Need some advice about a protestant bible study I'm attending

[Cyril_Of_Canada]

Hi. I’m not a catholic yet(I’d like to be).
I’m still attending a protestant home group that meets for fellowship(Potluck and then bible study). Normally, I’d stop attending and find a catholic bible study and fellowship to go to. Because of an ongoing situation, and at the priest’s discretion, my pursuit of catholicism is currently low key and he encouraged me to love my wife and please her and to keep being involved with our current protestant church. He said to forget about catholicism until at least August(or September) when RCIA classes begin at a local parish near town.

I need some advice when attending the protestant bible study from experienced catholics on here.

(1)How should I handle myself when interacting with others?
(2)Should I bring my catholic bible (Ignatius Study Bible 2nd Edition, RSV) or keep quiet and contribute nothing to the group? I don’t feel a catholic perspective would be welcome and neither would a catholic bible.
(3)Last time I was having potluck, the person hosting it at their home made a remark about baptism and chuckled about how infant baptism doesn’t count. I was offended at the time because I was baptized as an infant and this non-denomination church accepted my infant baptism as counting and didn’t require me to be rebaptized. I chose to remain quiet about it but when I met with my priest privately along with my wife, I told them in conversation how that remark offended me.

(4)Should I practice Lectio Divina and offer what came to my mind during prayer time on passages of scripture our study is focused on?

We’re currently doing a study on a book by a protestant author. Some people in the group proposed doing a study on a book by John Piper, but I suggested we all do a study on this other book once I privately learned he was anti-catholic and we all ended up not doing a study on one of John Piper’s books. The book we are studying is by an author who has actually read the Didache, Early Church Fathers and talks positively about the catholic church’s teaching on certain things, though I find it intriguing he is a non-denomination protestant. I’ve been exchanging e-mails with him to inquire what he thought about the Early Church Fathers and the only thing he said that they go to extremes was that some of them were anti-woman. He spoke positively about Augustine. It makes me wonder why he actually isn’t a catholic.

Anyway. What I think best would be go to and just observe without defending the catholic faith or being an appologist. Just attend and keep quiet.

 

[po18guy]

I must ask, with some incredulity, what on earth you are doing there in the first place. Your prudent choice is to leave, and tell them clearly and placidly exactly why.

 

[Cyril_Of_Canada]

I must ask, with some incredulity, what on earth you are doing there in the first place. Your prudent choice is to leave, and tell them clearly and placidly exactly why.

Good answer.
First, I’ve been attending this fellowship group before I made an intellectual choice to convert to catholicism.

Q: What on earth am I doing there in the first place?
A: Fellowship and bible study. Strengthening the bonds of friendships I’ve made at our local christian community. It’s nice to do activities with friends outside of church and on days other than Sunday. Also the food. Sense of community. Studying the bible together. I’ve been doing this for well over a year; Close to two years now. It’s very common for christians in any kind of church to do this. This fellowship we have is not about converting people to protestantism because everyone who attends is usually a long time member of the congregation who has been there for some time, with the occasional protestant who maybe recently joined a few months prior or recently. To me, it was an opportunity to meet up and socialize outside of church, have dinner together, and read the bible and study it together as friends.

(2) I’d leave, except my wife has sided with them so far in opposing my desire to convert to Catholicism, with my wife threatening divorce on more than one occasion. I managed to bring her to see a local priest even though she told me the night before hand that she decided she’d refuse to go. As I said, the priest recommended that I continue to be involved with the community for the time being. If I refuse to go, my wife will have a difficult time getting out to meet with them. She doesn’t drive at the moment and we have an infant to look after, so if I refuse to go, it’s going to be seen in a really, really, really bad light and may amplify the anti-catholic attitudes I have been experiencing by my wife and others. My situation is delicate at the moment.

 

[anonymous_in_fl]

I dont think it is a good idea to continue with a protestant bible study group. Why not spend the time at home during that same time period reading and becoming familiar with the CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church) which can be found online; or begin reading some of the Early Church Fathers (again which can all be found free on the internet).

Just because you cant start official RCIA classes until the fall doesnt mean you cant start becoming more familiar with Church teachings now.

 

[Cyril_Of_Canada]

I appreciate the responses. Thank you.
I’d like to hear some suggestions regarding attending
the study, not about avoiding it. I mean, I know it’s best to
avoid it, but I posted asking for advice concerning if I do attend. Otherwise it’s rather pointless to have posted my initial OP.

Sorry if I offended anyone or came across in a bad way
or if my OP lacked common sense…forgive me.

 

[10gr8kids]

I go to a Bible study with my husband who is not Catholic. It is a group from his church that meets every week, and we’ve been meeting about a year now. For the most part the topics haven’t been too controversial, basically on how to live our Christian Faith. There is usually plenty I can say. I can share some of my views and they don’t even realize it is Catholic. I really don’t see going to a Prtotestanf Bible Study as a negative, I look at it as a chance to help them grow and see things in a different light. Of course it has to be subtle, if I were to start talking about infant baptism or praying to the saints they wouldn’t listen to a word said.

 

[aicirt]

I went to a Protestant Bible study with a neighbor. It was pretty generic centered on the Old Testament. I didn’t attend after a couple of meetings because it was at night, and I know that eventually something would be said and I’d be talking about the Catholic take on things. I didn’t want to do that. I believe they knew my religion because I had to fill out a slip and it asked for the denomination. If they had asked me to give my perspective, I would have made an effort to get there even at night.

In your situation, you told your wife you would go so go. Listen, contribute, but don’t get into a controversy because this is going to upset your wife.

I don’t think you know that much about Catholicism considering you haven’t begun RCIA. If I’m wrong, then I’m sorry. In your zest, you don’t want to say something, find out you were incorrect, and have to go back and apologize.

If they know you are thinking of converting, I’m sure they’d work hard to convince you otherwise.

 

[ChurchSoldier]

Don’t need to bring a Catholic Bible, and I wouldn’t suggest touting “Catholic Teaching”. What you can do which is very effective is discuss the Catholic viewpoint on things without saying it’s Catholic.

For instance, when they discuss infant baptism as not being valid, ask why or state that the early church held to it. If communion is being discussed, ask about their interpretation of John 6. If confession, James 5:16 where it says to tell your sins to the elder of the church. You get the point…

So many Protestants have been taught from a viewpoint that anything “Catholic” is wrong, that stating something is Catholic will automatically shut their ears. Pointing to what Scripture (NOT the Catechism) says about the topic is pretty powerful though.

Good luck until the Fall!

One other thing to think about. You can choose whether to tell them you are becoming Catholic. Just realize, if you do, they may not respond so positively (and that’s ok). I chose just to avoid possible conflict by not telling people until I joined the Catholic Church.

 

[pianistclare]

I appreciate the responses. Thank you.
I’d like to hear some suggestions regarding attending
the study, not about avoiding it. I mean, I know it’s best to
avoid it, but I posted asking for advice concerning if I do attend. Otherwise it’s rather pointless to have posted my initial OP.

Sorry if I offended anyone or came across in a bad way
or if my OP lacked common sense…forgive me.

There’s oodles of Catholic Bible study groups. Find one. Simple as that.
You see to want a reason to stay. I can’t think of a good one since you plan on “leaving” that faith community anyway.
Makes no sense.
We study what gives us the best info.
Find a nearby Catholic church that offers summer Bible classes and just go.

 

[jane_doe]

Catholics and Protestants have vast majority of their faith in common: you have much to fellowship together with. Follow the advice of your priest, make your wife happy/strengthen your marriage, and keep going.

If someone makes a remark that is offensive (like the anti-infant baptism remark, whom the speaker clearly didn’t even know the policies of his own church), choose to forgive them and practice Christ-like love.

 

[johnnyc176]

I appreciate the responses. Thank you.
I’d like to hear some suggestions regarding attending
the study, not about avoiding it. I mean, I know it’s best to
avoid it, but I posted asking for advice concerning if I do attend. Otherwise it’s rather pointless to have posted my initial OP.

Sorry if I offended anyone or came across in a bad way
or if my OP lacked common sense…forgive me.

Well it’s not clear what is going on here. Apparently they already know you want to convert to Catholicism, correct?

I’d leave, except my wife has sided with them so far in opposing my desire to convert to Catholicism

If that is the case then expect more of this…

Last time I was having potluck, the person hosting it at their home made a remark about baptism and chuckled about how infant baptism doesn’t count.

And if you are not comfortable in defending yourself then I guess your only alternatives are more hurt feelings or do not attend at all. Maybe you could drive your wife there, drop her off and pick her up when it is done.

The suggestion about asking them questions is a good one but only if you already know the answers to those questions yourself.

 

[Memaw]

I appreciate the responses. Thank you.
I’d like to hear some suggestions regarding attending
the study, not about avoiding it. I mean, I know it’s best to
avoid it, but I posted asking for advice concerning if I do attend. Otherwise it’s rather pointless to have posted my initial OP.

Sorry if I offended anyone or came across in a bad way
or if my OP lacked common sense…forgive me.

I suggest you get a copy of Jeff Cavins Bible study program. I think you can get it through Catholic Answers. or EWTN. and study it yourself. You will see that the Catholic understanding of Sacred Scripture is far more deep than any other. Then you can just ask questions on Bible Verses we disagree with them on. But don’t argue, just ask questions and give them food for thought. In the meantime learn as you go about the Catholic understand so you can give a simple explanation when the opportunity arises. You might get a copy of Scott Hahn’s book, “Rome Sweet Home”, and maybe ask your wife to read it when the time is right. Don’t push, just suggest and pray. Or just leave it laying where she might see it and get curious. God works with us at HIS own pace. I had a brother in law that picked up a book on my coffee table and after reading some of it, he asked me where I got it and I told him he could have it if he wanted and later her and my sister came back into the Church. I will pray for you and your wife! God Bless, Memaw

 

[johnnyc176]

Catholics and Protestants have vast majority of their faith in common: you have much to fellowship together with. Follow the advice of your priest, make your wife happy/strengthen your marriage, and keep going.

Not quite starting with the fact that Jesus founded the Catholic Church. Jesus didn’t send the apostles out to find commonality.

 

[Neofight]

I must ask, with some incredulity, what on earth you are doing there in the first place. Your prudent choice is to leave, and tell them clearly and placidly exactly why.

Except, a forceful explanation of why adds no value to the situation and is uncharitable…vote with your feet and hold your tongue, except to be cordial and leave in a state of peace rather than conflict.

 

[Memaw]

Catholics and Protestants have vast majority of their faith in common: you have much to fellowship together with. Follow the advice of your priest, make your wife happy/strengthen your marriage, and keep going.

If someone makes a remark that is offensive (like the anti-infant baptism remark, whom the speaker clearly didn’t even know the policies of his own church), choose to forgive them and practice Christ-like love.

Catholics and protestants do not have a lot in common. Protestants do not even have lots in common with other protestants. If we understand our Catholic faith we would see that right off. While we do believe some of the same things, tho with some of them, our understanding of it can be vastly different.ITS REALLY UP TO US TO LEARN THE DIFFERENCE. Much of what protestants believe about the Catholic Faith is no where near true. I suggest watching “Journey Home” on EWTN Catholic cable network. ON Monday nights 7 pm CST. God Bless, Memaw

 

[LaetenturCaeli]

I’d like to hear some suggestions regarding attending
the study, not about avoiding it.

If you have to attend the Bible study, then why not simply focus on those things that Catholics and Protestants can agree on, and build upon them in ways that will be fruitful for everyone there.

People have said that Catholics and Protestants don’t have a lot in common. Okay, well, I quite disagree. For starters, we can all talk about Jesus, and we can all talk about how much we love Him. We don’t have the same theology, but we don’t have to all sit around and solve every theological nuance together. We can keep it simple.

In fact, I highly recommend going out of your way to talk about your love for Jesus. This may well blunt any sort of future shock when they find out you’re joining His Church.

For example, I had the opportunity to speak with a father whose daughter joined the Church the past Easter. He is a fervent Protestant, and I and some others had a beautiful talk with him about Jesus. We had great fellowship, and he came away feeling a lot better about Catholics, knowing that there are at least some he could identify as truly loving the Lord. To be absolutely frank, I’d rather talk to some Protestants about our Lord than many Catholics, who just absolutely don’t seem to get Him in the slightest.

And if they talk about something the Church disagrees with, fine. Take infant Baptism as an example.

Ask them simple questions. “So, why DO you think some denominations, like Presbyterians or Lutherans, Baptize infants? Do you think it’s just because they’re more Catholic, or what exactly is their rationale?”

Asking questions might reveal much more to them than they ever imagined. You don’t have to answer everything. Again, we don’t have to instantly prove every little position. Just pose the question. It may will stick in their minds until it drives them insane and they just have to find the answer. Also, encouraging people to charitably and fairly analyze another person’s position will go a long way in helping people to be more loving.

By the way, I highly recommend Called to Communion: ewtn.com/v/ondemand/audio/latestadditions/seriessearchprog.asp?seriesID=6582&fldSeriesName=Called+to+Communion.

If you’ve never listened to Dr. Anders’ show, you absolutely must.

You can also view videos of the program by browsing through here: youtube.com/user/EWTN/videos.

 

[jane_doe]

If you have to attend the Bible study, then why not simply focus on those things that Catholics and Protestants can agree on, and build upon them in ways that will be fruitful for everyone there.

People have said that Catholics and Protestants don’t have a lot in common. Okay, well, I quite disagree. For starters, we can all talk about Jesus, and we can all talk about how much we love Him. We don’t have the same theology, but we don’t have to all sit around and solve every theological nuance together. We can keep it simple.

In fact, I highly recommend going out of your way to talk about your love for Jesus. This may well blunt any sort of future shock when they find out you’re joining His Church.

For example, I had the opportunity to speak with a father whose daughter joined the Church the past Easter. He is a fervent Protestant, and I and some others had a beautiful talk with him about Jesus. We had great fellowship, and he came away feeling a lot better about Catholics, knowing that there are at least some he could identify as truly loving the Lord. To be absolutely frank, I’d rather talk to some Protestants about our Lord than many Catholics, who just absolutely don’t seem to get Him in the slightest.

And if they talk about something the Church disagrees with, fine. Take infant Baptism as an example.

Ask them simple questions. “So, why DO you think some denominations, like Presbyterians or Lutherans, Baptize infants? Do you think it’s just because they’re more Catholic, or what exactly is their rationale?”

Asking questions might reveal much more to them than they ever imagined. You don’t have to answer everything. Again, we don’t have to instantly prove every little position. Just pose the question. It may will stick in their minds until it drives them insane and they just have to find the answer.

By the way, I highly recommend Called to Communion: ewtn.com/v/ondemand/audio/latestadditions/seriessearchprog.asp?seriesID=6582&fldSeriesName=Called+to+Communion.

If you’ve never listened to Dr. Anders’ show, you absolutely must.

You can also view videos of the program by browsing through here: youtube.com/user/EWTN/videos.

 

[Beryllos]

Catholics and Protestants have a lot in common. For the most part, we have the same Bible. The Catholic Bible has a few more books and there may be small differences between the translations, but I don’t think you can go wrong by reading and discussing a Protestant Bible.

If your Christian friends and study companions have good will and yet disagree on matters of faith, this is not a bad thing. It may be an opportunity for discussion which enriches everyone. For example, if the reading suggests (or prompts someone to say) that we are saved by faith alone, you could just mention, without going on too long or trying to convince them, that Jesus spoke often about the necessity of loving one another and caring for those in need.

If some of your Christian friends speak poorly of Catholics or Catholicism, you could gently disagree, if you think it would be helpful. You must judge for yourself how hard you should push, and what approach is most likely to work. For example, you could say that you have Catholic friends who are also good Christians, and that you would not speak so poorly of them. That’s like taking the bull by the horns rather than running from it. Sometimes when you do that, people will respect you and behave better.

…Why not spend the time at home during that same time period reading and becoming familiar with the CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church) which can be found online; or begin reading some of the Early Church Fathers (again which can all be found free on the internet).

Reading alone at home is better than nothing, I suppose, but it’s far poorer than reading and discussing with others.

Sorry if I offended anyone or came across in a bad way or if my OP lacked common sense…forgive me.

Your OP is fine and should not offend anyone. Be at peace.

… I can’t think of a good [reason] since you plan on “leaving” that faith community anyway…

I think it is because of the impact it would have on his marriage and on his wife’s faith. The priest has advised him to strengthen his marriage and keep his Catholic conversion low-key for the moment, until RCIA gets started in late summer. Sounds like a good prudential approach.

 

[Beryllos]

While I was typing, LaetenturCaeli offered some great suggestions and insights (three posts back).

 

[LPS]

I attended a Baptist women’s study for several years when I lived in the south and I loved it. I think as adults we’re able to take what is good from them and discard the rest if we are well-rooted in our faith.

Try to take no offense when they say things you disagree with - we are all deceived or ignorant about certain things. If you can kindly correct it do so, remembering to set a good example in your behavior because they will notice whether you are quarrelsome or charitable.

Think about how you would feel about a protestant attending your Catholic Bible study - you would probably welcome honest questions & discussions that weren’t aggressive or accusing, you would probably be happy wherever you found common ground, your would probably be grateful if the other person was charitable where you disagree.

Of course if you really don’t want to be there, stop going - but I suspect from your first post that perhaps you are attending because your wife wants to and you are supporting her, and your priest had good reason to encourage you.

God bless you!