Reveal the truth?

[rayne89]

This is kind of a weird question, I wasn’t sure what forum to put it in but since it was about my mom I decided I’d ask here.

My mom is Catholic, although she knows very little about the faith. Growing up mass going was irregular. Now she goes maybe once or twice a month -although sometimes more. She likes the new parish I attend (more traditional looking she says.) I can’t say for sure but I’m pretty positive she hasn’t been to confession in at least 30 years. She’s in her mid 70’s.

I recently found out she’s been watching the Joyce Meyer’s program every night on TV. She really likes the lady a lot. She was watching it last night when my daughter and I were visiting. She made the statement to me. “Well don’t they read the same Bible?” I actually hadn’t said anything one way or another at this point.

I said, “Actually our Bible is a little larger. We have 7 more books.” So she says but the names and verses she quotes are in our Bible too right?"

I say “Yes but just because we have the same books doesn’t mean we believe the same things, there are over 35,000 denominations.”

My mom goes on to tell me she likes her, she makes sense ect. I really didn’t say much. My mom shows very little interest in Religion in general. She does pray I know that and I she loves St. Anthony but that’s about it.

The chances of my mom converting to any other denomination is nearly non-existent. To her being Catholic is the same as saying she’s Italian it’s who she is, what her family is and what we will always be.

That being said I did some research on the web about Joyce Meyer and wasn’t too thrilled with what I found. I already was leery with a couple things the woman said last night and the funny thing was my 9-year-old was there and scrunched up her face at me and said that’s not right at couple different things.

My mom is a lonely person. I’m her only living child and our relationship isn’t very close, and I’ve come to the conclusion it probably will never be. Her marriage to my dad is rocky most of the time. She has too much pride to confide any personal things to friends or family so she really has no close relationships.

Sorry this is so long winded. Anyway I don’t know if I should reveal to her the things I found out. Basically things I know would bother my mom about how she asks for money, how wealthy she is and how she lives off those that donate to her “ministry”. Million dollar homes, cars, artwork, furnishing, a jet ect…Obviously her doctrine is different too but my mom wouldn’t get all that.

I really don’t know if I should just keep it to myself and let her enjoy the program (I doubt she would give any money) or tell her what I’ve found out about her “ministry”?

Suggestions?

 

[gardenswithkids]

Hi Rayne, I’ve watched Joyce Meyers from time to time and haven’t seen anything I consider overtly anti-Catholic or un-true on it. (Although I don’t rule out the possiblity that there might be.) Actually from what I’ve seen, I agree with your mom that she makes sense. I’ve heard her talk about basic Christianity and trust in God. Maybe you could watch it and discuss it with your mom, using it as an opportunity to teach her more about following Christ in the Catholic church. Our fellow Christians may not have the fullness of the faith, but they do have some truths. If they are promoting those truths, we can use that common ground.

As some television evangelist tend to get rich off donation and sacrifices of little old ladies, you might try to gently share that with your mom, reminding her to be careful with her money. (If you really don’t think she’s at risk of a scam, you may not need to share that.) But watch the show if you can and discuss it with her. If you go attacking a Protestant who is explaining something that the Catholic Church also teaches but who explains in a way that your mother finally understands, you may do more harm than good. You also might try sharing some of the great Catholic evangelists like Fr. Corapi on video, or promoting EWTN. Your mom seems open to spiritual growth at this time, so maybe you can help support it and find a closeness that you never had before with her.