Spent Easter with non-religious family today

[Jesus_Is_God_1]

My family is non-religious. My grandma is Episcopalian and my mother is baptized Episcopalian but that’s really it. None of my siblings are religious, my eldest sister is a full blown atheist, while I converted to Catholicism a few years ago on my own.

I decided to spend Easter with them today, as I do every year, and drove to my sisters after Mass. For the most part it was a good time, we ate ham, had nice conversations, and even went to the beach for a bit. Although there were a few points throughout the day clearly revealing the nature of my family’s, or should I really say, my siblings, beliefs. When I arrived there, my brother and sister greeted me with “Happy Zombie Jesus Day!” which very much struck me but I just ignored it and shrugged it off. A little while later, I found a book of my sisters coffee table which basically criticizes the Bible as violent. I flipped through it, and read a few portions and did find it to be very dishonest with many of its points. I get the feeling she put it there intentionally though. Lastly, my nephew said his friend was a “Jesus freak” and was spending all day at his church for Easter and my sister responding with, “Wow, that really sucks, he has to sit through a brain washing all day.”

Those are my experiences throughout the day today. I don’t know if I should have spoken up and said something, I just didn’t want to make it too awkward though and tried to enjoy myself so I ignored it. Has anyone have a similar family? Anyone have similar experiences to share?

 

[victrolatim]

In my circle of friends, Catholics are a minority. I pretty much have:

1. Evangelical protestants with whom I can discuss faith, but I have to be very generic and avoid issues like saints, the Eucharist, the Blessed Mother etc. Not that I can’t defend the Church’s teaching, it’s just not worth the stress some times.
2. Extreme left wing liberals who are constantly making jokes things that I have opposite political views on. They are not doing this intentionally to spite me, they just are very outspoken on their views and I just try and not talk politics with them
3. Athiest and/or hostile to religion - My best friend and his wife are athiests, although they are very respectful of those who have religious beliefs. We do however have one acquaintance who is an absolute nightmare in this department. He makes obscene jokes and very hostile statements about Christianity. He once told us that as a kid he and his grandmother would go into various churches during service and verbally harass the congregants.

It’s annoying yes, but in my experience I try and divert the topic to something we can discuss in common. It can get extremely frustrating. In the case of the “zombie Jesus” thing, I personally don’t understand what’s so hard about saying “Happy Easter” to someone. I don’t follow Judaism but I still wish Jewish acquaintances of mine a Happy Hanukkah or Passover when the time comes. Just seems sort of derogatory and self-centered to me.

 

[ClearWater]

Wow, that’s awful! How disrepectful of your beliefs and of God!

 

[James248]

My family is non-religious. My grandma is Episcopalian and my mother is baptized Episcopalian but that’s really it. None of my siblings are religious, my eldest sister is a full blown atheist, while I converted to Catholicism a few years ago on my own.

I decided to spend Easter with them today, as I do every year, and drove to my sisters after Mass. For the most part it was a good time, we ate ham, had nice conversations, and even went to the beach for a bit. Although there were a few points throughout the day clearly revealing the nature of my family’s, or should I really say, my siblings, beliefs. When I arrived there, my brother and sister greeted me with “Happy Zombie Jesus Day!” which very much struck me but I just ignored it and shrugged it off. A little while later, I found a book of my sisters coffee table which basically criticizes the Bible as violent. I flipped through it, and read a few portions and did find it to be very dishonest with many of its points. I get the feeling she put it there intentionally though. Lastly, my nephew said his friend was a “Jesus freak” and was spending all day at his church for Easter and my sister responding with, “Wow, that really sucks, he has to sit through a brain washing all day.”

Those are my experiences throughout the day today. I don’t know if I should have spoken up and said something, I just didn’t want to make it too awkward though and tried to enjoy myself so I ignored it. Has anyone have a similar family? Anyone have similar experiences to share?

Every time your brother or any of your family says something blasphemous, say “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

 

[meltzerboy]

In my circle of friends, Catholics are a minority. I pretty much have:

1. Evangelical protestants with whom I can discuss faith, but I have to be very generic and avoid issues like saints, the Eucharist, the Blessed Mother etc. Not that I can’t defend the Church’s teaching, it’s just not worth the stress some times.
2. Extreme left wing liberals who are constantly making jokes things that I have opposite political views on. They are not doing this intentionally to spite me, they just are very outspoken on their views and I just try and not talk politics with them
3. Athiest and/or hostile to religion - My best friend and his wife are athiests, although they are very respectful of those who have religious beliefs. We do however have one acquaintance who is an absolute nightmare in this department. He makes obscene jokes and very hostile statements about Christianity. He once told us that as a kid he and his grandmother would go into various churches during service and verbally harass the congregants.

It’s annoying yes, but in my experience I try and divert the topic to something we can discuss in common. It can get extremely frustrating. In the case of the “zombie Jesus” thing, I personally don’t understand what’s so hard about saying “Happy Easter” to someone. I don’t follow Judaism but I still wish Jewish acquaintances of mine a Happy Hanukkah or Passover when the time comes. Just seems sort of derogatory and self-centered to me.

It’s not only “derogatory and self-centered” but also extremely rude and even crazy. And these are your friends? I suppose you do share some other interests with them.

 

[adamhovey1988]

But…the bible is violent. Very. Have you read it?

.

I’ve read it cover-to-cover have you? I found that people who criticize that his violent don’t seem to understand why I can read any book I want on God’s green earth that doesn’t mean I’m going to understand that the media try to read the history into it geez history in general is violent. I’ve seen some of your other post maybe you should start being a little less condescending towards people who have different beliefs than you. For the record I had a Muslim at my house for Easter and he was fine and he had no problem discussing Easter with me.

 

[meltzerboy]

My family is non-religious. My grandma is Episcopalian and my mother is baptized Episcopalian but that’s really it. None of my siblings are religious, my eldest sister is a full blown atheist, while I converted to Catholicism a few years ago on my own.

I decided to spend Easter with them today, as I do every year, and drove to my sisters after Mass. For the most part it was a good time, we ate ham, had nice conversations, and even went to the beach for a bit. Although there were a few points throughout the day clearly revealing the nature of my family’s, or should I really say, my siblings, beliefs. When I arrived there, my brother and sister greeted me with “Happy Zombie Jesus Day!” which very much struck me but I just ignored it and shrugged it off. A little while later, I found a book of my sisters coffee table which basically criticizes the Bible as violent. I flipped through it, and read a few portions and did find it to be very dishonest with many of its points. I get the feeling she put it there intentionally though. Lastly, my nephew said his friend was a “Jesus freak” and was spending all day at his church for Easter and my sister responding with, “Wow, that really sucks, he has to sit through a brain washing all day.”

Those are my experiences throughout the day today. I don’t know if I should have spoken up and said something, I just didn’t want to make it too awkward though and tried to enjoy myself so I ignored it. Has anyone have a similar family? Anyone have similar experiences to share?

All I can say is that I think your siblings should have more respect for your religious beliefs. This kind of behavior doesn’t say much for their manners, especially to an immediate member of their own family. Personally, I would be quite upset by the way they greeted you, and probably would have reacted more strongly. However, I must praise you for your calmness and reserve in the face of such nonsense and hostility.

 

[fbl9]

But…the bible is violent. Very. Have you read it?

.

Just look out the window today. Have things changed much?

 

[fbl9]

My family is non-religious. My grandma is Episcopalian and my mother is baptized Episcopalian but that’s really it. None of my siblings are religious, my eldest sister is a full blown atheist, while I converted to Catholicism a few years ago on my own.

I decided to spend Easter with them today, as I do every year, and drove to my sisters after Mass. For the most part it was a good time, we ate ham, had nice conversations, and even went to the beach for a bit. Although there were a few points throughout the day clearly revealing the nature of my family’s, or should I really say, my siblings, beliefs. When I arrived there, my brother and sister greeted me with “Happy Zombie Jesus Day!” which very much struck me but I just ignored it and shrugged it off. A little while later, I found a book of my sisters coffee table which basically criticizes the Bible as violent. I flipped through it, and read a few portions and did find it to be very dishonest with many of its points. I get the feeling she put it there intentionally though. Lastly, my nephew said his friend was a “Jesus freak” and was spending all day at his church for Easter and my sister responding with, “Wow, that really sucks, he has to sit through a brain washing all day.”

Those are my experiences throughout the day today. I don’t know if I should have spoken up and said something, I just didn’t want to make it too awkward though and tried to enjoy myself so I ignored it. Has anyone have a similar family? Anyone have similar experiences to share?

I imagine you perhaps already thought of snappy come backs. The only one i could have retorted to quickly enough would have been the brain washing-at least the friend’s mind would be clean.
My brother joins our family at such gatherings and he is some what hostile towards the faith.But he is respectful of our beliefs in that he doesn’t make fun of them.
Hey a new term Christianphobe.

 

[Viki63]

Has anyone have a similar family? Anyone have similar experiences to share?

Thanks for asking, OP. At least it gives me somewhere to vent.

So my son’s girlfriend is Buddhist (non-practicing), and she was over today with their little son. We made an Easter egg hunt for him, and he was thrilled, running around picking up plastic eggs and his basket. As we were going inside I said, I wonder if you are familiar with why we celebrate Easter? Do you know what it’s about?
My son said, We don’t need a lecture.Just be quiet; and she murmured something.

Yes, he’s rude and disrespectful. I know that. So I figure the best I can do is pray for them, which I’ve been doing forever. And I tell the grandchild about Jesus when I babysit him. He seems to like to hear about him. Maybe someday he will ask if he can go to church with me.

So you’re not the only one.

.

 

[Arizona_Fat_Gir]

Sometimes these non-religious people start very young.

I remember my kid hated to go to Mass. She did receive her first communion, confession and confirmation. She married in the church. Then, after her baby was born she stopped going. They did not even know if they were going to get their child baptized, but they did, after waiting a year.

I tried to help her, but she would have none of it. She became a Mormon for 4 months and then dropped out of that because they don’t drink wine or beer, smoke, etc. Plus they are in church for two or so hours on Sunday.

I have had people criticize me but I think to myself they are not living my life. The only way you can completely get away from it is you move to the moon. (Bring some believers along for the ride.)

 

[AnneElizabeth]

My family is non-religious. My grandma is Episcopalian and my mother is baptized Episcopalian but that’s really it. None of my siblings are religious, my eldest sister is a full blown atheist, while I converted to Catholicism a few years ago on my own.

I decided to spend Easter with them today, as I do every year, and drove to my sisters after Mass. For the most part it was a good time, we ate ham, had nice conversations, and even went to the beach for a bit. Although there were a few points throughout the day clearly revealing the nature of my family’s, or should I really say, my siblings, beliefs. When I arrived there, my brother and sister greeted me with “Happy Zombie Jesus Day!” which very much struck me but I just ignored it and shrugged it off. A little while later, I found a book of my sisters coffee table which basically criticizes the Bible as violent. I flipped through it, and read a few portions and did find it to be very dishonest with many of its points. I get the feeling she put it there intentionally though. Lastly, my nephew said his friend was a “Jesus freak” and was spending all day at his church for Easter and my sister responding with, “Wow, that really sucks, he has to sit through a brain washing all day.”

Those are my experiences throughout the day today. I don’t know if I should have spoken up and said something, I just didn’t want to make it too awkward though and tried to enjoy myself so I ignored it. Has anyone have a similar family? Anyone have similar experiences to share?

With great grief, yes, I share quite similar experience. I think you did well, ignoring it. Do they know you converted? …and still said those things? I feel for you. I often think when people pick and mock like that, they are very empty and angry and jealous of the faith you have. The darkness inside them compels them to scratch out at you. I’ve witnessed this many times from very troubled souls in public not just private family. It can be difficult not to get hurt or angry with them, but keep in mind they are in desperate need and have no idea how bad their situation is. Just keep praying for them. It hurts tremendously, I know. You are not alone.

 

[oldgraymare2]

With great grief, yes, I share quite similar experience. I think you did well, ignoring it. Do they know you converted? …and still said those things? I feel for you. I often think when people pick and mock like that, they are very empty and angry and jealous of the faith you have. The darkness inside them compels them to scratch out at you. I’ve witnessed this many times from very troubled souls in public not just private family. It can be difficult not to get hurt or angry with them, but keep in mind they are in desperate need and have no idea how bad their situation is. Just keep praying for them. It hurts tremendously, I know. You are not alone.

I had met someone who was a friend of a friend, and whenever they were with me, everything was a test towards me, of what did I know of my faith.

They weren’t interested in seeing what we had in common in terms of faith.

Their behavior ended up becoming passive-aggressive, and then it became rather mean-spirited towards me, and then I just stopped wanting to be around them because of their desire of wanting to be hurtful.

 

[peter1589]

My family is non-religious. My grandma is Episcopalian and my mother is baptized Episcopalian but that’s really it. None of my siblings are religious, my eldest sister is a full blown atheist, while I converted to Catholicism a few years ago on my own.

I decided to spend Easter with them today, as I do every year, and drove to my sisters after Mass. For the most part it was a good time, we ate ham, had nice conversations, and even went to the beach for a bit. Although there were a few points throughout the day clearly revealing the nature of my family’s, or should I really say, my siblings, beliefs. When I arrived there, my brother and sister greeted me with “Happy Zombie Jesus Day!” which very much struck me but I just ignored it and shrugged it off. A little while later, I found a book of my sisters coffee table which basically criticizes the Bible as violent. I flipped through it, and read a few portions and did find it to be very dishonest with many of its points. I get the feeling she put it there intentionally though. Lastly, my nephew said his friend was a “Jesus freak” and was spending all day at his church for Easter and my sister responding with, “Wow, that really sucks, he has to sit through a brain washing all day.”

Those are my experiences throughout the day today. I don’t know if I should have spoken up and said something, I just didn’t want to make it too awkward though and tried to enjoy myself so I ignored it. Has anyone have a similar family? Anyone have similar experiences to share?

These charges can legitimately be called prejudices because they proceed from a prejudgment (made in advance based on preconceived ideas about what Catholics believe) and efforts to enlighten and convince with facts usually fall on deaf ears. As Matthew 18:17 states, “And if he will not hear them: tell the church. And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican.”

 

[Jesus_Is_God_1]

With great grief, yes, I share quite similar experience. I think you did well, ignoring it. Do they know you converted? …and still said those things? I feel for you. I often think when people pick and mock like that, they are very empty and angry and jealous of the faith you have. The darkness inside them compels them to scratch out at you. I’ve witnessed this many times from very troubled souls in public not just private family. It can be difficult not to get hurt or angry with them, but keep in mind they are in desperate need and have no idea how bad their situation is. Just keep praying for them. It hurts tremendously, I know. You are not alone.

Thank you. It can be difficult sometimes. They do know I converted. I honestly tried to keep it secret from them at first but my mother ended up telling them. From here to there they may “tease” me about it but for the most part it is fine. Admittedly today they, and specifically my eldest sister, did go overboard with it. And I was hurt. But I just kept mostly quiet about it as I always do whenever they say offensive things. It’s not like I can really force them to stop anyway. Speaking up would probably make the situation worse and awkward. I guess I just try to deal with it, after all, they are my siblings, they are my family.

 

[Isca]

If they weren’t teasing you about your faith, it would be something else. I expect it’ll become less of a ‘thing’ for them as the years pass by.

And yes, they are your family.

 

[Irishmom2]

If it is Easter, I would choose not to spend it with my family if they were going to use it as an opportunity to take pot shots at Catholicism. OP, I am wondering why your non-religious family all got together to eat ham and hang out if the day means so little to them. I would not want to spend my day with people that are disrespectful of my beliefs, whether they are family or not. I would rather be alone than put up with that.

 

[exnihilo]

Your siblings were incredibly rude with their greeting. I would have told them that they are free to not celebrate my faith and to disagree and contend against it. But I’d tell them they can’t mock it. I’d tell them that is rude.

I find most of the people who are rude like that aren’t actually interested in rational discussion of the Christian Faith. They often have a prideful sense of intellectual superiority. They see those who have religious faith as rubes. So you probably aren’t going to change their mind. But you don’t have to suffer their rudeness. Pray for them.

 

[SimpleRosarian]

Those are my experiences throughout the day today. I don’t know if I should have spoken up and said something, I just didn’t want to make it too awkward though and tried to enjoy myself so I ignored it. Has anyone have a similar family? Anyone have similar experiences to share?

Would you sit through a bunch of people making snide and disgusting comments about your own child? Would you sit by while someone berated your sister or mother? Of course not.

We need to stop being so timid. If someone blasphemes Christ, stand up for Him. If someone attacks the faith, defend it. If that means they don’t like us as much, who cares?

It’s the Liberal Protestants who first started this business about religious individuals needing to adhere to an 11th commandment, “Thou shalt always be polite and never offend anyone.” Wrong. People today interpret all disagreement as a personal attack and all correction as absolute frightening horror. Let them. I’ll disagree and I’ll correct.

 

[Padres1969]

My family is non-religious. My grandma is Episcopalian and my mother is baptized Episcopalian but that’s really it. None of my siblings are religious, my eldest sister is a full blown atheist, while I converted to Catholicism a few years ago on my own.

I decided to spend Easter with them today, as I do every year, and drove to my sisters after Mass. For the most part it was a good time, we ate ham, had nice conversations, and even went to the beach for a bit. Although there were a few points throughout the day clearly revealing the nature of my family’s, or should I really say, my siblings, beliefs. When I arrived there, my brother and sister greeted me with “Happy Zombie Jesus Day!” which very much struck me but I just ignored it and shrugged it off. A little while later, I found a book of my sisters coffee table which basically criticizes the Bible as violent. I flipped through it, and read a few portions and did find it to be very dishonest with many of its points. I get the feeling she put it there intentionally though. Lastly, my nephew said his friend was a “Jesus freak” and was spending all day at his church for Easter and my sister responding with, “Wow, that really sucks, he has to sit through a brain washing all day.”

Those are my experiences throughout the day today. I don’t know if I should have spoken up and said something, I just didn’t want to make it too awkward though and tried to enjoy myself so I ignored it. Has anyone have a similar family? Anyone have similar experiences to share?

My day had a few similar exclamations about it being “Zombie-Jesus Day” or Jesus being the original zombie, etc… when I went to brunch and egg hunt with my wife and friends. None of the comments were directed at me personally as a believer, rather just general poking fun at the holiday itself. My friends and wife are all nothing in particulars, atheists and agnostics (one a former Catholic). And several of my friends are big fans of the zombie genre, so I’m not surprised. If anything I guess I’m glad they at least know Christ rose from the dead, even if they don’t understand or believe in the importance/implication of him having done so.