Evangelizing a roommate

[Flimmy]

I have a roommate who, as far as I know, lives life to the compunction of his intellect, feeling out what’s right and doing it, advancing in… “humanity.” We don’t talk much; as an example, we both use the computer frequently. In the beginning, I prayed for him heartily, but had no words (where he was disposed to perhaps hear words or friendship), so the prayers and sacrifice kind of went… somewhere.

I think he is agnostic, or rather, inactively avoids the whole subject altogether, for potentially his own good. It might not be time for me to blow the cover, so I suppose I should just live a careful life and pray for things and wait. I’m not sure if I’m the person, or it’s the place. I do live in a Catholic adult family home, and that has [an] effect. Wait, pray and see is the course.

But here’s a dilemma; what if there comes a time, and these times have seemingly come and gone, where he’s ready for… something, truth, words, more, and I’m not ready to present, deliver, etc. Are there any books that might help in this situation? I don’t want to cause aversion or outlay too much truth (over-zeal) by careless presentation, or undermine the small relationship he has with the Catholic caretaker, but I think I have a place in this situation.

These are my thoughts anyway.

 

[Nan_S]

Build a relationship first. Become his friend. If he doesn’t trust you, he won’t listen to you. Express interest in what interests him. Ask him questions and show him that you appreciate his perspective. He may be the one to save you when you have a big assignment you are struggling to finish.

Preach the gospel at all times, but don’t use words. Tell him you’re Catholic and you’d be happy if he could accompany you to worship, but then DROP THE SUBJECT. Keep a bible and the Catechism on display and let yourself get caught looking at them regularly. Maintain a high moral standard. If you’re underage don’t drink, even when you have the chance. Act justly and honorably. Share what you have, but don’t borrow without permission, even if it was OK to use ____ yesterday. Don’t steal. Protect his valuables with the same care that you protect your own. Don’t keep a girl in the room overnight. Ask him to respect your feelings, by not behaving in a way that will cause you to get in trouble.

Once you have won his respect you can ask him his opinion on a scripture or over a moral dilemma. Listen to his answer and show that you value his (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[George_Stegmeir]

Be very careful and tactful in bringing up religion with your room mate. Follow the advice of those who counsel you to lead by example. Let your room mate know that you are a practicing and observant Catholic.
If you try to forcefully exhibit your faith, or preach to your room mate, it could easily have the opposite effect of what you intended, and you could turn a potential friend into an enemy and you will be branded by your class mates as some kind of nut.
On many college campus it is strange that the student population will tolerate an Evangelical, bible thumping Protestant, and even an observant Orthodox Jew; but, they will avoid and excoriate an evangelical Catholic.
You must realize that on most campuses, anti-Catholic prejudice is the only kind of bigotry that is still tolerated…and everybody needs someone/something to actively dislike.

 

[GratefulFred]

I agree with the comments above.

We have to walk the walk before we can talk the talk with any kind of credibility.

Be patient. Timing is everything. If he is not ready to hear it, it may seem forceful and an attempt to control. Especially is rapport has not been well established first.

Meanwhile, pray. Pray that God grant you the ability to speak His Truth in the Spirit of Love.

I think one of the most basic questions is, “Do you believe in God?”

A no answer turns the conversation one way. A yes answer leads perhaps to this question, “In your view, what is the proper relationship God expects of you and how do you know you are honoring that?” Ok, that’s 2 questions in one.

So, while waiting for the right time, study up on how you would travel down the yes or no path.

And remember, no good prayer goes unanswered. We have to trust God and be patient. God answers in His own good time. Whether that answer comes from us or someone else, your prayers do matter.