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Cat
Guest
This isn’t Evangelical Protestantism. It’s Pentecostal Protestantism.
The practice you describe generally isn’t done in Evangelical fellowships, but in Pentecostal fellowships.
Be careful.
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The practice you describe generally isn’t done in Evangelical fellowships, but in Pentecostal fellowships.
Be careful.
A
adf417
Guest
In searching the threads this morning I came across this thread title and the next one on the list ironically was “How did we loose them?”. 
C
Cat
Guest
And in case you haven’t read the Scriptures, we Catholics are also now (and always have been) into respecting and obeying our earthly authorities as long as they do not ask us to do something that is in conflict with our Christian faith.
God does not ask Christians to post icons or pictures in a public place.
In the United States, most workplaces have written policies against any form of religious harassment or display. In our workplace (a hospital), it is actually spelled out in quite a bit of detail. We are allowed to wear a cross, crucifix, Star of David, or some other small emblem of our faith. But we are not allowed to put up any type of display of our faith, or wear t-shirts or do anything that could be seen as proselytizing.
In the workplace, it is not our intent that is considered, it is the “feeling” of the one bringing the accusation of harassment. If someone “feels” harassed, that is grounds for an accusation.
Think about it–there are plenty of people who hate, fear, or despise the Catholic Church and who might feel uncomfortable if they have to daily see the OP’s small display of his faith.
In fact, one of the posters in this thread called the Evangelical Protestant church “devil worship.” Obviously this poster harbors very bad feelings against the Evangelical Protestant churches and would possibly feel uncomfortable if an Evangelical Protestant co-worker posted pictures or slogans from the Evangelical Protestant world because these are “of the devil.”
I myself feel uncomfortable with emblems and logos that signify acceptance of homosexual practices. These emblems and logos are used by certain Protestant denominations and churches in our area, and if people in my workplace put up a display of these emblems or logos, I would ask them to put these away, and if they didn’t, I would go to Human Resources. I simply find it too offensive. (And I would probably be fired, because nowadays, anyone who sees homosexuality as “offensive” is considered a vile bigot and I would be told that I don’t fit in with the climate of inclusiveness at my workplace!)
Anyway, the point is, the OP’s innocent intent doesn’t matter. If someone feels harassed, they are harassed, and the OP will be considered in violation of his workplace policy against harassment, and could lose his job.
There are many other ways to remind ourselves of our faith throughout the day. We don’t need to disobey our workplace authorities. God will not bless disobedience.
One more thing–the OP should check his workplace policy. it’s possible that they may actually have a written statement that allows for small displays of religious faith at a desk or in an office. Then the OP would be OK to leave out his icons.
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AbideWithMe
Guest
McCartney-
JustaServant-
Cat-
I agree with Itwin’s reply to McCartney’s post, but with all due genuine respect for both Cat and JustaServant, none of us are in a position to divine the motives or predict the actions of the OP’s co-worker and his church. The OP’s question wasn’t asking people to do that, anyway.
And JustaServant, IIRC you were an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist pastor, which as you know doesn’t put you in a position to speak as a former pastor for the broader spectrum of Evangelicals, well-meaning as I believe you are.
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JustaServant
Guest
If there is a company policy about such things, he may HAVE to take down any icons. Just as the evangelical cannot use the workplace for his “evangelism”. What’s good for the goose…
One has to also take into consideration that there are people in the workplace who might not be Christians at all. What would be the reaction if they put whatever symbols they have to “advertise” their religion?
When I am at work, I am selling widgets. It’s not a mission field and I’m not the preacher.
If, however I display my faith doing what I am paid to do, in the best way I can, that is the greatest witness of all.
I beleived that as an evangelical myself, and I still believe that as a Catholic.
J
JustaServant
Guest
But, as I have encountered with Catholics on this forum, and in real life, “evangelical” is used in a broad way which can be anything from Jehovah’s Witness to Methodists.
My suspicion was aroused when the OP said the co-worker noticed his icons and started asking questions which resulted in his inviting him to his church. If it was a friendly lunchtime chat and the co-worker mentioned some Gospel group coming to his church and invited him, that’s a different story. But that’s not what he did.
BTW. I also pastored in a spectrem of Baptist churches, from Southern to American.
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pianistclare
Guest
I got the memo, thanks.
But I don’t recall the OP saying that someone asked anything about Catholicism…
The BEST way to evangelize is through love. Being the hands and feet of Christ.
Christ never forced Himself on anyone. But He was there to teach if they sought Him out.
Peace.
J
JustaServant
Guest
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EIF5A
Guest
I think my co-worker was more curious about the fact that I was even Christian, regardless of Church, denomination, etc.
In this line of work, most people tend to be atheists/agnostics.
IMHO, the invitation was extended because he saw a fellow Christian at work, not someone to convert.
He didn’t engage me in any anti-Catholic stuff, and though I don’t know what his church believes, I think he was sincere in his invitation.
But I still don’t want to go because I see no real purpose in it, but I don’t know how to politely decline and I hope he doesn’t question me why…because I’ve had at least one person get mildly offended when I told them I believe the Catholic Church is the true Church with fullness of truth led by the Holy Spirit.
Maybe I’ll just say I like a more intimate, quiet worshipping environment. He said it’s a reformed evangelical church…which I’m guessing means contemporary Christian music.
In this line of work, most people tend to be atheists/agnostics.
IMHO, the invitation was extended because he saw a fellow Christian at work, not someone to convert.
He didn’t engage me in any anti-Catholic stuff, and though I don’t know what his church believes, I think he was sincere in his invitation.
But I still don’t want to go because I see no real purpose in it, but I don’t know how to politely decline and I hope he doesn’t question me why…because I’ve had at least one person get mildly offended when I told them I believe the Catholic Church is the true Church with fullness of truth led by the Holy Spirit.
Maybe I’ll just say I like a more intimate, quiet worshipping environment. He said it’s a reformed evangelical church…which I’m guessing means contemporary Christian music.
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ltwin
Guest
Not necessarily. Not all evangelical churches utilize contemporary music. The worship wars are still very much alive in some places.
And the “Reform” label has become so broad as to almost be meaningless. He could be anything from a Presbyterian to Calvinistic Baptist to a Mark Driscoll wannabe.
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dronald
Guest
I get this. When I meet someone who is an obvious Christian (icons in their office or something) I get really excited and want to talk about Christ with them. It’s so hard to meet new Christians while out and about in a secular world.
Even when I see someone wearing a cross I have to ask where they got it and why they’re wearing it. I always hope that if they’re a Christian they’re not afraid to say; and if they are afraid (or just not a Christian) I usually tell the person that I am.
The worst however is when I see that someone is obviously Christian and I want to build a relationship with said person based on that fact and the other person makes it awkward. As if our faiths are weird or something?
That’s why I originally said to go, and what’s the worse that can happen. If you feel they’re pushy, anti-Catholic, or something makes you uncomfortable then don’t go back. But you may be able to build a relationship with another Christian on the other hand. He must be passionate about his love for God and I wouldn’t dismiss that so quickly.
It means a lot to us Evangelicals a lot of the time.
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MarianCatholic
Guest
Im sorry to hear how “afraid” some Protestants are to say what they believe in.
Before I became Catholic I where a Lutheran of some sort ( attended Pentacostal arrangements/ camps as a kid) and what I remember from that time was how embarrassed I felt (for some reason) when people knew I where Christian.
I even denied once as a child and it tormented me in many years, actually until I confessed it then I finally put it behind me.
It’s a painful thing to feel ashamed of ones Faith becouse the guilt is horrible afterwards.
I thought it was more common among kids though, I guess I where wrong.
Now that Im catholic Im finally proud to be a part of the One church and Im actually hoping that people may ask about my faith when I wear my Saint Medals.
Anyway I hope the fair of living out ones faith doesn’t stop people from being the light and salt that our earth need more than ever.
I mean, we have our differences but anyone who worship and follows our Lord is very much needed.
Yours in Jesus and Mary
- MarianCatholic
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EIF5A
Guest
Regarding workplace harassment because of icons: I don’t work in a typical environment where people fear tattletaling to HR. They’re in one corner of my work area, and they’re not even icons really — just colored images printed on regular paper, no frame or anything.
If someone were to make a case, I’d get a warning, then I’d take it down.
My greater fear is that since people would know that I’m Christian, I would fail to live up to the standard of being a Christian and being a bad example.
If someone were to make a case, I’d get a warning, then I’d take it down.
My greater fear is that since people would know that I’m Christian, I would fail to live up to the standard of being a Christian and being a bad example.
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dronald
Guest
I never specified Protestants.
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AbideWithMe
Guest
I agree completely with dronald about this possibility for what may be going on here. I often ask friendly questions when I see someone wearing something that makes me wonder if they’re a Christian or Jewish.
I know I may get slammed for saying this, but I think some Catholics I know online are overly convinced that people must be out to convert them.
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Sailor_Kenshin
Guest
And lets say that I don’t necessarily buy it.
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Sailor_Kenshin
Guest
And I think I agree with you.
I also seem to detect an element of fear: ‘Ooo, I can’t go to THAT church because it’s not MY church!’
I don’t fear other churches. I might attend a service if someone asked, or I might not. A lot would depend on the individual circumstances.
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EIF5A
Guest
Just to add, we’re both in our late 20’s. Maybe the older generation of Protestants was rabidly anti-Catholic, but I think the “new breed” of evangelical young adults is more open.
But then again, I read youtube comments on Catholic videos…so maybe not.
The church seems to be the “everyone is invited to worship and praise God” type.
I grew up in the evangelical church circle and attended praise nights, revivals, retreats, etc. It would be hard for me to doubt the sincerity of their hearts. At one of the meetings, the pastor laid his hands on me and I felt a warm sensation and began speaking in tongues. (Yes, I know the Catholic Church doesn’t really do that.) I wasn’t looking to speak in tongues nor did I ever believe it was a requirement or even a sign of being a good person. I didn’t roll on the floor, laugh uncontrollably, or feel like I was in a trance.
Was it the Holy Spirit? Was it the enemy playing a trick? I don’t know.
And for the life of me, I cannot figure out why I was led to the Catholic Church. Why me of all the other evangelical Protestants who are better Christians than me? Maybe I need a more powerful cleansing mechanism through the prayers and sacraments of the Church?
(On a tangential note: There’s an episode of “King of the Hill” where Hank and Peggy get involved in a modern mega-church and feel awkward and return to their smaller Methodist church. I wish the show were still on Netflix…there aren’t enough clean comedies.)
But then again, I read youtube comments on Catholic videos…so maybe not.
The church seems to be the “everyone is invited to worship and praise God” type.
I grew up in the evangelical church circle and attended praise nights, revivals, retreats, etc. It would be hard for me to doubt the sincerity of their hearts. At one of the meetings, the pastor laid his hands on me and I felt a warm sensation and began speaking in tongues. (Yes, I know the Catholic Church doesn’t really do that.) I wasn’t looking to speak in tongues nor did I ever believe it was a requirement or even a sign of being a good person. I didn’t roll on the floor, laugh uncontrollably, or feel like I was in a trance.
Was it the Holy Spirit? Was it the enemy playing a trick? I don’t know.
And for the life of me, I cannot figure out why I was led to the Catholic Church. Why me of all the other evangelical Protestants who are better Christians than me? Maybe I need a more powerful cleansing mechanism through the prayers and sacraments of the Church?
(On a tangential note: There’s an episode of “King of the Hill” where Hank and Peggy get involved in a modern mega-church and feel awkward and return to their smaller Methodist church. I wish the show were still on Netflix…there aren’t enough clean comedies.)
J
Jon_S_1
Guest
I love king of the hill! That was a great episode!Just to add, we’re both in our late 20’s. Maybe the older generation of Protestants was rabidly anti-Catholic, but I think the “new breed” of evangelical young adults is more open.
But then again, I read youtube comments on Catholic videos…so maybe not.
The church seems to be the “everyone is invited to worship and praise God” type.
I grew up in the evangelical church circle and attended praise nights, revivals, retreats, etc. It would be hard for me to doubt the sincerity of their hearts. At one of the meetings, the pastor laid his hands on me and I felt a warm sensation and began speaking in tongues. (Yes, I know the Catholic Church doesn’t really do that.) I wasn’t looking to speak in tongues nor did I ever believe it was a requirement or even a sign of being a good person. I didn’t roll on the floor, laugh uncontrollably, or feel like I was in a trance.
Was it the Holy Spirit? Was it the enemy playing a trick? I don’t know.
And for the life of me, I cannot figure out why I was led to the Catholic Church. Why me of all the other evangelical Protestants who are better Christians than me? Maybe I need a more powerful cleansing mechanism through the prayers and sacraments of the Church?
(On a tangential note: There’s an episode of “King of the Hill” where Hank and Peggy get involved in a modern mega-church and feel awkward and return to their smaller Methodist church. I wish the show were still on Netflix…there aren’t enough clean comedies.)
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dronald
Guest
I’ll certainly pray for you. Try not to have too much of an “us vs them” mentality; most of us love God and want to share that love with you.
Again, if however you feel pushed you’ll know to stay away; if you feel loved… Well, then you may go through what I just went through. Haha.
Again, if however you feel pushed you’ll know to stay away; if you feel loved… Well, then you may go through what I just went through. Haha.
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