How does a Catholic deal with someone trying to "save them"

[geometer]

Well, I had to work with a JW and she for some reason did not try to convert me, but she made efforts to convert others. The people who own the company were JWs. She seemed to develop a silent grudge against me. While she was trying to convert a young employee I interjected a few words which I guess made her appeals seem ridiculous. The girl became very non-commital like she was afraid that she could be fired for not seeming to go along with the JW ideas.

So I did not have any thing more to say because I could see that this girl had enough common sense to keep the problem at a distance.

 

[rcscwc]

No offense, that is what the Hindus do to the Christians in India.

Not all, else there would be no xians in India. And don’t tell us that such methods are no biblical.

 

[Bethanyt]

Ah! I hope you never have to experience something like that ever again. It’s hard to imagine the way some people think! You just have to be true to your beliefs.

I went through something like this, but with my boyfriend’s “born again” family. They were trying to convert me, so I stood up for myself and from that point things haven’t been too good. They convinced my boyfriend of three and half years to break up with me. They did and said some pretty horrible things to me when before they pretended like they loved me and his sisters pretended to be my friend then turned on me in an instant.
My boyfriend actually was going to church with me the whole time we were together and I think they were “scared” he was going to convert to Catholicism. (his parents both used to be Catholic and both of their entire families still are…it’s strange)
My boyfriend and I have since gotten back together after he got away from the brainwashing and realized what was going on. But his family is still really, really mean to me(especially his mother). I’ve been nothing but nice to all of them and they refuse to have anything to do with me and are constantly saying bad things about me to him. So stressful!!! I’m still struggling with this and it’s been 6 months. I’ve never been more hurt in all of my life.

 

[LaceyC]

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.

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.

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!

What I am suggesting is that the OP could use this opportunity to give testimony to what he believes. As another poster stated, this is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of what he believes. I don’t have any problem with a Catholic asking a Baptist why they aren’t Catholic. We all should be ready and able to explain our faith.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” I Peter 3:15

I think everyone needs to be sensitive. I also agree that the workplace is not the best place to have an indepth conversation about religion. The best workplace response IMO would be that you appreciate their concern and you are secure in your faith. That you believe that Christ was sacrificed as the atonment for sin and you are saved by His grace. (From what I understand, this would be a true statement). This will probably surprise them and perhaps they will be interested to hear more about what Catholics really believe. Shouldn’t those who believe they are part of “the one, true, catholic, and apostolic church” be trying to bring others in — not suing them for religious harassment?

 

[twopekinguys]

I have been thinking about this a little more. (Probably not a good idea )

You haven’t said if you work in an office, factory, etc. but…

If you work in an office setting, and you really want to see their heads spin off into outer space. I suggest a nice statue of the Blessed Mother on your desk. Maybe have your Rosary next to it. Throw in a couple of medals like Miraculous Miracle, St. Christopher, maybe even the Patron Saint of your business, and there you go!!!

Here is one of my favorites. St Amand, he is the Patron of Bartenders (my second job)

Make sure to read his profile, it fits your situation pretty good

saints.sqpn.com/saint-amand-of-maastricht/

 

[kalt]

What I am suggesting is that the OP could use this opportunity to give testimony to what he believes. As another poster stated, this is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of what he believes. I don’t have any problem with a Catholic asking a Baptist why they aren’t Catholic. We all should be ready and able to explain our faith.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” I Peter 3:15

I think everyone needs to be sensitive. I also agree that the workplace is not the best place to have an indepth conversation about religion. The best workplace response IMO would be that you appreciate their concern and you are secure in your faith. That you believe that Christ was sacrificed as the atonment for sin and you are saved by His grace. (From what I understand, this would be a true statement). This will probably surprise them and perhaps they will be interested to hear more about what Catholics really believe. Shouldn’t those who believe they are part of “the one, true, catholic, and apostolic church” be trying to bring others in — not suing them for religious harassment?

Your innocence is refreshing.

These Baptists aren’t looking for a conversation. They are trying to lead the Catholic away from the Church.

They won’t be surprised by anything the Catholic says–they think he’s deluded.

IMO, these conversion efforts toward co-workers and virtual strangers aren’t about concern but are about power. People love to get other people on board their bus. The conversion efforts aren’t about the other or even about God, it’s about the people who are hoping to fill the bus.

Compare the actions of these two Baptists to Mother Theresa.

 

[Jerusha]

Not only that, they are looking to get recognition from their faith community (and boss?) for their efforts. There would be would be even more recognition if they were successful. Yes, it is much more about power than concern, although they would be the last to acknowledge it.

Like I said, firmly set the gorund rule that there will be no further discussion of religion in the workplace.

 

[the_phoenix]

Here’s my response as a prayer warrior:

“You’re welcome to discuss religion with me any time, with the understanding that for every day you approach me with this topic, I will pray for your conversion to the Catholic Church in my daily Rosary.”

:angel1:

As St. Padre Pio would say, the Rosary is the weapon …

:knight2: :knight1:

 

[NotTooSmart]

Last evening I was able to distract an intervention “to save me from the bonds of the RCC”, quite frankly I was shocked that this was even happening, I’ve heard about these, but this time it was me in the center. I was being bombarded with questions and for every answer, they had theirs, as if they knew what I would say.

Two co-workers, kindly and gently with tears in their eyes, tried to convince me that by staying in the RCC, I can not be saved. Needless to say, I was and still am a bit tongue tied. Luckly something came up at work and we had to attend to that, then our shift was over, and I just said a fast goodbye, clocked out and left. But I work with these 2 next week again.

Seriously, how does one handle this? I am new to the South (around 3 years) and just began back out into the work force this past Spring. I am the only Catholic. I don’t want to allienate people but I refuse to deny The Catholic Church. This never happened to me up North.

If they were nasty, it would have been easier, but what they said was done so kindly that I was dumbfounded. Help please.

Wait a minute.

This happened at the work place? You know most workplaces have rules against this type of activity. Particularly since in your work place you appear to be a religious minority.

 

[RickHolland]

Last evening I was able to distract an intervention “to save me from the bonds of the RCC”, quite frankly I was shocked that this was even happening, I’ve heard about these, but this time it was me in the center. I was being bombarded with questions and for every answer, they had theirs, as if they knew what I would say.

Two co-workers, kindly and gently with tears in their eyes, tried to convince me that by staying in the RCC, I can not be saved. Needless to say, I was and still am a bit tongue tied. Luckly something came up at work and we had to attend to that, then our shift was over, and I just said a fast goodbye, clocked out and left. But I work with these 2 next week again.

Seriously, how does one handle this? I am new to the South (around 3 years) and just began back out into the work force this past Spring. I am the only Catholic. I don’t want to allienate people but I refuse to deny The Catholic Church. This never happened to me up North.

If they were nasty, it would have been easier, but what they said was done so kindly that I was dumbfounded. Help please.

Karen,

Ask them, “what must I do to be saved according to your doctrine” then wait and see and listen to their response. Then, ask “what does my church teach that I must do to be saved?” Wait for their answer; if they cannot answer what your church teaches, then politely tell them that before they make a judgment on the teaching; find out what it is that we are taught. Once you find out, then tell me the differences as you see them. If they are not prepared to know what you are taught, then perhaps they need to go back and do some homework. Remeber, they are speaking from their heart and want the best for you; regardless if you believe it is misplaced.

Hope that helps.

 

[NotTooSmart]

Actually if I were Catholic, this is what I would think I would do:

(1) Ask them to turn in their Bibles (that will destroy stereotype a Catholic using God’s word) to John 3;16. I would then confess that I most definitely believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and ask them where in this passage Catholics are excluded from the promise of eternal life.

(2) I would then ask them to turn in their Bibles to Romans 10:9-10. I would then confess with my mouth Jesus as Lord and state I believe God raised Him from the dead. Then again I would ask where in this verse are Catholics excluded from the promise of eternal life,

(3) I would then turn in my Bible to 1 Corinthians 12:3. Same process.

In fact you can easily find in your Bible 10-20 similar Scriptures where the same process applies. The beauty here is that these should be Scriptures that your audience knows.

Best case here is that you have built a bridge and gained a brother or sister.

 

[RickHolland]

Wait a minute.

This happened at the work place? You know most workplaces have rules against this type of activity. Particularly since in your work place you appear to be a religious minority.

Are you encouraging her to deal with it through some law? If she is a sister and they are brother and/or sister, then you would be encouraging something contrary to God word. I don’t think that is your intention, but perhaps you did not think it through before posting.

 

[RickHolland]

Not only that, they are looking to get recognition from their faith community (and boss?) for their efforts. There would be would be even more recognition if they were successful. Yes, it is much more about power than concern, although they would be the last to acknowledge it.

Like I said, firmly set the ground rule that there will be no further discussion of religion in the workplace.

More about power than concern? You must be omniscient; these people approached her with tears and from Karen’s account all of sincerity from their hearts; a characteristic of a Christian; not an evil doer.

 

[Jerusha]

More about power than concern? You must be omniscient; these people approached her with tears and from Karen’s account all of sincerity from their hearts; a characteristic of a Christian; not an evil doer.

Perhaps, but one also needs to question who put her up to it. Speculating that the boss is considering getting rid of her because of protected characteristics???

 

[jmcrae]

Perhaps, but one also needs to question who put her up to it. Speculating that the boss is considering getting rid of her because of protected characteristics???

Good point. Maybe she is thinking that by creating a hostile work environment, she can get her to quit without actually having to fire her for no apparent reason. (At the least, she can fire her for having discussions about unrelated subjects during work hours.)

 

[StLawrenceFan]

Just remind them that the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus.

Remind them that Jesus is God.

Remind them that God warned us to “beware of false prophets”.

If they still don’t leave you alone, tell them you will call the Police.

Beware of a lot of silly and/or dumb people. There are quite a few of them around.

 

[NotTooSmart]

Are you encouraging her to deal with it through some law? If she is a sister and they are brother and/or sister, then you would be encouraging something contrary to God word. I don’t think that is your intention, but perhaps you did not think it through before posting.

The law is one possibility. I just observed that most workplaces have rules against this activity.

I don’t think God’s word prohibits taking the matter to appropriate authorities in the workplace.

If it were me though, I would attempt to work it out privately (Matthew 18) before taking it to authorities though. I think this is Scripturally the better solution, and the one in which it is possible to gain a brother or a sister through.

But I really like the idea of opening up God’s word to refute them. I think it might actually be effective in gaining a brother or sister in this matter. A solution that builds bridges and destroys stereotypes to me would be the best possible outcome IMHO.

But I would never do it on company time though.

 

[kalt]

I think the boss needs to give all 3 of these people more to do. Too much time on their hands.

 

[StLawrenceFan]

I think the boss needs to give all 3 of these people more to do. Too much time on their hands.

It’s so funny (in a very sad way) that anyone would listen to a couple of dudes in white short-sleeved shirts, or some schmoe carrying a watchtower ragazine about anything related to the Bible. These are just two cults. But they are out there bothering people in your neighborhood.

P.T. Barnum said it best, **“there’s a sucker born every minute”. **

 

[NotTooSmart]

Just remind them that the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus.

With all due respect, that is one thing that you don’t want to tell them.

You want to destroy stereotypes, not reinforce them.

To do this, you want to convince them that your faith really is “all about Jesus” and that what they are claiming according to God’s Word is actually a tradition of men.

I really think opening up God’s word to the Scriptures I put out there would be effective.