My sister is taking contraception. What should I do? - Page 5

underacloud · #61 May 9, '12, 10:10 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs Sally

Excellent. The issue to be concerned about is her lack of faith. The way to help with that is first to pray for her and second to show her a loving example of a good Christian.

On the contraception issue, you've said you piece. Don't ask any more questions. If it comes up in conversation naturally you can say something, but don't get into a fire and brimestone speach. That's not your place.

Your goal should be to draw her into the Church, where her soul can be redeemed and her conscience can be formed.

Yes, I agree.

First introduce her to Christ and His Church, through prayer and good Christian example. Do not be concerned that your sister may be sinning by using contraception; be concerned that she doesn't know Christ.

The issue of contraception is a stumbling block for many Catholics. It is a hard doctrine to understand even for many of us who respectfully obey the teachings of the Church. It is not the place to begin with when trying to introduce people to the faith (though can/should be defended when it comes up).

collette124 · #62 May 10, '12, 2:49 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Stegmeir

Have you ever heard the saying that you can be right but also be wrong at the same time? She may be your sister, but all things considered, her sexual behavior is none of your business! If you value your relationship with her, and for that matter, the rest of your family, let the subject drop. By pursueing the matter all you are going to do is promulgate hate and discontent within your family- which is a sin unto itself !

I agree with the previous post it really is not any of your business.

"Judge not lest ye be judged"

Trebor135 · #63 May 10, '12, 5:11 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by collette124

I agree with the previous post it really is not any of your business.

Unless it came up unexpectedly--without him raising the issue. No need to jump to uncharitable conclusions.

Quote:

"Judge not lest ye be judged"

"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." (John 7:24)

I see the OP merely expressing genuine concern for his sister's spiritual welfare.

To imply that the OP is being judgmental is an act best described as judgmental.

Where has he declared her predestined for eternal doom or said anything that one can take to be uncharitable?

Mystic Banana · #64 May 11, '12, 5:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatriceA

The post number that stevestone1988 quoted, was directed at YOU, not the OP, if you go back reread the whole thread.

It was replying to me, but not referring to me - there's a difference!!! I don't think you're reading it properly... or if you are, it's even more insulting then I thought....... either that, or you are!

**Holly3278** · #65 May 11, '12, 5:48 pm

I would go to a couple of anti-contraception websites such as http://www.onemoresoul.com/ and print some stuff out for her to read. Let her get informed about the consequences of contraception. There is much free stuff to print out at the website I mentioned. There is also a lot of stuff that you can buy.

PumpkinSeed · #66 May 11, '12, 5:59 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by marty1818

Well you told her it was sinful so there is not much else you can do except pray for her.

Yep. This is what I think.

Also does she claim to be Catholic? if she does you can tell her exactly why shes not one.

paperwight66 · #67 May 12, '12, 4:18 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by PumpkinSeed

Yep. This is what I think.

Also does she claim to be Catholic? if she does you can tell her exactly why shes not one.

In the very first post it says she is not a Catholic. it's always best to read a whole thread.

jazzy0710 · #68 May 12, '12, 5:42 pm

It might be a sin, but if she chooses not to go to church or practice the faith, it's her business.

Mystic Banana · #69 May 13, '12, 5:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy0710

It might be a sin, but if she chooses not to go to church or practice the faith, it's her business.

....but technically speaking, we're supposed to tell her it's a sin, and that she should go to Church........

Lost_Sheep · #70 May 15, '12, 4:20 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystic Banana

....but technically speaking, we're supposed to tell her it's a sin, and that she should go to Church........

But once you've done that, you've done your job. You can't force anyone to heed your advice.

maryjk · #71 May 15, '12, 6:55 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luna Lovecraft

If you're comfortable taking direction from a child about your sex life, party on.

Me? Not so much.

Eeeewwww.

I am with you.

According to other posts, the OP is in high school.

Mystic Banana · #72 May 15, '12, 5:17 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lost_Sheep

But once you've done that, you've done your job. You can't force anyone to heed your advice.

Yeah - I don't think there's a "failed to evangelise? Well, let them rot in mortal sin!" pseudo-positivity to all this. If you believe it's worthwhile, you'll want to do your best to convince the other person to do what you believe is right and good for them. Which, yes! May even involve trying twice

Heck, maybe more!!

Basic morality

That said, a tactical approach would indicate labouring the point may not be especially effective - But, as I've said before THAT'S WHY THEY'VE POSTED ON HERE!!!

In Training · #73 May 15, '12, 6:12 pm

OP -

I think this perpetuates one of the most criticized points about Catholic practice today: the belief that being Catholic gives you the right to "save" everyone...by telling them what to do because they are doing it all wrong. THAT approach will earn you no one's respect.

Your sister is not even Catholic, so stop trying to make her be one. It is the Church's job to educate on what is acceptable behavior, not anyone else's, not yours, not even her parents' (since she is an adult now). I know you're desperately trying to "help" her, but you don't help somebody by forcing them to do things/not do things according to your opinion. That's called controlling, and nobody likes feeling controlled. You can give her advice until she doesn't want advice anymore, and then you have to stop. You can disapprove all you want, but if God wants her to behave a certain way, HE WILL TELL HER. It's not up to you or anyone else to decide what's morally right for her.

Trebor135 · #74 May 15, '12, 8:14 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by In Training

OP -

I think this perpetuates one of the most criticized points about Catholic practice today: the belief that being Catholic gives you the right to "save" everyone...by telling them what to do because they are doing it all wrong. THAT approach will earn you no one's respect.

Your sister is not even Catholic, so stop trying to make her be one. It is the Church's job to educate on what is acceptable behavior, not anyone else's, not yours, not even her parents' (since she is an adult now). I know you're desperately trying to "help" her, but you don't help somebody by forcing them to do things/not do things according to your opinion. That's called controlling, and nobody likes feeling controlled. You can give her advice until she doesn't want advice anymore, and then you have to stop. You can disapprove all you want, but if God wants her to behave a certain way, HE WILL TELL HER. It's not up to you or anyone else to decide what's morally right for her.

Friends don't let friends drive drunk. Even on a deserted dirt road on which no other cars can reasonably be expected to travel in the middle of the night.

The OP has done a good job so far. He hasn't been going after his sister about this issue, but merely expressed himself on something that came up when talking to her, and since then has posted to ask what, if anything, he should do.

My advice would be not to press her on the matter--it will probably make things worse--but instead to pray that God will do what is best. We have no need to attack the OP for what he has done and how he sees the situation--he has someone's best interests at heart and is dealing with his concern in a way that does not involve shouting at her.

Lost_Sheep · #75 May 16, '12, 4:55 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystic Banana

That said, a tactical approach would indicate labouring the point may not be especially effective

Perhaps, but the more you proselytize the more they are going to be resistant. I think one should get their own house in order before anything else and not "cast the first stone."

You worry about your soul and I'll worry about mine.