Oh give me a break!

[MainBrain]

I was talking to an old evangelical born again friend on the phone. When she suggested I try to get a job at local protestant churches I reminded her that I was a Catholic now. Her response was “oh give me a break.” I am not surprised since she is a rigid closed minded individual. She sounded like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I really should pray for her. But it is bothering me that she scoffed and said “oh give me a break.” That’s very rude! I am wondering if I should call her and tell her that her comment was rude and uncalled for. She thinks the Catholic Church is satanic. Can you believe it?

 

[ClearWater]

I was talking to an old evangelical born again friend on the phone. When she suggested I try to get a job at local protestant churches I reminded her that I was a Catholic now. Her response was “oh give me a break.” I am not surprised since she is a rigid closed minded individual. She sounded like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I really should pray for her. But it is bothering me that she scoffed and said “oh give me a break.” That’s very rude! I am wondering if I should call her and tell her that her comment was rude and uncalled for. She thinks the Catholic Church is satanic. Can you believe it?

It was rude, but we need to pick our fights.

You might want to call a truce with this friend, agree to disagree. It’d be prudent not to discuss religion from here on out. If not, you will probably lose her friendship. I doubt she will change you or vice versa.

You both believe in God, and Christ. If you want a friendship with her to continue, best to focus on what you have in common rather than your differences.

 

[tawny]

I was talking to an old evangelical born again friend on the phone. When she suggested I try to get a job at local protestant churches I reminded her that I was a Catholic now. Her response was “oh give me a break.” I am not surprised since she is a rigid closed minded individual. She sounded like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I really should pray for her. But it is bothering me that she scoffed and said “oh give me a break.” That’s very rude! I am wondering if I should call her and tell her that her comment was rude and uncalled for. She thinks the Catholic Church is satanic. Can you believe it?

Pray for her.

 

[chefmomster2]

I was talking to an old evangelical born again friend on the phone. When she suggested I try to get a job at local protestant churches I reminded her that I was a Catholic now. Her response was “oh give me a break.” I am not surprised since she is a rigid closed minded individual. She sounded like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I really should pray for her. But it is bothering me that she scoffed and said “oh give me a break.” That’s very rude! I am wondering if I should call her and tell her that her comment was rude and uncalled for. She thinks the Catholic Church is satanic. Can you believe it?

It was rude and you should indeed pray for her. I don’t think I would bother calling to let her know it bothered you. It is in the past now. If she is as closed-minded as you describe, then it is to be expected that she may react in a negative way to your new religion. If she is a good friend, just let it pass. If something like this happens again, respond gently right after it occurs. It is much easier to handle on-the-spot.

Remember that your “old evangelical born again friends” are unlikely to be supportive of your conversion. If you decide to remain friendly, just know that you may encounter some disapproval. Maybe some gentle explanations of your beliefs will help all of you to come to a better understanding.If you truly can’t deal with it, or it becomes too insulting, you may have to distance yourself from them.

 

[ServusHumilis]

Some friend! Maybe you should take her advice partially and look for a job at some of the local Catholic churches.

 

[phil_at_dayboro]

I agree with a previous comment, You should choose your battles…
You won’t win some, just let it be… Some people have closed minds,

 

[DoGodsBidding]

Pray for her.

 

[001snoopy]

I have just recently found by experience that just saying “I pray for (.name…)”… Has helped me tremendously.! It gives that person over to God and I leave that person in Gods hands…!!! I practice that with everyone I come into disturbing moments with… And the more I do, the more ready I am to offer the persons up to God. It is a gift to pray for others and a gift also given to yourself!! Thank God for telling us that we need to pray for our enemies… That’s LOVE!!

 

[Stillsosola]

I was talking to an old evangelical born again friend on the phone. When she suggested I try to get a job at local protestant churches I reminded her that I was a Catholic now. Her response was “oh give me a break.” I am not surprised since she is a rigid closed minded individual. She sounded like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I really should pray for her. But it is bothering me that she scoffed and said “oh give me a break.” That’s very rude! I am wondering if I should call her and tell her that her comment was rude and uncalled for. She thinks the Catholic Church is satanic. Can you believe it?

Yes because one of my best friends has recently gotten baptized in a pentecostal church and has had episodes of alleged speaking in tongues now she reminds me of my “sin” since the catholic church is pagan I do call her out on her rudeness, rudeness is uncalled for especially among friends

 

[JRKH]

I was talking to an old evangelical born again friend on the phone. When she suggested I try to get a job at local protestant churches I reminded her that I was a Catholic now. Her response was “oh give me a break.” I am not surprised since she is a rigid closed minded individual. She sounded like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I really should pray for her. But it is bothering me that she scoffed and said “oh give me a break.” That’s very rude! I am wondering if I should call her and tell her that her comment was rude and uncalled for. She thinks the Catholic Church is satanic. Can you believe it?

If, as you say above, " She sounded like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown", why would you want to call her back and add to her pressures. This might selfishly make you feel better, but would not be the Agape thing to do.

Pray for her.

And by the way - have you ever thought that, by working at a protestant Church you could evangelize through your very presence? That people could as you questions and that you could correct their misconceptions about Catholicism?

I have heard stories of converts who’s first real encounters with Catholics were through such contacts.

Your friend may have made a suggestion that comes straight from the Holy Spirit - and must maybe - you are the one being closed minded about it. . Something to think about. eh?

Peace
James

 

[Edward_H]

St Josemaria used to recommend the following:

“Forgive, say nothing, pray, work and smile.”

It’s in the saying nothing (especially interiorly) where most of the growth occurs.

 

[MainBrain]

If, as you say above, " She sounded like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown", why would you want to call her back and add to her pressures. This might selfishly make you feel better, but would not be the Agape thing to do.

Pray for her.

**And by the way - have you ever thought that, by working at a protestant Church you could evangelize through your very presence? That people could as you questions and that you could correct their misconceptions about Catholicism? **

I have heard stories of converts who’s first real encounters with Catholics were through such contacts.

Your friend may have made a suggestion that comes straight from the Holy Spirit - and must maybe - you are the one being closed minded about it. . Something to think about. eh?

Peace
James

You’re kidding, right? Tell you what, you do it! LOL

 

[JRKH]

You’re kidding, right? Tell you what, you do it! LOL

Well I wasn’t kidding.
I would not be adverse to doing so…but I doubt there is much call for a quality engineer in in that industry…

Peace
James

 

[chefmomster2]

You’re kidding, right? Tell you what, you do it! LOL

Don’t scoff!

Our Catholic Church had a protestant secretary. Just by association with us, she became Catholic.

I personally worked at a Baptist preschool for 3 years. No one converted to my knowledge, but I answered a LOT of questions and I like to think I changed some attitudes. They no longer believed we worshiped statues, practiced cannibalism, or were not saved.

You don’t always have to proselytize. (Some of us don’t have that gift.) You simply let it be known that you are Catholic and then behave in a manner which leads them to ask, “Wow! What am I missing? This guy must really have something here.” This has happened to me VERY many times.

I also lived in an area where we were one of two Catholic families. My kids from kindergarten on were terrific at answering their classmates’ questions and even POLITELY letting teachers know when they were minstating our beliefs. Their instructors were always impressed with their faith, knowledge and courage.

You can change hearts! You don’t always see it in the here and now, but you do sow seeds that with God’s grace can develop into new Catholics.

 

[MainBrain]

It’s just that I am weary in trying to convert anyone anymore. I was into trying to witness and convert many during my 20s and 30s as a Evangelical. Today I am happy to just live my life. That doesn’t mean I don’t try to be a good example. And even as an evangelical I never thought that Catholics weren’t true believers in Christ. I could never understand why Protestants went that route. I guess I didn’t read the same anti-Catholic literature that they did… the kind that says Catholics are pagan.

Oh, by the way, I WAS TURNED DOWN BY A CATHOLIC SCHOOL for a part time job I was clearly qualified for. What a shame. The white middle aged man doesn’t have a chance in this country.

 

[heidi_storage]

It’s just that I am weary in trying to convert anyone anymore. I was into trying to witness and convert many during my 20s and 30s as a Evangelical. Today I am happy to just live my life. That doesn’t mean I don’t try to be a good example. And even as an evangelical I never thought that Catholics weren’t true believers in Christ. I could never understand why Protestants went that route. I guess I didn’t read the same anti-Catholic literature that they did… the kind that says Catholics are pagan.

Oh, by the way, I WAS TURNED DOWN BY A CATHOLIC SCHOOL for a part time job I was clearly qualified for. What a shame. The white middle aged man doesn’t have a chance in this country.

I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. I’m sorry your friend was rude, too.

If you’re looking for a job, would it really be so terrible to work for an evangelical church? If were looking and had a job opportunity at a Catholic church I’d pursue it! I don’t think the Catholic Church is Satanic. Do you think nonCatholic churches are Satanic?

 

[noclevername]

I do agree that your friend’s comment was rude but what is wrong with a Catholic working at a Protestant church? My Protestant sister worked at EWTN in Birmingham for years.

 

[UnCatholicBride]

If, as you say above, " She sounded like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown", why would you want to call her back and add to her pressures. This might selfishly make you feel better, but would not be the Agape thing to do.

Pray for her.

And by the way - have you ever thought that, by working at a protestant Church you could evangelize through your very presence? That people could as you questions and that you could correct their misconceptions about Catholicism?

I have heard stories of converts who’s first real encounters with Catholics were through such contacts.

Your friend may have made a suggestion that comes straight from the Holy Spirit - and must maybe - you are the one being closed minded about it. . Something to think about. eh?

Peace
James

Couldn’t agree with this more. I’ve worked for several protestant organizations throughout my career. It’s always a great opportunity to correct some of the common catholic misconceptions!

 

[grasscutter]

Her comment, “Oh give me a break!”, could very well have been frustration at what she might have perceived of as an excuse from you not do do something that would help your situation.

Have you been rebuffing suggestions to improve your situation with other people? Besides on CAF, I mean. Sometimes people lose patience with that sort of thing.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

I was talking to an old evangelical born again friend on the phone. When she suggested I try to get a job at local protestant churches I reminded her that I was a Catholic now. Her response was “oh give me a break.” I am not surprised since she is a rigid closed minded individual. She sounded like she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I really should pray for her. But it is bothering me that she scoffed and said “oh give me a break.” That’s very rude! I am wondering if I should call her and tell her that her comment was rude and uncalled for. She thinks the Catholic Church is satanic. Can you believe it?

Others have given you good answers but to just so you know it is considered rude to inform someone (of the same status) that she or he is being rude. From Miss Manners:

Miss Manners cannot authorize your committing the rudeness of criticizing your friend’s behavior. But she can suggest that you discuss the matter calmly, when your friend is on her “nice” behavior, by engaging her on the subject of the reactions she encounters.

By not calling her out on her rudeness (which will not be that helpful anyway) you are compelled to talk to her constructively and model how to treat others.