When introducing myself, or later on in a conversation, I never fail to mention that I am Catholic. It's part of me and I'll shout it so all the world can hear. It clarifies one more thing about me for the other person and they usually tend to avoid controversial topics with me, or at least give me a heads up when they are going to.
But sometimes, the responses I get aren't always so great or respectful. Most of the time the person nods and the conversation moves along. Other times, I, or other Catholics I meet, get the following responses.
Here's what I have to say to all those other kinds of responses...
1. *rolls eyes*
What on earth do you mean to insinuate with a roll of your eyes? It's usually followed by an awkward silence where I don't know what to say because you're not using words and just staring judgmentally at me. I'm not psychic, FYI.
2. "Oooohh..." *shies away instantly*
I know, I know, there are some Catholics out there who will continuously try to shove religion down your throat, and you don't want that. I understand, and I am not that kind of Catholic. I respect your opinions so please respect mine.
3. "Oh really? I'm Atheist." *smirks*
Are you trying to challenge me or something? I was just stating what religion I was, not trying to get in a full-on Evolution vs Creation debate. If you're also just stating your beliefs, don't act so smug.
4. "So, you must've hated your science gen ed?"
Actually, I loved it! Science is very interesting to me. I took an Astronomy class and adored it.
5. "Remind me not to introduce you to *insert LGBTQ+ friend's name here*"
This one bugs me so much! Yes, there are Catholics who judge the LGBTQ+ community, but not me!
I believe that it isn't our place to judge. So, once again, I don't judge people! I believe that love is love and happiness is happiness. Who am I to try and take that away?
6. "Aren't you guys technically cannibals?"
Ew. Nope...
Miriam-Webster defines cannibalism as: "The usually ritualistic eating of human flesh by a human being." Cannibalism here is described as the chewing, swallowing, and digesting of human flesh and blood after or during the killing of a human being."
We're not doing any of that. If this truly confuses you, read this article.
7. "Wow, college must be scary for you" *cue sympathetic look*
Okay, uh, no. You just assumed I am this poor little sheltered catholic and the word homeschooled probably popped into your mind. Well it's true I was homeschooled, this isn't always the case. My best friend is Catholic and went to public school.
And even though I was homeschooled, I wasn't sheltered, but that's an entirely different article topic that I wrote earlier, that you can read here!
8. "Oh really? Okay, how do you explain *insert some catastrophe happening somewhere*?"
Okay, lemme tell you one of my favorite quotes... "The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't always spoil the good things and make them unimportant." says the 11th Doctor of "Doctor Who."
I believe that everything that happens in the world is all in God's plan. God's got this. So, no, I can't explain all the bad things happening, but I know better things are coming.
9. *silence*
Once again, I can't read your mind. Please say something.
10. "Me too!"
Yay! That's great! It's always super nice to meet someone who shares your beliefs and faces all the stereotypes too.
So yeah, I'm a Catholic and I'm proud. It's part of who I am and it defines a part of me. Stop judging me because honestly, who are we to judge?
