How do you determine when to defend the Catholic Church?

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sheepaileen

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I couldn’t help but be sad every time someone posts something bad about the Catholic Church.

There was a time when I posted, “please don’t say bad words to the Church.”
But then, I feel like I made it worse, he posted many bad things about the Church and even religion.

There was also a time when I posted a comment on those players who play the online game, “Diablo”, asking them if they think that playing would be dangerous to their soul. But then he replied that he sold his soul to Satan. I posted that God loves him. But then, he posted bad things about the Church and religion. ><

I’m feeling sad. 😦 I don’t know if it’s right that I reacted and posted a comment in the first place.

What do you usually do during situations like these?

please enlighten me. please pray for us. 😦

Note: I don’t intend any detraction.
 
Prayer is much more powerful than words, but seems much less satisfying to us. Since we know that God is in charge, maybe we should try to pray for these people and add a word every now and then when it is really necessary. They do not know what they are missing, or they would be at mass with you, right? They need prayer first.
 
The internet is a slimy place for the most part. Many will post anything they think will draw a reaction. Best to not react.
 
sheepaileen said:
I couldn’t help but be sad every time someone posts something bad about the Catholic Church.

There was a time when I posted, “please don’t say bad words to the Church.”
But then, I feel like I made it worse, he posted many bad things about the Church and even religion.

There was also a time when I posted a comment on those players who play the online game, “Diablo”, asking them if they think that playing would be dangerous to their soul. But then he replied that he sold his soul to Satan. I posted that God loves him. But then, he posted bad things about the Church and religion. ><

I’m feeling sad. 😦 I don’t know if it’s right that I reacted and posted a comment in the first place.

What do you usually do during situations like these?

please enlighten me. please pray for us. 😦

Note: I don’t intend any detraction.
Click to expand...
I think it’s a matter of just discerning when you think someone is open to a civil, respectful, and educated discussion or whether they just want to throw around words and statements that they know will get to you.

For instance, my family will make jokes about the Church every now and then, and the fact that I now go to confession (I’m the only Catholic in my family). I just smile and let my silence speak for itself, he fact that I disagree with their jokes and don’t appreciate it. It doesn’t take long for them to notice it.

Other times, they will legitimately as questions about the Bible and Church teaching, such as why we believe in the real presence. These are the times when I respond with respectful and (hopefully) educated answers.

Like I said, just take a second and think, "are they actually try
 
sheepaileen said:
I couldn’t help but be sad every time someone posts something bad about the Catholic Church.

There was a time when I posted, “please don’t say bad words to the Church.”
But then, I feel like I made it worse, he posted many bad things about the Church and even religion.

There was also a time when I posted a comment on those players who play the online game, “Diablo”, asking them if they think that playing would be dangerous to their soul. But then he replied that he sold his soul to Satan. I posted that God loves him. But then, he posted bad things about the Church and religion. ><

I’m feeling sad. 😦 I don’t know if it’s right that I reacted and posted a comment in the first place.

What do you usually do during situations like these?

please enlighten me. please pray for us. 😦

Note: I don’t intend any detraction.
Click to expand...
I think it’s a matter of just discerning when you think someone is open to a civil, respectful, and educated discussion or whether they just want to throw around words and statements that they know will get to you.

For instance, my family will make jokes about the Church every now and then, and the fact that I now go to confession (I’m the only Catholic in my family). I just smile and let my silence speak for itself, he fact that I disagree with their jokes and don’t appreciate it. It doesn’t take long for them to notice it.

Other times, they will legitimately as questions about the Bible and Church teaching, such as why we believe in the real presence. These are the times when I respond with respectful and (hopefully) educated answers.

Like I said, just take a second and think, “are they actually trying to have a discussion or just get under my skin?”

Derek
 
I defend the Church whenever I can, and if folks mock me, I ignore them. But next time, I may just ignore them from the start.

There are a couple of sayings that I think about in situations like that:

Cast not your pearls before swine.

and

Never argue with a pig, it frustrates you and it insults the pig !!!
 
Education is your best defense. If you really what to explain the faith and feel confident about it STUDY. There are many apologetic books on this website. I will recommend “Catholicism and fundamentalism” by Karl Ketting. Also the catechism of the catholic church. I also had the problem you do but after studying I welcome a good debate.
 
Do not worry, Jesus knows you love Him, and He loves you back.

Many people do not take religion seriously, they don’t believe it, they don’t feel it. As a result it’s next to impossible to ‘defend’ the Church because they aren’t really attacking the Church - they’re attacking you. They think it’s fun to shock and outrage you, they laugh at your devotion and seriousness. What they are, is bullies, and you are their sport.

You can step back now and see the situation for what it is; they only want to get a rise out of you.

The best way to defend the Church for real, is to* set a good example*. Represent the Church as honorably as you can. When the Church experiences a tarnishing of reputation it is usually because one member set a bad example. That one member does damage to the other 2.5 billion of us - because we are one body. under Christ.

Don’t get sucked into name calling and anger. Let them keep all the petty. You keep the divine.

Jesus set a good example, people noticed, and then people followed. If we all set a good example, being His bride, we may lead some of those who are astray to Jesus.
 
Thank you for all your replies everyone.
They enlightened me.
I’m so glad I joined this Catholic forum.
^______^
 
In answer to your question: How do you determine when to defend the Catholic Church?

1-Whenever a soul is honestly seeking answers about the Church

2-When clarifying a mis-understanding would greatly help a person or large group

3-We must choose our battles. Some people only wish to create schism for the sake of drama. We must be strong enough to know if we are wasting our time with dissenters or if our defense is needed to de-fuse serious misunderstandings among innocent people being exposed to lies.

4-We must pray to know when we should speak up and when not to.

5-Our daily lives should reflect our defense of Holy Church. We should be ever ready to discern when we are needed to speak in Her defense.

May your day be blessed
Kathryn Ann
 
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