Is it wise to do this?

[Capuchinfan1337]

Is it wise to go onto a forum or page that is full of anti-Catholic fervor and try to clarify and show that the The Holy See/Catholicism is not the boogeyman and whenever doing this I get cussed out by people who have much more extensive educations and maybe lapsed Catholics? I’m asking this since I’ve been doing this for about this about four months on Facebook and the only results I’ve received is being cussed out and showing that people are ignorant of Catholic social teaching and interpretation to scripture.

 

[Della]

Wise? No. As you have discovered. All you are accomplishing is “casting pearls before swine”, I’m afraid. You could have hopes that something you write will get someone to actually think, but for those bitterly entrenched in hatred, it’s not a good idea because they are not disposed to understand/be receptive. Better to post on CAF or some other such site where the discussion is more than one-sided. That is unless you enjoy being cussed out on a daily basis.

 

[StudentMI]

It’s a noble effort, but to be honest it’s a waste of time. Face to face evangelizing might be more effective, since people are hesitant to be rude or cause an argument, but online people just say anything, and as a result are less open to discussion and more open to insulting. Your time would be better spent, in my opinion, praying for others to convert.

 

[Shiranui117]

Brave, but not your brightest move. Plus, why in God’s green earth would you try and do this on FACEBOOK? Sorry, bro, but Facebook is not really a place where intelligent discussion takes place.

If people are dead-set against Catholicism and cuss you out, then brush the dust off your feet and move on.

 

[ChibiViolet]

Is it wise to go onto a forum or page that is full of anti-Catholic fervor and try to clarify and show that the The Holy See/Catholicism is not the boogeyman and whenever doing this I get cussed out by people who have much more extensive educations and maybe lapsed Catholics? I’m asking this since I’ve been doing this for about this about four months on Facebook and the only results I’ve received is being cussed out and showing that people are ignorant of Catholic social teaching and interpretation to scripture.

Way to go! Keep going! You’re doing something that very few Catholics would care to do and I’m sure what you’re doing is making a positive difference in at least one person’s life. Just always remember to do your research before posting–I mean if you need to and it sounds like you need to. Not everyone who is smart is good at conveying how smart they are and I understand this firsthand. Make sure to read the Catholic Encyclopedia as this will not only tell you what’s what, but also give you a better grasp on how to explain it.

Make sure to use common sense as well and not get too angry at these people. They not even be as smart as they make themselves out to be. They can use not only lies, but manipulation to fool you and please keep in mind that manipulation is an art many of these people are skilled in.

 

[Equites_Christi]

“And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off even the dust of your feet, for a testimony against them.” Luke 9:5

 

[Christy_Beth]

I learned long ago that to try to have dialogue with these kind of people is a waste of breath. They are dead set against Catholicism and don’t want to hear any reason. :takethat:

 

[EricFilmer]

…whenever doing this I get cussed out by people who have much more extensive educations…

Even if their education is more extensive than yours (in terms of degrees obtained and such), those who believe that cussing out someone is an acceptable practice in a authentic debate have shown themselves to be less intelligent than you. Generally speaking, it’s a tactic designed to throw anger or other intense emotions into a debate in order to make the opponent scared or uncomfortable and therefore less willing to continue. Therefore, people who use such tactics know that they are unable to present a proper refutation of their opponent’s position, and want to use emotion to make them quit instead. For those who do not quit, the temptation is to respond in the same manner, and the debate can quickly devolve into an argument with little being accomplished.

 

[Michael1966]

You might first need to show that you’re really willing to listen (especially if some are well educated). If your aim is to just correct them when you think they are wrong then they’ll probably stay hostile, as I don’t think that goes down well in any context. Be a good listener and you’re likely to steadily develop a better relationship. Also try to always be completely honest - don’t try to spin things, as educated people will know you’re doing it, and you’ll lose trust. You may also learn from them as well - especially as non-Catholics are likely to get you digging into scripture which is never a bad thing.

Just my personal opinion.

God bless +

 

[Capuchinfan1337]

Brave, but not your brightest move. Plus, why in God’s green earth would you try and do this on FACEBOOK? Sorry, bro, but Facebook is not really a place where intelligent discussion takes place.

If people are dead-set against Catholicism and cuss you out, then brush the dust off your feet and move on.

Facebook since more people can see it and hopefully look up and see the inherent truth in the statements I make.

 

[CarolNoel]

I look at Foxnation every now and then and whenever there is anything about the Pope, Catholics ect. it is absolutley incredible the awful things that are said. There a Catholics and some brave non catholics that defend the faith, but it is just so sad to hear the terrible things said about us. I still pray for them.

 

[Della]

Facebook since more people can see it and hopefully look up and see the inherent truth in the statements I make.

This is the thing, isn’t it? We have to weigh how much good we might be doing against how much animosity we are dealing with. Sometimes it’s simply not worth it–like trying to get a bully to stop being a bully by explaining why he’s wrong. It usually ends up with a punch in the face instead of repentence and understanding. It’s a matter of picking our battles.

 

[robwar]

Facebook since more people can see it and hopefully look up and see the inherent truth in the statements I make.

I guess you have to weigh the few seeds you are trying to plant with the abuse you are getting in return. Do you want to be dragged in the mud and harassed to hopefully make a few points? “Don’t throw your pearls before swine”. Likewise Proverbs says, “Don’t answer a fool in his folly lest you be like him”. The people you are trying to reach don’t seem to want it or it is so one sided that even with the best intent and points, you look more stupid and ineffective. You have to decide and weigh all of the above. Maybe spend some time in adoration for the answer. I think you are very brave but you shouldn’t have to put up with abuse. If someone is abusive shows the depth of their points in that they have to resort to vulgarity I would respond in that you can disagree with me but because you are swearing or vulgar shows what you are really made of and then walk away.