Looking for better ways to stand up for social issues

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Maybe it’s just part of being a young adult, but I’ve felt quite the strong calling to stand up for social issues and be a voice for church teaching, especially against abortion and for a return to traditional family values.

My problem though is that I’ve had such difficulty facing such an overwhelming opposition. It really saddens me when I face people whose hearts are so hardened that they refuse to take seriously my arguments, which is especially prevalent on the internet (the primary place where I encounter things that I feel the need to speak up for). For now, I do what I can, by praying for them and trusting in God’s mercy, but again, I’m feeling a strong pull to go beyond just that. Perhaps there is another way to reach them, other things I can do.

I’m really at a loss, and so I ask, what practical advice can you give on ways to 1) stand up for social issues in the culture we live in and 2) reach people (many of whom are atheists) who have bought into the lies of the culture and whose hearts have been hardened?
 
The best way is to start by showing up at a soup kitchen and volunteering your services.

That way you can get to meet like-minded people, witness first hand what the challenges are, and also get acquainted with the folks who are in need of the services.

The whole issue is very complicated.

And some people get involved only from the “academic” perspective, or they stay in their cubicles and prefer to administer. I overheard one person saying that it was good to be back in the office “where the action is”. So they play office politics, but never actually get actual first hand experience or knowledge.

So, my suggestion would be to get a few years’ actual hands-on experience … and the easiest place to start if you don’t have previous experience would be a soup kitchen.

Many soup kitchens also function as full service social welfare agencies … they see first hand what the actual needs of their folks are and can respond quickly and appropriately. So, a soup kitchen is really a great place.

Depending on your personal interests and how they firm up over time, you could also consider joining a religious order later on after you develop a well-formed focus. One of my priest friends referred to Jesuits as teachers and Franciscans as cooks. [He is a Franciscan.]

You could also read about St. John of the Cross. He was extensively involved with social issues of his own time, although many of the issues are similar to those of today … feeding the poor, for example; or taking care of orphans. He was a Carmelite. They have an office in Washington DC and you can get copies of his writings there:

icspublications.org/
 
I agree with Monte on this one. The best way to evangelize is to set a good example. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, or something similar, will not only impress others with your sincerity, but you will also meet like-minded persons. The people you meet will encourage you and sustain you when your morale flags. And the practical experience is invaluable.
JChapel said:
My problem though is that I’ve had such difficulty facing such an overwhelming opposition. It really saddens me when I face people whose hearts are so hardened that they refuse to take seriously my arguments, which is especially prevalent on the internet (the primary place where I encounter things that I feel the need to speak up for).
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The internet is full of people you will passionately disagree with. It always will be, no matter how hard you try. Rather than be disheartened by this, accept it with humility.

I have to add, that your post reminded me of a classic XKCD cartoon. Its one I often think of when I get angry or frustrated with online discussions. It reminds me that the world does not revolve around my actions or opinions.
(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)
 
Dale_M said:
I agree with Monte on this one. The best way to evangelize is to set a good example. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, or something similar, will not only impress others with your sincerity, but you will also meet like-minded persons. The people you meet will encourage you and sustain you when your morale flags. And the practical experience is invaluable.

The internet is full of people you will passionately disagree with. It always will be, no matter how hard you try. Rather than be disheartened by this, accept it with humility.

I have to add, that your post reminded me of a classic XKCD cartoon. Its one I often think of when I get angry or frustrated with online discussions. It reminds me that the world does not revolve around my actions or opinions.
http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/duty_calls.png
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Lol. ^ guilty!

I can’t really add anything to what others have said, but I will leave you with this quote on the subject:

“Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.” - St. Francis of Assisi
 
JChapel said:
Maybe it’s just part of being a young adult, but I’ve felt quite the strong calling to stand up for social issues and be a voice for church teaching, especially against abortion and for a return to traditional family values.

My problem though is that I’ve had such difficulty facing such an overwhelming opposition. It really saddens me when I face people whose hearts are so hardened that they refuse to take seriously my arguments, which is especially prevalent on the internet (the primary place where I encounter things that I feel the need to speak up for). For now, I do what I can, by praying for them and trusting in God’s mercy, but again, I’m feeling a strong pull to go beyond just that. Perhaps there is another way to reach them, other things I can do.

I’m really at a loss, and so I ask, what practical advice can you give on ways to 1) stand up for social issues in the culture we live in and 2) reach people (many of whom are atheists) who have bought into the lies of the culture and whose hearts have been hardened?
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I recommend examining the last 40 years, and the gradual, very gradual way, we were introduced to a little bad, then a little more and then, a little more, especially in the media.

First, remember that if you reach even one person, you have done something very important.

Second, find out what the Church actually teaches about contraception, abortion, sexual promiscuity, same sex marriage and divorce. Then present the truth in a polite and non-confrontational way.

Pray to God and read the Bible. Then realize you can only do so much.

The fact of the matter is this: too many people were lied to and accepted a “freedom” that led to the breakdown of the family, and marriages, and snuffed out the lives of millions of babies.

I offer the following resources. Don’t try to take this in all in one sitting or you will burn out. Take it a step at a time.

amazon.com/Noise-Media-saturated-Dominates-Dismantles-Families/dp/1932927948

amazon.com/Marketing-Evil-Pseudo-Experts-Corruption-Disguised/dp/1581824599

amazon.com/Extreme-Makeover-Transformed-Conformed-Culture/dp/1586175610/ref=pd_cp_b_1

As far as abortion, here is a powerful witness:

aboutabortions.com/Confess.html

Even in Biblical times, there were those who heard the Gospel and rejected it. Ask God for strength and inspiration and He will give it to you.

Peace,
Ed
 
Thanks for the advice so far, everyone. You make a good point with regards to the internet that some battles just aren’t worth fighting, with arguments at least, and it seems like prayer would be the best tool for those cases (I enjoyed the cartoon too, being the sucker for xkcd that I am).

Also I agree that I really should spend some time on the front lines helping those who are in need, touching one person at a time rather than trying to do God’s work for him, while trying to form some bonds with like minded people. Spending some time deeping my knowledge of the issues (thanks edwest2 for the resources, especially the abortion article, btw) as well as strengthening the foundation of my faith, certainly could help as well.

All of this can certainly seem overwhelming at face value, but I guess I’ll just have to break things down and take it one step at a time.
 
It warms my heart and give me hope to read that a young adult feels a strong need to stand up for Christian values. At your age, I could only manage to stand by my values. I lacked the confidence and courage to speak out.

EdWest gave solid advice.

I would add:
  1. Continue to pray daily for an increase in Wisdom and Understanding and the ability to speak the Truth in the spirit of Love.
  2. Be not afraid. God goes before you. We cannot expect an instant change of heart in others just because we spoke the Truth in the Spirit of Love. But we can have Hope that our words will eventually make a difference even if we are not there to witness it. I do not know how many whacks of the ax it takes to fell a large tree, but my whacks are necessary.
  3. Find and associate with existing groups of young Catholics who share your values and desire to make a difference. In unity there is strength.
 
As others have noted, Catholics and others who value traditional values must set a good example. There are numerous examples and numerous ways to do it. In my own city, for example, the diocese operates a food kitchen that is really more of a public restaurant. It’s open to all comers for one free meal a day. It’s used by those who need it, and that clientele may change as their situation changes. But nobody has to run a bureaucratic gauntlet to “qualify” for services. And it absolutely could not operate without volunteers, who must undergo training. And there are nearly 6,000 volunteers, mainly from Catholic parishes.

But also keep in mind that the culture has been thoroughly saturated with secular values, soaked with them from every conceivable direction. Read Marybeth Hicks “Don’t Let The Kid’s Drink the Kool Aid” to get a sense of the extent to which our culture has been deliberately saturated with secular values.
 
JChapel said:
Thanks for the advice so far, everyone. You make a good point with regards to the internet that some battles just aren’t worth fighting, with arguments at least, and it seems like prayer would be the best tool for those cases (I enjoyed the cartoon too, being the sucker for xkcd that I am).

Also I agree that I really should spend some time on the front lines helping those who are in need, touching one person at a time rather than trying to do God’s work for him, while trying to form some bonds with like minded people. Spending some time deeping my knowledge of the issues (thanks edwest2 for the resources, especially the abortion article, btw) as well as strengthening the foundation of my faith, certainly could help as well.

All of this can certainly seem overwhelming at face value, but I guess I’ll just have to break things down and take it one step at a time.
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If you are called to the abortion issue, then find your local 40 Days for Life campaign and join us! We pray in front of abortion clinics all over the world now, and it’s very effective. While being in front of an abortion clinic is never pleasant, being in prayer with other Catholics and Christians of all denominations is quite fortifying. No signs, no yelling, just quiet prayer and handing out information to abortion-minded women.

40 Days For Life

You can start a pro-life group at your high school or join one at college. There are hundreds of ways to get involved in the pro-life effort. You can also volunteer your time or help raise funds for local pregnancy help clinics - they always need more money and help.
 
Check out your diocese’s ProLife & Family Life ministeries. There are lots of activities and causes you can be involved in. 👍
 
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