We must take the fight online. (Rant sort of)

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DaisymaeD said:
I’m sorry, I probably shouldn’t even be responding to this…but in the last couple years I’ve noticed a new narrative creeping into atheist discussions, to the effect that atheists are being hounded and oppressed and must remain closeted for fear of reprisal from “those mean Christians”. Actually, if you look at pop culture trends, it’s the mention of Christianity in any sort of positive light that is likely to earn you flames. Also, the historical fact remains, that countries and regimes headed by atheist leaders wind up trampling on human rights (Hitler, USSR, Pol Pot, etc).
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No worries, Daisy. While I don’t regard most of them as “those mean Christians”, there is a massive pressure for some of us to remain closeted nonbelievers. Though in an odd way it is in large part to avoid the fallout with friends and family whom faith is a big deal. I’ll stop there as not to violate forum rules.

The “thought police” component of the anti religion bias is pop culture is unfortunate and I hope for a live and let live approach in the future. I’ll also leave the atheist vs theist leader point alone. Addressing the issues with that would risk being disrespectful by coming into your house (CAF) and being perceived as railing against that which you hold dear.
 
Costner said:
I have been reading some comments on various news articles and YouTube videos. I am very much upset that the negative comments preaching hate against not only his church, but God himself, are getting more"'likes" than those who comment positively about the faith. It makes me both angry and sad that some people believe in all the misconceptions about the church and that the people who try to defend her, and the clergy, are ignored or attacked. No matter where you go, whether it’s on YouTube or article from your local news website, there are always hateful comments about the church and Christians on the comment section. I urge all my brothers and sisters of Christ to go one these comments sections and help defend the faith because we are really outnumbered on there. I have never read so much bigotry and hate in my entire life. Please go and recruit more Christians to fight off these haters so that those who are weak on faith or are trying to get into Catholicism are not discouraged by the filth they read. I am aware that some posters are trolls and are just posting bad things to make people mad, but still, for others like me who are sensitive about God it hurts. I pray to God that he gives me strength to brush off negative comments In the future, I really do.
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Early on in CAF’s existence I remember there was a poster who wanted to begin a organized group to defend the faith on internet sites. I thought it was a great idea because apologetics could be applied in a systematic way, planning which sites needed the most attention or spread out or whatever. It would be a huge commitment.

Every once in a while I read a com box that is riddled with anti-Catholic, anti-pope, anti-Christian comments. But then there is a comment that refutes errors in the article or a popular comment (whichever is the problem) , and then another, and yet another. The person who wrote the article or made the nasty comment may never see the reply but others will and it is a good witness to refute the lies with charity and clarity.
 
When raising a family it is a very important duty before God, if you are doing your best to give of yourself because of your love for your family and bringing Jesus into your family life, you are pleasing God. Marriage is not a second rate vocation, It was instituted by Christ. Jesus said, “Sufficient for the day, is the evil thereof” When your responsibilities become lighter then you can become more active in other works of charity. other spiritual and physical works of mercy.
 
I know what you mean it is upsetting to see the insults made about our faith. Whether it be atheist, or protestants, or even other religions who attack our faith. There is a book though that I got by Catholic Answers called The Essential Catholic Survival Guide. I haven’t read it yet, but I think I just might start to. It talks about how to defend the faith, and backs up our belief system with facts to use when attacked by other faiths. We Catholics must not tolerate this any longer! However when explaining our faith, we must do it with love and compassion. No one will be attracted to the faith if you get nasty, but if they see you are kind it will show them how much Christ has influenced you, and may attract them eventually into The Church!
 
Bruised_Reed said:
Prayer can perhaps soften their hearts but only if their heart is open, just like their minds. Grace cannot be forced on them any more than thoughtful reasoning.

So perhaps there is a mission for those who have thick skins, are well-versed in Catholic teaching, are unfailingly polite and ever kind to comment or reply back comments. For those who are thinner-skinned, new at apologetics, hot-headed or make the mistake that this is winning souls not getting people to agree with them can focus on being prayer warriors.

Blessed are they who can do both.
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I would quote your other post, too, if I knew how to do it. Thank you so much for these thoughts; you are exactly right.

We can’t get into it simply to win an argument. But there’s no reason to throw up our hands and say “this is a lost cause! Guess you own the social media, Satan.”
You never know who is reading those comments, but in this age of confusing and incorrect messages about religion, there are probably many people who are unsure of what they believe. When they see seemingly 100% of the opinion out there says the Church is some monster, they are likely to think that maybe that’s the truth. Or if all the cool kids on HuffPost say God’s dead, well then maybe He is. Sometimes all it takes is one polite, rational comment refuting a lie or challenging an accusation, that would cause someone to stop and rethink.

I believe we are called to evangelize everywhere. If we can show, even via a computer screen, the beauty and joy of a life lived for Christ, then let’s do it!
 
St_Francis said:
We are called to prayer and to something else. Prayer is the foundation of all our other activities and the number one most important thing we can do [ETA: FOR OTHERS]. Some are called to pray more–contemplatives; others are called to do something.

However, what people are called to do varies. Many people in their youth are actually called to do things to help others, bit because they have left their faith they take that time to have fun instead. Later, they start families and this encourages them to return to their faith, but at this point, they need to focus on their families and have less time and energy to devote to other endeavors.

Our Godless society really pushes an individualistic and hedonistic view. I notice that when these things are investigated, it is found that religious people do more than the average, and it is the non-religious who do less.
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👍
 
without said:
In my experience it is more frustration than hate with religiosity. We see a large group of people standing on the sidelines of life in prayer instead of contributing to society. Building up treasure in heaven instead of working here and supporting others. The opportunity cost of religion makes my eyes role.:whacky:

Instead of trying to change others by prayer or getting upset by confrontations online you could change yourself and help others.
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Incidentally, we can’t build treasure in Heaven if we don’t help others, and we know that its one of Gods’ commands, Love God and love neighbor in spite of ourselves, there go I except for the grace of God. We ask God to cure our blindness in prayer and to change us.
 
without said:
In my experience it is more frustration than hate with religiosity. We see a large group of people standing on the sidelines of life in prayer instead of contributing to society. Building up treasure in heaven instead of working here and supporting others. The opportunity cost of religion makes my eyes role.:whacky:

Instead of trying to change others by prayer or getting upset by confrontations online you could change yourself and help others.
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How do you know that they don’t help others?

Who are you to judge?

:tiphat:
 
DaisymaeD said:
Really? That’s an interesting comment, considering that the Catholic Church is the worlds largest and most extensive charity.
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The Economist estimates that annual spending by the church and entities owned by the church was around $170 billion in 2010 (the church does not release such figures). We think 57% of this goes on health-care networks, followed by 28% on colleges, with parish and diocesan day-to-day operations accounting for just 6% and national charitable activities just 2.7%.

So - understanding that Health-care networks and Colleges are run as businesses and pay their own way or even make money, and 6% goes to staff, facilities and operations… so only 2.7% goes to actual charity? :mad:
DaisymaeD said:
Furthermore, religious people are demonstrated to give more to charity than those who are unaffiliated.
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Yes - they give a lot to their religions - not charity: religiondispatches.org/archive/culture/7417/new_study__three_quarters_of_american_giving_goes_to_religion/

Take a look at these 5 100% efficient charities. None of them religiously base by the way: forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2012/11/08/charity-all-stars/
 
without said:
I am me… I judge people on their action, or lack thereof.
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Then you should know based on your judgement that most religious people are indeed charitable either spiritually :gopray2: or physically. :hammering:

Good Day
:tiphat:
 
You can’t give what you don’t have, and what we give is a real personal sacrifice. At this very moment I get many solicitations from religious order and charitable causes asking for money. With the greed that exists in society where money is being polarized among the rich, and money affects elections what does that say for society? These Christian orders gave their lives in service for their brothers and sisters, and as much as many of us want to help, we can’t because money just isn’t there for us. So when we give, we give and it hurts. This country has very rich CEO, Billionaires, Companies that can well afford it, but don’t unless it brings returns. Look at the job situation, the iinsurance situation, look at the housing situation. People are homeless, others are walking around with degrees and can’t find work, and why? Who is monapolizing the wealth? Christian? Greed on wall Street? Greed on Main St.? Corruption? A person would have to be blind not to understand. These are some of the reasons we evangelize and pray, because people can’t help themselves, corruption is endemic, it affects all of society. We know the answer Jesus Christ to instill in the people His Spirit of Love of God and neighbor, all people, not just some. Mean while watch people riding the “merry go round” until their eyes roll. Pope Francis knows and is doing things to make people aware of the poor, and what is wrong with the Church thank God. Because corruption is endemic scandal will always exist, it is inevitable.
 
Bruised_Reed said:
Early on in CAF’s existence I remember there was a poster who wanted to begin a organized group to defend the faith on internet sites. I thought it was a great idea because apologetics could be applied in a systematic way, planning which sites needed the most attention or spread out or whatever. It would be a huge commitment.

Every once in a while I read a com box that is riddled with anti-Catholic, anti-pope, anti-Christian comments. But then there is a comment that refutes errors in the article or a popular comment (whichever is the problem) , and then another, and yet another. The person who wrote the article or made the nasty comment may never see the reply but others will and it is a good witness to refute the lies with charity and clarity.
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We should do this more. 👍
 
Costner,

I agree with Bruised Reed’s comments and would be interested in joining a group that evangelizes through the use of social media.

I often reply to comments on religion boards such as Yahoo. Talk about vincible ignorance! I have a few suggestions if you feel called to apologetics:
  1. You have a wonderful resource in Catholic Answers “Topics” that will aid you in constructing correct and concise answers.
  2. Practice self-control. Not only are you speaking truth to lies and bigotry but it is an opportunity for you to sharpen your skills and a learning experience in why you believe in what you believe. When you feel angry or disgusted, get off the board. I have lost my cool a few times. It accomplishes nothing.
  3. You won’t change the mindset of bigots, atheists or trolls but a truthful answer that you can back up with verifiable evidence and/or logic and critical thinking is sufficient. The person who is meant to see your comments will see it. Resist the temptation of viewing apologetics as a game of one-up-menship. Keep the ego out of your ministry!
 
The answer to all things is prayer we are told in bible to keep asking with faith till it happens Christ said to his followers the parable about the widow who had been wronged keeping pestering the godless king until he relented I believe that being anti anything gives that cause power so being pro is the answer as mother Theresa of Calcuta said when asked to join the protest against war she refused but said if there was a march for peace she would lead it why give these non believers space and time that can be used in much better ways such as love one another god bless
 
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