18 replies to this topic

[Ice_nine]

and all of her statuses are about God. Not too big a problem, but she's of the prosperity-gospel, bible-believing, born-again stripe and I really have a lot of problems with the belief system.


So sometimes, I throw a comment her way that I admit is a bit antagonistic. For example one time she said something like "I can't stand hypocrites, especially Christian hypocrites. I'm so glad God has given me the patience to deal with them and love all people including the deceitfully wicked." I then, playing by her rules I guess, posted the verse from the Gospel that talks about the Pharisee who prayed aloud in the temple to thank God that he wasn't as terrible as everyone else.

She did not like that.

And yesterday she posted something like complaining how detox is hard on the body but fasting is so wonderful for God and such. I posted the verse about how the one fasts in secret will have their reward. She rationalized this by saying it was only talking about ppl who "looked" gloomy when they fasted, how it was a churchwide thing, and how she's the last person I want to get in a "scripture duel" with etc etc.

I guess pham what I'm asking, am I just an arse? I mean on one hand she does seem "on fire" for God, so I'd like to call her out when I see something, but on the other hand I hate how prosperity-Christians know the Bible from cover to cover but somehow overlook the most glaringly obvious things about Christ (that he was poor, that his disciples (us) would need to endure suffering) and just the generally shallow and vapid attitude towards the most sacred mysteries of Christ.

I know I'm not the most humble person, but does that mean I can't call bs when I see it? I don't do it a lot to this poor girl (she's prob my only fb friend who believes in this brand of Christianity), but Idk, nothing has seemed to get thru. The few times I've said anything she's gotten defensive and I don't feel like getting into a big argument with a friend.

[Amppax]

perhaps a better way to address this, instead of through snide remarks (although, I admit, they are SO MUCH FUN!) is to send her a private message, and start talking with her. I'm not the best at this, but start just talking to her about faith. Try to find common ground, and such. The only thing I can say for certain is that your current approach, in general, seems more likely to antagonize her than help her experience any change.

[BG45]

I think, personally, the line between 'arse' and 'concerned for well being' in this case might depend on why you're posting to her statuses. If it's just to troll, it's the former probably. If it's out of a concern that she see the truth that our God is not all Wealth and Health if you just believe hard enough, then probably not.

If it's a mixture of the two, congratulations, you're just like everyone else. A caring human being that is showing compassion to a sister in Christ, but who has definite limits.

[homeschoolmom]

I've noticed that facebook brings out butthatty behavior in a lot of people.

[Anomaly]

Ice_nine,
You're one of the most self-honest people that posts here on PM and I respect you as a person based on how you generally come accross. If you think you're being a little 'arsey', you may well be. I think you're right, but I get the idea you are asking if you should stop because it's gotten a little more like a confrontation. If your're asking if you should tone it down a bit, I'd agree w/ you. Refrain from calling BS when you see it? Come on. Srsly?

[Ice_nine]

yeah

it's probs a mixture of both, but since I've generally stated my peace I should probably just refrain from doing it. I mean even though I KNOW how RIGHT I am

when I go to confession today I'll mention I've been a bit of an butt-chapeau. although I'll probably use a different term. Or maybe not . . .

ETA:the philter strikes again!

Edited by Ice_nine, 29 April 2012 - 02:37 PM.

[ardillacid]

If you have to ask if you're an arse, yes.

[TheresaThoma]

Maybe a little bit.
Perhaps a better way to go about this would be to PM her when you see something pop up on her facebook. Maybe if she feels it is in a more "private" setting she will be more likely to listen to you. No one likes being called out in public.

[Slappo]

When I get aggravated on facebook by others posts (I have a lost of pro homosexual marriage, planned parenthood type FB friends) I make a status contrary to their's but usually refrain from getting right in their face on the status or post they made. If they read mine and want to know more or know what I mean then they can post or ask, or engage me on my status.

I made one recently that said something like the natural law doesn't apply only to Christians and it was in response to a FB picture about christians can keep their religion to themselves when it comes to gay marriage (don't like it? don't do it) type of picture.

[Skinzo]

and all of her statuses are about God. Not too big a problem, but she's of the prosperity-gospel, bible-believing, born-again stripe and I really have a lot of problems with the belief system.


So sometimes, I throw a comment her way that I admit is a bit antagonistic. For example one time she said something like "I can't stand hypocrites, especially Christian hypocrites. I'm so glad God has given me the patience to deal with them and love all people including the deceitfully wicked." I then, playing by her rules I guess, posted the verse from the Gospel that talks about the Pharisee who prayed aloud in the temple to thank God that he wasn't as terrible as everyone else.

She did not like that.

And yesterday she posted something like complaining how detox is hard on the body but fasting is so wonderful for God and such. I posted the verse about how the one fasts in secret will have their reward. She rationalized this by saying it was only talking about ppl who "looked" gloomy when they fasted, how it was a churchwide thing, and how she's the last person I want to get in a "scripture duel" with etc etc.

I guess pham what I'm asking, am I just an arse? I mean on one hand she does seem "on fire" for God, so I'd like to call her out when I see something, but on the other hand I hate how prosperity-Christians know the Bible from cover to cover but somehow overlook the most glaringly obvious things about Christ (that he was poor, that his disciples (us) would need to endure suffering) and just the generally shallow and vapid attitude towards the most sacred mysteries of Christ.

I know I'm not the most humble person, but does that mean I can't call bs when I see it? I don't do it a lot to this poor girl (she's prob my only fb friend who believes in this brand of Christianity), but Idk, nothing has seemed to get thru. The few times I've said anything she's gotten defensive and I don't feel like getting into a big argument with a friend.

I think you are right but you've probably made your point and she is obviously not prepared to take a hard look at herself. Since she boasts superiority in scripture dueling, it's sounds like there is some pride at work too. It will probably go to a flame war if you keep it up so why bother?
I love the part you put up about the proud Pharisee, it reminded me of a story a priest told once of preaching a sermon on the proud Pharisee congratulating himself and the humble Publican bemoaning his sinfulness and a guy came up after Mass and said : "Great sermon Father! I sure am glad I'm not like that Pharisee!"
Classic!

S.

Edited by Skinzo, 29 April 2012 - 04:34 PM.

[Groo the Wanderer]

be nice, remember she aint one of the enemy, don;t be a buttknuckle

[cmotherofpirl]

It depends on what they post. There is a person who posts from something called the christian "left". They can have abortions, divorce, same-sex "marriage" etc bit its all fine because they worship Jesus. THOSE I usually respond to in some fashion or another either there or in a later status update because they drive me .

[Ice_nine]

well I said I apologize and everything is just PEACHY.

humility is hard. wahhh

[Jesus_lol]

I figure arseness is allowed when you are clever enough about it.

[PadrePioOfPietrelcino]

She rationalized this by saying it was only talking about ppl who "looked" gloomy when they fasted, how it was a churchwide thing, and how she's the last person I want to get in a "scripture duel" with etc etc.

I LOVE scripture duels...especially with protestants who think I'm an "unread catholic" not realizing I was a protestant youth minister who scripturally (is that a real word?) read myself into Catholicism...

[Papist]

well I said I apologize and everything is just PEACHY.

humility is hard. wahhh

Humility ain't hard. What I am most proud of is my humility.

[Ice_nine]

your humility pales in comparison to mine

[Papist]

No. It's pretty dark.

[Ice_nine]

ok I think we're killing it . . .


no it's already dead