Not sure when to speak & when to keep foot in mouth

[crenfro]

Hello.

When it is necessary to absolutely speak up about my beliefs (I think/hope I am a standard Roman Catholic, which I’m defining by the bare minimum of following the basic Catholic church precepts), no matter what, and when is it not so necessary?

When is the line drawn? Where is the line drawn?

Thanks for listening to me. I’d love to read any and all answers.

 

[blessedtoo]

That is a pretty broad and general question and thus hard to answer.

I follow a general rule. I don’t speak about religion at work, unless I am invited into a discussion about faith and even then, do so carefully.

Among friends who share some form of Christian faith with me, I might speak about my faith very comfortably when the conversation warrants it. I keep my statements very personalized and talk about my own experience rather than focusing on others.

Among friends who do not share the same beliefs, I will “speak up” about my faith when invited to express an opinion about an issue. If my faith is being attacked, I will defend it with love and charity.

For me, it is more important to LIVE the faith rather than “speak up” about it. There are MORE than enough folks talking about being Christian, and not nearly as many actually living like Christians.

I also find that when I am living the faith as I should, people seem to be naturally curious. You can’t help but stand out when you are actually following the teachings of your Church. That is an attention grabber and usually presents opportunities for interesting discussion among friends.

 

[crenfro]

I also find that when I am living the faith as I should, people seem to be naturally curious. You can’t help but stand out when you are actually following the teachings of your Church.

What a great answer! I’m asking this because it seems only lately that I’ve seemed to need to speak up → I was in a room full of pro-choice people and I felt I had to say something because otherwise it may have looked like I was in agreement with them. And, it shakes me up thoroughly every time I’ve had to speak up.

Thank you for an excellent post.

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

Tough question. Every person or persons and situation is different. What has been said is good. You need to weigh up each situation though. Don’t cast your pearls before swine- sometimes it’s useless to say anything when the other/s will just tread on your pearls. You can never deny your faith though. There are sins of ommission many catholics commit by saying nothing when they should. I’ve had to say plenty lately to someone very close to me and his girlfriend because their living in adultery. They don’t like this and it’s made life hard for me but I’m compelled to tell them or i sin. You need to exercise great prudence and judgment here. The gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit are what really help people in this regard. Study and work to gain these if you can. Most people have forgotten about the spiritual and corporeal works of mercy. Especially the spiritual. The greatest way to preach is by example, but the example opens the door to discussion. Sometimes we have to go out on a ledge and talk to people about God. If we don’t maybe no one ever will. This is largely why PJPII always said, " be not afraid."
Hope this helps.

 

[blessedtoo]

What a great answer! I’m asking this because it seems only lately that I’ve seemed to need to speak up → I was in a room full of pro-choice people and I felt I had to say something because otherwise it may have looked like I was in agreement with them. And, it shakes me up thoroughly every time I’ve had to speak up.

Thank you for an excellent post.

As John Russell said, it’s important to discern whether or not you are casting pearls before swine. In this case above, that might apply. However, if you are among congenial folks, there is nothing wrong with saying “I will not vote that way” or “I am opposed to abortion”. I find that it is not always WHAT we have to say but HOW we say it. I try to remain calm and confident without sounding arrogant when making statements of faith among those that have opposing views. Unfortunately, in today’s culture, a simple statement like the one above is so “controversial” that it usually generates “spirited” conversation.

I have found also that, even among pro-choice folks, one can find some common ground. Often, when you state your beliefs charitably, you may find others who share at least some of your opinions. When I talk to pro-choice people about partial birth abortion, they almost unanimously agree that it is horrifying. It’s a starting point!