Catholic Church…regardless of where she attends and you will not convince her in a quick controversial conversation in a parking lot. That is why we learn apologetics. Her salvation is still through the Catholic Church…even if she never admits it. What they DO have is from the Church God esablished.

Praying together would have been a good thing. You flustered her too, and now, she will think she is being attacked by the enemy or something. So pray for her. We are supposed to be ready in season and out, just like they are. We should be ready to pray with one another even if it is uncomfortable.

You did fine in your confrontation except that it startled you and I think what you are feeling must be akin to “dadgum, I wish I had handled that better and actually gave her food for thought”.

I have been in her shoes, and I am in yours now. Our church is reaching out to those who have fallen away and protest our traditions. Our Church in Mass includes more scripture than any other denomination that splintered from us…observe when you go next. You know how to find her, if you are feeling very bold. but first get yourself an apologetics book and learn how to handle these misconceptions with the undergirding of knowledge.

I am not being critical of you, you used the tools you have. You know the Catholic church is the one true church started (before the scriptures were even collaborated). Jesus left us a church not a bible first.

Yesterday, my daughter had to to a Choral competition in a different denomination and she sees what protesting has done to the sacred. our Altar is rich with history…their history too. The old testament is in our altar…we have the altar of sacrifice, the special priestly garments, the basin, the tabernacle which contains Jesus in the form of bread. We have all those things they read about in the old testament.

Now, you have been properly introduced to the problem, it may be a journey you are called to walk and help others realize there is more to faith than cheerleading God and reading the bible.

 

[Castello]

I would have thanked her for her prayers and invited her to our Pro Life group at the Parish.

We Catholics NEED to evangelize.

 

[mini_me640]

While the lady you encountered was wrong about the Church, she only brought up her objections to Catholicism after you attacked her. I too get frustrated with the misconceptions about Catholicism, but remember that Protestants are “separated brethren” - they are still Christians, just lacking fullness of truth. Attacking them and refusing their prayers is not likely to attract them to the true Church. It will likely just confirm the suspicion they had that Catholics aren’t real Christians. If you didn’t feel comfortable with her praying “over” you (which is really just a matter of semantics), you could have suggesting praying together for the unborn.

 

[nickybr38]

I think I’ll refrain from commenting on whether you responded correctly or not and suggest that the next time this happens you pull out your rosary and pray with the woman. Although once she sees those beads she’ll probably run screaming…

 

[rhiannonh]

with love

saying it not a valid church will be like a bull to red flag. how would you like it if she had said the same in return. who is who to say what is what in faith…

If another asks if they can pray for you, who ever, priest, pastor or someone in plain clothed either gracefully accept or gracefully say no.

Remember Jesus appeared as a stranger and mixed with strangers. He did challenge many. I wonder how many of us would really be comfortable with Jesus walking into our live and challenging what we do and why even in his name. Its too easy to get caught up in believing he will be happy with our actions. But are we happy with a not so well behaved stranger in church?