Word?

[mongobongo]

My sister-in-law, a non-practicing Jewish woman (married to my brother, a non-practicing Catholic) has a “thing” about me and my faith. So far, I have never responded. Ever. Every time I leave their house, I can’t help but think about what would happen if I said even half the things she says about Catholicism about Judaism. Naturally, we all know what I would be called. What is the word one uses to describe or identify one who is completely intolerant of Catholicism and Catholic individuals?

Thanks.

 

[NotWorthy]

Well, how can she know the truth if you don’t explain it to her?

If you respond with silence, it only makes her feel that you (and The Church) are guilty.

 

[T700]

Antisemitism derives from the ethnic roots of Judaism, as in, “the Semantic people”. Catholics, being a universal religion of all people everywhere, lacks that kind of an ethnic identification that would give an easy creation of a specific word to describe the prejudice against them.

The generic term is simply anti-Catholicism. A less commonly used word is anti-clericalism. That is more rigidly defined as someone who objects to the idea of the authority of the Pope in matters spiritual and secular.

Personally, the word I would use to describe them is, “ignorant” or perhaps, “rude”.

Paul

 

[rwoehmke]

Antisemitism derives from the ethnic roots of Judaism, as in, “the Semantic people”.

I assume you mean “the Semitic people.” Whether one is an anti-semite, anti-Catholic, or anti almost any other group, including protestants, Mormons, and J.W.s the word is BIGOT. As in any fairly large group we have a few on these forums.

 

[T700]

I assume you mean “the Semitic people.” Whether one is an anti-semite, anti-Catholic, or anti almost any other group, including protestants, Mormons, and J.W.s the word is BIGOT. As in any fairly large group we have a few on these forums.

LOL…yes, Semitic. That should teach me not to type so fast. Thanks for catching that.

Paul

 

[FaithfultoHim]

You have perhaps been silent until the time is right to speak up. If and when you do speak, say very little, smile, and refuse - absolutely refuse - to argue with your brother’s spouse. You are merely informing in a matter of fact and loving way.

Maybe do a little research on one of the comments that she typically makes and think how you can say it in one sentence with a smile and love in your heart.
Is there something that she typically says that we could help you with?

 

[e61iuser]

My sister-in-law, a non-practicing Jewish woman (married to my brother, a non-practicing Catholic) has a “thing” about me and my faith. So far, I have never responded. Ever. Every time I leave their house, I can’t help but think about what would happen if I said even half the things she says about Catholicism about Judaism. Naturally, we all know what I would be called. What is the word one uses to describe or identify one who is completely intolerant of Catholicism and Catholic individuals?

Thanks.

I think the word you’re looking for is “bigot”.

 

[LIZA3213]

What are some of her comments? It might help some of us who would like to help you with a response.

 

[mongobongo]

Thanks for all the answers!

They have a child that is eight. When she was born, they decided not to raise her as “anything” since neither one practices. Her parents went crazy, though they don’t practice either and didn’t raise their own child (my sister in law) with any religion. At that time, they asked my brother if they limit my visits since “I would convert the baby.” (I have never tried to convert anybody.)

Over Christmas, I visited their house (complete with a Christmas tree and lights) and dropped off gifts. I barely speak to my sister in law. I gave her a coffee table book of Italy (where I just spent four months). She immediately went crazy (actually yelled at me) and told me that “she knew what I was up to, and how I am always trying to convert them.”

In all honesty, I would like to see my brother return to his faith, but I have no fantasties regarding my sister in law. My niece is another story because I think she would not be able to thrive spiritually in such an environment. I have just left it alone. My sister in law, spurred on my her bigoted (thanks!) is intolerant and undereducated. She is very angry and in all kindness, perhaps not quite able to fully “hear” anything one would have to say on this subject.

She apologized immediately via email (after I left) and I acnowledged her apology, but I would like to be better armed for the next attack.

That’s the most recent story, but hopefully you all get it. Thanks again,

Susan

 

[T700]

That is just plain abnormal behavior, even for a confirmed atheist or agnostic. I would wonder if she doesn’t have some terrible incident in her past. I’ll keep her and your family in my prayers.

Paul

 

[ForMary]

How unfortunate for you. My advice is to pray for guidance. Perhaps you already have and silence is what you’ve been guided to do.

I would agree that bigot and ignorant define the behavior you describe, though I’m curious, have you spoken to your brother? Not to intervene, but for his opinion on the matter? He may know why she is so easily “set off” by you and the paranoia of conversion.

Though (not to hijack the thread) while I don’t necessarily advocate “converting” people, I do encourage every Catholic to invite others to the banquet. An invitation can be declined and that is fine, but at least we know we invited people.

 

[mongobongo]

Sorry, I just read the last post I wrote and it is full of typos. I guess (I hope) you were all able to figure out what I meant. Thanks for the two responses.

My brother feels that all religions are a man-made invention to lessen the reality of death. Some of this he has gleaned from Ayn Rand, some of it just has to do with his own issues - he was very unhappy in Catholic school as an example. We have talked about it a lot, and he has had a lot of problems with his in-laws. Their prejudice towards him as a non-Jew is outstanding. He has confronted his in-laws and they seem unconcerned, and very much entitled to say whatever they want. In fairness, they have curtailed their comments about religion to behind his back as opposed to his face. I don’t doubt that some of my sister in law’s horrific response has to do with her parents and their anger over her choice of a marriage partner.

I have been silent because, yes, out of prayer and deep thought, I have discerned it is best to be silent on this subject…I spoke to a priest about it at one point, and he pointed out that the best thing I can do is a be a witness of love and rationality. I have tried that.

In the event I ever get in a situation like the one that happened recently, I would like to be able to be more quick and not so tongue tied. I would like to calmly point out that her attitude is irrational, bigoted and intolerant. I was hoping there is a word that is the equivalent to anti-Semitic, but thanks to you all, I now know there isn’t.

I really appreciate the help and if any of you have any other thoughts, I would love to hear them.

God bless and Mary keep!

 

[CB_Catholic]

My sister-in-law, a non-practicing Jewish woman (married to my brother, a non-practicing Catholic) has a “thing” about me and my faith. So far, I have never responded. Ever. Every time I leave their house, I can’t help but think about what would happen if I said even half the things she says about Catholicism about Judaism. Naturally, we all know what I would be called. What is the word one uses to describe or identify one who is completely intolerant of Catholicism and Catholic individuals?

Thanks.

When my BIL and SIL left the Church they became very anti-Catholic and when we would visit them would make nasty comments about Catholicism. One day I had enough and simply said " Do you realize how plain RUDE it is to invite someone into your home and then make nasty comments about their religious beliefs? It is just plain rude and discourteous behavior."

And that is exactly what it is called–rude and boorish behavior. She probably wouldn’t act this way to any other guest in their home, so I don’t think it is a bad idea to point out that you are a guest in their home and expect to be treated in the same manner as she would treat another guest. You don’t need to defend your faith here–it’s probably a waste of time. You just need to remind her of common, everyday, courtesy and good manners.

My in-laws got the hint and we never had to deal with this again from them, as a matter of fact, they were pretty apologetic about the whole thing. Kind of shook them up.