Should I take my Cousin Benny to Church?

Question

He has Tourets Syndrome and is prone to very inapropriate outbursts using profanity and rated "R" subject matter.. Help Anyone?

Answer 1

Of course. Obviously God wouldn't have given your Cousin Benny Tourette's Syndrome if he didn't want him to cuss in church.

God loves profanity.

Answer 2

In theory, all should be welcome at worship services.

In practice, however, sometimes things don't live up to the ideal. Some congregations are more relaxed about this sort of thing that others.

I would advise talking with the priest or pastor ahead of time and lay a little groundwork so that you will have support in the event that some do not understand --you want to try to minimize the possibility of Benny's feelings being hurt by people who might respond negatively.

I have attended many worship services where different sorts of people have been present who were not able to sit quietly in their seats. I have seen mature congregations who are very welcoming and accepting of things like this -- and there are other congregations that have had no exposure to people who are different from them, and they may not know yet how to respond in love and hospitality.

As Christians we need to learn to include all people, but this is not something that comes naturally -- sometimes there is a bit of a learning curve involved.

Answer 3

Of course you should take him. In many Catholic Churches, we have soundproof rooms with one or more large windows looking right out into the body of the Church for such things. Tourets is no excuse for the neglect of someone's soul.

Answer 4

I think you should, it's not his fault that he has that. God loves everybody, and He knows that your cousin can't control his outbursts of profanity.

Answer 5

That sounds fun. Maybe you should record the whole thing and put it on youtube.

Answer 6

Ask him if he wants to go. Let him decide.