How To Discuss The Faith

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How does one steer a conversation with friends toward religon?

I have been having an awfully tough time doing that. Many of my friends are falling away Catholics with the usual problems of modern life. We could be sitting around talking about deep issues that are affecting their lives, such as jobs, depression, family problems, divorce, emotional problems and all of the rest of the things that I know a return to faith could help. But as soon as I talk about Jesus, The Church, salvation or anything concerning God, I get the 1000 yard stare that says, “are you serious?” and then I get the polite blow off. I usually give up rather quickly, because I don’t want to be overbearing or annoying, and then I get mad at myself for giving up.

So how do you get the conversation going, and have you had success with friends or family?:confused:
 
Jim, I wish I had the answer for you. It seems like we can talk about any topic with people, even very personal details, but religion has become taboo. Faith is the new “F-word” in our society that people are uncomfortable mentioning.

I also try to incorporate my faith into conversations. Sometimes it it well recieved and sometimes its “blown off” like you say.
The best thing you can do is to keep trying and not let it discourage you. Your actions and how you live can also be a strong witness without saying a word. I try to instill that in my children.

Evan at 5, my daughter is witnessing to her classmates. She has school Mass each week, and she responds to all the prayers and loves to sing. A few weeks ago, she told us she was criticized by a classmate for singing. She told us that not a lot of the kids sing or know their prayers. My wife and I told her that by her actions, she can be an example to the other kids. What we do each day and how we live can influence others without us even knowing it.

Guess what? She came home yesterday and told us that the girl that criticized her, was singing along with her at Mass and paying attention. Its a small think I know, but I am very proud that she was able to witness by example.

One of my favorite Scripture passages if from Matthew 5:

You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Keep doing what you are doing, persevere, and live life as Christ expects us. You never know who you are going to reach.

God Bless
 
How about letting the Holy Spirit determine the when and how? It sounds to me like you are forcing the issue. Be a shining example of Christ’s love to others and they will ask…
 
idrum677 said:
Jim, I wish I had the answer for you. It seems like we can talk about any topic with people, even very personal details, but religion has become taboo. Faith is the new “F-word” in our society that people are uncomfortable mentionin
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It is amazing, isn’t it? But you are exactly right, it does seem to be the new taboo. Our ever-increasing secular society has done a great job of insulating the people from their faith, which is the very thing that could help them through all the complications of secularization!

Well thanks for your thoughtful answer. I think you are right, you never know who your reaching through your actions or even your words…🙂
 
I have seen this also–folks unwilling to discuss religion, faith, etc. Perhaps you could say–well look at a time when your life was happier-what is missing? I try to also lead by actions, as St. Francis did.
 
When people tell me of difficulties they are having I always tell them they will be in my prayers. It is a small thing, I know, but it can be a start.
 
**Hey Jim,
This has really worked for me when I’m evangalizing to others, especially fallen away Catholics.

Contact www.biblechristiansociety.com and order some of his “Apologetics CD’s”. They are free (Although he may have to charge some shipping or something).

You would not believe how many people will put the CD in their player and listen to it.

God Bless,
Pam
**
 
I tell people I don’t give a leap what religion they are or what they believe, as long as if they say they are Catholic they live Catholic.

Amazingly, this gets more people interested in Catholicism than anything else. For example, someone might see my crucifix and ask me about it, and I tell them I’m Catholic, and they say “Oh, well I was Catholic, but I left because I think women should get to be priests too, so now I’m Episcopalian” and I say “Yeah, women will never be priests in the Catholic church, but if you want them in your denomination than I don’t care”.

“I’m an atheist and I think God is an imaginary friend in the sky.”
“Well I’m Catholic and I don’t. Good for you.”

“I don’t think you need to confess your sins to some man.”
“Well I’m Catholic, and I do. If you don’t want to, I’m not forcing you to be Catholic.”

The fact that you don’t care what they want or do seems to intrigue them. LoL. They’re so used to the pressure and sermons that this attitude throws them for a loop and they ask more questions. Like the one about confession above. They’ll start talking about how well the BIble says this or why they don’t think that’s right, and THEN I start with apologetics. THEY brought it up, and so THEY can’t complain when the conversation turns that way. It also makes them more interested, because they brought it up.
 
Thank you all for the suggestions, and I will order those CD’s pyropam.

I actually have some good news on this topic!

I went to a Memorial Day party last night and two “fallen away” friends of mine that were there actually approached me at different times inthe evening and started up a conversation about faith, and The Church. Both have been away from The Church for quite a few years. It was a great opportunity, a God given one if you will, to help answer their questons and alleviate some minor issues they have with The Church and guide them back to the faith and show them how it could benefit and enrich their lives. They both seem so ready to return now that the kids are growing, there careers are solid, and their lives have slowed down.

Both conversations went very well, and I thanked God for the opportunity. I had been praying for that very moment and the words poured out as if God were speaking, not me. It was truly a wonderful moment.

I’m hoping and praying to see my two friends and their families back in Church very soon!🙂
 
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