Do Catholics ever use 'Holy Deception"?

[LSK]

This may be more of a moral question, so if it needs to be moved I hope the Moderator will do so.

I love my Catholic Faith. I was lead back to the Church through my participation in a 12 step program that saved my life. One of the principles of that program is ‘rigorous honesty’. I firmly believe that the strong sponsorship I have been given from the begining in that 12 Step program re-ignited the graces I received at Baptism and Confirmation and ultimately lead me home to the Holy Mother Church.

I have had no problem adhering the the traditions of the 12 step program and being an ‘Catholic Out Loud’. Yes, I have had some resistence but as I have pointed out, if I am to be tolerant of someone being a druid and having a tree as their higher power then I can expect tolerance from THEM regarding my Higher Power being the Triune God.

That being said, do you believe we - as Catholics - are EVER allowed to practice 'Holy Decpetion", either by posting at a forum under a new name, lying to a group about our religious affiliation, or ‘keeping quiet about the Lord’ in order to be what WE might consider effective evangelists?
I have my own opinion - what is your opinion?

Thank you all - and GOD BLESS US EVERY ONE…

 

[baltobetsy]

I don’t think you should ever lie, but sometimes it’s prudent not to reveal everything all at once. For example, when you converse with someone you may wish to draw them out first to see where they stand on certain issues so you can address them effectively as the conversation takes its course. You can avoid turning someone off with a statement at the very beginning. Later on, you can try, perhaps with gentle questioning, to help the person see the truth and understand his error. And the other person will feel respected and perhaps be more open to what you have to say.

Betsy

 

[LSK]

I agree with you, Betsy. In there first flush of enthusiasm I have often made the mistake of coming on too strong, then blamed the person or organization for not being receptive. I think the fear and temptation, then, is to mask my real motives.

 

[chevalier]

Deception of itself can’t be holy. At best it’s morally neutral, although perhaps it might acquire a good character from a good goal… don’t know, let’s say using a feint in combat for a good purpose, perhaps that could be construed as a good act already. Anyway, “holy deception” rings wrong. Ends don’t justify means. Shutting up about religious affiliation may be justified. Posting under a different name might perhaps be justified. But lying is a whole different thing.

 

[LSK]

Would, say, posting under a different name on a forum to ‘throw off’ the opposition be lying?

 

[LilyM]

Would, say, posting under a different name on a forum to ‘throw off’ the opposition be lying?

There are usually other methods than using a totally fictitious name - I’d use my middle name(s) for example. And my surname is rather distinctive but I would use just the first initial if it’s possible, or since it’s foreign I could use the English ‘translation’ (exact same meaning) if you like.

 

[porthos11]

Using a fictitious name isn’t necessary immoral. For example on these forums, we were invited to use any handle we wished, meaning, it’s used only to identify a user. It didn’t say that we had to declare our real names. porthos isn’t my real name. You will also not see it here on the forums. But do I deceive anyone? No. I simply choose not to reveal. That is not necessarily the same as lying.

 

[Bennie_P]

Would, say, posting under a different name on a forum to ‘throw off’ the opposition be lying?

Using a user name that protected your real name on a forum would be appropriate, for to give out too much personal information could be dangerous even on a Catholic/Chirstian forum.

But, Yes I would say it would be lying if someone did post after logging in on thier usual log-in name, then came back to the forum under a different user name and identity just to trip up, foul up, or trick someone in opposition of them in a discussion.

I don’t know why you would be worried about that, you have been one of the most up-front people I have encountered on this forum, something I really respect.

 

[LSK]

I know some Catholics who are doing a variety of things in the name of evangelization that seem, in my opinion, to be the use of 'the ends justify the means". I wanted other people’s ideas.