Mixed marriage issues

[genealogist]

I have tried to get my nominally Christian wife more active in her religious obsevances. This fall her church will start to offer Alpha which is an overview of Christianity course that meets for ten weeks. I would like her to go and would be willing to accompany her. In the past I have made numerous plans to participate with her in her church’s educational opportunities only to have her be very non-commital and eventually we attend only a session or two or none at all. My sentimental side says keep trying but my logical side says it has not worked in the past it is up to HER to answer God’s call.

What should I do?

RCIA classes and anything at my parish are NOT options. She is a good person but needs to be truly convicted on Christ before we get to the Catholicism is true debate.

Also am I justified to be perturbed with her congregation because they make no effort whatsoever to get her more involved?

 

[Siena]

The best thing you can do is pray and let God work on her in His own time. Don’t push her to get more involved, -don’t treat religion as taboo, but don’t make her feel like she just wants you to shut up and leave her alone!.
Am I right in guessing you want her to become zealous for her faith so you can then convert her to Catholicism? Figuring she will be more into discussion by then? Just be a faithful Catholic yourself, and if she comes around, she will more likely skip right past her church and follow you to Rome! God bless!

 

[katy]

Alpha is a good program that involves a series of recorded, sometimes humorous talks. They are intended to be basic to all Christians. If she is at all interested, maybe she would like to go to one and then make a decision on whether or not to continue. Then you could go out for ice cream or something definitely fun for her.

 

[Zooey]

I have been part of (and led) Alpha at my own (Methodist) church. It is a very good program, which does not try to lay stress on any of the issues that divide Christian believers, but only on those that are in common–It is subtitled “Christianity 101”.
(Alpha also has materials for Catholic churches to run. I have not seen these, so can’t comment).
In any case, it sounds like it might be something that she would find interesting. You have a lot of fun–eating together, laughter & friendship.
Anyhow, I think it might be worth a try…I will pray for you & her. God bless.

 

[puzzleannie]

genealogist:

I have tried to get my nominally Christian wife more active in her religious obsevances. This fall her church will start to offer Alpha which is an overview of Christianity course that meets for ten weeks. I would like her to go and would be willing to accompany her.
Also am I justified to be perturbed with her congregation because they make no effort whatsoever to get her more involved?

the Alpha course is a great place for a “nominal Christian” or anyone who has not heard the initial gospel message. It is intended for specifically that purpose, to explain the basics of the person and mission of Jesus Christ and the basics of Christian belief as stated in the Apostles Creed. It is NOT RCIA or teaching on the Catholic Church doctrines specifically, because it is not intended to be. The first video in the series is: Christianity-Boring? Untrue? Irrelevant? and refutes all 3 of those claims.

However you can invite her, but you can’t make her go. Why should you fault her congregation for not “making her get more involved?” they issued the invitation, they are offering Alpha, they can’t drive people there at gunpoint.

the best position for Christians who care about the non-Christians or nominal Christians in their life is on their knees, in obedience to God and in service of their beliefs. Our best witness is to behave like the best Christians.

 

[Patrick2340]

My (nominally Christian) wife of nine years made the decision a couple of months ago to convert. I have spent the past several years praying hard for her conversion. I think I only once suggested that she convert. Believe in the power of prayer. Also, her decision came immediately after I offered an entire day of fasting for her conversion.