S
spyderman
Guest
Speaking as a young Catholic, whose pedigree involves Conservative (not to be confused with Republican) and Orthodox interpretations of the faith, how would one approach an older audience whose views tend to be liberal and protestant in nature?
The reason I’m asking is that I’m part of a men’s spirituality group within my congregation who’s majority membership is over 50 and who’s views tend to be passive on Church dogma and continually challenge (to say it lightly – challenge is good but teaching others on self described truths, contrary to the Church, equates to heresy) teachings of the Church.
During our meetings, I often hear (matter of fact like) that Jesus taught love and therefore we should have no barriers to our faith that would cause us to question legalized homosexual marriages, contraception or woman and married priests. If these issues were brought up as a topic to discuss, that’s one thing. But they’re typically presented in the “the Vatican needs to get their head out of the sand” approach. With all heads nodding politely.
Being that I’m new to the community and those presenting these ideas represent spiritual leaders of the Church community, I’m not comfortable playing the instigator (John the Baptist) role quite yet – potentially dissolving the group who’s majority might agree with them and considering that, as a group, they combine to promote charitable motions within the community.
Given that many of these men are truly interested in the moral wellness of our immediate and greater society, along with their influence into the community we have at our Church (given their senior leadership), I feel like my continuing on in the group will give me an opportunity to evangelize them toward a truer understanding of the faith. However, listening to dissent, undermining the teaching authority of the Church, under the current culture gives rise to levels of stress that frequently bars my ability to contribute to the group.
So… should I start my own men’s group with younger people (that tend to be more orthodox) or continue with the current group in hopes that I can possibly influence their position?
The reason I’m asking is that I’m part of a men’s spirituality group within my congregation who’s majority membership is over 50 and who’s views tend to be passive on Church dogma and continually challenge (to say it lightly – challenge is good but teaching others on self described truths, contrary to the Church, equates to heresy) teachings of the Church.
During our meetings, I often hear (matter of fact like) that Jesus taught love and therefore we should have no barriers to our faith that would cause us to question legalized homosexual marriages, contraception or woman and married priests. If these issues were brought up as a topic to discuss, that’s one thing. But they’re typically presented in the “the Vatican needs to get their head out of the sand” approach. With all heads nodding politely.
Being that I’m new to the community and those presenting these ideas represent spiritual leaders of the Church community, I’m not comfortable playing the instigator (John the Baptist) role quite yet – potentially dissolving the group who’s majority might agree with them and considering that, as a group, they combine to promote charitable motions within the community.
Given that many of these men are truly interested in the moral wellness of our immediate and greater society, along with their influence into the community we have at our Church (given their senior leadership), I feel like my continuing on in the group will give me an opportunity to evangelize them toward a truer understanding of the faith. However, listening to dissent, undermining the teaching authority of the Church, under the current culture gives rise to levels of stress that frequently bars my ability to contribute to the group.
So… should I start my own men’s group with younger people (that tend to be more orthodox) or continue with the current group in hopes that I can possibly influence their position?
