Recent events and anti-Catholicism

[LtTony]

As I heard or read recently, “These are the best of times and the worst of times,” referring to all the attention the Church is receiving now presents wonderful opportunities, yet the constant news coverage irritates some non-Catholics, sometimes causing attacks on the Church.
How should a Catholic deal with this? I have some ideas, but respectfully request guidance from this community. It makes me feel hurt, sometimes angry. I will speak only if I believe God wants me to speak, but I don’t want to be spineless, either.
And – since some of this occurred in the workplace – I don’t want to play the “that offends me” card.
I guess I seek a general approach or reply; as you know the allegations are many. But I noticed that as they viewed people genuflecting near the body, remarks like “You worship the pope” and “Catholics aren’t Christian” followed.
I pray for guidance.

 

[Milliardo]

Ignore them is my best answer–you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble and lessen the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack. I just don’t go to sites and stations that attack the Pope and/or the Church; I don’t listen to those I know who make it a routine to throw insult on Catholics. If you can’t avoid them, remain strong in your faith, and if you have the chance, explain to them about the Church. But if you can really, just ignore them.

 

[Della]

How the comments are made or how well you know the person making the comments should guide how you respond. If the person is just a jerk who would find any stick handy with which to beat the Church I’d agree with Milliardo and just let it pass. People like that love to get a rise out of others to make themselves seem clever or smart. So, don’t cast your pearls before swine in such cases.

However, if someone genuinely seems puzzled by what they are seeing, such as bowing or genuflecting, etc. you should try to explain it to them in charity. As you wrote, this is a time of opportunity to help others understand our faith, or at least certain aspects of our faith, so don’t be afraid to be helpful to those who truly want to understand. God bless!

 

[LtTony]

Della:

People like that love to get a rise out of others to make themselves seem clever or smart.

Great advice from both of you. And Della, I guess that’s what makes me angry sometimes: that their opinions seem to not about salvation, but about themselves. “I’ll lift myself up by putting someone else down.”
Briefly, how would you explain all the pomp? I’ve been researching it a little, but always interested in more info.

Peace be with you,

Jim

 

[stbruno]

The media seems to be seeking out the most outspoken liberals in our Catholic church…and making them the spokespersons. The one who upsets me is Andrew Greeley. He really mystifies me why he remains in an institution he so clearly thinks is wrong. I think if he could he would put himself up on the cross and call himself the redeemer, because he certainly claims to have all the answers.

 

[Tietjen]

LtTony:

As I heard or read recently, “These are the best of times and the worst of times,” referring to all the attention the Church is receiving now presents wonderful opportunities, yet the constant news coverage irritates some non-Catholics, sometimes causing attacks on the Church.
How should a Catholic deal with this? I have some ideas, but respectfully request guidance from this community. It makes me feel hurt, sometimes angry. I will speak only if I believe God wants me to speak, but I don’t want to be spineless, either.
And – since some of this occurred in the workplace – I don’t want to play the “that offends me” card.
I guess I seek a general approach or reply; as you know the allegations are many. But I noticed that as they viewed people genuflecting near the body, remarks like “You worship the pope” and “Catholics aren’t Christian” followed.
I pray for guidance.

I would say that you should ignore what is not directed or asked of you and respond to what is directed or asked to you. People who make comments such as those you described are not looking for Truth; they are looking for a fight. To say these types of things aloud in a public gathering is not only inappropriate (putting down a person’s religion), it is down right disrespectful and offensive. These are not people that want or care for an explanation.
I would however, be lying if I did not say that there is a part of me that would want to give them the fight that they are so obviously looking for.
smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_5_8.gif
God bless.

 

[romano]

LtTony:

As I heard or read recently, “These are the best of times and the worst of times,” referring to all the attention the Church is receiving now presents wonderful opportunities, yet the constant news coverage irritates some non-Catholics, sometimes causing attacks on the Church.
How should a Catholic deal with this? I have some ideas, but respectfully request guidance from this community. It makes me feel hurt, sometimes angry. I will speak only if I believe God wants me to speak, but I don’t want to be spineless, either.
And – since some of this occurred in the workplace – I don’t want to play the “that offends me” card.
I guess I seek a general approach or reply; as you know the allegations are many. But I noticed that as they viewed people genuflecting near the body, remarks like “You worship the pope” and “Catholics aren’t Christian” followed.
I pray for guidance.

What it seems to me you need to realize is that there is a spiritual war going on the aim of which is to make everyone feel depressed, hurt, angry, etc., if not about their religion then about other things. And since you don’t own the media there’s not much you can do about this.

But here’s a little silent prayer of the heart that I use myself and that might help you ride out at least some trying incidents:

I will endure this for Jesus

 

[LtTony]

Tietjen:

I would say that you should ignore what is not directed or asked of you and respond to what is directed or asked to you. People who make comments such as those you described are not looking for Truth; they are looking for a fight. To say these types of things aloud in a public gathering is not only inappropriate (putting down a person’s religion), it is down right disrespectful and offensive. These are not people that want or care for an explanation.
I would however, be lying if I did not say that there is a part of me that would want to give them the fight that they are so obviously looking for.

I hear you. Had many of the same thoughts myself. Some of the comments were conversation I just overheard. Basically just insecurely affirming they are right and Catholics are wrong. I left it at that.
Another was a fellow who, apparently upset at extensive media on what he considered offensive rituals and heresy, bellowed as he entered the room that we worship the pope. That was different. I simply stated, “No.”
I work in a fire station. I’m in contact a third of my life with these people, whom I love and respect. Most other times when I’ve been offended, I cut people slack or just consider the source. I’m sure I’ve been guilty myself. So I don’t want to play the PC harrassment card (although because of my religion and experiences I have always appreciated the rules). And I’m not insensative to their feelings. They are likely honestly offended, although their objections are based on a misunderstanding.
I believe I am getting points of views here that will help me deal with it in a simple and personal manner. Heck, just typing out my thoughts has helped. Awesome!
Thanks,
Jim