Defending moral values on Facebook - did I do the right thing the right way?

[ltravis]

I could use some (name removed by moderator)ut. I am a fairly non-confrontational person. However, I take my beliefs seriously and since we are called to take a stand and defend what we believe, I took an opportunity that seemed to call for it . Anyway, a relative of mine, staunchly liberal was defending the role of government paying for birth control (she uses that service herself) to another relative on Facebook. Well, she said at some point that at least birth control prevents us from having to pay for accidental children. At that point, I jumped right into the thread and said that “I believe we are all children, are all infinitely valuable, and are not accidents.” That’s all I said but I feel uneasy, as if I launched an attack where I wasn’t invited. What do you all think? Should I have just stayed away from it. Could I have handled it better?

LT

 

[FaustinaJulia]

You know your own relatives better than I can, so in some aspects you know how far to go better than I do about speaking to them. However, in a general manner, I can’t see where you have gone overboard, though I imagine you will need to be ready to explain your viewpoint in a reasonable, fact and charity based manner that shows both your love and concern for your relative, the children and God’s wishes. It can be a bit of a tall order and is one I avoid at times myself with prior associates, so I do wish you well in this regard and to trust in the Lord when you are doing the right thing to your mind and according to the Church. You have my best wishes in this regard.

 

[Jaguar]

I’ve lost 3 decent longtime friends via Facebook. I made a commitment to defend my Catholic faith (24 yrs. ago), no matter who attacks it or it’s teachings. It should be noted that I do it with kindness and respect.

I think many folks use FB to spout out their thoughts, that they would normally keep to themselves. My thought is, if they choose to put it in writing, then I can choose to disagree and challenge them on it.

Can you imagine how many Catholics, would just let it slide by, or even nod in agreement, in order to avoid a conflict?

In your case, maybe follow up with another message or phone call, in order to explain why you are so adamant on the subject. We certainly don’t want to destroy relationships. I miss those 3 friends. They all refused to answer my messages, calls & emails. On the other hand, I have made friends with some who at least respect my candidness on the subject. One old friend, after 20 yrs. contacted me last year, thanking me for opening the door, for him to see and understand things more clearly. He is now pro-life, and a close friend once again.

The bottom line is that Christ would want you to stand-up for him, with kindness & respect.

 

[ltravis]

Thanks, friends. The situation is odd because this person is very forward in sharing her opinion and I have never engaged such discussions before. Therefore I don’t mind finally stepping up, but jumping onto someone else’s wall to do it was not the most ideal opportunity IMO. I will consider a followup to make sure all is in good charity.

LT

 

[Jaguar]

Thanks, friends. The situation is odd because this person is very forward in sharing her opinion and I have never engaged such discussions before. Therefore I don’t mind finally stepping up, but jumping onto someone else’s wall to do it was not the most ideal opportunity IMO. I will consider a followup to make sure all is in good charity.

LT

Good luck to you!

 

[ltravis]

Okay, I did it. I replied that I was sorry for how I posted since it is a serious issue and that I could have been nicer. She said she understood and went on a long explanation from her perspective ending with the assertion that she didn’t know why there should be such a fuss over what she termed “basic” health care (i.e. contraceptive). I really wanted to crack open the whole catholic position on contraception especially vis a vis public funding of it, but I just concluded by saying something that there are several levels in the health care issue and that we would likely disagree on some of them when get into life issues and such. She left it there with a “like”.

I guess that wraps it up. Of course now I wonder if I left it in a state where I appeared to be backtracking on the strength of my conviction. I tell you, I DO. NOT. LIKE. debating these type of issues. It feels like no matter what I do I am doing something wrong and would rather have not engaged the issue in the beginning. Ugh. Oh well, I did my best…

 

[roveau]

I could use some (name removed by moderator)ut. I am a fairly non-confrontational person. However, I take my beliefs seriously and since we are called to take a stand and defend what we believe, I took an opportunity that seemed to call for it . Anyway, a relative of mine, staunchly liberal was defending the role of government paying for birth control (she uses that service herself) to another relative on Facebook. Well, she said at some point that at least birth control prevents us from having to pay for accidental children. At that point, I jumped right into the thread and said that “I believe we are all children, are all infinitely valuable, and are not accidents.” That’s all I said but I feel uneasy, as if I launched an attack where I wasn’t invited. What do you all think? Should I have just stayed away from it. Could I have handled it better?

LT

Such conversations that can be seen by all her Facebook friends (including you) is a public forum for you all isn’t it? So wouldn’t you be perfectly entitled to express your opinion in a non-offensive way… which you did. I can’t see the problem. Anyway, that relative will soon let you know if she was offended. It didn’t seem offensive to me.