Short Discussion with a former Catholic

[S.O.O.Dog]

As my job, I pick up products and deliver them, at a warehouse. The other day, I was talking to a forklift driver about faith and he said he had been raised Catholic but had turned against the Church. I asked “how so” referring to the Church being wrong. He said that there are too many hypocrates and idol worshipping. I wanted to get into a discussion about that but as the person who was going to load my trailer and not wanting to end up making him mad, I felt it better that I just shut up and get loaded. I felt his upbringing must have had some shortfalls or he wouldn’t feel that way, Did I do wrong in not persuing the matter?

 

[FightingFat]

No I don’t think you can be criticised, but I would have thought it would be interesting to just mention you were a Catholic and if he wanted a chat you’d be interested in his P.O.V.!

 

[Della]

No, you didn’t have the time or opportunity to pursue such a discussion in depth. But, what you did do God knows. What I mean is that by simply asking the question you may have opened a crack in his defenses for he probably thought about it later. Remember him in your prayers for certain, and be there for him if you get the chance and he wants to talk to you again.

 

[S.O.O.Dog]

Thank you for the responces, I got the distinct impression that he is an Evangelical protestant so all isn’t lost. But I doubt I opened up any cracks in his opposition.

 

[Della]

Thank you for the responces, I got the distinct impression that he is an Evangelical protestant so all isn’t lost. But I doubt I opened up any cracks in his opposition.

You might be surprised, though. People often put up a front, hiding what is really going on inside. Reversion can be as long and difficult a process as conversion, but it starts with little things, piled on on top of another until a breakthrough comes via the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

I found it interesting that he listed hypocrisy first and idolatry second. It seems to me he probably had a problem with a Church leader, such as a priest or nun that drove him out of the Church more than any theological doubts. I may be quite wrong, of course, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case.

 

[S.O.O.Dog]

Della, you may be right, it may be a Priest or a Nun from many years ago at the heart of the matter.
Actually, the company I work for has signs on the back of the trailers that say “his name isn’t the man upstairs, his name is Jesus” so that does start some conversations.

 

[Sixtus]

I felt it better that I just shut up and get loaded. I felt his upbringing must have had some shortfalls or he wouldn’t feel that way, Did I do wrong in not persuing the matter?

Actually, I think it is best to take things really slowly. Too much might be seen as ‘an unwelcoming intrusion’ into his private life.

Perhaps the next time you meet, you could ask him more general questions such as ‘where did you go to school’? 'what was your perception of it? ‘Have you got any brothers or sisters’? ‘Do they go to church still’?

It may be the case he has family who STILL practice their faith. If so and they have failed to convince him, it is unlikely you will do. But, we are all called to mission and it is a good kind thing to ask, as you may just be the one to lead him home.

In my experience, very few do return. They usually come to a conclusion that Christianity is a load of rubbish and then use any excuse to substantiate their views. They also tend to get angry when you try to pursuade them they are in error.

If he really felt catholicism was not for him, is he worshipping anywhere else? That might be a good suggestion.

 

[Della]

Della, you may be right, it may be a Priest or a Nun from many years ago at the heart of the matter.
Actually, the company I work for has signs on the back of the trailers that say “his name isn’t the man upstairs, his name is Jesus” so that does start some conversations.

I’ll bet such a sign would start conversations. The owner must be a Christian of some sort. Do you know his affiliation?

 

[S.O.O.Dog]

I’ll bet such a sign would start conversations. The owner must be a Christian of some sort. Do you know his affiliation?

Yes he is a Baptist Preacher Emeritis, according to him. I’m sure he doesn’t support KofC fundraisers-I’ve asked for support for such things as Bowl-a-thon and such.

The forklift guy seemed to be a born-again evangilist of some sort.

 

[kage_ar]

My approach - focus on the common things. Build a common ground with this man. You have a chance, during your brief encounters, to be a happy Christ loving Catholic - remember about letting our light so shine before men?

Next time you see him, make a comment like “God gave us a beautiful day today!” or “Isn’t God good?”. Use references from Scripture, talk about prayer, the blessings of God. By building a bridge, you may cause a small crack in the wall he has built to the Church.

There is a great Baptist couple, they clean my office each Monday morning. He is a minister, he is in his 70’s and he just shines with joy. On one of the first days they came to work here, he asked me if I was a Christian - I smiled and said YES, his next question was where I went to church, and he responded “you are Catholic?” I said yes, and we just had some friendly conversation about God.

I look forward to each Monday morning, he and his wife are beautiful people, and they know that we are not on opposing sides. Maybe someday, the talk will get deeper.

I use the same way of talking to my non-Catholic family

 

[scylla]

As others have said most likely it wasn’t theology that he left the faith for. In fact I would pretty much rule that out.

No-one can honestly leave the Catholic faith so it will always involve some emotion.

The good thing is now you have established a sort of link, which might help in the future. Just pray for him and confidently enter any conversation you might have with him in the future even if it is far in the future.

It is always better to say something like, “I am a Catholic Christian who would be happy to talk to you anytime about true Catholic belief”

Always leave a little bit for them to think about, if it even is just your behavior.

God Bless
Scylla