How does one get by in a community that is hostile to Catholicism?

[DanteAlighieri]

I need some feedback, guys. I’m sure that folks will be divided on this issue; some will tell me I’m doing fine; some will say “run for the hills”; some will say, “Shout from the rafters”. But I’m truly interested in hearing from anyone who has a thought on this issue.

I am heavily involved in theatrical production, and striving to make a living of it. As you can imagine, I frequently find myself working with folks who, for one reason or another, do not subscribe to my belief system (to put it mildly). A fine example would be the large number of gay folk who are drawn to the theatre and, obviously, do not share my views on sexuality, marriage, and the like. I avoid working on shows that conflict with my morals or my obligations (i.e., shows that run on Good Friday), but the people are my concern.

Theatre has always been the only thing I’m really good at. I daresay that my skill and passion for it is a gift, and I am thankful to God for the opportunity to praise him through my contributions to this art. Because I’m not particularly good at apologetics, my usual strategy has been to avoid political or religious conversations with people whom I don’t know well until our relationship develops to the point that I feel they’d be comfortable discussing such things with me, and even then I don’t force the issue. If it comes up, we’ll discuss it.

Meanwhile, I strive to do my best to live as a Catholic ought, so that when someone finds out I’m a Catholic, I’m setting the best example I can and might even inspire someone to ask questions. I also regularly pray for the folks that I meet and work with, and that this art might someday be reclaimed by the faithful.

But I worry…am I taking the easy path? Am I doing enough? I’m confident and secure in my faith, so don’t worry that this environment is going to lead me away from the Church – but I wonder sometimes if I’ve made the right choice as regards my “evangelizing” method.

What do you guys think?

Peace,
Dante

 

[DavidJoseph]

Easy path? I think not. The easy path would be only associating with like-minded people. In the theatre community of which you’re a part, it seems more than likely that you’ll have numerous opportunities to witness to and defend your faith – and doing so is NOT always the easiest thing, especially when there are those who don’t want to hear or obey what the Church teaches. So keep on doing what you’re doing!

 

[DanteAlighieri]

Thanks, David, for your reply.

Anyone else?

Peace,
Dante

 

[DanteAlighieri]

Seriously?

 

[irishpatrick]

When we pray for patience, God does not give us patience, rather He often gives an opportunity to be patient.

When we pray for intelligence, God does not give us intelligence, He often gives us the opportunity to expand our minds.

When we ask for an increase in faith, God does not increase our faith for us, rather God often gives us the life opportunity which will lead to an increased faith.

You are where you are. It is quite likely God has you where you are because the real world needs Him so badly. If God placed you in a Catholic community your life would likely be easier, yet of what use is that when it comes to helping build the kingdom of God? We are pilgrims in this world, our real home is in Heaven.

 

[kage_ar]

Read the passages about being the Salt of the Earth and a Light to the World.

 

[CalCatholic]

Meanwhile, I strive to do my best to live as a Catholic ought, so that when someone finds out I’m a Catholic, I’m setting the best example I can and might even inspire someone to ask questions. I also regularly pray for the folks that I meet and work with, and that this art might someday be reclaimed by the faithful.

This is an example of what St. Francis meant when he said, “Preach the gospel constantly, and if necessary use words.” We as Catholics live in an ever growing secular world, and our beliefs (about gay marriage, abortion, etc) will always be a stumbling block to secular progressives, just as the gospel was to many in the synagogues when Jesus and his disciples preached there. This also makes us Catholics a target in society and especially in the liberal media. I guess that is ‘our cross to bear’ as disciples of Christ.

 

[DanteAlighieri]

Thank you, all, for your (name removed by moderator)ut - I really do appreciate it.

I guess what I’m asking (and CalCatholic touched on this) is whether I am adequately answering the call to spread the Gospel in my choice to avoid confrontation and save the apologetics for people whom I develop relationships with, or whether I should jump to rebut every anti- or contra-Catholic comment I hear?

Maybe I’m scrupling about this…I know that sometimes you have to meet people where they are in order to get them to where they ought to be…

Peace,
Dante

 

[FCEGM]

Thank you, all, for your (name removed by moderator)ut - I really do appreciate it.

I guess what I’m asking (and CalCatholic touched on this) is whether I am adequately answering the call to spread the Gospel in my choice to avoid confrontation and save the apologetics for people whom I develop relationships with, or whether I should jump to rebut every anti- or contra-Catholic comment I hear?

Maybe I’m scrupling about this…I know that sometimes you have to meet people where they are in order to get them to where they ought to be…

Peace,
Dante

Dante. it’s an everlasting problem of knowing if one should say something and then what should be said - if anything. I think in such instances the more upset one is the less able one is to articulate an adequate response - either defensive or offensive. I think this rather proves what Our Lord has to say to His disciples about the time in the future when they would be brought before kings and magistrates - “you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute, (Luke 21:14-15).” IOW, be at peace and don’t put yourself forward, but rely on the Holy Spirit to give you the necessary words when the time is ripe.

You may find these two sites (Catholic theatrical ones) of interest and helpful to you:

stgenesius.com/

thewordinc.org/

 

[PJM]

=DanteAlighieri;6486727]I need some feedback, guys. I’m sure that folks will be divided on this issue; some will tell me I’m doing fine; some will say “run for the hills”; some will say, “Shout from the rafters”. But I’m truly interested in hearing from anyone who has a thought on this issue.

I am heavily involved in theatrical production, and striving to make a living of it. As you can imagine, I frequently find myself working with folks who, for one reason or another, do not subscribe to my belief system (to put it mildly). A fine example would be the large number of gay folk who are drawn to the theatre and, obviously, do not share my views on sexuality, marriage, and the like. I avoid working on shows that conflict with my morals or my obligations (i.e., shows that run on Good Friday), but the people are my concern.

Theatre has always been the only thing I’m really good at. I daresay that my skill and passion for it is a gift, and I am thankful to God for the opportunity to praise him through my contributions to this art. Because I’m not particularly good at apologetics, my usual strategy has been to avoid political or religious conversations with people whom I don’t know well until our relationship develops to the point that I feel they’d be comfortable discussing such things with me, and even then I don’t force the issue. If it comes up, we’ll discuss it.

Meanwhile, I strive to do my best to live as a Catholic ought, so that when someone finds out I’m a Catholic, I’m setting the best example I can and might even inspire someone to ask questions. I also regularly pray for the folks that I meet and work with, and that this art might someday be reclaimed by the faithful.

But I worry…am I taking the easy path? Am I doing enough? I’m confident and secure in my faith, so don’t worry that this environment is going to lead me away from the Church – but I wonder sometimes if I’ve made the right choice as regards my “evangelizing” method.

What do you guys think?

Peace,
Dante

Keep a low religous profilfe unless it calls fo you to deny any part of our faith. In other words; don’t seek confration. But always be willing to live what you [and we] believe. That frined is WWJD advice.

Take Up your Cross and Follow Me

Phil.2: 8 “And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross Luke.9 :23 And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Mark.8: 34 And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Luke.9: 23 And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke.14: 7 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Matt.5: 19 “Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. “ Matt.19: 17 “ And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”

Love and prayers,

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I think you’re doing fine. I’m not in theatre but in academia which is quite intolerant towards religion in general (at least my department is) so I understand your concerns about witnessing to your faith. I don’t discuss such issues with colleagues unless we become friendly enough and things come up in conversation.
I’m not the best apologist out there but have been reading about it and am confident that I could defend Catholicism against often ignorant and prejudiced critique.
Another thing I’ve learned is that although people often don’t care about what Catholics actually believe they are more than happy to express that ignorance and prejudice. I have actually managed to get a few people to realise that and to think about how selectively tolerant they are. That is a good start I think because nobody likes to be accused of being un-PC and bigoted these days, even progressive secularists.

 

[eucharisteo]

I do believe you are doing good by setting a good example. I also believe that your presence in the industry is much needed. My aunt was in theatre and quite good at it. It was the anti-theatre arts people and writings that seemed to chase her away from that life. Though prudent for her it may not be for you. You’re the only one that can discern this and therefore seek spiritual guidance from a holy person. But I’ll go a step further for your sake. Learn the faith better and learn apologetics for your sake and other secret Catholics. They may need your help one day and you can learn to be charitable in apologetics. Reach out beyond your comfort zone.

Good luck.