When to speak up?

[lwest]

Just wanted to throw this out there because I’m at a loss:

Suppose someone says something that doesn’t make any sense…be it of a theological nature or just plain illogical. How should we respond? Ignoring it sounds rude and condoning…explaining Church teaching or giving a logical argument just makes people mad (everyone likes to be right, right?)…making a sarcastic comment seems belittling. So what would be a Christian response? Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut…

 

[HarmonyN20]

While explaining Church doctrine or giving a logical argument might ‘make them mad’, you are entitled to your opinion as well. And if you are going to give your opinion, what better way than to back it up with solid fact? It doesn’t have to do necessarily with ‘being right’, but don’t be a ‘yes man’ and just agree with what they are saying either. Who knows, both of you may learn something along the way

 

[Newbie2]

I find that if you preface church teachings with “What Catholics believe is…”, or “this is what I believe as a Catholic”, it’s better accepted.

Nobody can argue against that, i.e. that such and such is what we believe. Whether or not what we believe is indeed the truth might be up for discussion, but it seems to be less challenging when you say this is what I believe.

 

[Christy_Beth]

I have found that using “This is what the Catholic church believes…” isn’t always the best way of putting it. Some people will claim otherwise. Like, telling someone that we don’t worship Mary. There are always those out there that will still claim that we do.

 

[lwest]

I find that if you preface church teachings with “What Catholics believe is…”, or “this is what I believe as a Catholic”, it’s better accepted.

Nobody can argue against that, i.e. that such and such is what we believe. Whether or not what we believe is indeed the truth might be up for discussion, but it seems to be less challenging when you say this is what I believe.

I’ve tried that and you’d think that logic wouldn’t be offensive but it hasn’ tworked for me. They still got all weird about it. Totally snubbed me from that point on. I spoke up (this talk was about abortion) because I was more worried about losing Jesus’ friendship than theirs. At this rate, I’ll be a hermit in the dessert before long!!

 

[Newbie2]

I’ve tried that and you’d think that logic wouldn’t be offensive but it hasn’ tworked for me. They still got all weird about it. Totally snubbed me from that point on. I spoke up (this talk was about abortion) because I was more worried about losing Jesus’ friendship than theirs. At this rate, I’ll be a hermit in the dessert before long!!

No you won’t. We’ll be there with you.

 

[lwest]

No you won’t. We’ll be there with you.

Hey…Catholic party in the desert!!! Bring chips!

 

[gardenswithkids]

Hey…Catholic party in the desert!!! Bring chips!

Locust and honey flavored? Mmm.

Okay, maybe that wasn’t the time to speak up. Back to the op’s question.

Suppose someone says something that doesn’t make any sense…be it of a theological nature or just plain illogical. How should we respond? Ignoring it sounds rude and condoning…explaining Church teaching or giving a logical argument just makes people mad (everyone likes to be right, right?)…making a sarcastic comment seems belittling. So what would be a Christian response? Thanks for the (name removed by moderator)ut.

Depends entirely on the situation. Sometimes we need to speak up; sometimes we don’t.

Sometimes say nothing. Jesus warned His followers against “Casting pearls before swine.” (But I doubt that would apply to people you call friends.)

Sometimes a simple, “What you said doesn’t make any sense” or “That’s illogical” will suffice. You don’t have to get into a huge, long discussion with someone who can’t think logically and who doesn’t make sense–nor do you need to point out every flaw in their argument. Planting the seed might help them and others re-think what they said over time.

Use humor and witt but avoid sarcasm. As you noted, sarcasm is belittling. If you are going to speak, speak the truth. Some people have a talent at making witty and clever brief remarks–use that skill or develop it. Humor can help make a point (if appropriate to the situation,) but not sarcasm.

Sometimes the discussion can go longer. Avoid monologue. Avoid any appearance of “holier than thou.” Be compassionate.

 

[lwest]

Locust and honey flavored? Mmm.

Use humor and witt but avoid sarcasm.

Now THAT’S where I have a problem. It’s hard for me to draw the line between humor and sarcasm. But, you’re right, it’s a skill and skills can be developed. Thanks for the advise. It really makes sense. And you’re right, we don’t want to come off as ‘holier than thou’…enough people have been driven away from the Church…we need to bring them back!