Author Topic: Treatment towards Non-Catholics (Read 1409 times)

Cantarella · « **on:** June 22, 2013, 05:20:52 PM »

Beyond civility and social graces, how a Catholic deal with heretics (vast MAJORITY of people) all day long on a daily basis?.

Can Catholics have Non- Catholic friends? To what extent are we to be exclusivists?

songbird · « **Reply #1 on:** June 22, 2013, 10:06:12 PM »

Be yourself. Bless your food and say your meal prayers, wear a miraculous medal if you can get away with it. I wore mine when being a special aid on a bus. My employers were witches, literally. They had their covens. No one stopped me and everyone knew where I had my head/soul. Those who used God's name in front of me and smirked with, "Oh, I am sorry,they would say to me." I said, don't tell me sorry tell God. So, be yourself and enjoy and be proud of your catholicism.

Anthony Benedict · « **Reply #2 on:** June 22, 2013, 11:22:58 PM »

Example commonly precedes interest.

On any given day, a finite number of people are moved toward the good.

The Parable of the Sower is as true today as in 30 AD.

Mabel · « **Reply #3 on:** June 22, 2013, 11:51:30 PM »

Remember that you are probably the only representation of authentic Catholicism that they will likely come across. Live your faith but do it is such a way that you avoid what may cause scandal or offend. What I mean by "offend" is to be non-confrontational and to avoid insults, backhanded comments, etc. I believe that when priests had to dine in mixed company, where saying grace in an outward manner would offend, it was customary to bow the head quickly and discreetly before sitting for the meal. There is a time and place for everything, even discretion.

When I deal with heretics, I keep it secular. The office of preaching belongs to the clergy, so I feel I have no need to preach. Debating isn't an option either, as it puts truth and error on an equal level. Those authorized by the Church have already printed, with permission, books containing an imprimatur on apologetics, which I can cite or refer them to if necessary. Explaining and witnessing, totally, but there is a time and place. So that leaves me with a chance to practice charity and good manners, and I try to find common ground in matters not related to faith, if the discussion of matters outside of a task at hand are necessary.

I deal with Protestants, a lot, on a social level. In some cases I have been able to present the view of traditional Catholics and it has been well received. In all things, I try to point them in a small way towards anything that would be a step closer to the Faith. Keep in mind that God wants us to live according to our state in life, and for married women it means being gracious and graceful, not a missionary. :cheers:

Frances · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2013, 12:15:52 AM »

Be yourself. BE NATURAL. If you normally wear a scapular under your clothes (as you are supposed to) continue. Don't show up draped in religious items and make a spectacle of yourself. Show interest in others' interests as Christ Himself or Our Blessed Mother would have done. Practice, that means DO, the virtues. After a time, most people will show an interest in you or will at least reciprocate in kind. Then the topic of religion can be raised. MOST of the time, avoid the Protestant "witness" approach of ramming it down others' throats. But DO be open to the leading of the Holy Ghost. I've heard Fr. Pfeiffer convert a total stranger on the other side of the world via cell phone. But that is Fr. Pfeiffer being himself. Don't worry about not "converting" people. That's the Holy Ghost's job, anyway. Plant a few seeds of interest and see what happens. Often, I think we'll see the results only in heaven. And by all means, make friends if possible. Friendship can be on varying levels. Being Catholic doesn't mean going about "holier than thou" as if all others are unworthy of our attention. True Catholics are confident in Our Lord, so are not afraid to be among pagans as if they have a lethal contagious disease. If you are in doubt if something or someone is an occasion of sin, ask a priest for his advice. I work for long hours among sincere but mistaken Protestants. The more I see the deficiencies of their religion, the stronger my Catholic faith becomes. Several of my colleagues have become interested in learning the Catholic point of view. One lady has been "secretly" praying the Rosary. I'm looking for news of her conversion soon. If God has you working among pagans or heretics or even witches, there is a reason. Pray to find out what is to be your part instead of bemoaning your fate. Remember the words of the Old Testament Saint Mordechai to Saint Esther, "Who knoweth whether thou art not therefore come to the kingdom, that thou mightest be ready in such a time as this?"

poche · « **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2013, 02:16:24 AM »

Remember you could be the only Catholic that people meet.

poche · « **Reply #6 on:** June 23, 2013, 02:31:14 AM »

An elderly man came into the church today. He seemed uncomfortable. He said that he was a Protestant, though not a good one. I told him that that was ok. He was welcome to become a Catholic. He could become a good Catholic.
Please pray for this person.

Telesphorus · « **Reply #7 on:** June 23, 2013, 03:50:34 AM »

When I was a boy I thought all non-Catholics should be sent to Australia.

jen51 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 23, 2013, 04:36:12 AM »

Quote from: Telesphorus

When I was a boy I thought all non-Catholics should be sent to Australia.

Lol. What? Why?

Telesphorus · « **Reply #9 on:** June 23, 2013, 04:38:20 AM »

Quote from: jen51

Quote from: Telesphorus
When I was a boy I thought all non-Catholics should be sent to Australia.

Lol. What? Why?

If you have to ask why, you wouldn't understand.

jen51 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 23, 2013, 04:45:18 AM »

Quote from: Telesphorus

Quote from: jen51
Quote from: Telesphorus
When I was a boy I thought all non-Catholics should be sent to Australia.

Lol. What? Why?

If you have to ask why, you wouldn't understand.

Oh? Why do you assume I wouldn't understand? It's a honest question. Is it because it's isolated and far away?

Telesphorus · « **Reply #11 on:** June 23, 2013, 04:48:23 AM »

Quote from: jen51

Oh? Why do you assume I wouldn't understand? It's a honest question. Is it because it's isolated and far away?

I thought the whole world should be Catholic, but I didn't know what to do with people who wouldn't convert.

It seemed like there would be enough room in Australia for those people.

I was maybe 12 or something.

jen51 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 23, 2013, 04:58:29 AM »

Quote from: Telesphorus

Quote from: jen51
Oh? Why do you assume I wouldn't understand? It's a honest question. Is it because it's isolated and far away?

I thought the whole world should be Catholic, but I didn't know what to do with people who wouldn't convert.

It seemed like there would be enough room in Australia for those people.

I was maybe 12 or something.

Oh ok.

If only the Protestant heresies could be isolated to just one place. I wonder what the world would be like. Much different, I am sure.

Sigismund · « **Reply #13 on:** June 23, 2013, 11:47:17 AM »

I think it would look pretty much like California. :smile:

Cantarella · « **Reply #14 on:** June 25, 2013, 04:51:11 PM »

Hate the sin but not the sinner? I struggle with harsh judgement. Sometimes it makes social situations awkward.