How can I tell my friends about my faith?

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kleine_katerine

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Since my conversion back in April this year I have told very few people about it. A few close friends (who are already religious, most of them baptist) and family but that’s it. Before I made the move to join the church I was agnostic and have lots of atheist friends.

I feel awkward talking to my baptist friends about it in case they think I’m trying to force them into coming to Mass. I’d love them to come of course (and I think that if they attended a service or two they’d see the truth), but I’m not going to make the decision for them. I’d like to talk about faith in general, but it’s a topic we seem to avoid during conversation.

And my atheist friends…well…they’re militant atheist (in speech). My dad included. He won’t speak to me about it. He half asked me about my opinion of Richard Dawkins last weekend, but nothing else. He sees my conversion as a disappointment. My friends would either reduce their contact with me or try to “win me over” to their point of view.

What I want (and pray for regularly) is that they will have their interest in God and the church ignited, come to Mass and know the truth. But I don’t know what to do. I feel God is trying to tell me something, but I’m not very good at listening (something I’m desperately trying to work on).

Any ideas?

God bless

Katherine
 
Katherine- God Bless you on your journey of faith! It is by His grace that you arrived at the truth of the Catholic faith, and it will be through His grace that your friends and family may also make that same journey. Pray for it… and pray for them. Say the Rosary. Offer any sufferings and inconveniences you may experience up to the Lord for their conversion.

As a new Catholic, learn all you can about the faith. Read books by Scott Hahn. I believe he may even have one about the “new atheism.” Baptists will challenge you that what you’re doing “isn’t Biblical” and you need to be prepared to lovingly answer that challenge.

Getting them to mass is nice idea, but that alone may not show them “the truth.” Look at all the Catholics who attended mass for years and never knew anything about their faith and so left. If they do go to mass, be ready to explain what each part of the mass is and why it’s important.

There are plenty of great resources and helps out there. Catholic Answers Forums is one of them! 👍 Just remember that when telling others about your faith, you are planting seeds. It is God alone who converts a heart, and we may never see it happen in our lifetime for the ones we love. So we continue to pray and live out our faith in a way that speaks volumes about the path we have chosen.

You should never be ashamed to tell people you are Catholic. You don’t have to be obnoxious about it…but if asked, no need to deny it. My father was also VERY disappointed when I became Catholic. But… it’s MY LIFE, MY CHOICE. If your friends are talking about their faith, no reason why you can’t pipe in with stuff about yours. But if your friends mock you or belittle you, are they really friends? If it’s just good-natured ribbing, then use it as a teachable moment, if only to teach about respecting people’s freedom to worship as they believe. If it’s malicious, perhaps new friends are in order?

Hope this helps in some small way… I’ve walked the same path myself… it gets easier over the years! My prayers are with you… don’t lose heart! Judie
 
JudieK said:
You should never be ashamed to tell people you are Catholic. You don’t have to be obnoxious about it…but if asked, no need to deny it. My father was also VERY disappointed when I became Catholic. But… it’s MY LIFE, MY CHOICE. If your friends are talking about their faith, no reason why you can’t pipe in with stuff about yours. But if your friends mock you or belittle you, are they really friends? If it’s just good-natured ribbing, then use it as a teachable moment, if only to teach about respecting people’s freedom to worship as they believe. If it’s malicious, perhaps new friends are in order?

Hope this helps in some small way… I’ve walked the same path myself… it gets easier over the years! My prayers are with you… don’t lose heart! Judie
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I hope it does get easier! I was told by my parish priest when I started this that it wouldn’t always be a walk in the park…he really wasn’t kidding.

I respect what you’re saying about them mocking and belittling me and whether that’s true friend behaviour. But in my experience (especially with the dumb things some of my mates say and do) it comes from ignorance and/or fear. I wonder if trying to turn their insults etc. around would be a positive step or simply futile…
 
Get some new friends, ones who will help you with your Faith and be a good influence, ie. good Catholic ones.

I know its a difficult thing to do while you are at College but believe it or not most of the friendships you have now will probably end once you go on to university anyway.

I had to get rid of most of my friends once I started taking my Faith seriously, best decision I ever made, Christ is a much better friend and it created space in my life for new friends, friends that help me be a better Catholic rather than try and lead me astray and I have never been happier.
 
This post really hit home for me. I was going to start a thread about how to share your faith with other people in a subtle way, but you seem to have expressed exactly what I was going to say. How do we share the faith with people in a way that doesn’t seem like you’re selling them a used car? I was an atheist for a long time, and was always very sensitive to people trying to “convert” me to their religion. I remember absolutely tuning people out as soon as religion came up. Now that I’m on the other side of the fence I have to try not to be too eager talking about Catholicism or I know they’ll react just like I would have at one time. I think we just have to accept that some people really aren’t interested in religion at all, at least not at this time in their life, and we can do more harm than good if we’re too eager. I consider it a success if I can plant one tiny seed, or correct one tiny misunderstanding about the religion. The most difficult people to talk to are the lukewarm ones, like most of my friends and family. I just leave those seeds all over the place and hope one or two will germinate into the person learning more about the faith on their own.
 
It can be very difficult especially when it is friends and family leading people away from the Church through ignorance. Our lady of Guadeloupe converts, pray that Mary changes the hearts of these people. Like Judie said, the Rosary is great, it’s Jesus’ life through his mother’s eyes. She knows that Jesus made the Church for everyone and that it IS his bride.
 
PadraigPearce said:
How do we share the faith with people in a way that doesn’t seem like you’re selling them a used car? I was an atheist for a long time, and was always very sensitive to people trying to “convert” me to their religion. I remember absolutely tuning people out as soon as religion came up. Now that I’m on the other side of the fence I have to try not to be too eager talking about Catholicism or I know they’ll react just like I would have at one time.
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This is just it! I met up with one of my best friends today (a baptist) and we were talking a little about what we believe, but I thinkI came on too strong. The thing is the more I delve into Catholicism the more excited I get, and I want to share it but I think it comes across as pushy. We thought a good idea would be to find a Bible study group in our area (neither of our churches run one) and discuss our views with others as well.

Here’s a small encouragement though. I met up with my parish priest, Fr. Terry, this morning to ask him various questions. He said that one flaw in Catholics (at least in my area) is that they often don’t join in in discussion groups as they are too cautious about defending their faith. I think it’s a wonderful thing to share it and discuss it. Strengthens it withing you, but maybe that’s just me. Please pray I’ll find somewhere to express my growing enthusiasm.

God bless
 
I was exactly like you when I converted! I was so eager and excited to talk about my faith to everyone! I admit I WAS a bit overbearing and obnoxious, and the problem was, I didn;t KNOW enough about the faith to really explain it to anyone else, much less defend it from objections from other (more biblically-literate) Christians. So that 's when I embarked on my quest to LEARN everything I could. I recommend the Beginning Apologetics Series (available on Amazon or CA), Scott Hahn, Surprised by Truth books, etc.

A word of caution about Bible studies with non-catholics: Be careful. As Catholics we do not believe that the Bible is up for our individual interpretation. The Church has pondered and reflected on the meaning of the scriptures for millenia- and we know what the Church teaches on almost every topic because it’s all there in the Catechism. Protestants are free to discuss and decide what they think it all means, and everyone’s interpretation is valid and good. But we have to go with the Church’s teachings… one of the beauties of being Catholic… we don’t have to reinvent the Wheel! Once when I was in an inter-denominational Bible Study, my Catholic views were NEVER taken seriously and were always politely dismissed. I think it’s fine to talk with friends about your faith as long as you can remain calm and mutually respectful. But it’s hard when you are so PASSIONATE (as I am) about the faith. If you can say “We believe this and that… and here’s why…” and the other person says “Wow! That’s interesting! I never considered that before!” that’s great. But if it’s more like “THAT’S not in the Bible! PROVE IT!” Then be careful. It might not be the experience you’re looking for. That’s all I’m saying.
 
Katherine,

Let me just say how encouraged I am by the fact that you have listened to the whisperings of the Spirit and begun to follow the Lord by seeking after Him and the truth of who He is in the Catholic faith. It can be extremely difficult to follow the Lord when everyone around you is telling you that you’re crazy, so I just want to say that I admire and support you as you continue to grow in love and truth, entering into the richness of the Catholic faith. I promise you that you’re not alone in being persecuted either: though my whole family is Catholic, they would call me crazy for discerning the priesthood. It is taking a lot of courage on my part to follow the Spirit where He may lead me… please pray for me!

As far as sharing the faith with friends and family, I would say that it is best not to force things with them, especially not at first. But there is a difference between forcing your faith upon someone and sharing it with them. Live out your faith in your life, and when they see the positive difference that Catholicism has effected in you, they will be intrigued. One of the biggest mistakes I made was not opening up to my family about my spiritual journey as I walked along the road with the Lord. Be authentic in how you live your life and your faith, and your life will be a witness to them of the love you have found in Christ Jesus.

I do not know very many people who are militant atheists, and those that I do know are only acquaintances, so I can’t offer any experiential advice for you in that area. But with your Baptist friends, I would recommend if you feel moved by the Spirit, to share with them in discussions of your common faith in Jesus Christ. And if you’re looking for others to share your faith with, who can uplift you and support you on your spiritual journey, I would definitely suggest that you get to know some people at your church. Then you can grow in faith and love together. 🙂
 
I am very happy to know that you wanted to share your Catholic Faith. You should not be discourage when some of your friends do not want to listen to what you have to say.
I got into a conversation with a lady who happens to be browsing in the bookstore (religious) one day and ask me my faith. I told her that I am a Roman Catholic. She just stared at me and I followed it up with, yes Catholic (Katholo, for greek word meaning Universal) and FAITH, i.e F-Father, A-and, I-I, TH-Thereafter. It started a conversation and I think I planted some “seeds” in the process.
I do believe that understanding our Catholic Faith would require alot of prayers and learning of what the “Truths” are. As you know everyone will have an opinion on what the real “Truths” are. The Catholic Faith can be explained and the basis are the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Traditions. If I can interest you of a book by Scott and Kimberly Hahn’s “Rome Sweet Home”, a small book but has an in depth discussions of the “Truths”.
I will include you in my prayers so you can be successful in sharing our Catholic Faith with your friends. Be patient and God will always guide you.
 
JudieK said:
A word of caution about Bible studies with non-catholics: Be careful. As Catholics we do not believe that the Bible is up for our individual interpretation. The Church has pondered and reflected on the meaning of the scriptures for millenia- and we know what the Church teaches on almost every topic because it’s all there in the Catechism. Protestants are free to discuss and decide what they think it all means, and everyone’s interpretation is valid and good. But we have to go with the Church’s teachings… one of the beauties of being Catholic… we don’t have to reinvent the Wheel! Once when I was in an inter-denominational Bible Study, my Catholic views were NEVER taken seriously and were always politely dismissed. I think it’s fine to talk with friends about your faith as long as you can remain calm and mutually respectful. But it’s hard when you are so PASSIONATE (as I am) about the faith. If you can say “We believe this and that… and here’s why…” and the other person says “Wow! That’s interesting! I never considered that before!” that’s great. But if it’s more like “THAT’S not in the Bible! PROVE IT!” Then be careful. It might not be the experience you’re looking for. That’s all I’m saying.
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A very good point…

I am VERY happy to hear about your conversion, and I completely understand your position. I think you’re going to have to throw your friends little tidbits of info here and there, and give them more if they show interest in discussing religion further. But don’t let them insult you or degrade your beliefs. They aren’t friends worth keeping if they treat you like that.

I think inviting them to Mass is premature when they don’t know much about Catholicism. It might seem strange and rigid to them. But that’s just my opinion. I would wait until they learned a little more or perhaps showed interest in it.

Above all, set a good example.
 
Although I was raised Catholic, now I have adopted a more agnostic philosophy towards religion. Being on the opposite end of the discussion I am used to people trying to “convert me” to the truth, It is not as though i am disinterested by I choose not to divorce my intelligience from faith, in other words I want to study as much as I can before i can make a decision I am comfortable with. To this day I firmly doubt the absolute monopoly to salvation from any religion.

There are a few turn-offs for me when some tries to convert me. One thing that gets me is when people belittles any evidence I bring to them that is contrary to what they tell in.

You should remain humble yet passionate in your beliefs. You and many other fervent religious people may believe they know the truth but the fact is no one could just send God an email and ask him to show up randomly and reveal the truth.

There has to be a dialouge not a lecture. In other words listen to what they have to say in response to why you feel so passionate about your new found faith. I would suggest educating yourself as much as you can on catholic apologetics this website seems to be an excellent website and also educate your self on the beliefs of those you want to share your faith with.

Most importantly always keep an open mind when ever the other person sees that your not taking into consideration their point of view then they will interpret that as you trying to win rather than you are humbly seeking the truth. A good way to start would be to ask them why they believe what they believe, this way this will give both of you an equal oppurtunity to present your views.
 
Sagefrakrobatik said:
Although I was raised Catholic, now I have adopted a more agnostic philosophy towards religion. Being on the opposite end of the discussion I am used to people trying to “convert me” to the truth, It is not as though i am disinterested by I choose not to divorce my intelligience from faith, in other words I want to study as much as I can before i can make a decision I am comfortable with. To this day I firmly doubt the absolute monopoly to salvation from any religion.

There are a few turn-offs for me when some tries to convert me. One thing that gets me is when people belittles any evidence I bring to them that is contrary to what they tell in.

You should remain humble yet passionate in your beliefs. You and many other fervent religious people may believe they know the truth but the fact is no one could just send God an email and ask him to show up randomly and reveal the truth.

There has to be a dialouge not a lecture. In other words listen to what they have to say in response to why you feel so passionate about your new found faith. I would suggest educating yourself as much as you can on catholic apologetics this website seems to be an excellent website and also educate your self on the beliefs of those you want to share your faith with.

Most importantly always keep an open mind when ever the other person sees that your not taking into consideration their point of view then they will interpret that as you trying to win rather than you are humbly seeking the truth. A good way to start would be to ask them why they believe what they believe, this way this will give both of you an equal oppurtunity to present your views.
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Good advice. People tend to shut down if they think someone is just trying to “convince” them rather than entering into a dialogue. I do the same thing if an atheist or a fundamentalist is just trying to win an argument with me rather than have a discussion about the issues.

Since I am not agnostic (;)), I would also add this point: The Truth (AKA Jesus) has his own power to convert. We can propose, but not impose our beliefs. If we speak the truth and the person is receptive, then God will take care of the conversion. If we speak the truth and the person is not receptive (at that moment), no amount of badgering on our part is going to change that. It usually only has the opposite effect.
 
Joe_5859 said:
Good advice. People tend to shut down if they think someone is just trying to “convince” them rather than entering into a dialogue. I do the same thing if an atheist or a fundamentalist is just trying to win an argument with me rather than have a discussion about the issues.

Since I am not agnostic (;)), I would also add this point: The Truth (AKA Jesus) has his own power to convert. We can propose, but not impose our beliefs. If we speak the truth and the person is receptive, then God will take care of the conversion. If we speak the truth and the person is not receptive (at that moment), no amount of badgering on our part is going to change that. It usually only has the opposite effect.
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But if they do acception your invitation to Dialouge you must accept the criticism and Chalenges they pose to what you call “Truth” and not easily dismiss them. Or deem their legitimate concerns and counter arguments as frivulous.
 
Sagefrakrobatik said:
But if they do acception your invitation to Dialouge you must accept the criticism and Chalenges they pose to what you call “Truth” and not easily dismiss them. Or deem their legitimate concerns and counter arguments as frivulous.
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Of course.
 
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