Turn the other cheek query

[murph14]

If someone repeatedly undermines and mocks our Catholic or Christian faith in the public arena, is it the Catholic belief that I must bite my tong, or can I make an inteligent and charitable response defending my faith.

 

[BornInMarch]

You can argue in defense of your faith. St. Augustine of Hippo and St. Thomas Aquinas both made their career out of this.

 

[TK421]

Of course you’re allowed to talk to him. In some circumstances it’s a sin of omission not to.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Sometimes its better to just listen to their story, to talk to them about God on neutral ground. Rather then argue that Catholics and their church are not what this person makes out to be. We don’t know their story, we don’t know if they have been hurt by the Church, we don’t know why they are rejecting Christianity so vehemently.

My Bishop says, listen to them. hear their story. Talk about God. Thats exactly what they might need. Thats being a loving neighbour.
Debate leads to conflict.
Listening never leads to conflict.

 

[murph14]

Noted with thanks guys.I am usually the only Christian in the room when we meet. This guy got up last week and made jokes about “Gods with white beards living in the clouds”;. His meaning is most always: “that he is not that soft in the head to believe in that stuff”. He knows i am a devout Catholic! I normally don’t respond directly to these jibes, however last week I did respond and I said “I don’t believe in this type of God either”. I sometimes mention my faith is a lot more complex and has much more reason than I once thought, in order to counteract the negative image this man tries to portray of our faith. I am not that concerned about my feelings on the matter. I am more concerned that my silence gives weight to his jibes and the effect he is having on those who hear his words without any Christian response…

 

[JamesATyler]

Why not skip the verbal rebuttal. He says he doesn’t believe, to the room, because of x, y, or z. You say you believe, to the room, if they know you are Christian. He is loud and overbearing. You are quiet and polite. He acts like he knows it all. You are humble. Not everyone can see your leadership by refraining from argument at first but it probably doesn’t go unnoticed even by this guy.

He likes to smack cheeks. You show how to listen to insults and remain calm.

 

[1cthlctrth]

It would be charitable of you to defend your faith and respond to specific allegations the mockers make. Remember Jesus in the Temple?
In addition, with all the attacks on traditional values in the world today, we’re being charitable when we inform others that abortion and strange sexual perversions are sins. Because we’re talking about eternity, it is the opposite of charitable to sit silent.

 

[dochawk]

or can I make an inteligent and charitable response defending my faith.

Take turning the other cheek in context . . .

A couple foyers ago, our priest gave a homily on this.

In the first century culture Jesus lived in, after being stricken in that manner, the aggressor’s body would be turned.

If the aggressor were to slap the proffered cheek, from that posture he would have to do so with his left hand, shaming himself in so doing . . .

(I think the modern clinical term, then, would be “passive aggressive” [and, no, I don’t know why backhanding the victim wouldn’t be an option . . .)

Similarly for the cloak–the shame for nudity was on the person who caused it, not the nude person. Surrendering the last of the clothing would shame the taker. (and in the context given, the outer garnet was presumably collateral for a loan, which the lender would be religiously obligated to return at nightfall)

hawk

 

[Lee1]

I think listen with respect is a good idea, that shows the person a quality already that you can generously afford to give being confident in your faith.

Then perhaps should you want to engage, ask the person how their philosophy can help them cope with any and all occurrences in life.

Perhaps ask if their philosophy can lead to eternal life and Life to the full.

And while asking remain respectful and calm and patient.

From experience I’d say arguing points is usually a waste of time with an entrenched unbeliever. Perhaps try a little and then move on, not wishing to cast pearls to be trodden in the mud by swine so to speak. Though I wouldn’t mention that particular phrase.

If you conduct yourself as you know you should you will evangelise to some extent by example.

 

[BornInMarch]

Remember Jesus in the Temple?

Even Jesus knew when not to turn the other cheek.