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Scenario # 4 |
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Here's a few responses from readers like you!
| The
answer is easy. The application is hard. Being a witness to the Truth
of Christ in Catholicism is more important that the job. It is Sophia's
moral obligation to defend Catholicism because she is called to defend
Christ in his Church. That does not mean she should join the meeting
or bring up the subject at the water fountain just to blast them out
of the water by pointing out their error. It is possible she should
join the group and share the Catholic perspective on Scripture. Or,
she should bring up the subject with the water fountain "spouters"
by asking what and why. This give's Sophia the opportunity to share
the truth about Catholicism. If done in a kind and sharing spirit, Sophia
should be able to do this without upsetting the workplace. Sophia should
have good people skills since she is manager. Sophia should pray about
it and put a little trust in the talents God has given her. If it does
end up costing her job, there is no doubt God will provide her with
what she needs, possibly a better workplace! Greg Via E-Mail |
| Sophia
should say nothing. No one asked for Sophia's opinion. It is impolite
to interrupt someone else's discussion and to start telling people they
are wrong. Her remarks would not be very welcome.
If some asked her opinion or if she
was a part of the group, it would be okay for her to give her opinion.
However, she is not obligated to do so. |
| I
happen to be a 36-year-old professional Catholic manager. I also supervise
19 employees and consultants. In fact, I attend a multi-denominational
Bible Study once a week at work. There have been several occassions
where misconceptions about Catholic teaching (i.e. Purgatory) have arisen.
For the most part, it has been received well when I bring up the Catholic
interpretation of Scripture. When it has not been received well, I go
to my apologetics sources (Catholic Answeres, EWTN, etc.) and leave
printed material at the interested party's desk or mailbox. Then I pray
like crazy! I have to be more cognizant of possible law suits where
my own staff is involved--but they are very understanding Christians
and are not threatened by my Catholic input. Mary Via E-Mail |
| First
of all, if they are spouting anti-Catholic bigotted stuff, is it really
a Christian working atmosphere? Secondly, I would join the group, and,
without being pushy or rude, gently guide the reading towards the correct
points. Innocently saying things like, "I see what you mean, but
I am confused because on book such and such, verse such and such it
says the following..., how do we correlate the two? Perhaps we should delve more deeply into the issue". This might at least spark some friendly debate. The only danger with this approach is that you better know the Bible, otherwise you could find yourself in a pickle, knowing that what you are defending is true, but not being able to express why it is so! Mei-Li Via E-Mail |
|
I've
been in a similar situation as the one Sophia experienced and I sort
of have mixed emotions about this particular scenario. On one hand,
I would look forward to involving myself in the group's Christian
Bible study to attempt to insert the Catholic position on certain
beliefs. I wouldn't want to pass up an opportunity to evangelize (or
catechize), especially when I have enough confidence in the subject
matter. It would also be a learning opportunity for me to see how
non-Catholics establish their views. On the other hand, I might want
to avoid the frustration of not being able to convince anyone as to
why our faith is based on sound biblical doctrine, realizing from
past experience that their minds are already made up. I remember the
words of St. Francis De Sales, that even though God uses man as instruments,
we don't convert people, God does. I guess I would console myself
by not worrying so much about others, leaving that up God, and reflecting
on the words in Luke 12 : 48, concerning the master's return . . ."When
much has been given a man, much will be required of him". . . |
| One
way Sophia can put a quick end to the anti-Catholic whispering is to
join the Christian Bible study and be prepared to answer the inevitable
questions regarding her faith which are sure to arise. Her joining this
group, if nothing else, will give lie to the idea that Catholicism is
somehow an "unbiblical" religion, or that Catholics "don't
read the Bible." I had a similiar experience at my workplace where
we, too, have a weekly Bible study. (When I was still an evangelical
Protestant I even led it for about 2 years.) One day recently, soon
after my reversion at the beginning of one of our studies, I told the
group that I had a testimony I wanted to share. For the next hour I
both shared my testimony of why I returned to Catholicism and fielded
questions from those attending (none of whom were themselves Catholic).
They asked the usual questions one comes to expect e.g."Why do
you pray to Mary?" "What is purgatory all about?" etc.
As much as possible I tried to answer their questions by quoting a scripture
so they can see for themselves that Catholic doctrine and scripture
coincide rather than contradict. Since that day I've not had anyone
ask further questions (except for the moderator, that is. He wanted
to know if he could borrow my copy of "Surprised By Truth"
so he could read it, too!). Dennis Embo Raleigh, NC |
| I
would write a detailed letter to the mediator of the group stating that
many false truths are out there on this site and the integrity/honesty
of the site will be compromised without some sort of clear statement
and a clear,clean, closure on all the half truths. I would make certain
to use the scriptural references that non catholics need to see and
I would run it by my parish priest first to make sure I have represented
our faith properly....it's a battlefield out there and we have to use
the proper weapons to defend our faith..the first church. James Via E-Mail |
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