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Work dilemma - I'm Catholic, they're Baptist
I work part time at a Baptist church and like, and am liked by, all the members and pastor. I do babysitting and custodial. They have not pressured me to become a member, but they often invite me to sit in on their bible study and church service, if there are no children. I have sat in on only one service and frequently must sit in on the bible studies, which fly in the face of my own beliefs. I just sit there and smile politely. Recently, I was babysitting in the nursery and they brought around their Baptist Lord's Supper for me to partake. I said 'No thank you,' because I am Catholic. To me, their 'communion' is a farce. I think the pastor, although friendly, suggested the 'communion' be brought to me; he is a former Catholic, now a Baptist minister, and I think it secretly perturbs him that I do not wish to follow in his footsteps. How can I politely but firmly discourage such practice? Saying no thank you seems to have no effect!
I am 57 and female.
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I should know that what you say can be true.. depending on the minister. I go to a Baptist church, though some of the things they say and do in that church are ... well, I don't believe is true. For instance : One pastor said that it is non-biblical to ask God for forgiveness of our sins. I found several verses in my Bible (King James Version - KJV) that said that we were supposed to ask God for forgiveness of our sins. When this pastor said this, I went home and read up, and found what he said to be false.
It might irritate that pastor because he was a formor Catholic, now a Baptist, but don't let him get to you. He's just another person who thinks he's "oh, great and wonderful" because he "converted." I find this false as well.
Take this pastor aside, or a secretary, or some other prominant person and tell them quietly that you do not wish to "convert," and you would not like them to offer you things such as communion. Thank them though for being polite and understanding with you, and for the opportunites to sit in on their Bible studies, but tell them you'd rather stick firmly to your Catholic beliefs and do your work as a custodion and nursery worker. Ask them to treat you with understanding and respect. They should, as you are an elder. -- No offense by that statement, but you should be respected because of your age. If they're not willing to give it to you, ask for it. If they still disregard that, maybe you should reconsider your work. Even though you have a simple job as a nursery worker, you should be treated with fairness, kindness, respect and love. <i> They should practice what they preach, eh? </i>
Yep, I'm knockin' on the Baptists here, but sometimes they really don't practice what they preach. I try to, and though I'm not perfect, I don't preach against drinking and then get drunk on the weekends. [not pointing fingers, of course, just as an example]
Continue being polite and say "no thanks" and have a little - but polite - chat with whoever you think needs to hear it most. Don't point fingers, because things have a tendancy to spread around.
Stay strong in your faith. Practice your faith as you believe God is leading you to.
God bless you, sister.
-FunnyCide
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I think I might talk to the minister and let him know what you are feeling. It is possible that they are just being friendly since they seem to like you. :)
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both baptism and catholisism (sp?) is a part of christianity! you just follow different rules. politely explain to him that you feel that him asking you to partake in these activities interferes with how you were brought up. (or how you worship or w/e) let him know that it seems as if he's trying to convert you to baptist when you are very happy being catholic.
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