How do we combat the ignorance of the laity?

[TimothyH]

I argued that such beliefs go against the Church and that he should not be receiving communion until he sorts through these differences.

You have no business telling someone they should or should not be receiving communion based on their beliefs. It is not your place to do so.

-Tim-

 

[pianistclare]

There are thousands–maybe millions-- of catholics who feel the way this friend does–the so-called cafeteria catholics.
If it makes them “less” catholic than others, then should we be reducing the official count of Catholics in the world?
I thought that once u r Catholic, that’s it–u r always Catholic. You may be a Catholic who doesn’t agree with doctrine or follow teachings…but you are still catholic.
I didn’t realize people could be “part” or “less” Catholic.

If so, there are far fewer Catholics in the world than the official count.

So what’s your point?
That the team with the most players wins?

There’s a difference between professing to be something, and being good at something.
You can be a ball player and be a really lousy ball player. That’s what the OP is referring to.
Not a head count of sorts.

 

[jmcrae]

There are thousands–maybe millions-- of catholics who feel the way this friend does–the so-called cafeteria catholics.
If it makes them “less” catholic than others, then should we be reducing the official count of Catholics in the world?
I thought that once u r Catholic, that’s it–u r always Catholic. You may be a Catholic who doesn’t agree with doctrine or follow teachings…but you are still catholic.
I didn’t realize people could be “part” or “less” Catholic.

If so, there are far fewer Catholics in the world than the official count.

This isn’t about taking a census; this is about people being bad at being Catholic. It’s not a label you stick on your forehead; it’s a way of life that includes the Sacraments, the moral life, and devotion to God, every day of the week, and every hour of the day.

 

[JimG]

Besides having several decades of poor catechesis, the problem has been compounded by decades and decades of incessant media propaganda insidiously imparting the secular religion. The linked article gives some examples. The title sounds like it is about a Court decision, but it is really about popular media.

crisismagazine.com/2016/how-obergefell-really-happened

 

[RollTide1987]

I would not have remarked about his reception of communion. That turns the discussion into an attack on his behaviour, rather than the specific moral issues.

I see your point but understand I only brought it up after he confirmed he understood the Church’s teaching on these things. He said he disagreed with the Church on them as well as other dogmas. I probably fired back with that statement because I was so frustrated. It’s one thing to talk to a Protestant but quite another to talk to a fellow Catholic and not come away a little angry with the conversation.

 

[AmbroseSJ]

I see your point but understand I only brought it up after he confirmed he understood the Church’s teaching on these things. He said he disagreed with the Church on them as well as other dogmas. I probably fired back with that statement because I was so frustrated. It’s one thing to talk to a Protestant but quite another to talk to a fellow Catholic and not come away a little angry with the conversation.

I can definitely sympathize. I speak about religion with more Catholics than Protestants. It is dismal realizing how poorly they understand Catholic teaching, especially when they are quite decided and content with their lack of understanding.

I think you did the right thing in all respects.

It is as if you uncovered the hidden wound. You have stated that it is there and needs to be healed. Beyond that, you can only pray. Or if the door to this conversation has not been sealed shut, you can continue to try with much gentleness to nudge in the right direction.

 

[estesbob]

There are thousands–maybe millions-- of catholics who feel the way this friend does–the so-called cafeteria catholics.
.

2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong

Exodus 23:2

 

[steve_b]

The following conversation absolutely, 100% happened. It took place two days ago between myself, and a friend who claims to be Catholic. Throughout this conversation, he argued that the fact he was pro-gay marriage/gay rights and was pro-choice in instances of rape as well as other mitigating factors, did not make him any less of a Catholic. I argued that such beliefs go against the Church and that he should not be receiving communion until he sorts through these differences. He declined my advice.

Somehow, and I can’t remember how the conversation arrived at this point, he claimed (quite seriously I might add) that even if Jesus Christ himself came down from Heaven to tell the world that gay marriage and homosexual acts were sinful, he would disagree with him, shrug it off as just another opinion, and his stance toward the issue would not change at all.

I was floored.

How does one deal with Catholics like my friend?

2089 "*Heresy *is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same;

Titus 3:10
“As for a man who is factious ( αἱρετικὸν heretic ), after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.”

 

[Tesomas]

Pray for them and for yourself. At least that’s what I do. It’s pretty tough sometimes with family members. Thank God for the strength of your own faith.

It’s so tempting to throw the Catechism at people, but that’s no way to call people who to conversion. We all have our own little personal “salvation history” to live out, and just like the Israelites, sometimes we require a lot of preparation before we are ready for the truth.