Why do I feel embarassed as a catholic...........?

Question

to force my religion on people, I believe in God and my religion states I should spread the word of God, but if there is one thing I have learned in life is that I should not enforce my opinions on others, does this mean I am rejecting and not accepting him?????

dont get me wrong I am stable in my own beliefs as a catholic its just the advice my father gave to me was that of 'never speak of religion football or politics in drink' ...going travelling round europe and bein from liverpool i met a lot of irish and learnt this lesson well talking about religion (with the troubles and all) this has stuck with me and now i never speak of it.

Answer 1

forcing your religion on others is counter productive....just be yourself and don't hide it...if you are living your religion to the full and you are a sane good person who behaves naturally with other people that is the best 'spreading the word' you can do...i know that if someone is banging on about their favourite music all the time or insisting that i like the same food as them i'm more likely to be turned off whatever they are so mad about as well as pissed off with them for being so arrogant as to assume they know better than anyone else....grace doesn't come from us it comes from god and if it works through us its not because of us...just be the person you are supposed to be..a regular human being....be catholic and proud ...its not a crime or a disease and don't go round judging others thinking they might be less close to god than you because of it

Answer 2

So long as you are not actively attempting to hide your Catholic heritage, you are not rejecting Christ or His Church.

As Catholics, we are all commissioned to do what we can to spread the faith. This does not mean we have to actively preach on street corners, be complete prudes when bearing witness to sinful behavior, or things like that.

For the average lay Catholic, the easiest way to spread your faith is to live by the Catholic example. When someone is compelled to ask why you do or don't do something, tell them it's because of your Catholic Faith.

In explaining the rational behind a given Catholic belief, you spread your faith without being confrontational.

You are right not to "enforce" your beliefs to hard. God wants volunteers, not conscripts.

Good luck. In simply keeping the faith and making yourself a good Catholic example to follow, you will be effective is sharing the Faith.

Answer 3

Peter, I am a Catholic. You do not have to force anything on anybody. Live the life of a good Christian. You can spread the word without uttering a single syllable. It is in the things you do everyday. Volunteer your time with things such as Habitat for humanity. Go read to an elderly person. Be a big brother. Give without seeking anything in return. Serve others out of love of God. Don't feel that you have to preach to them...you don't. When someone looks sad, give them a big smile. Walk the walk, live the life. The Lord told us to love each other. Do loving things for humanity.

Answer 4

If you have been brought up as a Catholic that I believe is what parents of Catholic children are committed to do it maybe that you do not have a conviction of their teachings. Suggest that you take some time out and explore other religions and what their beliefs are and find out the truth for yourself.

The majority of religions teach that we should spread the word but you do it with Love. Whatever know that God Lives and Jesus Christ is the Saviour of all mankindm that they love us, and that we can be reunited as families forever.

God Bless.

Answer 5

St. Francis said it this way, "Preach the Gospel constantly, and if necessary use words." Francis did not believe that you needed to preach with words. If you are really living the Christ life, people will be curious as to why your actions are the way they are and will ask.

You do not need to get a crate and stand on a corner and preach. The word Gospel means good news or euangellion. Be a good angel or be the good news.

Be creative in teaching the message. The Jehovah's Witnessess are a good example of what not to do. People see them coming and dread it. If people want to see you coming, they will listen, they may model their behavior off of yours, and you may change lives.

Look at Mother Theresa, few know what she had to say, but millions owe their life to her. Who do you think has more impact, the street preacher or the holy man?

Answer 6

heavily, upload me on your fan/favorites record so once you've any questions about Catholicism i'll respond to. i ought to publish each and everything about Catholicism properly the following in the present day notwithstanding it ought to take like an hour. I do comprehend that's embarassing to ask questions yet you are able to't study without asking. i do not recommend you to believe all the education given the following. there are various of anti-Catholic bigots on the following. edit: do not be ashamed to ask questions. there are various of sturdy knowledgeable Catholics in this internet web site that do the church and its people a sturdy service on the following. as a remember of undeniable reality it is how i got here across your question. those people answer stupid questions commonplace and many a minimum of once an afternoon.

Answer 7

Sounds like it's the Catholic religious system doing it's work on another sincere believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

It's one thing to go out and speak to others how Christ paid for their sin debt on the cross by his blood, and that we're now saved by grace through faith by it.

It's another to be told that because of this religious doctrine full of orders, laws, schedules, and sacrements I've been taught, you need to conform to it, and fulfill all of it,because it's most likely the way to heaven....according to my good hearted preist who means very very well.

See the difference? One is the equivalent of a cannon. The other is a squirt gun that no one takes seriously and is easily turned away from, yet you're told to go out there and spread that out? I wouldn't spread that on a piece of toast.....

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Not a system of good hearted, well meaning, sacrement, law-filled beliefs. It will get you no where extremely quick.

Answer 8

religion is normally an emotional topic (as it relates to deep beliefs whether you know or not) and becomes an ego issue very quickly-so i think the advice is right. you are bound to transgress someones personal beliefs if it comes up after a drink.
evryone will go to their own grave and everyone has been given a total choice to do with their time in this world so all you can do is invite them. its them who have to make the choice and commit themselves to what they belive in don't be ambarrased just look for truth yourself have look at other religions and see where you stand

Answer 9

You are called upon to spread the message. That certainly is not a force. No religion asks you to force anyone. There is therefore slight misunderstanding and certainly no rejection of God.

Answer 10

Not at all. I think the strongest witness is simply living you life according to your religion; if you're really following it, people will take notice. I first got into Buddhism after talking to one of my friends about why he came across as far more gentle, caring and concerned than most. Simply living according to the commands of God and following this truly is a stronger "spreading of the word" than many people realize.