What to say to a fundamental Christian

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LighthouseRon

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I have a neighbor who I would call a fundamental Christian. Overall a nice guy and a good neighbor but is clearly anti-catholic. We talk from time to time and usually when discussing God we’ll find common ground but every once in a while he’ll throw something out to bash the catholic church. The latest was his claim that the Pope said that any emissions of carbon dioxide are a sin. Clearly false and I chose not to argue the point because that’s what my neighbor wants. I just smile and say nothing. How would you respond? I know I could never change his mind. Did Jesus say anything about such people like my neighbor who won’t listen and look to discredit the catholic church?
 
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LighthouseRon said:
Did Jesus say anything about such people like my neighbor who won’t listen and look to discredit the catholic church?
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Jesus said don’t throw pearls before swine otherwise they will trample you. But I don’t mean it as an insult, just that it isn’t good to talk about these things to people that are hostile.
 
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Just keep doing what you’re doing. Live your faith and let that be your witness. You can’t change the minds of people who are not receptive. Apologetics are wasted on people like your neighbor. He likely thinks Chick tracts and Alexander Hislop had it right (though the likelihood that he knows who the latter was is slim).
 
He’s obviously pushing your buttons. For such a comment, why not challenge him? “Oh, that’s interesting. Where did you get your information about the Pope making this claim? Please provide me with it so I can check its accuracy and then we can talk about it.” In short, it is a good time to educate him. You don’t have to argue with him.
 
I heard it said once that, “Your life is the only Bible that some people will ever read”.

I pray for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you on what to say to him, but your life example and attitude will probably have more influence than your words. Let God do the rest.

I remember watching Fr Mitch Pacwa interact with a Protestant scholar on the John Ankerberg show back in the day. Even though the Protestant scholar appeared to win the debate academically sometimes, Fr Mitch impressed me more because he was the most gracious and spiritually mature and Christian-like of the debaters. In other words, actions speak louder than words.

Just my two cents.
 
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Depends on the situation. With Protestants I prefer to talk about history and who put the Bible together. You’ll be surprised how many have NOT thought about their history.
 
Does your neighbor know you are Catholic? If so, and he still says what he does, just leave it alone. He is being rude even if he doesn’t realize it. It is difficult to change that kind of personality trait. If you still think he is a nice guy and wish to talk with him, then avoid the topic of religion.
 
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Oh yes, he knows I’m Catholic. He and my dad were friends but when he died the neighbor refused to set foot in our catholic church. That being said he’s a good neighbor to us in that he helps out with things here and there and we get along overall.

Thanks to all for your responses.
 
Could you further elaborate on how you did this? I want to put myself out there.
 
That’s quite different than my neighbor’s claim that Pope Francis said any emission of carbon dioxide is a sin. Carbon dioxide is a necessary element for our survival so some is a good thing. Too much isn’t, of course.
 
For example, one of my acquaintances mentioned a video of some mob toppling down a statue of a saint somewhere. And then his comment was: saints can do nothing anyway! And then I said: and yet before the 1500s ALL Christians prayed for the intercession of saints. He asked me to elaborate and I did. Then he googled everything and was shocked to learn that saint prayers are NOT an innovation!
 
You cannot change his mind, but you can shatter that brick wall he has build around his mind.
In the pope example, I would ask simply the source of that saying and go from there. Make them responsible for their “facts”. And be very patient.
 
What’s the issue with Pope Francis anyway? One of the popes of the 1830s said railways are “chemins d’enfer”. (perhaps he had a sense of humour) You are what kind of catholic you & God made you, not what kind the pope made you . . .
 
You could simply concede the position of your neighbor, since this is not a church teaching, and watch his jaw hit the ground. 😁

Seriously, since this is not a church teaching i see nothing wrong with using the affirmative to open up true dialogue.

Peace!!!
 
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