Growing up Catholic in a predominantly Protestant region can be rather difficult. In the United States, there have been more hate crimes against Catholics than any other religious group except Jews. Fortunately, most of the abuse you will have to endure as a Catholic is verbal. Here are some tips on handling persecution.
Step 1
Remember, you have the Lord on your side! In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said this: "'I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of Hell will not overpower it.'" The Church built on Peter is the Catholic Church, and it has Jesus' personal promise of protection!
Step 2
Know your stuff. Perhaps one of the most intimidating things about being a Catholic-under-fire is that the Protestants around you seem to know so much more than you! Read the Bible, especially the New Testament, and you'll find that it fits perfectly with, and indeed supports, Catholic teaching. What's more, read up on some Catholic apologetics in books and on the web. Catholic Answers is a great website with free articles on how to defend the faith, as well as forums for any questions you have left.
Step 3
Talk with a priest. Catholic priests are highly educated in Church teachings and well-trained in providing counsel to victims of persecution. The criticisms that people use today are as old as the Church itself.
Step 4
Remember that you do not worship Mary or the Saints. Catholics believe that it is possible to pray ("speak" if you will) to souls in Heaven, particularly to ask their support and prayer. The traditional and logical choice is someone who had a very close relationship with God during their life on earth. Mary and the saints meet those qualifications. Catholics believe there is no difference between asking your mother to pray for you and asking Mary to pray for you.
Step 5
The Eucharist IS the Body of Christ. The Eucharist is often a very difficult idea to explain, but know that you have scriptural backing. Check out John 6:51-65. Jesus clearly says that to achieve salvation, one must "eat his flesh and drink his blood." Many of his followers LEFT Him because of this statement, and he never called them back to explain that it was only a symbol. If people were willing to leave Him because of this statement, it is clear that he was being literal.
Step 6
Remember that purgatory is not that strange of a concept. The Jews regularly prayed for the dead. The early Christians regularly prayed for the dead. The concept that only Heaven and Hell exist is less than a thousand years old. What's more, there is scriptural support for the doctrine in books of the Bible which Protestant reformers conveniently removed during the Reformation (such as Maccabees).
Step 7
Pray. There is perhaps no better way to overcome persecution than to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide your words in the Church's defense and your heart in its steadfast faith.
Step 8
Remember that all religions went through difficult periods. In fact, all human institutions went through difficult periods. Rejecting Catholicism simply because of past transgressions would be the same as rejecting the United States of America because of manifest destiny or slavery. Both the Church and the United States have reformed since those days. And once again- never forget that this Church has Jesus' personal protection, as he promised in scripture.
Tips
- Read about the lives of the martyrs and saints. They have interesting stories and it will make you proud to be a Catholic.
- Jesus said, "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."
- If you are not yet Confirmed and you are able to be, do not hesitate to receive the Sacrament. Just as the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost and gave them the courage to preach the good news, he will descend upon you through this Sacrament and give you the strength to conquer persecution.
- Remember even saints like,Saint Barbara, dealt with persecution. You just have to endure it because in the end you will be the better person for not retaliating.
Warnings
- Don't be pugnacious with Protestants. Seeking out arguments, as many fundamentalists seem to do, only puts you in the same boat as the persecutors. But do not be afraid to defend the Church when she comes under attack.
