Is Evangelical anti-Catholicism orchestrated?

[DWPC]

I’ve often discussed religion in a friendly manner with non-Catholic friends and acquaintances but, until recently, was never overtly attacked and condemned for being Catholic as I now have been several times by evangelicals, including ex-Catholics. Most were in the past year. Our wonderful Christmas was shattered by an in-law’s relative’s verbal assault when she learned we were Catholic.

Its happened before in social settings, in non-religious net forums, and even with in-law relations. These weren’t just disagreement on points of faith, but truly in-your-face distasteful insults; e.g. Catholics are “tainted”, “carnal”, “pagan”, “Nazis” to quote a few.

I’m past 60 and have lived in the Midwest, the South, and now the West Coast; where this is a new and disturbing phenomenon seems to be on the rise and I can’t help but feel its orchestrated among otherwise unaffiliated non-denominational churches. Are others experiencing this? Why now? Is there an agenda beyond proselytizing? I had hoped we were past this sort of ugliness.

 

[graceandglory]

I’ve often discussed religion in a friendly manner with non-Catholic friends and acquaintances but, until recently, was never overtly attacked and condemned for being Catholic as I now have been several times by evangelicals, including ex-Catholics. Most were in the past year. Our wonderful Christmas was shattered by an in-law’s relative’s verbal assault when she learned we were Catholic.

Its happened before in social settings, in non-religious net forums, and even with in-law relations. These weren’t just disagreement on points of faith, but truly in-your-face distasteful insults; e.g. Catholics are “tainted”, “carnal”, “pagan”, “Nazis” to quote a few.

I’m past 60 and have lived in the Midwest, the South, and now the West Coast; where this is a new and disturbing phenomenon seems to be on the rise and I can’t help but feel its orchestrated among otherwise unaffiliated non-denominational churches. Are others experiencing this? Why now? Is there an agenda beyond proselytizing? I had hoped we were past this sort of ugliness.

I don’t think it’s really “orchestrated” from the evangelical perspective. It is definitely an agenda of the 7th Day Adventists and their End Times/Book of Revelations Seminars.

As a former evangelical, it comes up as pastors ad lib their 90 minute sermons as they fill with fluff and comedy and anecdotal stories. I think it’s a result of the ever fractured and fracturing nature of protestantism. After so many years as a protestant, and with people changing their denominations and church attendance so often, they get acquainted with anti Catholicism that I believe stems from the SDA branch of protestantism.

Just my experience.

 

[survive]

Wow. I wonder if that’s why most of my old best friends back at the other church aren’t talking to me. They were for a while if I initiated it, but no one has returned my calls except one person. I’ll ask her if some TV preacher or author has said something lately that stands out.

 

[graceandglory]

Wow. I wonder if that’s why most of my old best friends back at the other church aren’t talking to me. They were for a while if I initiated it, but no one has returned my calls except one person. I’ll ask her if some TV preacher or author has said something lately that stands out.

Oh dear…You are just finding this out now? I have been dealing with this since 2004. It’s a lonely path. “Shunning” is alive and well in evangelical circles.

 

[Hisalone]

And what is your role in all this?

 

[ronl]

Let me just say - welcome to my world. I am a cradle Catholic that “stumbled” my way back to the Catholic faith - truly by the grace of God.

My friends are almost exclusively either Evangelical or Baptist.

Friendships were eliminated - my marriage strained. I can appreciate ignorance - but closed minded hatred strains me a little

Over Christmas I went to an Evalangetical Service - the pastor there would not even greet me. I presueme since I sent him some information on Scott Hahn and suggest he read and give me advice if I am going in a direction in spiitual error (I heard nothing) - His sermon proclaimed that he has 2 masters degrees and studied Greek. and then said “all means all” referring to all have sinned and need Jesus. In context I believe he was accurate, but in the broader context no so much. No mention of telling Jesus you are sorry for your sins, confessing directly to Him, or even following him via Baptism

Forgive me if I am judgemental. But it seems like something is missing when Baptism or even communnion has been abandoned or de-emphasized, and all we have to do is raise our hand and say we have accepted Jesus as our personal savior. Although this might be true, I question how complete. The last statement was made by the pastor " I/we have the best Church in the area - or at least we think so… " In my opinion the statement says much.

I am thankful for the blessing that my family does attend Mass with me on Sundays - and the rest is in God’s hands Oh yea, the pastor’s “workers” had the day off and did not have to attend church the Sunday after Christmas

Let me wish all the best of the New Year. I suspect many of us will have our faith continually challenged

God Bless
Ron

 

[Among_Strangers]

I don’t know if it’s orchestrated, but it seems to be a very quick pick up band when the strings are plucked.

 

[MarcoPolo]

I don’t think the anti-Catholics are orchestrated. When there are parallels in their arguments, the may well be drawing from the same sources like Boettner back in the day. But many anti-Catholic arguments conflict even among themselves.

 

[Ravyn_Guiliani]

I have noticed more anti-Catholic rhetoric in the forums lately. I recently went public with my past experiences being raised as a JW with Satanism involved and the biggest thing that has been criticized is the fact that I am now a Catholic! And the criticism is coming from others who claim to Christian–but who claim Catholics are not! I have had trouble in Tennessee because of the fundamentalist population and I get some flack from Liberty University here in VA, but I have never had it quite as bad as it is online the last few months.

 

[ronl]

I too sincerely hope that this is not a growing trend with our separated- brothers in Christ.

But then too, our world seems to be changing - issues like prayer in schools, public display of the 10 Commandments, lately even display of the Nativity scene seems to be in contraversy.

Let’s keep all of us in prayer during the New Year

Ron

 

[Steadfast]

There is a certain xenophobia in every confessional commitment.

Many Protestants tend to see Catholics as “wholly other” and in some cases this is institutionalized.

But it bears remembering that in certain circles, it is popular to vilify Protestants and treat them as second class citizens.

Why just recently I heard a Catholic poster on a certain message board say non-Christians were preferable to Catholics and maybe even more likely to be saved.

And while the more common practice among Catholics at CAF is to demonize the Reformers while treating their ecclesial progeny as benighted ignoramuses, while perhaps a little more polite, it’s a deal less honest than what you have experienced.

 

[fbl9]

I’ve often discussed religion in a friendly manner with non-Catholic friends and acquaintances but, until recently, was never overtly attacked and condemned for being Catholic as I now have been several times by evangelicals, including ex-Catholics. Most were in the past year. Our wonderful Christmas was shattered by an in-law’s relative’s verbal assault when she learned we were Catholic.

Its happened before in social settings, in non-religious net forums, and even with in-law relations. These weren’t just disagreement on points of faith, but truly in-your-face distasteful insults; e.g. Catholics are “tainted”, “carnal”, “pagan”, “Nazis” to quote a few.

I’m past 60 and have lived in the Midwest, the South, and now the West Coast; where this is a new and disturbing phenomenon seems to be on the rise and I can’t help but feel its orchestrated among otherwise unaffiliated non-denominational churches. Are others experiencing this? Why now? Is there an agenda beyond proselytizing? I had hoped we were past this sort of ugliness.

pick out the biggest Catholic bible you can find,whack em over the head and see if the truth sinks in
nah that would be too easy,maybe even might make one feel a bit better,but alas it just won’t work…
.love em all and let God sort them out.

 

[Auriel]

I do not think it is orchestrated. BTW, non catholic here.

But I have noticed just in the past year a lot of my friends shifting to a more legalistic approach, and away from any man made traditions as they say. The ones I know who were already like that have kicked out Jesus as God. They still believe he came as his son but there is no need to believe he is God. And quite a few now believe in a dual covenant theology. And there is a trend to reject Christmas. Vocally they have been the most anti-Catholic. So anti that I would be afraid to even repeat some of their comments for fear of lightening striking me.

I am not sheltered. I live in a melting pot and have been exposed to many religions. I am noticing an anti-Christianity movement period, no matter the denomination. Unless your belief allows for accepting all equally.

I have no problem accepting people, but that does not mean I have to accept their beliefs. Now on that side, with my new age friends, most of the comments are coming from the Love and Light crowd.

If your friends have rejected you for your beliefs then they were not good friends. It still hurts because we are humans with a heart. But in the long run you did not lose as much as you think.

I have never rejected someone because of something as personal as their beliefs, There are non Catholics and Catholics who get along just fine and though they know there are points they will not agree on, they also acknowledge that they share Jesus and the cross. And love each other anyway. And there are non Christians and Christians who get along just fine as well.

I do feel bad for you that your holiday was ruined. To attack someone at a family gathering on such a special day or any day really, is very rude. Shows lack of manners.
.

 

[celticsfan1983]

This thread has inspired me to thank God that my family, though they disagree with my Catholicism, is still super-friendly and loving with me.

 

[ericka1701]

I know that in a few of the Southern Baptist churches I have attended in the past handed out anti-Catholic tracts and there have been whole sermons dedicated in to telling everyone why Catholicism is not the Church that Jesus founded. I attended these services before I had even really started studying Catholicism on my own, but actually those sermons and tracts did nothing to “scare” me away… In fact, it planted a few seeds and 5 years later, I crossed the Tiber. Just from what I knew of one of these preachers, he would be horrified if he knew that his sermons and literature where one of the reasons I did convert.

It’s not like this everywhere, but to say that all evangelicals and fundamentalists don’t orchestrate anti-Catholicism is just as incorrect as saying that all of them DO orchestrate anti-Catholicism. I happen to live in East TN, and there are about 100 Baptist congregations to every Catholic Church. Obviously, I have not attended them all, but I personally don’t see that much anti-Catholicism… it’s mostly non-Catholicism, or taking one verse out of context to apply it to what they want it to mean. I AM NOT SAYING THAT THIS IS EVERY CASE, JUST WHAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED. I can’t remember who said it (Maybe Fr. Corapi?) but there are only a handful of people who actually hate the Catholic Church for what it is. Most people who hate the Catholic Church do so for what they think it is. However, there are SOME people out there who no matter how much truth is told to them, will not listen and will not accept it. I only pray that God will soften their hearts and will lead them to cross the Tiber.

God Bless!
Ericka

 

[Angels_Unaware]

I feel so deeply Catholic that I feel more like a cradle Catholic than a convert, but I am also a convert. I went through RCIA and baptized my children Catholic. I dearly love the Church. :heaven:

I wish that I could show Protestants how near and beautiful and real Jesus is in the Church… how fully and richly present. He is the Church, and the Mass is the most perfect expression of worship that could exist on earth. Protestant sermons and worship services are so empty and unfulfiling compared to Mass. I actually appreciate and like “praise and worship” sessions in Protestant churches now, (of course, they are appropriate separate from Mass), but even this is nothing more than fluff to fill a space where things should be sacred.

Funny, when I was a Protestant, I was always deeply moved when we “took Communion” once a month, and by the P&W song, “we are standing on Holy Ground”. No wonder my soul is really Catholic… since that is what every parish is… a sacred space and holy ground.

What I have realized is that Protestant teaching is very fear-motivated, which is ironically something that Catholics are accused of being. It’s not fear of hell, though, it’s fear of thinking the wrong way. Losing the “club membership”. What happens when you associate salvation with right thinking * rather than right being* is you end up with brain washing.

I have said that before, and I truly believe it. The closed-minded irrational attacks are fear-based, and stem from brain washing.

 

[MarcoPolo]

I have noticed more anti-Catholic rhetoric in the forums lately. I recently went public with my past experiences being raised as a JW with Satanism involved and the biggest thing that has been criticized is the fact that I am now a Catholic! And the criticism is coming from others who claim to Christian–but who claim Catholics are not! I have had trouble in Tennessee because of the fundamentalist population and I get some flack from Liberty University here in VA, but I have never had it quite as bad as it is online the last few months.

Hang in there!

 

[Non_Serviam]

I’d suggest meme theory rather than orchestration. Memes, like “4 legs good, 2 legs bad” from Animal Farm are self-sustaining small bits of “knowledge” that are easily assimilated and passed on by people. “The Pope is the Antichrist” would be an example of an anti-Catholic meme that many have tossed around for years without giving the matter any significant thought.

Just as people throw various bits of stuff into their luggage before vacation “in case they might need them” memes become part of their intellectual “baggage” and can be easily referenced when needed (i.e. an Evangelical who normally doesn’t interact with Catholics is suddenly in contact with Catholic beliefs, and defaults to anti-Catholic memes acquired over the years)

Thats why so many of the same objections are heard from so many different people-they’re memorable enough to have “stuck” in the same way that the Catholic meme of the 3 conditions for mortal sin have “stuck” with many Catholics who have forgotten much of the childhood catechesis.

For more info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme

 

[Steadfast]

I’d suggest meme theory rather than orchestration. Memes, like “4 legs good, 2 legs bad” from Animal Farm are self-sustaining small bits of “knowledge” that are easily assimilated and passed on by people. “The Pope is the Antichrist” would be an example of an anti-Catholic meme that many have tossed around for years without giving the matter any significant thought.

Just as people throw various bits of stuff into their luggage before vacation “in case they might need them” memes become part of their intellectual “baggage” and can be easily referenced when needed (i.e. an Evangelical who normally doesn’t interact with Catholics is suddenly in contact with Catholic beliefs, and defaults to anti-Catholic memes acquired over the years)

Thats why so many of the same objections are heard from so many different people-they’re memorable enough to have “stuck” in the same way that the Catholic meme of the 3 conditions for mortal sin have “stuck” with many Catholics who have forgotten much of the childhood catechesis.

For more info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme

Look, being completely correct and thoughtful is not going to get you anywhere around here, bud!

 

[puppypatrol]

I’ve often discussed religion in a friendly manner with non-Catholic friends and acquaintances but, until recently, was never overtly attacked and condemned for being Catholic as I now have been several times by evangelicals, including ex-Catholics. Most were in the past year. Our wonderful Christmas was shattered by an in-law’s relative’s verbal assault when she learned we were Catholic.

Its happened before in social settings, in non-religious net forums, and even with in-law relations. These weren’t just disagreement on points of faith, but truly in-your-face distasteful insults; e.g. Catholics are “tainted”, “carnal”, “pagan”, “Nazis” to quote a few.

I’m past 60 and have lived in the Midwest, the South, and now the West Coast; where this is a new and disturbing phenomenon seems to be on the rise and I can’t help but feel its orchestrated among otherwise unaffiliated non-denominational churches. Are others experiencing this? Why now? Is there an agenda beyond proselytizing? I had hoped we were past this sort of ugliness.

As far as being new, no, it’s been going on in one form or another for 2000 years. The form we are seeing today have been going on since the 1950s with people like Jack Chick. You can find some information here shakti.trincoll.edu/~dcruzuri/anti-catholic/history.html

Last summer, or early spring, I got a call at work (I work at the Sheriff’s office) from my pastor who asked me to file a complaint. Sometime between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:00 pm someone entered our church and painstakenly incerted the comic book “The Death Cookie” in each and every missalette. No one noticed it until Mass had begun at 5:00 and several young people were terribly disturbed to find them, as well as several of the adults, one of which brought it to Father’s attention. That is when he called me and then he gathered up each and every one of them, put them in an envelope (there were approx 150 of them) which were put into evidence at the sheriff’s office.

A little while later I received a call from the pastor of another parish in our county. The same subject or peole working with him had left copies (printed from the computer) of the same comic book on each and every vehicle in front of the church during their 5:30 pm Mass. Another report was made and officers/deputies were requested to watch the areas the next morning during the Masses (and just before) at the 4 churches in our county. The subject and his friends had been going all around the diocese to different parishes and doing the same thing. Once his vehicle had been identified, he was contacted by law enforcement and the Chanceries (he lived in a neighboring diocese) and told to stop and, if he was caught again, charges would be filed. We still have to be vigilant because there is some circumstantial evidence that he may be back but nothing concrete.

There are many websites such as the following:

cuttingedge.org/articles/rome.html
carm.org/
christianparty.net/catholicprotestant.htm
catholicarrogance.org/

Each of these, along with many, many more propagate mistranslations, misunderstandings, and statements taken out of context to prove their point.
As far as this act being orchestrated, it depends on what you mean by “orchestrated” If you mean are they organized, most definitely, do they plan actions on specific days, of course, and they are always on the lookout for an opportunity to ridicule the Catholic Church. And this information and attitude is passed down from pastor to congregation every sunday, from parent’s to children, every day.

1 Peter 3: 12-17

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears turned to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against evildoers."
13 Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good?
14 But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them,
15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,
16 but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.
17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.