How to VERY gently discuss religion with spouse who is agnostic

[the_universal]

I am hoping a can get some advice and suggestions on how to very gently start some discussions with my wife about Catholicism. Actually, Christianity in general would be a good start.

The situation is fairly unique (I think). I’m Catholic. I’ve been going to church for quite a while but only recently was baptised. My kids go to Catholic school. My wife is Anglican, but not practicing and I’m not even sure if she is a believer. Our conversations about religion lead me to believe she’s more agnostic than anything these days. She has a hard time talking about religion anymore…there was an abuse scandal at her church when she was a child and teen. Many of the boys that were servers or in the choir were abused. It rocked the community and she’s never really gone back to organized religion since.

I am respectful of her feelings about the past but I want to have a conversation with her about the good of the Church in a very general way. I don’t want to overwhelm her with details – just some general resources on why we know God exists, how the Church is accepting and loving. I don’t think I’ll ever convert her or anything, but I just want her to feel OK about the Church and embrace its goodness.

Thank you.

 

[ClearWater]

If you are Catholic and your children are Catholic, I think she already has an idea what the beliefs are. I would say to allow her to come around in her own time without pressure, to lead by example.

 

[E_7]

If you are Catholic and your children are Catholic, I think she already has an idea what the beliefs are. I would say to allow her to come around in her own time without pressure, to lead by example.

Exactly. Actions speak louder than words and are taken more seriously. That and offering mortifications to God for her conversion.

 

[ChurchSoldier]

If you are Catholic and your children are Catholic, I think she already has an idea what the beliefs are. I would say to allow her to come around in her own time without pressure, to lead by example.

Yup.

I discussed the Catholic faith with my wife for a few years, but it was friends who walked with her that turned out to be the ones who helped her with the decision.

 

[Graceful_Lamb]

If you are Catholic and your children are Catholic, I think she already has an idea what the beliefs are. I would say to allow her to come around in her own time without pressure, to lead by example.

This.

 

[Catholic1954]

I would not advise you to start a conversation about religion with your wife until she asks a specific question. Live your life and raise your children according to the Catholic faith, and sooner or later she will want to be a part of that. The Holy Spirit will set the timetable, and you and the rest of the family will only have to be there to assist Him.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

I can’t add anything except that I’m in the same boat, and you’ll be in my prayers. The others have it…example (and patience) will do the trick in time.

 

[the_universal]

Thank you for the replies. I have been feeling rather anxious about the whole thing. But you’re right…let things unfold naturally and in due time.

 

[Padres1969]

I am hoping a can get some advice and suggestions on how to very gently start some discussions with my wife about Catholicism. Actually, Christianity in general would be a good start.

The situation is fairly unique (I think). I’m Catholic. I’ve been going to church for quite a while but only recently was baptised. My kids go to Catholic school. My wife is Anglican, but not practicing and I’m not even sure if she is a believer. Our conversations about religion lead me to believe she’s more agnostic than anything these days. She has a hard time talking about religion anymore…there was an abuse scandal at her church when she was a child and teen. Many of the boys that were servers or in the choir were abused. It rocked the community and she’s never really gone back to organized religion since.

I am respectful of her feelings about the past but I want to have a conversation with her about the good of the Church in a very general way. I don’t want to overwhelm her with details – just some general resources on why we know God exists, how the Church is accepting and loving. I don’t think I’ll ever convert her or anything, but I just want her to feel OK about the Church and embrace its goodness.

Thank you.

As has been mentioned by others who are also in the same boat like myself, I’d simply let your spouse’s faith take its own course. Maybe you’ll be surprised, maybe you won’t. But to push the issue I suspect would only cause discord or even the opposite reaction you’re hoping for.

 

[PJM]

I am hoping a can get some advice and suggestions on how to very gently start some discussions with my wife about Catholicism. Actually, Christianity in general would be a good start.

The situation is fairly unique (I think). I’m Catholic. I’ve been going to church for quite a while but only recently was baptised. My kids go to Catholic school. My wife is Anglican, but not practicing and I’m not even sure if she is a believer. Our conversations about religion lead me to believe she’s more agnostic than anything these days. She has a hard time talking about religion anymore…there was an abuse scandal at her church when she was a child and teen. Many of the boys that were servers or in the choir were abused. It rocked the community and she’s never really gone back to organized religion since.

I am respectful of her feelings about the past but I want to have a conversation with her about the good of the Church in a very general way. I don’t want to overwhelm her with details – just some general resources on why we know God exists, how the Church is accepting and loving. I don’t think I’ll ever convert her or anything, but I just want her to feel OK about the Church and embrace its goodness.

Thank you.

First: PRAY much

ask the Holy Spirit to give you the opening you seek

Perhaps ask some vey general questions such as:

Have you ever wondered where the Universe came from?

Even the BIG Bang HAD to have something to go “BOOM!”

… Q

What if I could prove to you that there is an AFTER-LIFE?

{If you’d like to know how send me a private message}

God Bless you BOTH

Patrick

 

[CRATUS]

St. Francis: preach the gospel at all times, when necessary use words