21 replies to this topic

[Annie12]

What if we get persecuted to a very extreme degree? For instance the health care bill and the mandate within that etc.

Will we stand up and fight or will we try to obey them without going against our views?

[Annie12]

What if it turns really bad and get a corrupt government which outlaws religion in the public square or even gets as bad as the holocaust? It seems unlikely/ impossible now but it also did before the Holocaust happened.

[MIkolbe]

What if we get persecuted to a very extreme degree? For instance the health care bill and the mandate within that etc.

Will we stand up and fight or will we try to obey them without going against our views?

We will be the Church. We will live as we believe. And it will hurt.

Governments have tried to take over the church for 2000 years...and 'persecution' is our middle name....

Fear not, for our reward will be great in Heaven.

[Papist]

Exactly. The Church says, "Been there. Done that."

[qfnol31]

As a Catholic I will willingly endure any persecution I am dealt. As an American I am appalled this is even a possibility.

[Basilisa Marie]

It won't get as bad as that, at least for a very long time.

But if it did, we'd take courage and keep living our faith. Some people will try and obey without going against the Church, while others might make a more public example. I mean, that's what the Church in China is doing right now.

[xTrishaxLynnx]

I see what you are saying Bisilisa; however, technically, we are already being persecuted by the attempts to make the Church submissive to the government.

[Brother Adam]

It won't get as bad as that, at least for a very long time.

But if it did, we'd take courage and keep living our faith. Some people will try and obey without going against the Church, while others might make a more public example. I mean, that's what the Church in China is doing right now.

Bishops are already talking about martyrdom by blood, and they don't make those statements flippantly.

[xTrishaxLynnx]

Bishops are already talking about martyrdom by blood, and they don't make those statements flippantly.

Did you hear this first hand or is it something I could read?

Edited by xTrishaxLynnx, 25 June 2012 - 12:27 PM.

[Basilisa Marie]

I see what you are saying Bisilisa; however, technically, we are already being persecuted by the attempts to make the Church submissive to the government.

Right, but I think it's also important to not trivialize the sufferings of those actually having to become martyrs and confessors for the faith when we talk about our current situation. Our situation is serious, but I think it's more prudent to worry about blood in the streets after those threats have actually been made.

Bishops are already talking about martyrdom by blood, and they don't make those statements flippantly.

Sure, but I don't think they're not talking about tomorrow, next week, or sometime in the next year. It seemed to me that they're talking about this greater trend, and possible future consequences if it goes unchecked. But it doesn't do anyone any good if we freak out about being martyred right now.

[MissyP89]

"Upon this rock I will build my Chuch, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."

We're gonna rock and roll and take some damage -- even a lot of damage -- but this will not be the end for us. Jesus has already won this war.

[Papist]

Preach it sista!

[cmotherofpirl]

"Upon this rock I will build my Chuch, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."

We're gonna rock and roll and take some damage -- even a lot of damage -- but this will not be the end for us. Jesus has already won this war.

Catholicism will survive for this very reason, even if we don't.

[Brother Adam]

Sure, but I don't think they're not talking about tomorrow, next week, or sometime in the next year. It seemed to me that they're talking about this greater trend, and possible future consequences if it goes unchecked. But it doesn't do anyone any good if we freak out about being martyred right now.

Catholics and other Christians are being martyred right now, yesterday, and today, all over the world. "freaking out" and being reasonably aware of the Church in the world are two different things. Will Catholics be executed by the US government in the next decade? Mmm...maybe, but probably not. Will they be martyred by extremists groups or people in the US? I think its possible, and perhaps even likely. Remember that the other side isn't going to shut up and go away even if Catholics win legal battles.

"I expect to die in bed, my successor will die in prison and his successor will die a martyr in the public square". - Cardinal George

[the171]

The bishop at NCYC made that same prediction. When bishops say this, they are getting serious.

[Byzantine]

What'll we do? Fight, of course! We're always at war, but sometimes it takes physical violence to remind people of the spiritual battle being fought constantly.

[timwho]

While I am not catholic, I can truly say that the Church will indeed resist persecution. It has survived the greatest persecution that is likely to ever exist, the great purges that Diocletian presided over. whole towns were slaughtered for being Christian and many of the higher ranks of the Church were decimated. It can be safe to say that while many did leave the church, what remained were fervent believers that have helped shape Church history.

I doubt it will ever get that bad in our lifetime in america, but no matter the persecution the Church will prevail much as it continues to endure in places such as Japan during its period of isolation or North Korea today. Persecution of what is right and true is by no means new.

[Groo the Wanderer]

Bring it!

Just remember what happened to the Roman Empire.....

[Byzantine]

Bring it!

Just remember what happened to the Roman Empire.....

[eagle_eye222001]

What if we get persecuted to a very extreme degree?...

Then we'll give up the faith and when we see Jesus at our judgement, we'll say "but we tried to follow you, but it got hard."




















What if you go down holding onto the faith with your last gasp of life.........like the martyrs before you?



Remember the Alamo!