Why do Catholics play the role of victim so much?

[Ohwesty]

There’s something to be said for the “martyr complex.” If you’ve had enough of your own people persecuted for their beliefs, then you are entitled to have a complex (not that Catholics own the corner on suffering). The Jews are often accused of having a victim complex too. Well, after 400 years of slavery in Egypt, the Diaspora, the Inquisition, and the Holocaust, who can blame them?

• Westy

 

[water]

If you really are the one true church that Christ founded, then why do you give a hoot what anyone else thinks of you? It amazes me the extent some of you will go to play the victim’s role.

I am sorry but your generalization doesn’t make your question really clearly. Giving a few examples will help.

 

[Singinbeauty]

We’ve all heard of anti-Semitism and anti-Catholicism. I never hear the term “anti-Protestantism”. I think that answers it.

Oh, it exists. Talk to more protestants and you will hear that term. I have experienced it, and it happens A LOT on this board. By both Catholics and non-christians. You just don’t hear a lot of protestants complaining too much about it. It happens, you can’t change it as it will always exist from ignorant people. You sigh, turn the other cheek, and move on (hopefully!).

Sometimes I do get the vibe that some catholics view their Faith as a victim when it comes to the rest of the world… and complain about all the perceived anti-catholics out there. I do find myself, at times, wanting to scream… GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON! But I don’t, everyone has the right to vent…

 

[Swan]

yellowbird:

I am one of a small group of “fallen-away” Catholics who post on this forum. I have been literally bludgeoned by hateful posters who have refused to consider even one particle of anything I’ve had to say (with a few notable exceptions, like JReducation, who responds to inquiries with information, not condemnation). Hardly anyone says, “That’s interesting, marietta, but this is what I believe” or “this is what the Church teaches - you might find this applies to your situation.” Upper case fonts, bold and red lettering, character assassination, name-calling, deliberate convolution of my posts - you name it, I’ve been the subject of it.

It’s fine if people do not agree with me, or if their beliefs differ from mine. But I believe without posters like me, this forum would be a back-slapping, glad-handing ice cream social.

From my perspective, this brings out the worst in people, me included. If there is no free exchange of ideas then we are looking at a little theocracy. And if Catholics want to carry a message of compassion, hope and love, wouldn’t it be better to try another approach?

“Stand down or concede what point?” you challenge.

“Like when a non-Catholic says, ‘You guys worship Mary’ - rather than getting frustrated because we’ve already explained that one about 5,386,291 times… we should say, ‘You’re right - you got us… yep, we worship her!’ Is THAT what you’ve been waiting for? If so, you’re gonna be waiting a loooooooooooong time.”

What is it that they say? “Charity starts at home”?

marietta

Thank you!!

 

[mozart-250]

We’ve all heard of anti-Semitism and anti-Catholicism. I never hear the term “anti-Protestantism”. I think that answers it.

Are you aware how our society depicts and treats conservative evangelical protestants who oppose abortion and gay marriage?

It definitely exists even though the term may or may not be not used.

What I will not do is whine about Catholics hating me even though I have learned here that some believe that Protestants are not Christian and have no faith.

 

[emeraldcoast]

I don’t want to speak for the OP but he has a point.

Consider the titles of some of these threads:

“Why Do Orthodox Hate Catholics So Much”
(hate???)
“John Hagee=Extreme Anti-Catholic”
(Extreme???)
“Why So Much Hatred By Non-Catholic Christians”
(Hatred???)
“Why Do Baptists Hate Catholics”
(Hate???}

Meanwhile there was the recent thread
“Are Protestants Christians”

Now I would have expected a thread in response to this one
“Why Do Catholics Hate Protestants So Much” but haven’t seen any.

Anyway, my :twocents:

 

[kalt]

I’ve read quite a few of your posts. You speak of the “yoke of Catholicism”.

It’s obvious that you have no real interest in discussion.
And, since you’re a former Catholic, you aren’t here to learn about Catholic beliefs. You know what those beliefs are and have rejected them.

Could it be that you’re here trying to prove that Catholicism is wrong?

You say that no one has ever conceded a point. Can you name a point made here that you think Catholics should have conceded? And can you provide the reason Catholics were wrong for not conceding? (other than that you disagree)

Sounds more like martyrdom than victimhood. Suffering with purpose?

You care. It’s all over this forum how angry and frustrated you get. I have yet to see one of you stand down or concede a point. This is not so much a discussion forum as it is a support group.

marietta

 

[kalt]

Arrogance? How do you know that people haven’t considered your views?

You do know that it’s entirely possible to read what you say, consider it, and reject it.

yellowbird:

I am one of a small group of “fallen-away” Catholics who post on this forum. I have been literally bludgeoned by hateful posters who have refused to consider even one particle of anything I’ve had to say (with a few notable exceptions, like JReducation, who responds to inquiries with information, not condemnation). Hardly anyone says, “That’s interesting, marietta, but this is what I believe” or “this is what the Church teaches - you might find this applies to your situation.” Upper case fonts, bold and red lettering, character assassination, name-calling, deliberate convolution of my posts - you name it, I’ve been the subject of it.

It’s fine if people do not agree with me, or if their beliefs differ from mine. But I believe without posters like me, this forum would be a back-slapping, glad-handing ice cream social.

From my perspective, this brings out the worst in people, me included. If there is no free exchange of ideas then we are looking at a little theocracy. And if Catholics want to carry a message of compassion, hope and love, wouldn’t it be better to try another approach?

“Stand down or concede what point?” you challenge.

“Like when a non-Catholic says, ‘You guys worship Mary’ - rather than getting frustrated because we’ve already explained that one about 5,386,291 times… we should say, ‘You’re right - you got us… yep, we worship her!’ Is THAT what you’ve been waiting for? If so, you’re gonna be waiting a loooooooooooong time.”

What is it that they say? “Charity starts at home”?

marietta

 

[kalt]

I’ve never met a Catholic who thinks that Protestants aren’t Christian. But I’ve met many Protestants who think that Catholics aren’t Christian, are lost, are going to Hell, are deluded, etc.

FWIW, the Protestants-aren’t-Xian baloney is nothing but throwing the non-Xian thing back in Protestant’s faces.

IMO, it’s childish “I know you are but what am I.” nonsense.

IMO, Protestants’ saying that Catholics aren’t Christians is born of ignorance and hatred for all things Catholic. Many people truly believe what they say. They’ve been taught this kind of junk by their ministers, read it in “Xian” books (Though how Xian can an anti-Catholic tome be?),hear it at meetings,see it in pamphlets, etc.

If you don’t beleive that anti-Catholicism exists, take an hour and look at the book selection in a Xian bookstore.

Anti-Catholicism isn’t only a reality–it’s an industry.

Any Catholic who claims that Protestants aren’t Xian should have his head examined. If everything checks out, he should be ordered back to CCD. And a time out in the grabby chair is in order.

Are you aware how our society depicts and treats conservative evangelical protestants who oppose abortion and gay marriage?

It definitely exists even though the term may or may not be not used.

What I will not do is whine about Catholics hating me even though I have learned here that some believe that Protestants are not Christian and have no faith.

 

[mozart-250]

I’ve never met a Catholic who thinks that Protestants aren’t Christian. But I’ve met many Protestants who think that Catholics aren’t Christian, are lost, are going to Hell, are deluded, etc.

FWIW, the Protestants-aren’t-Xian baloney is nothing but throwing the non-Xian thing back in Protestant’s faces.

IMO, it’s childish “I know you are but what am I.” nonsense.

For your good reading.

It works both ways.

IMO, Protestants’ saying that Catholics aren’t Christians is born of ignorance and hatred for all things Catholic. Many people truly believe what they say. They’ve been taught this kind of junk by their ministers, read it in “Xian” books (Though how Xian can an anti-Catholic tome be?),hear it at meetings,see it in pamphlets, etc.

If you don’t beleive that anti-Catholicism exists, take an hour and look at the book selection in a Xian bookstore.

Anti-Catholicism isn’t only a reality–it’s an industry.

Any Catholic who claims that Protestants aren’t Xian should have his head examined. If everything checks out, he should be ordered back to CCD. And a time out in the grabby chair is in order.

Just because religion ‘A’ believes that the adherants religion ‘B’ are damned for following religion ‘B’, it does not necessarily believe that religion ‘A’ hates religion ‘B’.

All that I know is the faith of religion ‘A’ is not an inclusive faith and whatever requirements religion ‘A’ has for avoiding damnation are mutually exclusive (in the eyes of religion ‘A’) of religion ‘B’.

Otherwise all religions that are not inclusive faiths can logically be accused of preaching hatred against those faiths that these religions exclude. That makes absolutely no sense.

 

[b_justb]

Why do Catholics play the role of victim so much?

Because it pays better than the role of the hero or heroine. We’re Catholic, not stupid. Show us the money!

 

[zaffiroborant]

SinginBeauty

On your signature:

To all who prayed, my guy came back from Iraq 06/04/2008 and after 14 months he is still in one piece! Thank you LORD!!! :extrahappy: :dancing: :clapping: :extrahappy: :dancing: :extrahappy: :dancing:

 

[mozart-250]

One more comment that I thought of…

A prime example of a group “playing the victim” is the assorted “homosexual rights” groups.

Conservative Christians are being told that because (1) we believe homosexuality to be a sin against God (2) we oppose gay marriage that we are “anti-gay” and have “hatred towards gays”.

The church of Jesus Christ should not be resorting to these same tacticts.

 

[marietta]

kalt:

“You say that no one has ever conceded a point,” you say. “Can you name a point made here that you think Catholics should have conceded? And can you provide the reason Catholics were wrong for not conceding? (other than that you disagree)”

On another thread I documented the fact that abortion and breast cancer are not linked. Research being offered here was a decade old. I updated the information. Not only did no one find it interesting or a relief (as some of you may have friends or family members who have had an abortion), but I was jumped on like a gnu in a pack of hyenas.

Any time I have offered a neutral source, such as the CDC, it still is unacceptable to the Catholics who have read the post, because it’s easier for them to believe in the consequence of damnation than it is to receive or acknowledge that science has changed its mind.

marietta

 

[JRKH]

If you really are the one true church that Christ founded, then why do you give a hoot what anyone else thinks of you? It amazes me the extent some of you will go to play the victim’s role.

When other’s, particularly those who claim the title Christian, are not only not Catholic, but speak against the Catholic Church, it is necessary to respond. In defending the Church, we are defending Christ.

Understanding other people’s errors also helps us to correct them. If, indeed, they will accept correction. (Some won’t).

Peace
James

 

[emeraldcoast]

SinginBeauty

On your signature:

To all who prayed, my guy came back from Iraq 06/04/2008 and after 14 months he is still in one piece! Thank you LORD!!! :extrahappy::clapping: :extrahappy: :dancing: :extrahappy: :dancing:

Zaffiroborant–I am glad that you brought this to our attention!

Praise the Lord! Please thank him for his service, SinginBeauty!

 

[Sepharad]

If you really are the one true church that Christ founded, then why do you give a hoot what anyone else thinks of you? It amazes me the extent some of you will go to play the victim’s role.

I think it has to do with the effect persecution for ones beliefs takes on a person’s mind. It can make them become more religious, or defensive. They may begin to see persecution even where it does not truly exist. I got a taste of this myself on these forums…anyone who truly knows me offline, knows I have defended the CC when I felt she should be, and criticized her when I felt she should be. Some here saw only my few criticisms and not my many defenses of their church.

Coming from a Jewish background where my family has a long history of being persecuted for our beliefs, I can relate to that. Catholics in this country are being proselytized by fundamentalists intent on defaming their religion and converting them. I can see why this would make Catholics edgy and defensive. They feel their religion is being lied about.

As a Jew, I can relate. Christians have lied about the teachings of my religion, and at times distorted them to fit their own religious views…they have used deception to try to convert us as well, so I can understand. And like the Catholics have also been, my people have been persecuted in many ways because of what we believe.

 

[Gabriel_of_12]

With 2000 years of history, it is easy not to miss the sacrifice, blood spilled by Catholics to save the apostolic teachings of Christianity.

Many non catholics have built their church communities on attacking the doctrines of the Catholic church. Without explaining what the Catholic church teaches truthfully, these non catholic church communities have distorted the Catholic church’s teachings, on the Sabbath, Confession, Baptism, Priesthood, sacraments, especially the Eucharist, Mary, Saints, Pope, the Roman Catholic church accused of being the Whore of babylon… need I go on?

What would the protestant/non catholic landscape look like if they stopped attacking the teachings of the Roman Catholic church? Pause and think about it… would the pews get empty? But that is not reality. the body of Jesus Christ on earth in the Catholic church will continue to be persecuted, Just like her founder Jesus was.

IF sharing the TRUTH makes me a victim, then let me be the first to admit I am guilty as charged. For correcting the misinformed non catholic christian communities about my Roman Catholic faith. I only pray, that I fall prey to my guilty plea, in charity, love and peace.

The only victim the Catholic church claims to is Jesus crucified, died, buried and rose from the dead on the third day, and ascended into heaven, where he sits at the right hand of the Father.

Catholics dont play the victim, Catholics rejoice from the act of our victim, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

I am guilty for laying claim to the victim for my sins. The body of Jesus Christ, suffers violence and the violent take it by force.

Peace be with you

 

[wisdomseeker]

SinginBeauty

On your signature:

To all who prayed, my guy came back from Iraq 06/04/2008 and after 14 months he is still in one piece! Thank you LORD!!! :extrahappy: :dancing: :clapping: :extrahappy: :dancing: :extrahappy: :dancing:

To God be the Glory forever for this miracle.

 

[wisdomseeker]

I think it has to do with the effect persecution for ones beliefs takes on a person’s mind. It can make them become more religious, or defensive. They may begin to see persecution even where it does not truly exist. I got a taste of this myself on these forums…anyone who truly knows me offline, knows I have defended the CC when I felt she should be, and criticized her when I felt she should be. Some here saw only my few criticisms and not my many defenses of their church.

Coming from a Jewish background where my family has a long history of being persecuted for our beliefs, I can relate to that. Catholics in this country are being proselytized by fundamentalists intent on defaming their religion and converting them. I can see why this would make Catholics edgy and defensive. They feel their religion is being lied about.

As a Jew, I can relate. Christians have lied about the teachings of my religion, and at times distorted them to fit their own religious views…they have used deception to try to convert us as well, so I can understand. And like the Catholics have also been, my people have been persecuted in many ways because of what we believe.

Amen! my brother jewish. Amen. you people suffer in one side. catholics on the other. because we belong to the God of Truth.