Superstition?

[Metaron]

I was recently talking to my Godmother (Presbyterian, but not at the time she was made my Godmother) and we we all talking with my Aunt and Uncle. She mildly accused me of being superstitious, and commented on how she told her son to “beware of Anglicans with Marys around their necks”. She was talking about me, of course, wearing my Immaculate Heart of Mary dogtag. She called me Anglican (She doesn’t know I’m in RCIA ). So, besides all this, my fundamentalist/evangelical/anabaptist family randomly brings up my religion and how I’m superstitious and petitioning of Mary and the saints and angels is idolatry. This isn’t counting my agnostic/nominal Protestant friends and co-workers.(Or my on friend who thought that there were giant rosary beads in Catholic Churches on a string spanning the entire sanctuary, and that people push them along with sticks to brag about how many prayers they’ve said ) How do I explain to them about proper veneration, and how do I make it clear to them that sacramentals aren’t majic or superstitious…? Any suggestions?

Oh, how I wish I had at least one Catholic close friend, in whom I could confide! Everyone that is my family or are my co-workers are either rabid Fundamentalists (dad, brother) passive Evangelicals(mother) Anabaptists (Sis’) agnostics or nominal Protestants living inordinately (co-workers and business friends).

 

[peary]

I was recently talking to my Godmother (Presbyterian, but not at the time she was made my Godmother) and we we all talking with my Aunt and Uncle. She mildly accused me of being superstitious, and commented on how she told her son to “beware of Anglicans with Marys around their necks”. She was talking about me, of course, wearing my Immaculate Heart of Mary dogtag. She called me Anglican (She doesn’t know I’m in RCIA ). So, besides all this, my fundamentalist/evangelical/anabaptist family randomly brings up my religion and how I’m superstitious and petitioning of Mary and the saints and angels is idolatry. This isn’t counting my agnostic/nominal Protestant friends and co-workers.(Or my on friend who thought that there were giant rosary beads in Catholic Churches on a string spanning the entire sanctuary, and that people push them along with sticks to brag about how many prayers they’ve said ) How do I explain to them about proper veneration, and how do I make it clear to them that sacramentals aren’t majic or superstitious…? Any suggestions?

Oh, how I wish I had at least one Catholic close friend, in whom I could confide! Everyone that is my family or are my co-workers are either rabid Fundamentalists (dad, brother) passive ****Evangelicals(mother) Anabaptists (Sis’) agnostics or nominal Protestants living inordinately (co-workers and business friends).

**I think you need a whole new group of friends…and family! **

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

You said you were in RCIA- you could talk with some of the people there, and make some new friends.

 

[Metaron]

You said you were in RCIA- you could talk with some of the people there, and make some new friends.

Yeah, there are three others there, besides the nun-teacher. One is a frantic lady. One is a former Episcopalian getting married, and one hasn’t been showing up. :nope: I can’t really identify with them… but… what about the first question? :coffeeread:

 

[baltobetsy]

Well, I hope you laughed your head off at the suggestion of the giant rosary beads strung across the sanctuary! Some of this stuff you just have to take lightly to show them how silly it all is.

As for Mary, Jesus gave her to us from the Cross to be our mother. I’m sure all those friends and family have pictures of their own mothers around. And I’m sure more than one of them have gone to their Mom to ask her to approach Dad about something they really want. It never hurts to have an advocate to plead our cause. Mary and the saints, closer to God than we are, take that role for us.

It may not impress your friends and family, but a famous priest named Fr. Corapi loves to go to Mary as his quick and sure way to Jesus. He’ll tell someone who prefers to go directly to Jesus, “You go straight to Jesus, and I’ll go by way of Mary, and we’ll see who gets there first!”

Betsy

 

[Markstorm]

It may not impress your friends and family, but a famous priest named Fr. Corapi loves to go to Mary as his quick and sure way to Jesus. He’ll tell someone who prefers to go directly to Jesus, “You go straight to Jesus, and I’ll go by way of Mary, and we’ll see who gets there first!”

Betsy

Haha! That’s such a great line. Thanks for sharing that.

OP: sometimes it’s better not to bother arguing. Always set a good example, of course, but if argumentation will not be productive, then just pray for them.

 

[IrishAm]

I notice you live in Maryland. The state which was founded as a refuge for Catholics coming to the new world. So I’m a little surprised to hear of misrepresentations so far out there; I mean the Rosary and stick story is beyond funny! Are you sure they are not just giving you a hard time?

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

My suggestion: come in at Christmas with a stick and a rosary!

 

[Metaron]

I notice you live in Maryland. The state which was founded as a refuge for Catholics coming to the new world. So I’m a little surprised to hear of misrepresentations so far out there; I mean the Rosary and stick story is beyond funny! Are you sure they are not just giving you a hard time?

I’m afraid not. They’re serious alright. You see, all the Catholics are north and on the western shore. We’re on the low, redneck, over-local colourized, countrified, God-fearin’, Bible-totin’, Catholic-bashin’ Dorchester County in the Eastern Shore.

Seriously though! This dude thought that we Catholics have giant rosary beads and push ‘em across the sanctuary when we prayed! He also said that, "The Bible says not to use them there beads when y’re prayin’."
And my Protestant cousin said that, “Jesus was a Baptist, 'cause John the Baptist was a Baptist! So Baptists’re th’true Christians.” SIGH…

 

[peary]

I’m afraid not. They’re serious alright. You see, all the Catholics are north and on the western shore. We’re on the low, redneck, over-local colourized, countrified, God-fearin’, Bible-totin’, Catholic-bashin’ Dorchester County in the Eastern Shore.

Seriously though! This dude thought that we Catholics have giant rosary beads and push ‘em across the sanctuary when we prayed! He also said that, "The Bible says not to use them there beads when y’re prayin’."
And my Protestant cousin said that, “Jesus was a Baptist, 'cause John the Baptist was a Baptist! So Baptists’re th’true Christians.” SIGH…

**Wow…I guess your can’t fix stupid. **

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

**Wow…I guess your can’t fix stupid. **

True, but you can hide it behind fancy words like “sola scriptura”

I still say you should start walking around with a stick and the biggest rosary you can find

 

[Metaron]

True, but you can hide it behind fancy words like “sola scriptura”
I still say you should start walking around with a stick and the biggest rosary you can find

 

[mangy_dog]

Is anybody really helping you or are they all just cracking jokes?

As a new catholic surrounded by protestants, fundamentalist, atheists etc etc etc. you are going to have to get smart about your catholicism, fast.
Use terminology like “latria” and “dulia” and “hyperdulia” to denote the difference between idolatry, worship and veneration. Your best weapon is to baffle them with knowledge.
Rehearse in your mind the different responses you’re likely to hear from them and have an answer ready.
Use prayers as protection from the attacks of the devil in their comments. “Jesus Christ is come in the flesh” is one of my favourites. It has an abrupt effect on the listener that is being used by the devil and a soothing effect on the listener who is just plain ignorant.
Take example from St. John Bosco. He would pause before giving any answers to anyone, to say a small, brief prayer to the Holy Spirit. And then he would answer.
You’re going to have to jump to the head of the class and become the “A” student at your RCIA.
As soon as your are able to participate of the sacrament of penance, go as frequently as possible. It is an inexhaustible and renewable source of grace and sanctity.
Seek serious advice and answers to your current dilema from your priest, your RCIA teacher and that one catholic friend that the Lord will put in your path. Pray for this.

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum

 

[EHRAM]

So, besides all this, my fundamentalist/evangelical/anabaptist family randomly brings up my religion and how I’m superstitious and petitioning of Mary and the saints and angels is idolatry. This isn’t counting my agnostic/nominal Protestant friends and co-workers.(Or my on friend who thought that there were giant rosary beads in Catholic Churches on a string spanning the entire sanctuary, and that people push them along with sticks to brag about how many prayers they’ve said ) How do I explain to them about proper veneration, and how do I make it clear to them that sacramentals aren’t majic or superstitious…? Any suggestions?

Oh, how I wish I had at least one Catholic close friend, in whom I could confide! Everyone that is my family or are my co-workers are either rabid Fundamentalists (dad, brother) passive Evangelicals(mother) Anabaptists (Sis’) agnostics or nominal Protestants living inordinately (co-workers and business friends).

Perhaps you you could use the following argument:

Christians are to imitate the Lord God (Eph 5:1, 1 Th 1:6) and exemplary Christians, such as the apostles (1 Th 1:6, Heb 6:12, Heb 13:7. 1 John 1:11)
Jesus is Lord. (Romans 10:9, 1 Cor 12:3)
Christians are to follow Jesus (Mat 16:24 and others)
Jesus did not sin (Hebrews 4:15)
Therefore, Jesus must have kept all the commandments.
If Jesus kept a commandment, we should strive to do as he did.
Jesus kept the commandment to honor his mother and father.
Jesus said, “Here is your mother!” to the beloved disciple (John 19:27)

Therefore, if Jesus honored Mary and the beloved disciple honored Mary, we should honor her too.

Regarding sacramentals, read CCC 1667-1679 and 2111. Sacramentals do not confer grace the way sacraments do, but sacramentals predispose a person to receiving grace, they “prepare the way.” To use a sacramental without the proper internal disposition would be superstition (CCC 2111). Acts 19:11-13 describes the use of relics in the presence of faith, i.e. healings and exorcisms brought about by second-class Pauline relics. Right afterward is a description of what happened when some Jewish exorcists tried to cast out demons in the name of Jesus when they did not have true faith in Him.

See this links below for more information on relics, sacraments, and sacramentals vs. magic and superstition:

catholic.com/library/Relics.asp
scborromeo.org/glad/c13.htm

P.S. are you becoming involved in the parish where you are attending RCIA classes? If not, ask if there is a ministry in which you can participate before joining the Church. See if there are parish social gatherings you can attend. Is there a Catholic Bible study class in your area? Find some way to mix with Catholics and pray that God will help you find someone Catholic to be a close friend to you. In the meantime, can you talk over things with your sponsor?

 

[Pious_Mat]

And how many religions are there in your household? Gee, and I thought I was in rough shape surrounded by atheists and lapsed Catholics…

However, I truly can sympathize with you, as I also am surrounded by people who are not Catholic, and are perfectly willing to berate the Church, from friends (or former friends in this case) who call the RC Church “a business” to my own mother, who denies the sinfulness of Artificial Birth Control.

So what does this all mean for you–you’re called to be an apologist, even if only in your own home. This sounds daunting, but don’t worry, you’re in the right place. The best thing you can do is pray and read. I think it was Tim Staples who said that if a Catholic is to be an apologist, they have to be deeply familiar with the Gospels. Read the New Testament twice, and then the Gospels a few more times, and then the Old Testament. Also, read Catholic commentary on the Bible, so you know how to interpret it. Be sure it’s orthodox, though. Any links or info you find on the Catholic Answers sight in fair game.

These links ought to help you out for starters:

catholic.com/library.asp
catholic.com/magazines.asp
mafg.home.isp-direct.com/bible01.htm
geocities.com/thecatholicconvert/index.html
scripturecatholic.com/
vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM
nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/

If you read all that, they won’t be able to touch you. Hopefully, some others will add some helpful links.

Keep the faith!

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

Is anybody really helping you or are they all just cracking jokes?

Hopefully, doing something that ridiculous will wake up this person’s relatives to just how preposterous their opinions of Catholics are.

Of course, there is the chance of backfire…

 

[Metaron]

And how many religions are there in your household? Gee, and I thought I was in rough shape surrounded by atheists and lapsed Catholics…

However, I truly can sympathize with you, as I also am surrounded by people who are not Catholic, and are perfectly willing to berate the Church, from friends (or former friends in this case) who call the RC Church “a business” to my own mother, who denies the sinfulness of Artificial Birth Control.

Yes… Growing up, we switched religious communities at the drop of a hat. The result was:

My father became an ardent, anti-Catholic, Pope-detesting Fundamentalist.

My mother became a passive Evangelical with Lutheran leanings.

My sister, Marielle, became Old-Order Amish when 16 and moved away to Pennsylvania.

My brother lapsed, but is now like my dad.

And as for me… when I was 13-14 I was going through major moral problems, but it got better when I was 15. My parents didn’t know I’d secretly bought a crucifix and hid it in my top drawer. When I was younger, I used to wonder why Catholics could have Jesus on the Cross and we couldn’t, and could have cool churches and we would have boring looking meetinghouses. Then when I became Anglican (15) I was feeling a lot better. My parents weren’t happy though. Then I lapsed again, and I did all manner of evil things, including drinking, girls, and marijuana… but then it got better and I re-dedicated myself to the Anglican Church. Then-- I read The Catholic Verses… to make a long story short, at age 18, I’m in RCIA.

So what does this all mean for you–you’re called to be an apologist, even if only in your own home.

Believe me-- I am the only Catholic I see on a daily basis! My boss sometimes brings up my religion and throws it in my face, but he’s a relative, so I guess he’s allowed to do that…

Read the New Testament twice, and then the Gospels a few more times, and then the Old Testament. Also, read Catholic commentary on the Bible, so you know how to interpret it. Be sure it’s orthodox, though. Any links or info you find on the Catholic Answers sight in fair game.
These links ought to help you out for starters:
If you read all that, they won’t be able to touch you. Hopefully, some others will add some helpful links.

Keep the faith!

Don’t worry-- There is no way, I am too far gone, to return to Protestantism. What I used to be a part of, now, looks as if I was insane to ever be a part of. Sola Scriptura? Please! A strictly mystical Church? No way! I love being Catholic! I love being able to love Mary and the saints! I love adoring the Sacred Heart! I love the fact that I can rely in infallible Truth-- Truth that is Absolute, not opinionated, interpretational truth, but THE TRUTH OF GOD HIMSELF, subsisting in the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church of God Himself.

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

Whoa, I didn’t realize you were that young. Actually, you’re still older than me but I suppose it won’t work so well to go around with the stick and giant rosary…

 

[Metaron]

Whoa, I didn’t realize you were that young. Actually, you’re still older than me but I suppose it won’t work so well to go around with the stick and giant rosary…

If I did that, they’re likely to give each other a pitied look, knowing their thoughts have been confirmed… Really, you have no clue how dense these rednecks can be down here…

Older than you? I thought I was one of the youngest ones on this forum.

 

[Tim_Kirchoff]

If I did that, they’re likely to give each other a pitied look, knowing their thoughts have been confirmed… Really, you have no clue how dense these rednecks can be down here…

Older than you? I thought I was one of the youngest ones on this forum.

There are quite a few younger than you on these forums.

Like here, on the Teen thread:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=182142

and there are some even younger than me… (I’m 15, I know of a few people who are 14 or younger on these forums)