Were my evangelical and non denom friends friendly with me because they wanted to convert me?

[WildCatholic]

Ever since I’ve become a much more vocal catholic, a lot more of my evangelical friends don’t even talk to me. A lot of them were nice to me in school, mostly because i’d attend cru once in a while and we truly did agree on a lot of things.

It makes me wonder, were they my friends because they wanted to convert me? I had 5 or 6 good friends who were of the evangelical non denominational persuasion, however only two talk to me now. Part of it is that we’ve grown busier since college, but I see they still talk to each other. Were the just friendly to get me to come to their side? For the most part they knew I was Catholic, but it didn’t seem to matter when we roomed together. But i will admit i am definitely more vocal about my catholicism and my beliefs. Am I reading too much into this?

Also, is this common for those who had more non catholic friends? Did they not talk to you once they found out you were Catholic?

 

[FabiusMaximus]

Ever since I’ve become a much more vocal catholic, a lot more of my evangelical friends don’t even talk to me. A lot of them were nice to me in school, mostly because i’d attend cru once in a while and we truly did agree on a lot of things.

It makes me wonder, were they my friends because they wanted to convert me? I had 5 or 6 good friends who were of the evangelical non denominational persuasion, however only two talk to me now. Part of it is that we’ve grown busier since college, but I see they still talk to each other. Were the just friendly to get me to come to their side? For the most part they knew I was Catholic, but it didn’t seem to matter when we roomed together. But i will admit i am definitely more vocal about my catholicism and my beliefs. Am I reading too much into this?

Also, is this common for those who had more non catholic friends? Did they not talk to you once they found out you were Catholic?

Maybe it has nothing to do with the fact that you’re Catholic. Maybe their lives has indeed become busier. Have they attacked you when you began defending your faith? Perhaps they attend the same church or similar church communities, which is why they talk to each other more often.

I think you might be looking a little too far into it, but then again, I don’t know all the details of your relationship.

 

[JHow]

You seem like you are recently out if college. As soon as any of you start having kids you will all get really busy really fast. I wouldn’t chalk it up to anti-catholic sentiment.

 

[robwar]

Ever since I’ve become a much more vocal catholic, a lot more of my evangelical friends don’t even talk to me. A lot of them were nice to me in school, mostly because i’d attend cru once in a while and we truly did agree on a lot of things.

It makes me wonder, were they my friends because they wanted to convert me? I had 5 or 6 good friends who were of the evangelical non denominational persuasion, however only two talk to me now. Part of it is that we’ve grown busier since college, but I see they still talk to each other. Were the just friendly to get me to come to their side? For the most part they knew I was Catholic, but it didn’t seem to matter when we roomed together. But i will admit i am definitely more vocal about my catholicism and my beliefs. Am I reading too much into this?

Also, is this common for those who had more non catholic friends? Did they not talk to you once they found out you were Catholic?

what do you mean by vocal? Sometimes we come across wrongly when we become more “vocal” and they are reacting to that. Maybe you think you are now “vocal” but to them it come across as rude or as condescending. It is hard to tell from you post. Why don’t you contact one of them and ask if you have offended them.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

Out of charity, assume the best intentions.

 

[MaryT777]

Maybe it has nothing to do with the fact that you’re Catholic. Maybe their lives has indeed become busier. Have they attacked you when you began defending your faith? Perhaps they attend the same church or similar church communities, which is why they talk to each other more often.

I think you might be looking a little too far into it, but then again, I don’t know all the details of your relationship.

Well said. I agree.

 

[MattofTexas]

Maybe being vocally Catholic makes them uncomfortable, and that’s why they’ve grown distant. I once unfriended someone on Facebook because they posted a video titled something along the lines if how Protestantism’s natural progression is into atheism. I was so offended by this and just all the…overtly in your face Catholicism this guy posted all the time. (This was all before I started thinking about conversion.) it’s not an anti-Catholic bias anymore than you having an anti-evangical bias, sometimes other people’s beliefs or conviction about their faith makes us uncomfortable. They might have hoped to convert you, but there’s no way if knowing if that was the ONLY reason they were friendly. I’d assume they were friendly out of charity and for whatever reason you’ve just grown apart. Maybe try reaching back out to them?

 

[Bezant]

Ever since I’ve become a much more vocal catholic, a lot more of my evangelical friends don’t even talk to me. A lot of them were nice to me in school, mostly because i’d attend cru once in a while and we truly did agree on a lot of things.

It makes me wonder, were they my friends because they wanted to convert me? I had 5 or 6 good friends who were of the evangelical non denominational persuasion, however only two talk to me now. Part of it is that we’ve grown busier since college, but I see they still talk to each other. Were the just friendly to get me to come to their side? For the most part they knew I was Catholic, but it didn’t seem to matter when we roomed together. But i will admit i am definitely more vocal about my catholicism and my beliefs. Am I reading too much into this?

Also, is this common for those who had more non catholic friends? Did they not talk to you once they found out you were Catholic?

I think if they just wanted to convert you, they’d be even more keen to keep in touch after you changed your views. There are could be other explanations here. Maybe they consider you more as a good acquaintance than a close friend. You say you became a more “vocal” Catholic; perhaps the way you expressed your views made them uncomfortable around you. Or, they could be overwhelmed with their coursework. Whatever the reason, keep in mind that over the course of your life you will lose and gain friends. Differences in faith are not by any means insurmountable to friendship if there is mutual respect.

 

[Indifferently]

What do you mean ‘more vocal’? Do you get your rosary beads out in front of them?

 

[SecretaryMonday]

I am an extreme introvert and probably not the person to give advice on friendship issues, but I would assume that some of these friendships sort of drifted away from you because of a lack of common interest. It is possible that they might also feel threatened by your religious beliefs if you have started becoming more insistently Catholic; they might even feel let down, like you have become a different person than the friend that they knew. Maybe they are beginning to feel that the only conversations they can have with you would end in debate, and they don’t like confrontation?

I wouldn’t assume that they “just” wanted to convert you, although it’s possible that conversion was something that they hoped for - I don’t think that’s wrong. If you believe that you have found truth, you certainly wouldn’t be resentful about sharing it with someone else.

People who “just” want to convert you might be the ones that knock on all of the doors in your neighborhood with a book or magazine to give you, and will only engage in superficial conversation.

 

[PJM]

=WildCatholic;10599087]Ever since I’ve become a much more vocal catholic, a lot more of my evangelical friends don’t even talk to me. A lot of them were nice to me in school, mostly because i’d attend cru once in a while and we truly did agree on a lot of things.

It makes me wonder, were they my friends because they wanted to convert me? I had 5 or 6 good friends who were of the evangelical non denominational persuasion, however only two talk to me now. Part of it is that we’ve grown busier since college, but I see they still talk to each other. Were the just friendly to get me to come to their side? For the most part they knew I was Catholic, but it didn’t seem to matter when we roomed together. But i will admit i am definitely more vocal about my catholicism and my beliefs. Am I reading too much into this?

Also, is this common for those who had more non catholic friends? Did they not talk to you once they found out you were Catholic?

Addressing your OPQ

Wasn’t there so only you can say. But perhaps not.

MAYBE they FEAR being converted OR just wish to AVOID religious discussions:shrug:

There is a fine line between sharing the TRUTH [which you have] and badgering. Be careful. ALLOW God to use you and to present you with the opportunities HE WANTS you to have in sharing His One True Faith.

Welcome HOME and God Bless you!
KEEP LEARNING OUR FAITH

 

[TheRealJuliane]

Ever since I’ve become a much more vocal catholic, a lot more of my evangelical friends don’t even talk to me. A lot of them were nice to me in school, mostly because i’d attend cru once in a while and we truly did agree on a lot of things.

It makes me wonder, were they my friends because they wanted to convert me? I had 5 or 6 good friends who were of the evangelical non denominational persuasion, however only two talk to me now. Part of it is that we’ve grown busier since college, but I see they still talk to each other. Were the just friendly to get me to come to their side? For the most part they knew I was Catholic, but it didn’t seem to matter when we roomed together. But i will admit i am definitely more vocal about my catholicism and my beliefs. Am I reading too much into this?

Also, is this common for those who had more non catholic friends? Did they not talk to you once they found out you were Catholic?

If they weren’t ACTIVELY trying to recruit you to their side, then they weren’t trying to convert you. But they probably don’t look too happily on your newly enthusiastic Catholicism either. Depending upon which denominations they belong to, you could be viewed as anything from “pagan” to “heathen” to the “Whore of Babylon!”

Keep the lines of communication open, though. You never know when someone will want to defect from their side to ours! It happens all the time. Pray for them. Don’t turn away from them. Show them the utmost in charity.

 

[RPRPsych]

Also, is this common for those who had more non catholic friends? Did they not talk to you once they found out you were Catholic?

While evangelicals are certainly more “evangelistic” (in terms of “preaching at you”) than Catholics in general, they are not solely driven by this motive.

I’ve been fortunate enough to receive extraordinary kindnesses from Evangelicals who were fully aware of my own beliefs, with no strings attached. In fact, my own experience is paradoxical: I’ve found that Protestants in general have taken me more seriously now than in my more “liberal” days. They respect Christian convictions, even if our views don’t always match.

 

[Tomster]

Ever since I’ve become a much more vocal catholic, a lot more of my evangelical friends don’t even talk to me. A lot of them were nice to me in school, mostly because i’d attend cru once in a while and we truly did agree on a lot of things.

It makes me wonder, were they my friends because they wanted to convert me? I had 5 or 6 good friends who were of the evangelical non denominational persuasion, however only two talk to me now. Part of it is that we’ve grown busier since college, but I see they still talk to each other. Were the just friendly to get me to come to their side? For the most part they knew I was Catholic, but it didn’t seem to matter when we roomed together. But i will admit i am definitely more vocal about my catholicism and my beliefs. Am I reading too much into this?

Also, is this common for those who had more non catholic friends? Did they not talk to you once they found out you were Catholic?

Personally, I have a very good relationship with a former co-worker who is a devout Evangelical Christian. We share our faith with each other and occassionally talk about our differences. With the election of Pope Francis, my friend was very interested in the whole election process and frequently asked many questions about it. Interestingly enough, we share a whole lot in common in regards to our faith. He just has a problem with the liturgical services of the Catholic Church. Too much pomp for him.

What we really agree on, 100%, are baseball, hot dogs and root beer. (except when it comes to my Tigers and his Phillies)

 

[Mike_SoCal]

Hi,

I run into this all the time from the other side of the coin.

I’m a Baptist, as a Christian I’m compelled to share the Bible’s salvation message.
My family is Catholic and my neighbors are Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Some people are compelled to share their faith and discuss it, but others are made very uncomfortable by religious differences.

The fact someone wants to witness to me is a high compliment as I see it.
If I don’t want to discuss it I politely decline.

Best thing to do is simply be polite. Evangelists are not usually out to argue with you they are just reaching out to others the way their church teaches them or in some cases requires them.

I try to reach out to people in friendship and if they are not interested in talking faith I take the hint and change the subject back to golf or fishing. I’m not allowed to talk politics with my own wife or disagree with her on a faith point so I don’t until I must.

My advice is to be as much as possible open to debate. Know the scriptures and be willing to discuss your point of view. Find common ground.

Scripture says we are engaged in spiritual warfare and our weapon is truth.
I would add; scriptural truth and not Man’s foolish wisdom.
I don’t follow Luther, Miller, Smith, Calvin, or Billy Graham, I like St. Paul follow Christ who is the Word of God made flesh.

 

[Blackshirtproud]

Husker to Husker I understand where you are coming from.
When I became Catholic all of my Protestant “friends” abandoned me with a few shots hurled my way. I am fine with it, sucks yes, but after almost 20 yrs of friendship and they do that , well I think I am better off w/o them to be honest.
While I cannot say you’re friends are the same way, I can sympathize with how you’re feeling about it though.
On a side note , I have made many new and good friends at my new found parish:thumbsup:
I’ll keep you in my prayers tonight.

 

[PJM]

=Mike SoCal;10599611]Hi,

I run into this all the time from the other side of the coin.

I’m a Baptist, as a Christian I’m compelled to share the Bible’s salvation message.
My family is Catholic and my neighbors are Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Some people are compelled to share their faith and discuss it, but others are made very uncomfortable by religious differences.

The fact someone wants to witness to me is a high compliment as I see it.
If I don’t want to discuss it I politely decline.

Best thing to do is simply be polite. Evangelists are not usually out to argue with you they are just reaching out to others the way their church teaches them or in some cases requires them.

I try to reach out to people in friendship and if they are not interested in talking faith I take the hint and change the subject back to golf or fishing. I’m not allowed to talk politics with my own wife or disagree with her on a faith point so I don’t until I must.

My advice is to be as much as possible open to debate. Know the scriptures and be willing to discuss your point of view. Find common ground.

Scripture says we are engaged in spiritual warfare and our weapon is truth.
I would add; scriptural truth and not Man’s foolish wisdom.
I don’t follow Luther, Miller, Smith, Calvin, or Billy Graham, I like St. Paul follow Christ who is the Word of God made flesh.

Hi Mike,

WELCOME TO CAF!

We are delighted to have you join us.

Keep in mind my friend that this IS a Catholic Forum so you’ll not get a great many to agree with your theologies and faith-perspectives. So take the rebukes with a prayer and a smile.

Your charity is noted and welcomed:thumbsup:

 

[ffg]

Ever since I’ve become a much more vocal catholic, a lot more of my evangelical friends don’t even talk to me. A lot of them were nice to me in school, mostly because i’d attend cru once in a while and we truly did agree on a lot of things.

It makes me wonder, were they my friends because they wanted to convert me? I had 5 or 6 good friends who were of the evangelical non denominational persuasion, however only two talk to me now. Part of it is that we’ve grown busier since college, but I see they still talk to each other. Were the just friendly to get me to come to their side? For the most part they knew I was Catholic, but it didn’t seem to matter when we roomed together. But i will admit i am definitely more vocal about my catholicism and my beliefs. Am I reading too much into this?

Also, is this common for those who had more non catholic friends? Did they not talk to you once they found out you were Catholic?

I don’t talk to any of my friends from college, and they were all Catholic!

Not to down play your concern…Obviously, our lives are probably quite different, all of my friends are all over the country / world and we all have our own lives to live.

You could talk to them about the situation and see if it is just busy-ness, or if they are conciously not interested. At least you would have an answer and not spiral think.

 

[AbideWithMe]

In fact, my own experience is paradoxical: I’ve found that Protestants in general have taken me more seriously now than in my more “liberal” days. They respect Christian convictions, even if our views don’t always match.

WildCatholic—I agree with what everyone has said. Don’t over-think this, and please, please, assume the best about people.

I also agree, as an Evangelical Christian, with what RPRPsych wrote here. I respect devoutly religious people, even if I’m not a member of their specific religion.

Several times in my life I’ve become friends with wandering former Catholics. Each time it’s been me, the Evangelical, who has sparked them to resume an interest in Catholicism by my saying positive things about their childhood faith. Right now a fellow artist acquaintance seems to be wistfully reconsidering her long-laid-aside childhood Catholicism during conversations with me. It helps right now that it’s easy for me to say positive things about Pope Francis while in a group of non-religious and anti-religious (a couple of them) fellow artists. I’m not trying to convert anyone. I’m just trying to survive amongst my artsy friends and acquaintances without getting steamrolled into their various worldviews. In the course of occasionally speaking up positively about religion while some of the group are trashing it, this former Catholic has been drawn to speak with me on a deeper level of friendship. I have no agenda for her other than to try as a human being to be a good friend to a fellow human, and to pray that God will awaken her longing further to return to Him.