Talking about Bible to an old catholic woman is a task that demands my all faculties. This old woman is my mother.
'Mama, have you ever read the Bible?'
'No, never, it is enough what I hear in church, and besides, I have bad sight and it is difficult to read.'
'Mama, but you are watching silly TV series all the time, how come your sight is capable to handle those?'
'Oh, stop talking about Bible to me, I am too old for that nonsense, anyway.'
And so it goes. Another old woman cuts into our conversation, she seems somewhat more friendly to listen. I go on telling her that I read various English Bible translations, and KJV is written in this beautiful English.
'Is it approved by Rome?' she asks.
'Well, I am not a catholic any longer,' I try to point out, and go on explaining the historic background of KJV. The conversation dies out.
Dear God, Our Father, it is only Your Grace that makes it possible for people to see Your Glory and the beauty of Your Word. Grant this Grace to my Mom, In Jesus Name, Amen.
Update to this one:
I just had a most interesting conversation with my mother. I tried, prayerfully and respectfully, to tell her about the Gospel. To no avail, because she firmly says that she does not want to listen to me. In the light of her non-existent knowledge of Scriptures this is very sad. She, to tell you the truth, equates anybody using Bible as a source of argument, with Jehovah's Witnesses. I have no staring point anywhere, it is like hitting the wall. She gets angry immediately and because she knows she is not able to discuss these matters, she goes into
'I respect you so please respect me and please let us be silent'.
Now, I can understand people who have arguments, like those catholic forums members who really use Scriptures hoping to win the ground. But what I have here, in my own family, is beyond me. Why am I saying that? Well, this is the same mother who pushed me into higher education, who had enormous ambitions regarding my scientific career, who was crushed when I did not pursue the Ph.D. And the same person, who on the one hand respects my reason and abilities, on the other hand denies those faculties as far as God is concerned.
If anything, this only confirms me in my belief in the sovereignty of God and in Doctrines of Grace...
'Mama, have you ever read the Bible?'
'No, never, it is enough what I hear in church, and besides, I have bad sight and it is difficult to read.'
'Mama, but you are watching silly TV series all the time, how come your sight is capable to handle those?'
'Oh, stop talking about Bible to me, I am too old for that nonsense, anyway.'
And so it goes. Another old woman cuts into our conversation, she seems somewhat more friendly to listen. I go on telling her that I read various English Bible translations, and KJV is written in this beautiful English.
'Is it approved by Rome?' she asks.
'Well, I am not a catholic any longer,' I try to point out, and go on explaining the historic background of KJV. The conversation dies out.
Dear God, Our Father, it is only Your Grace that makes it possible for people to see Your Glory and the beauty of Your Word. Grant this Grace to my Mom, In Jesus Name, Amen.
Update to this one:
I just had a most interesting conversation with my mother. I tried, prayerfully and respectfully, to tell her about the Gospel. To no avail, because she firmly says that she does not want to listen to me. In the light of her non-existent knowledge of Scriptures this is very sad. She, to tell you the truth, equates anybody using Bible as a source of argument, with Jehovah's Witnesses. I have no staring point anywhere, it is like hitting the wall. She gets angry immediately and because she knows she is not able to discuss these matters, she goes into
'I respect you so please respect me and please let us be silent'.
Now, I can understand people who have arguments, like those catholic forums members who really use Scriptures hoping to win the ground. But what I have here, in my own family, is beyond me. Why am I saying that? Well, this is the same mother who pushed me into higher education, who had enormous ambitions regarding my scientific career, who was crushed when I did not pursue the Ph.D. And the same person, who on the one hand respects my reason and abilities, on the other hand denies those faculties as far as God is concerned.
If anything, this only confirms me in my belief in the sovereignty of God and in Doctrines of Grace...
5 comments:
I will keep your mother in prayer. Thanks for sharing
Thank You, Mike.
She needs it...
Have you ever read the book Conversations With Catholics? It is written by James McCarthy, a former Catholic who now heads up the ministry Good News for Catholics.
The book is a short read that details some of the discussions that Catholics have with those who have left the church. It's a really helpful book for helping others discuss the gospel with Catholics.
I will look into it, Kim. Thank you.
Well, I perfectly understand what are you describing...This a bondage beyond description. Getting stronger from generation to generatiom till grace of God steps in and cuts trough the chains... as it was wuth you and as it was with me...
May the Lord cut trough more in our families...
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