G
Goya
Guest
I’ll work my way backwards.
First, I’m not sure Rome Sweet Rome is the one he should be reading. Hahn’s background was as a Reformed Calvinist; his wife’s, is evangelical. Hence I’d consider a couple of other books (if reading a book is even a viable solution, since you can’t make your wife read it–but they might help in how you address her concerns):
Third, I think you should step back. Slow it down. If your wife is ‘freaked out’, then she’s definitely not ready. Work with her; take it at a slow and easy pace. The simple fact is, she’s your wife, and therefore you owe her a fiduciary duty–none greater, than wrt eternity. The same applies to/for your children. You can not compel any of the them to convert to Catholicism, so you’re left with ‘playing probabilities’–that is, which course of action ought to be more likely to yield the ultimate result you seek? (presumably, that your wife and kids join you in the Catholic Church).
You know your own ppl. better than anyone else; you’re in the best position to answer that question. So make no mistake here–my conjecture here, is based on a very superficial read–but it seems more likely, from what little I know (i.e.–what you’ve disclosed here)–that your wife and kids would be less likely to convert, if you hastily jumped in–and did so, over the express objections of your wife, than if you stepped back, and perhaps pursued a patient, studied, approach, perhaps a diplomatic resolution, that would include your wife and children.
Of course this is just one humble, anonymous poster’s humble opinion–not claiming any authority–although my wife is (also) evangelical, so I’m familiar with at least some of your wife’s objections, and the issues you will have to contend with (note: I’m cradle cat; so our situation is much different than yours–the kids being Cat., was my no. 1 priority, even before we had kids…fwiw/btw, I’m still working on her…
). Like I said, you know your own better than anyone else, so you’re in the best position to figure if slow and easy wins the race…or if determined and decisive wins…
Bottom line: Time. Patience. Prayer.
That is: God’s time; God’s Will.
JMHO.
First, I’m not sure Rome Sweet Rome is the one he should be reading. Hahn’s background was as a Reformed Calvinist; his wife’s, is evangelical. Hence I’d consider a couple of other books (if reading a book is even a viable solution, since you can’t make your wife read it–but they might help in how you address her concerns):
- Mark Shea’s ‘By what Authority’; or
- ‘Born Fundamentalist; Born Again, Catholic’, by David Currie.
Third, I think you should step back. Slow it down. If your wife is ‘freaked out’, then she’s definitely not ready. Work with her; take it at a slow and easy pace. The simple fact is, she’s your wife, and therefore you owe her a fiduciary duty–none greater, than wrt eternity. The same applies to/for your children. You can not compel any of the them to convert to Catholicism, so you’re left with ‘playing probabilities’–that is, which course of action ought to be more likely to yield the ultimate result you seek? (presumably, that your wife and kids join you in the Catholic Church).
You know your own ppl. better than anyone else; you’re in the best position to answer that question. So make no mistake here–my conjecture here, is based on a very superficial read–but it seems more likely, from what little I know (i.e.–what you’ve disclosed here)–that your wife and kids would be less likely to convert, if you hastily jumped in–and did so, over the express objections of your wife, than if you stepped back, and perhaps pursued a patient, studied, approach, perhaps a diplomatic resolution, that would include your wife and children.
Of course this is just one humble, anonymous poster’s humble opinion–not claiming any authority–although my wife is (also) evangelical, so I’m familiar with at least some of your wife’s objections, and the issues you will have to contend with (note: I’m cradle cat; so our situation is much different than yours–the kids being Cat., was my no. 1 priority, even before we had kids…fwiw/btw, I’m still working on her…
). Like I said, you know your own better than anyone else, so you’re in the best position to figure if slow and easy wins the race…or if determined and decisive wins…Bottom line: Time. Patience. Prayer.
That is: God’s time; God’s Will.
JMHO.