How far do you go?

[shondrea]

To make known your stance on something? On things like abortion, premarital sex, and the like? I mean, I know that you should never be ashamed to show the Catholic stance to these issues, but I guess I’m confused where the line is. I’m the kind who, if the topic is brought up, will honestly say where I stand, but really can’t see starting a conversation with someone about abortion just to tell them how I feel about it But I’ve seen some take the stance that NOT putting these opinions on the very front of everything you atest to to be sinful, since it’s a cowardly way of hiding. Is there a fine line between not denying one’s stance and going out of your way to proclaim it? (I’m mostly meaning in conversation, and not things like rallies or protests)

So what about you? When dealing with hot button issues, do you just not mention them if they aren’t relevant at the moment, or do you go out of your way to make sure everyone knows your stance straight off?

 

[aspirant]

To make known your stance on something? On things like abortion, premarital sex, and the like?

I think this depends on the particular time, place, people, etc. One doesn’t, for example, introduce oneself to a stranger by saying “Hi, my name is John. I believe premarital sex is inconsistent with the human vocation to holiness. Nice to meet you.”

I’ve seen some take the stance that NOT putting these opinions on the very front of everything you atest to to be sinful, since it’s a cowardly way of hiding.

Cowardice and hiding involve deliberate intentions and choices. There may be plenty of other reasons not to say a thing at a particular time. There is no need to lean over to your neighbor in the audience at a piano recital, for example, to mention your views on abortion. It is not “cowardly” to choose not to disrupt people’s appreciation of the recital.

 

[shondrea]

Glad to see I’m not the only one who had that conversation run through their minds!

What about with closer friends or family? When do you think such topics are prudent? With me, I usually don’t bring it up for the sake of bringing it up, but if, say, there was a news story recently on abortion, I’d definitely turn to my friend and start talking about it.

 

[cmscms]

First of all, I would never let my views be know too loudly at work. God understands I need my paycheck so if the topic is discussed at work, he understands my not joining in on the conversation.

In social circles where lots of people are in the room, again, I would just not participate in the conversation (learned that one the hard way. It is no fun to have the whole crowd against me)

In smaller groups, I simply say ‘This could get heated can we please talk about something else’

With closer friends, I point blank say things like 'I am Catholic you can NOT discuss the fact you are on the pill with me. Usually the friendship goes downhill from there

CM

 

[shondrea]

I’m sorry to hear that your friendships have difficulty getting over that.

I have one amazingly close friend. She’s mildly Christian, and although she makes light fun of me being Catholic, mostly she just says, Whatever floats your boat, and we move on to something else. In any case, we agree on 90% of political/heated topics to begin with. There are things we don’t see eye to eye on. She’s not sexually active, but plans to use birth control when she is. I’ve told her I don’t approve of using contraceptives, and why, and although she does not agree, she doesn’t bring it up again, either. And I don’t see how bringing it up again is called for, until it becomes a present issue once again. And therein lies my stance of, if it has no relevance in that current situation, why bring it up? When she gets married and talks about the Pill, I’ll probably tell her again that, I can’t condone her using contraceptives, because I believe it’s immoral.

 

[cmscms]

I think the fact that you both disagree and choose not to push the issue and can still be friends is a sign of a strong friendship

 

[aspirant]

When do you think such topics are prudent?

It really depends on the particular people and circumstances. Sometimes a word can be helpful, other times not. Ask God to guide you through the virtue of prudence and your increasing understanding of the particular people.

 

[tbcrawford]

How wonderful that you seek to do God’s will and bring others to Him.Pray and live your life as a practising Christian Catholic with love for all around you.

Actions speak louder than words.By your example of faith,your being a practising Christian Catholic in your everyday life will be suffice.People will see by your actions and if they question you this may give you an opportunity to talk of your faith and God’s will.
Our corporal works of mercy, whereby we help strangers gives us the opprtunity to live our Christian life to the full.Remember Christ is in all of us.God bless

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

So what about you? When dealing with hot button issues, do you just not mention them if they aren’t relevant at the moment, or do you go out of your way to make sure everyone knows your stance straight off?

I simply give a serious warning sign and assume every person who brings it up is leaning towards the baby-killing, gay-hugging, and anti-religious agenda until I’ve seen reason to reform my assumption. >

Now I know what you’re all thinking. That’s kinda harsh right? Judgmental? Condescending? However, know that I only assume… I don’t say it to their face. What I actually say is,

“Do you really want my opinion? Cuz I gotta feeling you ain’t gonna like it.”