Keeping religion private

  • Thread starter Thread starter rben20
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
R

rben20

Guest
Hello Catholics,

I’m asking simply if it is ok to keep my beliefs private. I find it awkward to go to a mall and start asking people if they found Jesus yet like some protestant friends of mine. While I admire that kind of boldness, I don’t think its effective nor would I ever do it. I know we are called to preach the Gospel, but does that really mean going out there and telling every soul? Would it not suffice enough as well to simply be identified as Catholic and live my life privately as one. It would become public and needed when supporting Catholic positions and voicing Church causes. Does this approach make me a good Catholic or a bad one?
 
I keep my beliefs to myself unless someone specifically asks me for an oppinion.In this modern world there are many ways to come to the truth without standing in malls or carrying signs.the Catholic Church is very much in prescience in this US.i think its more easy to spread the gospel by ones actions than by what one says.
 
At the very least, be a good example. As people get to know you better, you can let them know you don’t want to hear dirty jokes, that you need to be able to get to Mass on the weekend, and so on. If you become good friends and they share their troubles, assure them that you’ll pray for them. A bit of jewelry (a cross or Miraculous Medal) if you’re comfortable with it. But we’re not all preachers/proselytizers. Some support the work of those that are. Tradition holds that Mary Magdelene supported the early Church with her wealth and influence. Other early apostles were travelling companions and secretaries and so forth. You have something to contribute; it’s not necessarily talking to strangers.
 
O.P., you are giving into the most hellish temptation of all: to be silent, and let the Gospel “sort itself out”. This is the most passive and ridiculous way of thinking, and must absolutely be crushed. Unless you’re a monk or anchorite, you have no right to abrogate your Christian duty to preach. Our blessed Lord did not say “go forth, praying for all nations in silence”, but “go forth, baptising all nations”. It might be argued that He was addressing only the first bishops (the Apostles), but it can’t hurt to witness the faith yourself. Baptism can only be given to a man who has at least heard about Jesus Christ our Lord.

I firmly believe that old master Satan has a great interest in dragging naturally-shy people away from proclaiming the Gospel. The only reason you don’t want to talk to others about our holy religion is your natural diffidence, or at least some sort of relativism you’ve learned from our ignorant culture. I am not judging you, but making a rational conclusion based on your post. Your language suggests simple shyness, not a conviction that we all must keep our beliefs private. You don’t respect error or heresy; you treat it with charity, but charity doesn’t give you an excuse to be docile.

You absolutely do not need to be a Protestant soap-box lecturer, and you have no compunction to act like an evangelical, going around saying “Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour?”! What you should do, though, is at least try to swerve conversations toward the subjects of God, goodness, morality, holiness, Jesus, the history of humanity… there are so many ways it can go. We need to go and tell as many people as possible, in our own ways. 🙂

Do what you must, in your own way. You can be subtle, you know! Perhaps make some new friends, and when they ask what you’re doing on some Sunday, say that you have to go to Church. Maybe slip in something about being Catholic, or at least a Christian. Do it without affectation, and let it shine on its own accord. If they are anti-religionist, they’ll just say “ok” and leave you be; if they care about the truth, they may ask more. This is your chance to reasonably and calmly turn the conversation to God.

Can you imagine getting to Heaven and being banished to Purgatory for a long time, or even going to Hell simply because others had not told you about our Lord? This is the most wondrous, momentous news in the history of the universe: God has made a dead man be alive again, and by this resurrection all men have been sanctified. He has saved us from eternal death and stagnation in the pits of oblivion and darkness. Let EVERYONE know this fact: Christus resurrexit! Resurrexit vere!
 
rben20 said:
Hello Catholics,

I’m asking simply if it is ok to keep my beliefs private. I find it awkward to go to a mall and start asking people if they found Jesus y?
Click to expand...
these two choices are not mutually exclusive, and being a public Christian does not mean or require confronting strangers at a mall or anywhere else. Being a public Christian means acting and speaking at all places and times as a Christian, in conformity with the commandments of course but especially with the beatitudes. It does not require challenging others with words but it most definitely requires challenging yourself to act and speak rightly at all times.
 
The traditional answer was that if one is asked about his faith, he/she cannot deny it.

It is allowed to flee from the question, like many did in the time of persecution.

Laymen have no obligation to preach their faith with words, especially because laymen, even educated laymen are not the depository of the truth, they would represent their opinion, and not the stand of the Church.

The Church was always suspicious of the canvassing evangelization, what Mormons, Jehovah witnesses, Hindi, and others do time to time.
 
One of the most deeply spiritual people I ever met didn’t even attend church. On occasion I’d talk to her about religion, and knew that she kept her Bible with her at all times and prayed for an hour or so every morning before coming to work. But she had a glow about her of happiness and contentment that I’ve only seen in one or two people ever, and most of them were nuns. She lived the Gospel like I’ve never seen - charitable, and so full of love for all living creatures. Her life was a huge testament to the truthfulness of the love and mercy of Christ. I was not a churchgoer when I met her, but I never forgot how wonderful that woman is.

That being said, a person can be a missionary of Christ by simply living the Gospel as Christ taught. I like to try to live like St. Therese of Liseaux and do little acts of love as often as possible, and keep a smile on my face as often as I can. I also wear my Miraculous Medal and St. Benedict medal, which gives me an opportunity to talk about Christ and the examples I follow in my life. But mostly, I do my best to show people love, and to talk about “being Catholic” (“No donuts today for me, it’s Ash Wednesday”, that kind of thing).
 
rben20 said:
Hello Catholics,

I’m asking simply if it is ok to keep my beliefs private. I find it awkward to go to a mall and start asking people if they found Jesus yet like some protestant friends of mine. While I admire that kind of boldness, I don’t think its effective nor would I ever do it. I know we are called to preach the Gospel, but does that really mean going out there and telling every soul? Would it not suffice enough as well to simply be identified as Catholic and live my life privately as one. It would become public and needed when supporting Catholic positions and voicing Church causes. Does this approach make me a good Catholic or a bad one?
Click to expand...
As a Protestant I tended to be more “up front” with my beliefs. I still think we need to let our lamp shine-if we love God why wouldn’t we want to share it? But, while evangelization is important, we still have to respect the fact that each of us has their own mind-a sovereign conscience, so to speak-which deserves respect. I don’t think street preachers do any good by the way they come at people. I share faith when someone’s in need-and ready to hear it. They’re often asking questions and know I have this “thing” that they don’t have-even if they’re suspicious of it. Sometimes it may involve the death of a family member or an illness or some other life-altering event.
 
Each Christian has different spiritual gifts (given by the Holy Spirit), and not all of them involve speaking.

Here are the places in the Bible where you can find the lists of spiritual gifts:

Romans 12: 6-8

I Corinthians 12: 28

Ephesians 4: 11 & 12

I Peter 4: 10-11

All of these passages mention gifts that do not necessarily involve speaking. The Romans passage mentions a gift of serving, a give of giving, and a gift of showing mercy. The passage in I Corinthians mentions gifts of miracles, healing, helps, and administration. The passage in Ephesians mentions a gift of teaching, which doesn’t HAVE to be verbal; people can teach through writing or artwork. And the passage in I Peter mentions a gift of service.

Christians are told by Jesus to let their lights shine in this dark world, so that others might see our good works and glorify the Father in heaven. That doesn’t necessarily mean that we will talk or be verbal in any way. The person who is quietly showing mercy through ladling soup at a rescue mission is letting their light shine. So is the person who is sitting in the church office tabulating the church finances. And likewise the person who is serving others by volunteering to be a sacristan or doing gardening work around the church building.

The important thing is that we as Christians are open to the work of the Holy Spirit in us, and obedient when He prompts us to speak or to remain silent. Sometimes we can be a worse witness for Jesus by speaking than by remaining silent. (I have often said things that were more hurtful than helpful.)
 
rben20 said:
Hello Catholics,

I’m asking simply if it is ok to keep my beliefs private. I find it awkward to go to a mall and start asking people if they found Jesus yet like some protestant friends of mine. While I admire that kind of boldness, I don’t think its effective nor would I ever do it. I know we are called to preach the Gospel, but does that really mean going out there and telling every soul? Would it not suffice enough as well to simply be identified as Catholic and live my life privately as one. It would become public and needed when supporting Catholic positions and voicing Church causes. Does this approach make me a good Catholic or a bad one?
Click to expand...
That is exactly what catholic evangelism is all about mostly, hope not to echo but, to lead by example with full submission and reverence to the father through our lord is paramount and in time when your patience and persistence with the 1st commandment is such, then you may be required to speak a little more, but however your then presence will be a vital importance.

Much blessings…
 
A priest once told me that if your friends and co-workers did not at least know you were a practicing Catholic, you are not doing enough.
 
rben20 said:
Hello Catholics,

I’m asking simply if it is ok to keep my beliefs private. I find it awkward to go to a mall and start asking people if they found Jesus yet like some protestant friends of mine. While I admire that kind of boldness, I don’t think its effective nor would I ever do it. I know we are called to preach the Gospel, but does that really mean going out there and telling every soul? Would it not suffice enough as well to simply be identified as Catholic and live my life privately as one. It would become public and needed when supporting Catholic positions and voicing Church causes. Does this approach make me a good Catholic or a bad one?
Click to expand...
Bolding mine… I can help but laugh at this type of question… and I’m a loud mouth. I KNOW, I would immediately respond…

I didn’t know he was lost! How long has he been missing?

I actually don’t admire that kind of boldness… I find it a huge invasion of my privacy. Because I do know where I’m at with my faith.Trust me, if I wanted a person’s opinion on God and such, I’d ask.

Actually, I don’t go crazy or anything. I just say, I’m VERY Catholic. And there will be no conversions today. (I use this with the JW’s at the door too). And I’m very busy right now. Thank you…

Now… how do I speak of my faith or share about Christ? Subtly. And with my behavior (hopefully!) I will often be wearing jewelry that on closer inspection are medals, crosses, and often a bracelet with a prayer inscribed entirely around it.

If a person cracks a joke that I find in poor taste… I usually have some sort of comment… Like “uh-uh…” The way I’d say to my child if he’s reaching for something he shouldn’t be.

Granted I use what might sound like humor too… Not in a disrespectful way (I hope)… for example, when something good happens publically… and FINALLY… could it have taken any longer??? , You’ll hear me say “Thank you Jesus!” I don’t get down on my knees or anything… And if you say something really offending… I might say “Oh, I’ve got to move away from the window… I don’t want to catch a lightening boldt meant for you.”

And once I did sing “hallelujah”---- “hallllll —LAY—lu–ya!” All soprano… when I rec’d my coffee at 4am in the airport twin 4 y/o’s in tow… I do give thanks for even the tinest of things… and I mean it! But I tend to do it in a way, that you won’t flinch if you don’t believe… I’d like to think, the non believer can see for just a minute that a person can believe in God, express thanks and gratitude, and still be “NORMAL”… Granted I’m probably not really “normal” when it comes down to it!

If a person comes to me with a problem… depending on the issue… religion could easily come up.

Ex: neighbor decides to sit with me at the park while we watch our children, then proceeds to unload about his pending divorce. He’s obviously in pain, so are his children. I finally ask… “Do you have a church you go to?” The conversation takes off from there.

I’ve been in the room when the whole “Catholic priests = pedophile” thing comes up. Then I talk about how my children just attended a safety class at our Catholic church, to learn about appropriate and inappropriate touch… and funny, their public school, nor any other group I know of does that… Of course, I never defend the actions of an evil man. I don’t care where he’s standing, or who he THINKS he is…

If religion comes up, I do announce that I’m Catholic… and I make no appologies for it. I invite people to my church if there’s any indication they might be interested.

The day after 9/11 I invited my whole office to go to church with me at lunch. (Many of us were known Catholics)… But you gotta know I sent an e-mail, and I’m HR! There was no obligation… And even aethiests came… so go figure!

If something comes up for Sunday… Sure, we can be there, but after church…

The thing is… others don’t have a problem announcing their faith structure whatever it is. I’ve decided not to either. However, I’m not going to shove it down your throat. That’s just not my style.

So, my long drawn out point is… You don’t have to jump in anyone’s face and ask personal questions… you can do as you see fit. You can utilize your personality, and just be you!

ETA: and I tell people I’m going to pray for them all the time… wow… I didn’t realize it… I might be a loud mouth about my religion too…
 
I just wanted to thank the OP and the people who responded.

FWIW, I am a private person myself. At some point, I realized that the culture of where I live does not consider religion a private matter.:o

Between my parish being a little in the news recently (for very, very good reasons) and Holy Week, I find myself being approached at least once a day for the last week. . .

Approached, as in, “tell me what’s happening there?”
“what is it like?”
“can I come back?”

*It is something, to be a Catholic Christian in these days, isn’t it? *

So thank you all, and a blessed Holy Week to you.
 
This is actually a really good question, with many angles that can be explored.

Primarily though, we have to admit that if the apostles of the early church had been afraid to speak up, and had kept their religion private, the Church probably would not have flourished.

It actually flourished because the early apostles bravely went out into the streets, temples, and across many countries preaching the word. They risked mockery, humiliation, “offending” others, etc. Even death. But they did it anyways.

Yet they could not have done so in the beginning. In the beginning, they were hiding in the upper room in prayer. They were afraid to go out. But on Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended, they were no longer afraid. They needed the Holy Spirit to have the courage.

Speaking up for our faith, sharing it, promoting it, and all together making sure that others know the Catholic faith is still alive in us, is not easy. It is always easier to stay silent.

Do you have to go stand on a street corner? I do not think so. But we need to make our presence known.

The devil likes it when we are silent. Then he makes us Catholics seem like a faded bunch of old freaks from another era that really do not exist anymore. Then he can easily whisper to people who are lost and confused “go ahead and sin. It is ok now. Look, even the Catholic Church is dying off. Do you know anyone who is a real practicing Catholic?”

And who knows, that person could be sitting right next to a practicing Catholic at work and not know it, because that Catholic may not have effectively made their presence known.

The forces of evil LOVE to make themselves known. For example, the gays and homosexuals love to organize big events that scream “we are here!” They want you to feel like their presence is solid, thus causing others to feel “everyone thinks it is ok - it must be ok.” They love to make commercials about birth control that they force-feed into your brain when you turn on the TV, or find their way into music, film, radio - anyplace that they can.

And they love to scold you and shame you when you speak up for your faith. They want you to sit back and silently let them scream away about what they believe, but they want you to shut up about what you believe. And sadly too many do. The forces of evil seem more passionate to promote their causes than the forces of good.

The more we do this, the more power they have.

It is hard to stand up for your faith. You will be insulted, looked down upon, picked on, etc.

**But you have your faith because someone in the past was insulted, looked down upon, picked upon, etc. so that you could one day hear of the faith too. **
 
I’m a Protestant inquiring into Catholic faith-i’m fairly sure that this is the one church where i want to be. Before deciding on this, i also looked into Eastern Orthodoxy and attended their church for a while. I asked a priest there(and several people) that i met, why is that i never see OC trying to talk to people about Christianity or just EO faith. Their response was “we don’t need to do that, as Christians we can set good example so they become interested, and if people are interested and ask, them we can tell them about it”. So overall attitude was"if they come to our church, we’ll welcome them and talk to them about it but if not, we are not going to spread the word". I DO NOT understand this kind of attitude. In my Protestant church, there are bunch of folks who just can’t help themselves but bring up Jesus to every person they meet which frankly, i don’t think is the right approach. I never been the person to stand on the street corners, handing out booklets and asking people if they found Jesus yet. However, i do let people know that i’m Christian, i wear a cross openly(a rather large one), and as the other poster, i would tell them that i will pray for them if they are having a problem. I think saying nothing and hiding the fact that you are Christian, is what the Devil wants.
 
Bev17243 said:
I’m a Protestant inquiring into Catholic faith-i’m fairly sure that this is the one church where i want to be. Before deciding on this, i also looked into Eastern Orthodoxy and attended their church for a while. I asked a priest there(and several people) that i met, why is that i never see OC trying to talk to people about Christianity or just EO faith. Their response was “we don’t need to do that, as Christians we can set good example so they become interested, and if people are interested and ask, them we can tell them about it”. So overall attitude was"if they come to our church, we’ll welcome them and talk to them about it but if not, we are not going to spread the word". I DO NOT understand this kind of attitude. In my Protestant church, there are bunch of folks who just can’t help themselves but bring up Jesus to every person they meet which frankly, i don’t think is the right approach. I never been the person to stand on the street corners, handing out booklets and asking people if they found Jesus yet. However, i do let people know that i’m Christian, i wear a cross openly(a rather large one), and as the other poster, i would tell them that i will pray for them if they are having a problem. I think saying nothing and hiding the fact that you are Christian, is what the Devil wants.
Click to expand...
I think you’ll see everyone does things a bit differently… perhaps more from their person.

There are many that spread the word… Catholic Evangelists, CCD teachers, regular moms and dads… but we all do it differently. We don’t organize this sharing I guess. A priest for example does not have time to go out and recruit so to speak… not one that runs a parish… but you see priests like Father Corapi who does.

Seek and you shall find… 😉
 
My suggestion to you is to become an RCIA sponsor.

RCIA sponsorship introduces you to the world of conversion - toward deeper relationships with Christ:

People who are only being to know Jesus
Non baptized converts from other faiths
Baptized Converts from other faiths
Baptized Catholics needing 1st Eucharist or Confirmation

Watch all of the EWTN programs from “The Journey Home” to see how the Holy Spirit operates inside of a person’s heart, mind and life:

google.com/search?q=journey+home+ewtn+youtube&rlz=1I7ADBR_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7
 
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
St. Francis of Assisi
 
rben20 said:
Hello Catholics,

I’m asking simply if it is ok to keep my beliefs private. I find it awkward to go to a mall and start asking people if they found Jesus yet like some protestant friends of mine. While I admire that kind of boldness, I don’t think its effective nor would I ever do it. I know we are called to preach the Gospel, but does that really mean going out there and telling every soul? Would it not suffice enough as well to simply be identified as Catholic and live my life privately as one. It would become public and needed when supporting Catholic positions and voicing Church causes. Does this approach make me a good Catholic or a bad one?
Click to expand...
What inspires me is Bro. JRs posts about how Franciscans are told to live the Gospel and preach with their actions rather than standing on some street corner and yelling out Bible verses. We don’t have to tell people we’re Catholics, but we definitely have to show in our actions that we are Catholics. And with our actions we evangelize.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top