Is it better to defend or just ignore?

Question

It is better to defend against questions like "When confronting Catholics about their man-made traditions...?
do you ever feel like you are casting pearls before swine? Will they ever listen to God's word? Do you know anyone personally who was raised catholic and suddenly believed the truth of the Bible?" or is it better to just ignore such "questions"?

I am thinking that this was not really a question as it was an attack and accusation with a question mark on the end of the attack.

Are we legitimizing such hatred when we reply?

Answer 1

Laugh out loud.

Answer 2

Don't let it bother you! If she is truly spreading lies about you and none of it is true, then eventually the truth will be revealed about her. She will slip up eventually and cause major problems with her part of the family. I know it's hard to let things like that roll off your back but just bite the bullet and take the high road. It does sound like you've taken the right steps so far, I mean talking to him about it was the right thing to do so that he understands how all this is making you feel. Just don't get the kids involved whatever you do - because you can never ever take that back and they will always remember their mom fighting with the girlfriend...if you know what I mean. You're going about this the right way...just keep at it and I know it's very frustrating - I've been in much the same situation. Over time, she'll slowly stop, especially if she starts to realize that you really don't give a hoot what she says or thinks about you.

Answer 3

At our Confirmation, we are called to be Soldiers of Christ, Defenders of the Faith. We are to "be prepared to offer a defense of the hope that is within us." 1 Peter 3:15.

Yes, answering an antagonist only encourages them. If they were the only ones viewing the answer, they would be better ignored. The problem comes with the others who are observing. Some people don't know enough about Christianity to have an opinion, and if we allow the questions to go unchecked, many will be led astray.

Answer 4

I made a statement referring to the fact that we all stick to our own philosophies and opinions called;
"R the words we keep on writing only pearls b4 the swine"

this was a statement to all of us on YA on both sidea of the religious fence, not just Catholics. I won't change, you wont change, so is it worth it! we can debate until we are blue in the face, does it make a difference? and why bother? that was the meaning behind the question.

as for other questions, the point is to tell your side, your philosophy, if it differs from the asker, so what! it is a chance for you to say what you want to say. you reply to the questions and it does not legitimize the askers hatred, though hatred is a very strong word, I do not hate anyone,.

Answer 5

I wouldn't say you're legitimising it but certainly giving the asker of such hateful questions what they want--a response, and attention. He who would defend the Gospel will defend a Lion--which needs no defense. If you know who you are and Whose you are, nothing anyone else says can take your faith from you, unless you voluntarily allow them to do so. Ignore them. Turn off the computer, or click on a more useful question. If people ignore these childish "questions" they will go away.

Answer 6

I know many people who were raised catholic and who were suddenly touched by Jesus and His Words. In fact it happens a lot here in Brazil. More and more catholics, spiritualists and even atheists are really "being toched" by God!
The best thing (which I will make use in my life forever) is not to judge. We spread The Word, God's Holy Spirit convinces of everything else!
Keep still, don't give up, don't judge and don't allow these words to come out from your mouth. Belief is stronger and deeper than anything else and only those who have their lives based on God's Words reach this Real Faith without which it is impossible to please God!
God Bless you!

Answer 7

I will answer part of your question. I was raised Catholic but my family left the church due to my mother could not take communion because of divorce. I am now non-denominational Christian. My older brother is Catholic, my sister teaches at a Catholic school and my younger brother is a Methodist minister. The real church is any believer who believes in Jesus it is not a building or any certain denomination there are saved Catholics, Methodists, Luthern ect.

Answer 8

IMO, our job is to present the truth of the Gospel as instructed by Jesus. The power to do so properly comes from the Holy Spirit. Paul said, "...Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth."

If you read through the Bible, you will find that God needs no defense.

Answer 9

There are several here who are simply anti-Catholic bigots and their questions are deliberate goads -- they are vastly entertained whenever they receive answers from Catholics. These are ignorable; they will still get several amens from their like-minded brethren and have a good hearty chuckle at our expense.

Answer 10

If a question is asked it should be addressed. Inevitably someone's feelings will get hurt doing this.

If we are always afraid of hurting someone's feelings then nothing can get discussed. We just have to answer in a reasonable manner and try not to deliberately add to the hurt.