Sister abandoned faith

[aball1035]

My sister (age 19) has recently abandoned the Catholic faith, and I’m heartbroken and a bit disappointed, since she was brought up a cradle Catholic with a great family life. I would give anything for her to convert back, but therein lies the problem.

I’m the type of person that looks at arguments to make decisions. Just the type of guy I am. She on the other hand, responds less to arguments, and more to emotion. Nothing wrong with either, it’s just the way we’re built.

My question is, how should I approach bringing her back to the faith if we have such different styles in life? I don’t “get” emotion based thinking in life, but I know that some people are more drawn to that than others. Any help?

 

[tawny]

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give your sister guidance & direction back to the Church.

 

[Lou2U]

I suggest you don’t try to convert her, and you don’t have a conversation with her unless you can do it without arguing. If I were you, I would ask her why she has lost faith, and listen to her answer. If she doesn’t want to talk to you, leave it. Arguing will probably make her less likely to talk to you, and less lilely for her to want to listen.

I recommend just talking to her about her own opinions, and why they are her opinions. Have a conversation about her beliefs, not about how wrong she is not to believe in Catholicism. Then I would gently let her know that you are always avaliable to talk about religion whenever she wants. Don’t push anything on her, and don’t argue about why she thinks as she does. Tell her you’re there for her and tell her you love her instead.

Lou

 

[SAVINGRACE]

She’s only 19, I wouldn’t say she has abandoned it. She has put it on the back burner until she needs it and trust me she will maybe not tomorrow or next month, but one day she will find herself in a situation where she will seek God again. The majority of people who have grown up in a household of faith experience what she is experiencing. Pray for her and maintain contact without judgement.

 

[Anglewannabe]

I’m heartbroken and a bit disappointed, since she was brought up a cradle Catholic with a great family life.

First off, (and I am speaking from experience) a man’s definition of a ‘great family life’ and a woman’s definition of a great family life are 2 totally different things. Just curious, but if she were to tell you about all the unfair things your parents did to her, would you sympathize with her or take your parents side

Secondly, I have no idea of your parents motives, but I will say that parents are suppose to bring their children up in the faith because they are suppose to do God’s will. Parents are NOT suppose to bring up their kids in the faith for a guarantee their children will always practice it.

Following God is a choice. Your sister needs to make that decision for herself. The good news, is, you parents have shown her the option of being Catholic exists. Praise God for that

Angie

 

[adamhovey1988]

My sister (age 19) has recently abandoned the Catholic faith, and I’m heartbroken and a bit disappointed, since she was brought up a cradle Catholic with a great family life. I would give anything for her to convert back, but therein lies the problem.

I’m the type of person that looks at arguments to make decisions. Just the type of guy I am. She on the other hand, responds less to arguments, and more to emotion. Nothing wrong with either, it’s just the way we’re built.

My question is, how should I approach bringing her back to the faith if we have such different styles in life? I don’t “get” emotion based thinking in life, but I know that some people are more drawn to that than others. Any help?

I found that the greatest appeal you can make someone is a combination of intellect and emotion not one or the other.

 

[Sunbreak]

It’s not unusual for young people to question or even abandon their faith for a time. So you can pray for your sister and listen to why she doesn’t want to be involved anymore but really that’s about all you can do. She needs to find her own way back when she is ready.

 

[Kal2012]

She’s only 19, I wouldn’t say she has abandoned it. She has put it on the back burner until she needs it and trust me she will maybe not tomorrow or next month, but one day she will find herself in a situation where she will seek God again. The majority of people who have grown up in a household of faith experience what she is experiencing. Pray for her and maintain contact without judgement.

Yeah - there’s a process where some people have to make the faith they grew up in their own.

Sometimes, it takes awhile.