Is "being nice" an overrated virtue?

[Bill_B_NY]

If I correct you when I see something skewed, it behooves you to contemplate on that correction.

Agreed. In some cases, I think it must go beyond just a one-on-one correction and we have to point out errors that are communicated globally. So, it’s not a matter of just accepting everything in the spirit of being nice.

 

[Bill_B_NY]

This is really sad. I am so sorry that whatever experiences you have had lead you to believe this.

I don’t understand why that is sad.

 

[Bill_B_NY]

Admonishment is one of the corporal works of mercy. It is dangerous because God looks at the intent of the person, and if the intent is to help their brother or sister, then the action is good. If the intent is for personal satisfaction, or worse yet, to slake a lust for getting even, then the action is evil.

Yes, agreed - it is very dangerous and tricky. We have to do it, but it is difficult to do it well, without the sins that you mention.

 

[gracepoole]

I think a good starting point is to accept that Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Pagans and Atheists are at enmity with the Catholic Faith.

But this isn’t what the Church teaches. It teaches that we should desire the conversion to Christ for all but it doesn’t teach that there is or should be hostility between faiths.

 

[QwertyGirl]

Because it is a false belief. It isn’t based on truth. It may, indeed, be your experience. However, all one has to do is expose themselves to a greater number of people of these other faiths and belief systems to know what you claim isn’t actual reality. You seem convinced that it is, though, and I find that sad.

 

[Bill_B_NY]

Because it is a false belief. It isn’t based on truth.

Ok, I don’t see it that way.
Protestants oppose Our Lord’s teaching, the Eucharist, Sacraments, Priesthood. They do not honor Our Lady or the Saints, many other problems.
Muslims, Jews, and Pagans deny Our Lord’s Divinity. It’s direct opposition.
Atheists dishonor God.

I don’t know where you can really go with this?

 

[Bill_B_NY]

It teaches that we should desire the conversion to Christ for all but it doesn’t teach that there is or should be hostility between faiths.

It cannot simply make what is opposed become united by wishing it.
Those who teach that Our Lord is not divine and did not rise, are at enmity with the Faith (and with God). It’s opposition. We can’t simply accept false belief because we want to be nice.

 

[gracepoole]

QwertyGirl:

Because it is a false belief. It isn’t based on truth.

Ok, I don’t see it that way.

You should see it as the Church sees it.

 

[Bill_B_NY]

You should see it as the Church sees it.

The Church has always fought against the enemies of the Faith.

 

[TK421]

Yes, agreed - it is very dangerous and tricky. We have to do it, but it is difficult to do it well, without the sins that you mention.

I think this is pretty rare in brick & mortar parishes because people are face to face with each other. But the internet is a good example of what happens when a person has the safety of anonymity and bashing a person becomes much easier to do. So it is something one has to be mindful of.

 

[gracepoole]

gracepoole:

You should see it as the Church sees it.

The Church has always fought against the enemies of the Faith.

Have you read this?

http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_...ts/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html

 

[QwertyGirl]

I don’t know where you can really go with this?

Opposition doesn’t have to have anything to do with hostility. I think you erroneously equate the two.

 

[Bill_B_NY]

Have you read this?

Yes, it did not say that we should cease fighting against false teachings. In fact:

As Holy Scripture testifies, Jerusalem did not recognize the time of her visitation,(9) nor did the Jews in large number, accept the Gospel; indeed not a few opposed its spreading.

The Holy Scripture also testifies that we must oppose false teaching and that there will be enemies of the Faith and of Christ and of the Church. Nothing has changed.

 

[gracepoole]

gracepoole:

Have you read this?

Yes, it did not say that we should cease fighting against false teachings. In fact:

As Holy Scripture testifies, Jerusalem did not recognize the time of her visitation,(9) nor did the Jews in large number, accept the Gospel; indeed not a few opposed its spreading.

The Holy Scripture also testifies that we must oppose false teaching and that there will be enemies of the Faith and of Christ and of the Church. Nothing has changed.

I think you’re confused. See this:

Is "being nice" an overrated virtue? Catholic Living

But this isn’t what the Church teaches. It teaches that we should desire the conversion to Christ for all but it doesn’t teach that there is or should be hostility between faiths.

 

[Bill_B_NY]

it doesn’t teach that there is or should be hostility between faiths

Yes, it teaches that all should come to know, love and serve Christ Jesus in the One Church He founded. That will put an end to hostility and that’s what the Church is working towards.

 

[gracepoole]

gracepoole:

it doesn’t teach that there is or should be hostility between faiths

Yes, it teaches that all should come to know, love and serve Christ Jesus in the One Church He founded. That will put an end to hostility and that’s what the Church is working towards.

But it doesn’t teach that we should view others with hostility before and until they convert.

 

[IsaiahSpirit]

In Divine (Merited by Beloved Savior Jesus, not humankind at all, Favor) the Holy Spirit Fruit of Kindness may or not be expressed by anyone, interiorly in thought, in words, and actions.
~
Traditional: Latin Mass or Extraordinary Liturgical Forms, Novus Ordo Liturgical Forms, or other Orthodox Liturgical Forms in all Christian Faith Communities are expressly practiced in Communion with The Apostolic Succession Universal Church of Jesus The Christ.
our non Orthodox Bible Believing Judaeo-Christian not in communion with The Church of The Living God, like, for example, The Byzantine Rite is in communion; where as Protestant Denominations or non-Denominational Christian Faith Communities are in fellowship with us, but not in communion with us.
The Apostolic Church teaches that by Grace, The Merits of Jesus Beloved Savior, can reach anyone.
Therefore, the fruit of sincere, ‘kindness’, is best not expressed with generalities of The Lord Jesus Beloved Redeemers family or people of The Lord God Almighty. This is not charitable.
All, predestined for Salvation impartially known in The Providence we experience to Judge Jesus Christ, have the Grace Given ability for showing the Fruit of sincere kindness.
Even those who refuse Grace can be ‘nice,’ which has the ability to mimic kindness.
Let’s pray in all things, that faithfulness, hopefulness, and charity prevail, for a truthful climate of Godly kindness.
~
I am not going to get into discussions regarding the word ‘traditional.’ Sacred Tradition expresses itself in the Novus Ordo Mass and Liturgical Forms(i.e. prayer meetings), also.
~
Peace of The Most High Living Lord God, through Jesus Beloved Redeemer, with The Holy Spirit, surpassing by Godly margins only human understanding of harmony,
for a Blessed Joyus Happy New Year be with you.
~
p.s. I do empathize with anecdotal stories of experience with kindness. God Be with you, in Godly well being and health.
~
Good night, day, afternoon as the case may be, with all my God given heart.

 

[Bill_B_NY]

But it doesn’t teach that we should view others with hostility before and until they convert.

Ok, interesting. Not sure what you’re referring to, but an interesting point you raise here.

 

[RCIAGraduate]

Yeah not the best person to say this, but as long as its kindness, isn’t it all good?

Happy New Years!

 

[BigRon]

Unfortunately I have never gotten anywhere by being nice. You genuinely get trampled on by people. That doesn’t mean I won’t be nice but throughout my life it hasn’t helped at all especially as some people assume you are up to something or want something for being nice. I have seen the most nasty people get everything they want in life.