My girlfriend.

[thephilosopher6]

Hi CAF,

I have been with a very amazing girl for about a year now. I deeply care for her and I think she is the most wonderful and amazing woman I have ever met. She is agnostic. When we first met, she was a strong agnostic, but baptized Catholic as a child. When I told her I was a practicing Catholic she said immediately responded with, “Oh, I mostly just believe in science.” Over the course of the next few months I was able to dispel her ignorance about the relationship between religion (specifically Christianity) and science. I educated her on the theology of the Church and on the Bible and who Jesus is and what he wants for us. I feel like I have been catechizing her to an extent. At this point, I have gotten her to the stance of weak agnostic. Very weak agnostic. She is leaning towards Christianity. She is so close to accepting the truth! She wants Christ,I can see it, but she is still falling short, and I gotta say it’s frustrating.

Now, to make it clear, I don’t force anything on her. It’s her decision ultimately. I do strongly encourage her but I never force her to go to Mass with me or pray or read the Bible or anything. We have actually prayed together a few times and it was nice and she enjoyed it too. When I ask her though if she fully believes she says, “I really really want to, and I feel like at times I do, but other times I don’t because my mind is always doubting even though I really desire to be a true Christian.” It’s been like this for the last few months now. I am trying to be patient, and as said it is a bit frustrating and disappointing. I don’t understand how someone this close to the truth still has a piece of them holding back. In the end though… it’s her decision to make and I understand that.

What should I do CAF? Should I just continue to encourage until maybe she fully accepts the truth? I really need some kind of advice on this from other Catholics/Christians. I think I am going to see if my priest can give me any advice and maybe visit us. It would also be nice to hear advice from you guys and how to deal with a person in this kind of situation.

God bless!

 

[Sarcelle]

The best you can do is to just be there for her.

Don’t put any deadlines or demands on her because this would seem like high pressure sales tactic. You are not selling Christianity to her like one is selling a used car. This is a faith journey which is hers to make. You cannot make it for her.

As a former atheist, I met an astrophysicist who was a true Christian in every sense of the word. He was the one he who led me to Christ and I could see from his example that science and faith are not enemies. Do you have any Christian friends who work in science or engineering? They can serve as witnesses to the fact that faith and science are not contradictory.

So go and plant the seed but trust in God to nurture it.

 

[Crusaderbear]

She has to come to the faith herself. Be a example and a guide for her.

 

[pollylodges]

Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†

 

[Rosebud77]

Hi CAF,
** I feel like I have been catechizing her to an extent. At this point, I have gotten her to the stance of weak agnostic. Very weak agnostic. She is leaning towards Christianity. She is so close to accepting the truth! She wants Christ,I can see it, but she is still falling short, and I gotta say it’s frustrating.

Now, to make it clear, I don’t force anything on her. It’s her decision ultimately. I do strongly encourage her but I never force her to go to Mass with me or pray or read the Bible or anything. We have actually prayed together a few times and it was nice and she enjoyed it too. When I ask her though if she fully believes she says, “I really really want to, and I feel like at times I do, but other times I don’t because my mind is always doubting even though I really desire to be a true Christian.” It’s been like this for the last few months now. I am trying to be patient, and as said it is a bit frustrating and disappointing. **

I understand but you are putting a massive amount of constant pressure on her that will risk your losing her …

No one can “convert” anyone else.Not our job. We are to lead by example and by our love. And leave God for the rest.

Please ease off? May take years but is worth the wait and to think clear,y would you want her to convert JUST to please you? That is the risk you are taking.

Ease right off. Live your faith i n how you love and respect her. As she is.

 

[pianistclare]

I think you are doing fine. If you love her, you want salvation for her. Simple.
That’s how Christianity started for pete’s sake.
Just continue to be there for her, answer questions when she has them, dispel wrong beliefs gently.
We’re all called to share the truth.
God bless you.
Please put aside the notion that it’s none of your business or that Catholicism or Christianity is no big deal.
If that were so, there would be no RCIA programs, no catechism classes, the church would even offer a Catechism or correct interpretation of the Scriptures.
Maybe one day she will come along…only the Holy Spirit knows.
It’s the Holy Spirit that has her seeking…not you alone. Just keep yourself in prayer so that you can discern how you can be a servant of the Lord for her.
I’ll say it again: God bless you.
It’s Christ calling her…remember that.

 

[kozlosap]

Is her conversion from agnostic to Catholic a requirement that you have placed upon the relationship? There was a young woman in our parish that was converting, but it wasn’t until the 3rd Easter that she felt confident in her belief and was welcomed into the Church.

 

[thephilosopher6]

Sorry I didn’t respond yesterday, Thank you all for your posts though.

God bless!