What should I do?

[Chris†opher Paul]

I am slowly losing it. I dont know why, but I get so angry at Protestant arguments. Its like 2+2=5 to them, and they can't see it.

It's one thing to be confused, but then you get the angry ones that believe all manner of lies about the Church.

I can barely resist laying into them with both barrels blazing.

Why did God give me this zeal, critical thinking, and constant thinking of apologetics, but at the same time, very low patience?

I know I should be kind and gentle explaining things, but it gets harder the more I see the obvious 2+2=4

Maybe I should write but not get into one-on-one conversations?



I mean, I dont want to come across mean, I am actually a nice guy but I feel consumed or something.

 

[sola fide]

Souljah, you just explained exactly how I feel about catholics bro.

God bless you.

 

[isshinwhat]

Pray more and post less, I'd say. Anger does nothing but divide. If you find yourself getting mad, realize most people honestly believe what they profess, though some are in it just to be right. Try not discussing things with those who anger you, and try to post longer responses. Short, knee-jerk responses often are inflammatory. Give your posts time to prayerfully sink in before you post them. You don't have to stop all one-on-one discussions, but just remember that our greatest gifts are also our greatest crosses to bear.

Merry Christmas!

Neal

 

[VOW]

Fill your heart with love for your fellow man and fellow woman. And praise God that CHRISTIANS have the message of Jesus in them. Our goal as Catholics is not to convert our Protestant brothers and sisters, but to eliminate the animosity amongst us, so TOGETHER we can share the Word with the rest of the world.

It isn't about "winning," Souljah. It's about love.



Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[seebs]

Also, use the "ignore" feature if you just cannot possibly talk to someone without getting mad. There's only a couple of people I have on "ignore", but it's been helping me immensely. Sometimes, you get two people who just plain can't coexist well.

And don't forget that it's okay with God if we're a little confused. I am firmly convinced that every human who has ever lived will have at least one false belief about God. I'm sure He can handle it.

 

[Anthony]

Souljah

Just like talking to non-believers, our job is to spread the Gospel, not to win souls, or convince people of doctrine. God converts people's minds and bodies. All you can do is share what you believe and exhibit in your everyday actions.

Most of the these doctrinal debates have no impact on our salvation or effect our focus on Christ, and are only used by satan to create "basic divisions" between basic Christians.

 

[seebs]

I think that's probably true of *most* doctrinal disputes. When you have debates about whether or not something is sinful, there's an assumption that the people who don't believe it's sinful, if they're wrong, could be endangering their own souls and others. (I'm personally unsure; if I may borrow a page from Catholic theology, if you don't *know* it's a grave sin, then, no matter how dim God may think you are, your sin isn't mortal.)

 

[Anthony]

Seeb

I agree it is important to know if "you" are sinning. But most debates are over minutia, which don't get anyone closer to knowing what one needs to work on personally. And even more important how to activate one's faith and take it on the road.

 

[I can eat 50 eggs]

First, take a step back, go for a walk, read a few verses, etc.

Second, do you realize that all those people that infuriate you could easily be posting the same thing about you over in the protestant forum, and complaining about how you seem such a bright guy seeking God, yet you refuse to see the truth?

Did you think that maybe God gave you the zeal, analytical mind, and love for apologetics to test so you can learn to be more patient and understanding, an area where you struggle?

 

[Anthony]

Apologetics? Defending the faith against non-believers or against other Christians? I wonder which of the two is more productive?

 

[dignitized]

the problem with the catholic/protestant "debate" is that it is polarized. Neither side is willing to move into the center of the road in order to build bridges of understanding and brotherhood.

Here's a thought - lets put ourselves in the other's shoes - I just got an Idea for a thread I wonder . . . .http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30900

 

[jukesk9]

Aw, to quote Seebs:

"The hardest part about Christianity is the Christians. God and I get along just fine."

I really didn't start to learn patience until my boy became a toddler. Patience is something I pray for daily and nightly..........Your zeal is awesome, s0uljah.

 

[Gabriel]

I know where you are coming from. You and I often butt heads here. And you and I are hard core believers in our faith. And you and I are convinced that we are right and being true to the word of God. The problem is when we cease to attempt to glorify Him and become embroiled in the need to be right. I am a pit bull who won't back down until I convince the other person that I am right. Maybe that's why we end up head to head so much.

I respect you and I like you. I don't care for the way you act sometimes, but I don't care for the way I act sometimes either. Our zeal often becomes pride and arrogance and we hurt our cause rather than help it. We have to stop bashing each other for our beliefs and we have to stop trying to convert the world. Most important, we MUST love each other and be happy that we agree on the basic and obvious route to the Father. If we can't discuss without becoming angry, perhaps discussion is something that we should avoid.

 

[Chris†opher Paul]

Originally posted by Gabriel
I know where you are coming from. You and I often butt heads here. And you and I are hard core believers in our faith. And you and I are convinced that we are right and being true to the word of God. The problem is when we cease to attempt to glorify Him and become embroiled in the need to be right. I am a pit bull who won't back down until I convince the other person that I am right. Maybe that's why we end up head to head so much.

I respect you and I like you. I don't care for the way you act sometimes, but I don't care for the way I act sometimes either. Our zeal often becomes pride and arrogance and we hurt our cause rather than help it. We have to stop bashing each other for our beliefs and we have to stop trying to convert the world. Most important, we MUST love each other and be happy that we agree on the basic and obvious route to the Father. If we can't discuss without becoming angry, perhaps discussion is something that we should avoid.

True statements indeed.

 

[isshinwhat]

"And they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love..." I love it when people come together.

 

[Anthony]

I found it much easier to be a Christian when I left doctrine in the dust. It's interest to research and discuss but no longer has any impact on my salvation or my Christian Walk.

 

[Joseph16]

Originally posted by Anthony
Souljah

Just like talking to non-believers, our job is to spread the Gospel, not to win souls, or convince people of doctrine. God converts people's minds and bodies. All you can do is share what you believe and exhibit in your everyday actions.

Most of the these doctrinal debates have no impact on our salvation or effect our focus on Christ, and are only used by satan to create "basic divisions" between basic Christians.

 

BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO

Souljah,

We have to remember whatits all about.  It's not about who's right or wrong.  It's not about your interpretation of the Bible verse Gabriel's.  It's not about my interpretation of the Catechism verse yours.  It's about Christ and ultimately...the Salvation that He has provided for us.  You are absolutely right in posting your opinion and asserting your faith.  But, try chanelling the zeal else where.  We as Christians all believe in teh same salvation.  The difference lies in our beliefes as to how we get there.  I can't believe that God will punish those who misinterpret His Word, as long as they interpret it in a Chrisitian manner throught the guidance of teh Holy Spirit.  How about those who do not even try to interpret His Word though, acknowlege it for that matter.  Could your "zeal" not better suit them.  I know its tough and all you can really do is pray and strive for the best.  God gave you that zeal, now its up to you to determine how he intended you to use.  Perhaps He does wish you to use to "all out" protect the Catholic faith .  Maybe He wants you to chanel it else where.  That is for you to figure out.

Regardless though, my fiance's father told both her and me, and Anthony said it as well, don't try and argue doctrine.  Just like someone else said...chances are, they are as devout in their faith and their doctrine as you are in yours and will not give in any more than you will. 

It's not but I tried.  Peace be with you.

Your's in Christ,

Fred      

 

[seebs]

Apologetics isn't much more rewarding, most of the time. When I get burned out, sometimes I take it as a good time to hang out with my wife, or work on my own relationship with God.

 

[Theresa]

Truth will win out in the end whether I convince someone of it or not. Everybody will be shown whether they were ignorent or untruthful or full of pride on judgement day and only those who were honest to their faith and their beliefs will win the prize, whether it be Protestant or Catholic. In the meantime I think it's important to discuss these things, they help me learn my faith better and they also give me a chance to help dispel misconceptions about my church, which are most painful.

In the end, I don't think there are many who would convert from this forum which is fine, although they may leave here with more understanding and less anti-catholic thoughts. It is also a springboard from which others may pursue to understand their own faith better, or Catholic faith better. The only thing I think is really useful are the little posts with much insight, and you do write some of those well. Maybe one day, someone will remember your words and reflect on them.

Needless to say, many people, even if a direct contradiction was in front of them, would refuse to see it. We're all afraid of change, most especially religious change because unless we're completely convinced of it, we would feel like a traitor to consider anything other than what we know that has worked for us for years. In the end, the only answer that I know of is humility. That's the only thing that will cause change, if we all have humility.

Mother Teresa said," There's too many words, let them just see what we do." which I found very insightful although it has little use here.

Thanx, Luv
Theresa

 

[seebs]

If you watch in GA, there's a lot of people judging Christians by actions, not just by words. I mean, our words are actions too, but there is action in attacking or condemning, or in supporting, or offering to help.

A lot of people seem to forget that whatever you say here will be here a year later, and some of it may not always reflect well on you... I think it's often important to just drop a debate rather than say something that'll reflect badly on your faith.