Tonight, I felt the power of hatred firsthand. Never before in my life have I been discriminated against because of my beliefs. I have been treated differently or made fun of possibly, but never experienced hatred simply because I am Catholic.
I know there are many people that have strong feelings about Catholics. I am not out to evangelize anyone. In contrast, I just want to have the same level or respect given to me that I give others. I joined the Financial Peace University class at a local Christian (non-denominational) church. I felt a bit nervous at first going into that setting as one of only a few, if not the only, Catholic in the bunch. There are over 200 people in the group so I had reason to feel apprehensive but I chose to do it. On the first day, I shared with our small group that I did not belong to the church and was, in fact, Catholic. I don’t recall at the time noticing any disrespect, but I can honestly say that I am not sure I would have been aware anyway if there was because I was nervous around this new group.
There have been some instances over the past few weeks that made it clear to me that there were some negative feelings about Catholics. From snide remarks to snickering when things were said, I started to pick up on this prejudice. Tonight, I felt this hatred loud and clear.
One person in our group was talking about going on a job interview with my church. There are several churches in the area, but this job was specifically at my church and that was mentioned. One man in the group had some very snide things to say about Catholics. He made no effort in trying to contain his feelings, negative feelings, about my beliefs. I know that he is aware that I am Catholic. I know that he knows what my home parish is. I also know that I shouldn’t take all this personally… yet I am.
My question is this…
This man claims to be a Christian. He, and others, claim to love Jesus and care about their fellow Christians. Why then are they showing hatred for my faith, my beliefs? How can they claim to be good Christians when they speak negatively of my church in general? How can they claim to be good Christians when they show prejudice simply because of what church I go to? I am not a member of their church but does that make them better than me?
I don’t think so. I may not agree with the beliefs of every Christian, but I am not going to persecute others for those religious beliefs. It is not my job to play God. I am not a perfect Christian nor a perfect Catholic. But, at least I am not a hypocrite. I will not hold your beliefs against you and I certainly won’t attack those beliefs.
My prayers are not more powerful or more important than yours. My love of Jesus is not stronger than yours simply because I am a different denomination than you. We are equal in God’s eyes as far as I am concerned. Does the doctrine I believe really matter all that much that others feel hatred because of it? I think that is a sad state of our society. We, as Christians, are all part of the Catholic Apostolic Church. Don’t you think that we should all act like it whether we are choosing to be a member of a non-denominational, Catholic, Protestant, or other church? No matter what bible you read or church you belong to, the message is the same.
“You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”
Mark 13:13
Shouldn’t we all love one another?
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
1 John 4:7
Submitted to Monday Motivation , Motivate Me Monday, and Your Life, Your Blog
Sheri says
I’m so sorry this happened to you. I am Catholic, and while I haven’t really experienced any hatred or animosity because of my religon, I have seen first hand how so called Christians will attack another person over any little thing that they don’t like. I have seen those same people try to justify their attacks by saying that Jesus would do the same – excuse me?? I’m not sure what Bible they’re reading, but mine says love your neighbor as yourself. That’s a simple, but huge, commandment, and it seems to be the one that many people have a hard time with.
I’m glad you’re finishing the class, it’s not worth dropping out and giving anyone the satisfaction. It is shameful that this behavior is going on at a church!
.-= Sheri´s last blog ..Monday Motivation ~ busy week, anyone? =-.
Amy says
I gave you the Gorgeous Blogger Award! Congrats!
http://marvelousmommyamy.blogspot.com/2010/05/awards-awards-and-more-awards.html
.-= Amy @ Marvelous Mommy´s last blog ..Tommee Tippee Sippy Cup Review and Giveaway! =-.
Debby Pucci says
First of all I hope you continue to go to show that it didn’t get to you. I think that we find those kind of people everywhere. In my heart I believe that there is only one God. This God is loved and respected by many different religions. It is a foolish person who thinks his is better then yours. ((HUGS))
.-= Debby Pucci´s last blog ..THERE ARE SIGNS EVERYWHERE =-.
Stefany says
Thanks Debby.
Lluvia says
I’m sorry to read about this experience you just had. Sadly, so many so-called Christians behave like this, but it doesn’t mean that the rest of us, non-Catholics, are like that.
That right there is a clear example of what a real Christian is not like! God loves us as we are, and expect us all to be like that with each other. These people aren’t Christians, they are extremists, fanatics–NOT Christians.
I can only imagine how horrible it was for you, to be singled out like that; even if he was talking to everyone, I’m sure it was all aimed at you!
I have an aunt like that. She’s a very devoted Catholic, and is always pointing out how wrong mother is for not raising us Catholic.
I truly believe that there is no such thing as the right or correct religion. We are all different folks (as God made us), so the different religions are simply different paths to get to the same place, as long as you believe in Jesus. It’s my opinion.
Do not let his prejudice defeat you. You can show him wrong but rising higher than him. 🙂
.-= Lluvia´s last blog ..A FEW WORDS TO MY READERS =-.
Stefany says
Thank you! I can’t change him and he can’t change my beliefs. All I can do is pray for him.
Heather says
I am so sorry you went through that. I call those people who act like that pharisees, you know the religious leaders who stood their all pious and then pushed for Jesus to be crucified? Maybe harsh, but all they are are chameleon Christians, and part of the reason I don’t go to church anymore. I am still a Christian, I just haven’t found a church that I feel comfortable in.
That being said, I’m always up for a good religious debate or discussion, respectfully with someone who wants to. I love to learn about all religions and why people believe what they do. It’s just who I am.
I wish you the best of luck with them. Just keep remember the verse you put above, Mark 13:13.
And smile, cuz we love you. (Even the lurkers like me. LOL)
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Lingerie.Com =-.
Stefany says
Thank you for de-lurking (is that a word?) Heather to comment. It means a lot. 🙂
Adrienne says
Sorry you went through this. I experience similar things. I don’t go to church and this really bothers people. They think because I don’t go this means I don’t believe in God. I don’t see the connection but oh well.
I actually had to report someone to a manager because she kept pushing religion on me and question why I didn’t do this or that instead of ringing up my purchase.
I only have a problem with religion if a person has an almost cult belief in it. They only repeat what the pastor says but can’t explain why they think the way they do about what he said. Or like the cashier, people who push religion on me.
I know people that are like the guy. The only Christian thing I think they do is go to church. If you could see and hear the things they do the other six days..whew!
I’ve heard good things about the program and I hope this doesn’t cause you to quit but I’d fully understand if it did.
.-= Adrienne´s last blog ..Convenience Is Expensive =-.
Stefany says
No, I won’t quit. We actually only have 2 weeks left and then we are considering going into a small group after it is over. The problem I have is that I don’t want to feel this way every time I leave the group so I need to ensure that I am welcome in the group. Ya know?
Like I said, I am not out to evangelize anyone. You don’t have to believe what I do and I don’t push my faith on anyone. But, I do expect respect for my beliefs and this guy definitely did not give that.
alicia says
I also struggle with this hypocrisy. Why can’t we just all accept others as they are without judgments?
.-= alicia´s last blog ..Friday Flip Offs! =-.
Stefany says
Exactly. Thanks for commenting Alicia. I’m sorry you deal with this too.