Failing as a witness to my friends

[Linkthemissing]

I have been with a group of friends for several years now, since I went to college. We are all close and most of them are pretty cool people. But each and every one of them either belongs to a new age faith, or are hardcore atheists. And instead of leaving them or bible bashing, I tried to teach by example. But if they talk about morals for theology, they will make very offensive jokes about Christianity, jokes that make me want to slug someone. But I kept my cool, not wanting to blow-my-top because they want to bait me. And while it’s ok for them to explain their beliefs, if I open my mouth to defend my point of view I am told to shut up and go play in the corner. It has gotten worse since I said I would be joining the Catholic Church, I received nothing but grief from them in the way of respect and understanding. I have failed so miserably that one of them has become a Satanist, and all because I can’t do anything right.

1. What have I done wrong?
2. Should I leave this group of friends who have shut their ears and eyes so tightly?
3. How can I get respect as a free thinking person?

 

[Lutheranteach]

Have you considered they may be trying to get you to leave?

 

[St_Francis]

I have been with a group of friends for several years now, since I went to college. We are all close and most of them are pretty cool people. But each and every one of them either belongs to a new age faith, or are hardcore atheists. And instead of leaving them or bible bashing, I tried to teach by example. But if they talk about morals for theology, they will make very offensive jokes about Christianity, jokes that make me want to slug someone. But I kept my cool, not wanting to blow-my-top because they want to bait me. And while it’s ok for them to explain their beliefs, if I open my mouth to defend my point of view I am told to shut up and go play in the corner. It has gotten worse since I said I would be joining the Catholic Church, I received nothing but grief from them in the way of respect and understanding. I have failed so miserably that one of them has become a Satanist, and all because I can’t do anything right.

1. What have I done wrong?

Hard to tell, but probably nothing wrong. “There are none so blind as those who will not see.”

1. Should I leave this group of friends who have shut their ears and eyes so tightly?

Do they help you in your walk towards God? Do you think that you have an effect on their walk with God? Remember that Christ said to His disciples to shake the dust from their sandals when leaving towns whose people did not care about their message.

1. How can I get respect as a free thinking person?

The people who are of this world will not think you are a free-thinking person; they will think that you are brainwashed. So, you might want to gain the respect of men like that…

 

[Stjudeprayforus]

You haven’t failed… they are failing.

I could not be around atheists and a satanist… but that is me. I cant have that in my life.

I have new age friends… ugh… I know how you feel… it is great if they talk about it but when I say something about being Catholic the eyes start to roll.

God bless you.

 

[Tietjen]

1. What have I done wrong?

You didn’t mention anything that appears wrong.

1. Should I leave this group of friends who have shut their ears and eyes so tightly?

That is up to you. Do you think that you’ll be accepted and respected by these “friends” if you stay? If not, then I would look at why it is you consider them to be “friends” in the first place if they don’t share that respect toward you.

1. How can I get respect as a free thinking person?

Surround yourself with people who love God rather than themselves.