Hiding my Faith

[identifyasCatholic]

I want to hang out with a friend but I just remembered some things I do when I hang out with other people. one example: She asked me what types of books I read, and instead pf discussing books regarding the Saints, or Catholic books etc. I just said the genre, because I get embarrassed talking about the faith to other people (anyone else?) . And considering in general, when I get asked certain questions, in my mind I usually have a more faith-related answer, but in the outside, I just say something less religious or not religious at all bc once again, Im too shy to talk about my faith. To add, Im scared of having to cross myself in front of my friends not bc of any criticism but because I just feel too shy , and i have a hard time showing devoutness during Mass sometimes as well, such as closing my or looking at the Crucifix for a long time, I feel uncomfortable showing any devoutness I do have; I feel that should be reserved. How “out there” should I be with the faith?Is it wrong to feel this way? should i still hang out with her?

 

[Clare]

What is her faith? Talking about things with her may help you both gain a deeper understanding of your faith, but maybe it’s more that instead of her asking you, you need to be the one to start the conversation. Is there a particular book you’ve read that she might like to discuss with you?

 

[halogirl]

I make it something fun such as if my friend goes round the corner in his car too fast and I cross myself. And I might be saying something I shouldn’t and say ‘ oh man I will have to go to confession now’. I joke about being Catholic a LOT but I think it’s good as it’s sign of me being visible about it

 

[Lee1]

If anyone wants to laugh at you being a Catholic you might just smile, after all you know better don’t you.

Sometimes I make the sign of the cross in my mind, I visualise doing it and as far as I’m concerned I have done it. It’s is a prayer as well, albeit short, and we pray silently don’t we.

Some people would say that you might change your friends if they aren’t tolerant of your religion, that’s probably hard to do, so it may be easier to just explain that it might seem odd or strange in some way to them but it’s a serious commitment that you have made to God to you. Good friends will understand and respect your position.
God bless.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

When something is important in your life, like your faith, being open about it means being vulnerable if someone criticizes you or ridicules you. It hurts when someone else doesn’t understand.

I always found it difficult to talk about my faith without minimizing it.

Getting older so that you care less about what other people think helps a lot. Another thing that helps is having at least one friend you can trust and be open with. Knowing you have that person’s support makes it easier to take a risk with others.

 

[Mtatum1958]

You’re in good company.
G.K. Chesterton,
“It is the test of a good religion whether you can joke about it.”