Catholics, how do you keep you faith as Catholics in the midst of criticism against your beliefs?

Question

thanks in advance for your answers.

Answer 1

There are a lot of false, anti-Catholic statements going on. There alwasys have been; it was stated by Christ Himself. But we don’t worry about that, it is confirmation that we are on the right track. Jesus said, "If they hated me, they will hate you; if they persecuted me, they will persecute you." and "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter evil falshood against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven."

If the world ever stops reviling and persecuting and uttering falsehood against us, that's when we will need to start to worry.

Yours in Christ.

Answer 2

There has never been a time when the Catholic Church was not the recipient of criticism against it's beliefs. That's why this sort of thing makes no difference to Catholics.

Answer 3

You know, it has a lot to do with believing that what we believe is true. It doesn't matter what other people say, and the Church has endured for thousands of years. Why would a couple cynics or non-believers change that? Also, many of the arguments presented against the Church are based on falsehoods and/or immorality, so it is best to cling to what is good. We trust in the Lord, for we know that He will fulfill his promise to us!

Answer 4

It forces me to learn the truth about my Catholic beliefs and makes me a stronger Catholic.

If it was't for people challenging my beliefs, i would never have found out the reason for those beliefs. i thank them.

Answer 5

Believe in God, know that this is the right faith. Dont hate those who criticize you, love them, it's not their fault. But mostly pray, pray, pray! Us Catholics [Roman or not] HAVE to stick together because others want to see us fall apart!

Answer 6

From the lives of all the saints who have rock-solid confidence. When you realise their lives you see how much you missed out on. And also something daring - you have an urge to become like them.

Answer 7

before I listen to the poisonous tongue of people like the one who answered here first, I study the reasons behind my faith. that help me keep my faith as a Catholic, because I get to study the Catholic teachings deeper.

Answer 8

See this short video:

http://www.themessenger.com.au/Video/20070329.htm

Answer 9

Every time you see someone persecuting the Catholic Church, or speaking falsely against her, be happy, because those people are merely helping Catholics to gain their eternal reward in Heaven.
It is a promise from Jesus Christ Himself.



"Do not be surprised, brethren, IF THE WORLD HATES YOU." 1John 3:13

"IF THE WORLD HATES YOU, KNOW THAT IT HATED ME BEFORE YOU.
IF YOU WERE OF THE WORLD, THE WORLD WOULD LOVE ITS OWN. BUT BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU OUT OF THE WORLD, THEREFORE THE WORLD HATES YOU.
REMEMBER THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU: NO SERVANT IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER. IF THEY HAVE PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL PERSECUTE YOU ALSO; IF THEY HAVE KEPT MY WORD, THEY WILL KEEP YOURS ALSO.
BUT ALL OF THESE THINGS THEY WILL DO TO YOU FOR MY NAME'S SAKE, BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW HIM WHO SENT ME.
IF I HAD NOT COME AND SPOKEN TO THEM, THEY WOULD HAVE NO SIN. BUT NOW THEY HAVE NO EXCUSE FOR THEIR SIN. HE WHO HATES ME HATES MY FATHER ALSO. IF I HAD NOT DONE AMONG THEM WORKS SUCH AS NO ONE ELSE HAS DONE, THEY WOULD HAVE NO SIN. BUT NOW THEY HAVE SEEN, AND HAVE HATED BOTH ME AND MY FATHER;
BUT THAT THE WORD WRITTEN IN THEIR LAW MAY BE FULFILLED, 'THEY HAVE HATED ME WITHOUT CAUSE', (Psalms 35:19)".
John 15:18-25
I would say that Jesus Christ said it all in these verses written with the inspired pen of Saint John wouldn't you?
Name another Church which is attacked so much on a daily basis as is the Catholic Church?
Jesus Christ warned us, "You will be HATED BY ALL NATIONS for My Name's sake."
Matthew 24:9

"Blessed are you when men reproach you, and persecute you, and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for My sake. REJOICE AND EXULT, BECAUSE YOUR REWARD IS GREAT IN HEAVEN; for so did they persecute the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12


We need to pray that the anti-Catholic bigot will be given a greater share in the true faith. He is usually filled with much anger and hate. He can only measure his own religion in reference to that which he opposes. I would fathom to guess that were there no Catholic religion, he would have no faith at all-- or perhaps I should call it an anti-faith? He is quick to judge and to @#%$! Catholics even though there is no consideration that if he is wrong then he has blasphemed the work of the Holy Spirit
The anti-Catholic may also sin by presumption of God's saving grace. We live in the "sure and certain hope" of our salvation, leaving our eternal destiny to divine providence. The Lord says, "Therefore, by their fruits you will know them." While the fruits of Christ's presence and loving ministry are manifested in the life of the Church, the anti-Catholic critic contends that Jesus shall respond to us with the words from Matthew 7:23, "I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of iniquity!" Many of our Protestant brethren, with whom we would differ on points of doctrine and manners of worship, work alongside us in the promotion of the Gospel of Life. However, the anti-Catholic bigot contends that these groups are contaminated by their association with Catholics and thus are also lost. What can we say to such a critic? If all he understands are isolated bible texts, then let him pay heed to this one: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:15-16).
Every Catholic needs to remember the anti-Catholic and the fallen-away Catholic every time they receive holy communion. We need to dedicate our Holy Hours to prayer on their behalf and make reparation for their insults against Jesus, his Mother, and the Church. May our prayer rise like incense to heaven and be found pleasing to Almighty God.