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gurneyhalleck1
Guest
You mean, are they Baptists or J-Dubs? LOL
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josephdaniel29
Guest
I’ve had Baptist tell me “our church was founded by John the Baptist.”
What can you do?
Yours in Christ
Joe
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geometer
Guest
Well, they may be mistaken about that, but John the Baptist did have disciples and there is a middle eastern religion that descends directly from them. Its an unbroken tradition. I’ll have to find the name. It might be the Druses, I don’t remember at the moment…I’ve had Baptist tell me “our church was founded by John the Baptist.”
What can you do?
Mandaenism
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Bill_Pick
Guest
Have a JW read John 1"1 from your bible and they will leave your house, they do not have a answer with your bible
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Bill_Pick
Guest
I also had a Baptist tell me this but that just ignorance of the faith its not a teaching of the church.
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geometer
Guest
I guess you are right, I have a sister-in-law who is baptist, but she never talks about religion. The middle eastern group are the Mandeans, I hope thats spelled right.
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rcscwc
Guest
A very valid biblical way is to just kill them. Matter ends, and another non believer consigned to fires. Teach them a lesson.
Calling wild bears to kill them too can be tried.
Sending devils into them to drown them in the nearest lake too is ok. If lake is not handy, they shall did it before jumping.
But I recommend you trash these methods. Do what I do to missionaries that come knocking at my door. Seat them, offer a cup of tea and send them off.
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LaceyC
Guest
This is an interesting question, and since I am not Catholic, I will throw in a response from my perspective.
These women are obviously concerned about you. They are afraid for you and feel a responsiblity to share the gospel as Jesus commands us to do. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to share with them why you believe that your soul is secure in Christ. The workplace is probably not the best place to have an indepth discussion about religion, but you can indicate that you appreciate their concern. You can let them know that you are happy to work with people who love Christ too.
The truth is that Baptists for the most part do not understand what Catholics believe. It is also true that Catholics for the most part to not understand what Baptists believe. I have been reading this board for a while now — and it has been so interesting and enlightening to see the misconceptions that abound on all sides.
Perhaps God will teach all of you more about Him as you work together.
Suing them for “harassment” is probably not the best evidence of a true Christian faith
These women are obviously concerned about you. They are afraid for you and feel a responsiblity to share the gospel as Jesus commands us to do. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to share with them why you believe that your soul is secure in Christ. The workplace is probably not the best place to have an indepth discussion about religion, but you can indicate that you appreciate their concern. You can let them know that you are happy to work with people who love Christ too.
The truth is that Baptists for the most part do not understand what Catholics believe. It is also true that Catholics for the most part to not understand what Baptists believe. I have been reading this board for a while now — and it has been so interesting and enlightening to see the misconceptions that abound on all sides.
Perhaps God will teach all of you more about Him as you work together.
Suing them for “harassment” is probably not the best evidence of a true Christian faith
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kalt
Guest
Since you have to work with them, you’ll have to firmly (but not rudely) let them know that the topic is off the table, or else agree to discuss Catholicism with them.
If I were there, when they approached me with the subject again, I would ask them if they would like to discuss my religion. If they say yes, launch right in. Start talking and keep talking. With 2000 years of history, you can keep them there listening for hours…days. Ask them more questions about the CC than they ask you. Ask them things that they probably don’t know about - Church history, the Sacraments, the CC’s teaching on war, abortion,etc.
When they insist on comparing the CC to their religion, ask them what their church teaches on very specific topics. It’s been my experience that they have very general teachings on broad subjects or else the evangelists don’t know what their church teaches.
At any rate, be the leader. Why they beg the question, ask them what, “What do you think about that? What does your church teach?” They’ll answer, and your response will be, “That’s an interesting interpretation.” Said so that “interesting” conveys your amusement (but not ridicule) at their thinking and lets them know that you know more and better, and that you are not impressed with their theology.
IMO, it’s better to let them know that the topic is off the table. Saying something like, “I appreciate that you feel called to approach me, but this topic will forever be off the table. What did you bring for lunch?”
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JustaServant
Guest
Good answer. The last part.
I might add to others here, that again, if this is happening on the job these two are not showing a good christian witness by negleting their duties and talking about things best left while not on work time.
The crying part is bothersome because it sounds like manipulation. Ask my wife, crying NEVER works with me.
Hitting me upside the head however…
Do not allow them to manipulate your emotions. If they were truly ‘nice people’ they would not do that.
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LaceyC
Guest
I think its a great idea to talk to them about your Catholic beliefs. But why not do it out of love and an honest exchange of information instead of an “in your face — I know more than you know — take that” kind of discussion?
If you believe they are so misguided, why not take the opportunity to share the truth? These attitudes are what promote misinformation on all sides.
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Jerusha
Guest
From now on, if they bring up the subject of religion, walk out of the situation. Tell your boss that if there is any more religious harrassment, you will begin making a civil rights complaint. Back it up on paper, and send a copy to your nearest civil rights office.
From this point on, you should be just as friendly as ever. Avoid them outside of the workplace, they might try some shenanigans there. Watch your p’s and q’s, make a detailed record of everything. Watch out for any indications of malicious gossip. It would be good to find a friend in the workplace who does not appreciate religious harrassment, even if you have to do something undercover to get such an ally hired.
jmcrae: I agree totally. Some US Catholics seem to think that they need to apologize for being Catholic. Too much anti-Catholic propaganda going around.
From this point on, you should be just as friendly as ever. Avoid them outside of the workplace, they might try some shenanigans there. Watch your p’s and q’s, make a detailed record of everything. Watch out for any indications of malicious gossip. It would be good to find a friend in the workplace who does not appreciate religious harrassment, even if you have to do something undercover to get such an ally hired.
jmcrae: I agree totally. Some US Catholics seem to think that they need to apologize for being Catholic. Too much anti-Catholic propaganda going around.
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Ceil-1
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LaceyC
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I have to repeat again — I really don’t understand this hostility. Wow — threatening to make a civil rights complaint. Watching out for malicious gossip. Gracious! Is this the love of Christ? Is this the attitude of Christ Jesus? Is this loving your neighbor as yourself? These women whole-heartedly believe the original poster is headed to Hell and they reached out to him in love. You can believe that they were wrong — but they were obviously not treating this individual with the kind of ill will that some are suggesting in return.
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Frankie_M
Guest
I was targeted two years ago . I was so angry but learned the faith through scripture and learned many verses that can help you .Tell them to read John chapter 6 and verse 6;55 My flesh is true food and my blood is true drink .They do not even follow John 6 we do when we attend mass in church .They worship God their way and we do it Gods way .They are not in full union with Christianity .We are and we are also of Apostolic succession unlike the rest of them.keep your head up .
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kalt
Guest
The women are coming to the OP with the attitude that you describe above - I know more than you know. Not only that, but are also telling him that he’s going to Hell.I think its a great idea to talk to them about your Catholic beliefs. But why not do it out of love and an honest exchange of information instead of an “in your face — I know more than you know — take that” kind of discussion?
I didn’t suggest that the OP act in a rude way. In fact, I said that the best way to handle it is to tell them that the subject is off the table and ask them what they brought for lunch.
Catholics aren’t required to defend their faith to those who deny it, just as Baptists aren’t required to explain to Catholics why they aren’t Catholic.
Is that what you suggest, then? That the Catholic ask the Baptists why they aren’t Catholic, suggesting that they are in the “wrong” church? Of course you aren’t. So don’t suggest that Catholics should have to explain their faith to others at work.
Well-meaning behavior can be rude behavior.
Are you aware of the Catholic perspective here? These two women are trying to lead a Catholic away from the church that Jesus founded-- the one, true, catholic, and apostolic church.
If the Baptists wanted simply to discuss religion that would be one thing. This situation is another thing, and the Catholic should let them know that he knows his religion better than they and that they will get nowhere in trying to lead him away.
Well-meaning, maybe. Dead wrong, definitely.
You are suggesting that the Catholic is the one who needs to be sensitive. I contend that it is the Baptists who need to look at their actions and apologize–or at least pull in their nets and lines. This is not appropriate behavior in the workplace. IMO, it’s not appropriate behavior anywhere in polite society. One adult doesn’t tell another adult that his religion is wrong, except in the proper setting.
I can just imagine that these two ladies must be a hit at any gathering. Tag team!
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sbrueck
Guest
Hi Karen, after I read the whole thread, I haven’t found any good answers.
I know about this problem very well ! I am originally from Germany and not used to these
kind of questions, b/c we only had Lutherans and Catholics. All other protestant groups were formed much later and most of them in the USA by a man or group.
what I did was, I dug in !!! literally! we catholics are spoiled without knowing and often take our incredible faith for granted, but really can’t explain much.
so- I bought books and tons of CD’s mostly from former protestant preachers. they are the best teachers , b/c they understand the baptist ( or other) backround. here you learn to answer. it’s awesome and you learn a lot too.
some ideas: books: " Crossing the Tiber " by Steve Ray
" Catholicism and Fundamentalism" by Karl Keating
these are 2 that jumps into my mind. I also always have a little pocket book in my purse
" a little pocket guide to CATHOLIC APOLOGETICS " BY PATRICK MADRID
there are great CD’s on different subjects from Steve Ray ( great explainer),
Tim Staples, Scott Hahn, and many more . find their conversion stories , listen to them often, and maybe later pass them on to your “concerned” friends.
Here are some answers I give and tought my son( who is often approached in college):
are you saved? " yes ,by the grace of God" or “yes- but the Bible way”
the Bible teaches us we are saved by WATER AND SPIRIT. The " sinners prayer" is NOWHERE in the Bible.
we have to understand their good intentions, but also know, that they don’t KNOW the whole Bible either. we are not used and shouldn’t have to defend ourselves. I have learned so much from great honest converts, that I want to share this now. But you have to know you faith at least in those differences. you will be amazed how much you learn for yourself. If you want to know more , let me know.
Ah, a good answer always is " I dont know the answer , but I will find it for you" honest and simple. Jesus loves you and so do I , Sonja
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kalt
Guest
Would you say the same if they were talking to a Jewish co-worker? Telling him that he is going to Hell unless he becomes a Baptist?
Would you have a problem with the Catholic telling the Baptists that they are in the “wrong” church, that they have strayed from the church that Christ founded, and that, while they have some of the truth in their church, they can find the whole of the truth only in the CC? They aren’t participating in the Eucharist and so are missing out. They need to recieve the sacraments. They might especially need to make a good confession to a priest. The Catholic might also bring up that their belief that they are saved is wrong, that they aren’t saved. Salvation is offered to them, but what their church is teaching them is wrong, wrong, wrong. The Catholic co-worker should also bring in a complete Bible for each of the Baptists and explain that part of the problem with their belief system is that they’re not working with the full text. They must also accept the teaching authority of the Church and give up the various and sundry personal interpretations from the many ministers they’ve had through the years. If they are divorced and remarried, they will have to see their priest about that. Also, their children should be enrolled in CCD as soon as possible, since they’ve been taught somewhat falsely and need to be taught the faith correctly. Another topic for the workplace might be birth control–they must stop using birth control if they are using it now as it is a serious sin. I think a rosary makes a wonderful gift for the annual Christmas exchange.
Really, does any of that sound “nice” to you? Is that how people should behave at work?
Let’s get real–The women are stepping on a co-worker’s religious toes. If the Catholic lets them know that the topic is off the table, and they have any sense of correct behavior, that should be the end of it.
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JustaServant
Guest
Are they next door neighbors? No. Are they relatives? No.
They are in a work environment. That has rules whether you like it or not. My wife is a supervisor and I was once as well. While I was still a Baptist, if I caught you doing what was described in the OP, I would show you the door. The rules aren’t different for born-again christians than Catholics, Jews, Hindus, JWs, Wiccas, ect. You’re there to do a job, its not a ‘mission field’. You keep it out of the workplace.
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Angels_Unaware
Guest
What occurred was illegal if they continue to try to convert you, which is harrassment, or if they make your working enviornment in any way hostile, regardless of whether your boss belongs to the church or not.
First, I would suggest that you do let them know that you are secure in Christ and that they are woefully misinformed about Catholic teaching. It can be a very short conversation. You might suggest that they come to catholic answers to learn and discuss the differences between Protestant and Catholic teachings. Then, after you’ve done this, if they continue to draw you into conversation, at this point make it clear that you are not comfortable. If there are any repurcussions at all for you in the workplace after you tell them you are not comfortable discussing religion with them, it then becomes harrassment and a civil rights violation.
First, I would suggest that you do let them know that you are secure in Christ and that they are woefully misinformed about Catholic teaching. It can be a very short conversation. You might suggest that they come to catholic answers to learn and discuss the differences between Protestant and Catholic teachings. Then, after you’ve done this, if they continue to draw you into conversation, at this point make it clear that you are not comfortable. If there are any repurcussions at all for you in the workplace after you tell them you are not comfortable discussing religion with them, it then becomes harrassment and a civil rights violation.
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