S.O.S. -- Class with a *difficult, pro-abortion* teacher!

[havemercy]

At my college, I take my english courses in a special program which is community oriented. Bringing one’s entire person to a discussion of the subject matter and reading material is one of the basic principles for this program, and there is a band aspect to each meeting.

With the exception of a Buddhist friend of mine, I am the only student with a concrete belief in absolute truth, and who seems to display any great affection for God. (I know this because we had a “go-around” where everyone spent at least a few minutes speaking of themselves.) That, however, is not the difficulty.

No, the main difficulty is that my teacher is homosexual, an atheist, and is pro-abortion. At times will go off on a tangent, ranting about how he can’t imagine anyone who doesn’t support a woman’s “right to choose”. For example, at one point during one of his ramblings, I got so sick to my stomach that I nearly got up and left the room because I though I would vomit. This was because he spoke of how women were “liberated” by the “pro-choice” movement that was introduced by the feminists. Liberated? Refuse.

Now, I have no plans of dropping this course. I see this as an opportunity to witness, as a form of evangelization, and as the perfect time to suffer persecution like our Lord did (for the salvation of souls!). I must show forth the light of Christ; for in this world’s present darkness, the salt and light are we.

I ask for your prayers of guidance, deliverance from all diabolic oppression, and fortification in this time of distress and utter reliance upon the powers of Heaven.

Pax et bonum,
Tony

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for Us!

http://www.livingmiracles.net/Images/Images/GuadalupeTop.jpg

 

[dulcissima]

I think since you are the student and not the teacher, you have more of an opportunity to share your thoughts on the subject of religion or morality. I think if your teacher is saying that he “can’t imagine anyone who doesn’t support a woman’s right to choose” is the perfect opportunity to let him know that he doesn’t have to IMAGINE such a person, since there is one right there in front of him. Then you can calmly explain your position, avoiding any personal judments against any individuals.

I am currently working as a teacher’s aid in a public high school (one for the kid’s who were kicked out of regular high school) and while I can’t preach at anyone or put down their views, I do explain mine when the occasion arises. Also, since a lot of my students are poorly catechized Catholics, I will correct them when they are in error about what it is that the Church teaches. I even had to let one of my students know that she was in fact a Christian since she was Catholic. She somehow did not know this. It turns out that none of the four other Catholic kids there at the time knew it either.

Still though, I think the trick is to know when to speak up, and when it is just a matter of being argumentative. You’ve still got to acknowledge that others are free to reject the truth. Just the other day I corrected a persuasive essay in support of gay relationships. I only corrected the grammatical mistakes and left it at that. It wasn’t really an opportunity for a debate.

I’ll pray for you though, Tony. I think it is an important thing that you are doing.

 

[havemercy]

Thank you for the encouragement.

This perdicament is a form of motivation. I have a feeling my prayer life will sky-rocket because of it, and in light of the prospect, I feel blessed to be faced with such opposition. I will have to come to terms with my own short-comings, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up going to mass on a daily basis because of my weakness.

Bless you,

Lord, make me humble;
Christ, give me your heart of wisdom.

 

[hasikelee]

I’ve encountered oppurtunities to witness to others and show them the light of truth in the classroom.

Sometimes it’s a hard job, and sometimes a very frustrating or even intimidating one.

But by your post it sounds like a good complaint to the dean or administrator is in order.

You didn’t sign up for “pro-choice 101.” Teachers are going to bring their individual opinions and strengths to the class. That doesn’t mean you have to put up with his rants and totally off topic attempts to throw his opinion on an enslaved audience.

Report report.

 

[havemercy]

Hi hasikelee,

This is what I signed up for when deciding to take my english in this program. Unfortunately, complaining to the dean won’t get me far, as this isn’t under my dean’s jurisdiction. The coordinator of this program though, I could speak with. Though, I’d probably be reminded that being open with others is part of the program experience. In any case, this isn’t something I’m obsessing over. I’m just very aware of the situation, and I see it as a way to win over - with love and good sense - souls for Jesus.

What would be most effective, I think, would be to address my teacher (who takes on more of a personal role as facilitator) when he goes too far, keeping things relevant and appropriate in manner. The setting is such that one could repremand another student for being impolite or aggressive, as well as the teacher. Respect is part of the philosophy, and I think now that I’ve made it clear that I’m Catholic, he will take into consideration my presence before making any imbecile digressions (or they may increase haha).

I just pray for confidence in speech, and charity such that my disposition (interior and exterior) impart the truth Who is Jesus Christ to all who hear my words, or acknowledge my silence.

Thank you again, for your support. This message board and each and every soul who posts here is a blessing.

God love you,
tony

 

[birdsofdawn]

I think you should tell him how much you love babies. But yes, I will pray. And remember that by no means are your skills or strengths nessecary, and neither is winning them over to the truth–only turning fully to Christ in your weakness. You are not the one evangelizing–Christ is. So I agree that receiving the Holy Eucharist whenever possible is really ideal.
And remember that extra time spent in adoration after Mass before the Lord will be more fruitful for their souls than anything else could be.

 

[Kevin42]

What a wonderful oppurtunity for you! May God the Father grant you His strength, the Son His love and grace, and the Holy Spirit the wisdom to say the right things. May Christ’s peace be with you, and good luck!

 

[havemercy]

I think you should tell him how much you love babies. But yes, I will pray. And remember that by no means are your skills or strengths nessecary, and neither is winning them over to the truth–only turning fully to Christ in your weakness. You are not the one evangelizing–Christ is. So I agree that receiving the Holy Eucharist whenever possible is really ideal.
And remember that extra time spent in adoration after Mass before the Lord will be more fruitful for their souls than anything else could be.

:tiphat: Why hello there!

What a wonderful oppurtunity for you! May God the Father grant you His strength, the Son His love and grace, and the Holy Spirit the wisdom to say the right things. May Christ’s peace be with you, and good luck!

Thank you.

 

[birdsofdawn]

:tiphat: Why hello there!

 

[havemercy]

I’m just bumping this thread up.

Yesterday I had class and we discussed life issues and religion. Things were going alright, but I felt very distracted during the class, and said some things that perhaps shouldn’t have been said (and omitted certain things which probably should have been said).

Everyone knows that I am Catholic in class, and they rejoiced when one person brought up how there are some Catholic groups that are “pro-choice” and are fighting for gay rights. I failed to state clearly how these groups are NOT “cool”, and are very un-Catholic (and are pretty much, ipso facto, excommunicated). It was also stated that the “Church needs to adapt with the times” or something like that. Ironically, that morning I had received an email (on myspace) with the same exact message.

This is all very discouraging. And combined with the fact that the day before I had fallen into grave sin, I felt pretty bad coming home.

I have the prayers of the saints in heaven, but they seem so far away right now. It would comfort me knowing that someone here simply remembers my name in their petitions.

Have a blessed weekend and eucharist!

Pax et bonum,
tony

 

[Kevin42]

This is all very discouraging. And combined with the fact that the day before I had fallen into grave sin, I felt pretty bad coming home.

I have the prayers of the saints in heaven, but they seem so far away right now. It would comfort me knowing that someone here simply remembers my name in their petitions.

Have a blessed weekend and eucharist!

Pax et bonum,
tony

This just goes to show that mortal sin really does have consequences on our actions and words. Hopefully though you have gone to confession and are back in full communion with God.

I myself am taking AP Government right now, and I believe my teacher is aware of how seriously I take the pro-life cause. Anyways, we were discussing interest groups the otherday. The teacher made an anti-life girl explain the pro-life cause. Then who else did he choose, but me, to explain the pro-“choice” point of view. I did, but I made my contempt very clear. He made a comment about, “Well, although Kevin struggled to get the words out of his mouth, that is what the pro-“choice” movement is about.” Unfortunately, that same day, when someone was mocking the priesthood, I failed to give any response to that.

I will offer up prayers for you. Pro-life is definately something that we must NEVER remain silent on. I hope God continues to give you his strength and wisdom!

 

[cyberwolf001]

Okay Tony… YOU SIR are going up on the prayer request board at my Parishes Prepetual Adoration chapel

Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women an bleesed art the fruit of thy womb Jesus.

Holy Mary mother of God. Pray for us sinners. Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

 

[havemercy]

This just goes to show that mortal sin really does have consequences on our actions and words. Hopefully though you have gone to confession and are back in full communion with God.

How right you are.

I myself am taking AP Government right now, and I believe my teacher is aware of how seriously I take the pro-life cause. Anyways, we were discussing interest groups the otherday. The teacher made an anti-life girl explain the pro-life cause. Then who else did he choose, but me, to explain the pro-“choice” point of view. I did, but I made my contempt very clear. He made a comment about, “Well, although Kevin struggled to get the words out of his mouth, that is what the pro-“choice” movement is about.” Unfortunately, that same day, when someone was mocking the priesthood, I failed to give any response to that.

Sometimes we just don’t know how to respond, and I think that sometimes keeps us from speaking at all. I’ll keep you in my prayers, along with everyone else who refuses to let those around them - as Father Corapi often says - skip on their merry way to hell.

I will offer up prayers for you. Pro-life is definately something that we must NEVER remain silent on. I hope God continues to give you his strength and wisdom!

Thank you, Kevin.

Okay Tony… YOU SIR are going up on the prayer request board at my Parishes Prepetual Adoration chapel

Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women an bleesed art the fruit of thy womb Jesus.

Holy Mary mother of God. Pray for us sinners. Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

This is too much! Wow. While you’re at it, add my parish to your parish’s perpetual adoration prayer request board. We don’t have adortation!

Thank you.

Pax et bonum,