Our obligation as Catholics...

[jzeitouni]

If we were sitting around with a bunch of friends and they were discussing something that is against our faith, for example the use of contraception or something else, would it be a sin if you don't correct them?? Do we have to correct people or at times would it better to just leave the conversation or not say anything at all??

[DavidObeid]

Hi Jessica,

In the Gospel of St. Matthew we read about the Last Judgement where people are condemned for seeing a need in their brother and not acting on it. This is just as true in the spiritual field as it is in the material (probably even more so).

We have an obligation to counsel the doubtful and admonish the sinner, and we would be negligent (and culpable) if we ignored this obligation.

That said, we need to do what we do prudently. Sometimes what is called for is forthright speech, other times, perhaps not so much. We win most of our converts not by speaking to their heads, but by speaking to their hearts, so coming on like a tonne of bricks all the time can often be counter-productive. But we can't sit by and do nothing. Sometimes your walking away can be the something you do. Withdrawing from a conversation when the topic becomes tasteless can send a strong message to those adequately disposed to receiving it.

[MelanieM]

Great question Jess and great answer Dave. I have often wondered about this.