What to do?!

[Uknowhoo]

Hi everyone

I’ve been wondering this for a while and finally decided to ask. My thing is that I’m a Catholic teenager and often many adults mention offensive things about the Church (“They’re Nazis!”), make ignorant remarks about it (They worship Mary!"), and even try to convert me (“My religion is the only one that preaches the truth!”). And most of the people that say these things know I’m a devout Catholic! Naturally, I get really angry. The problem is that I really don’t know how to respond. Most of these people are adults so I don’t want to appear like a smart alec. But at the same time, I feel like I’m betraying Jesus Christ for not correcting their assumptions. What should I do when adults say these things? Is is better to stay quiet or to say something? Though I don’t say anything, I do pray for them.

Thanks very much,
God bless

 

[LilyM]

Hi everyone

I’ve been wondering this for a while and finally decided to ask. My thing is that I’m a Catholic teenager and often many adults mention offensive things about the Church (“They’re Nazis!”), make ignorant remarks about it (They worship Mary!"), and even try to convert me (“My religion is the only one that preaches the truth!”). And most of the people that say these things know I’m a devout Catholic! Naturally, I get really angry. The problem is that I really don’t know how to respond. Most of these people are adults so I don’t want to appear like a smart alec. But at the same time, I feel like I’m betraying Jesus Christ for not correcting their assumptions. What should I do when adults say these things? Is is better to stay quiet or to say something? Though I don’t say anything, I do pray for them.

Thanks very much,
God bless

The best way, I think, would simply be to say ‘you’re insulting and disrespecting me by disrespecting my Catholic faith - and by doing so you’re only convincing me more and more of its truth!’

 

[PhilotheaZ]

If you know your faith really well and can defend it when contradicted, it would be better to speak up (in charity, not in anger).

If not, do whatever you can to learn enough to defend your faith (it’s called “apologetics,” from the Greek word meaning to defend). Patrick Madrid’s website surprisedbytruth.com/ will help you, as well as the main page of the Catholic Answers website catholic.com/ .

Don’t get yourself in an argument where you will leave yourself vulnerable to getting sucked into their beliefs.

And by all means, pray for them, and for yoursef that your Catholic faith will remain strong.

 

[stuart12]

I can understand what you are going through. I converted from the Anglican communion (although brought up in the Church of Scotland by a grandparent) against my parents’ wishes. Regularly they will make assumptions and are suspicious against Church activities. For instance, my priest (who am very friendly with) had a free afternoon a few weeks back), and he asked me to come down for a chat and my mum found it strange/worrying because of the paedophile priest scandals that so many people bring up. Also, my dad will constantly say things about ‘‘those papes’’ or other such terms. The best advice is to pray silently for strength not to burst out in anger (i do that too often), because if you give into the temptation (not only commit a sin) but give them a bad impression of the average Catholic. Pray for them often to convert to the faith or at least to lessen their prejudice. I say usually the Divine Praises 3 times at night for the reparation of the blamphemies and insults of my 2 parents and other family members.

Keep calm, lift up your heart and do not get into pointless arguments as they are unlikely to listen. God Bless.