Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe 5859
Sorry it turned out that way.  I can't say that I'm surprised.
If you look at it from her perspective, she is probably so sure of her own views about how dangerous Catholic teaching is that she feels compelled to "convert" as many Catholics as she can. I can understand that.
I think the whole ordeal illustrates very well what not to do in evangelization. It doesn't make you feel very loved if a person is only talking to you because you're wrong and they're right and if you just listen to them (because, of course, why would they need to listen to you?) then you'll be saved and everyone will be happy.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't like to feel like I'm someone's spiritual conquest.
I firmly believe that one of the best things Catholics can do on the internet is just be present and show others that we are loving, reasonable people. We're not fringe weirdos. We're not mindless idiots. We're not judgmental hypocrites. We're not foul-mouthed trolls. We're ordinary people who speak the truth in love. I think that's the witness that speaks the loudest.
Not to say that it doesn't help for us to know what we're talking about and to be able to articulate the Church's position clearly and convincingly. We need to be able to do that, too. But it doesn't matter how well we do that if we start treating other people like notches in our conversion belt. |
I've noticed that some self-professed Catholics (meaning I'm not sure if they are Catholic or not) go to youtube and are charitable and serious. And they post true Church teaching and are attacked via arguments that are uncharitable, illogical, and often absolutely stupid. Then these Catholics respond with cursing and really nasty posts. I see that as horrible. No matter what is said we have to be charitable, especially because there are lurkers there, just as here. And we are sometimes the only representatives of the Catholic Faith. Why should anyone believe us if we are so nasty?
I saw that happen this morning and the post I read was awful, so full of the "F" word. I've called someone a troll but he really is a troll. Now I've backed out of that "discussion" because I realize I will never change his mind but he might have the power to make me react with a severe lack of charity. How many times do I have to post: "Catholics do not worship Mary!" I would be wealthy if I had a dollar for every time I have written and said that. And it seems to make no difference. The same people are still telling me that Catholics worship Mary. And now I'm getting the "Co-Mediator" and "Co-Mediatrix" complaints. I knew that would happen; I think everyone did. But Truth is Truth is Truth. If it is taught by the Magisterium it is true, even if 99% of the people in the world disagree.
These people don't have a strong base. They don't understand that the Catholic Church is the church with the full Deposit of Faith. So of course they don't accept her teachings. Being surrounded with people who call the Pope the Anti-Christ and the Church the Whore of Babylon doesn't help. People are so superstitious. Store checkers have told me many times that if the total rung up is $6.66 some people demand that an object they've purchased be put back on the shelf or another added, just to get rid of that "666." That is absurd thinking. If they don't understand how silly that is, how can they be expected to understand a concept as complicated as God's Church? (But then if they think they need an exorcist, which church will they go running to?)
We are held to a higher standard and we should be because we are so blessed by being Catholics. I wonder what it would have been like if I had been taught horrible things about the Church by my parents. It must be so hard to come to the conclusion that the church one has been raised in is not the True Church, although I've seen many posts on CAF by people who have done that very thing. That takes initiative and courage. My Mom did that and I am so proud of her.
I think I will be spending more time praying for the people who are really trolls and not interested in learning truth and less time attempting to evangelize on youtube, although I will still present Church teaching for those who are requesting it.
And NO private discussions.
Thanks again, everyone. I've learned so much from this experience. Thank you for taking the time to help me. I've been feeling kind of lonely lately and I don't have that feeling anymore. God bless all of you!
Re: Someone on youtube Wants to Discuss Catholicism; How do I Share?
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