A month or two ago, I stumbled across a Leftist Bernie-only political satire channel on Youtube, that was heavily bashing the Democrat's Russian Conspiracy theory. I didn't realize these people were Leftists at first, but after getting a better idea of who these people are, I got the idea that maybe if I showed my family (particularly my mother and brother) a good video from this channel, as well as a video from a conservative channel; I might be able to open their eyes to the bias of the mainstream media. There's only one or two concerns I have; one is the possible risk, for it to drive my brother further to the Left. However my brother has a rather phlegmatic temperament, and so it might be more likely that he would dismiss this, then go further to the Left. Also this channel in particular, has been mostly silent on issues most of us Catholics are concerned with; and when they do criticize Trump, it's usually on issues that we Catholics may be concerned with, like his recent actions with Iran. The other thing that's making me hesitate, is whether it's too political or secular. Maybe its just my pessimism and/or idealism, but I've been getting really cynical with anything that's conservative but secular lately; while I hate Leftism, I sometimes wonder whether neo-cons, libertarian-cons, and Protestants are a greater danger than Leftists in the near future. I wonder whether I should I show something more religious than this. However, I already have a lot of plans for evangelizing my family this month, and perhaps my family would respond better to secular content every now and then. Also, I think that it might be more harmful to be silent on this, my family watches the mainstream media every night, which repeatedly misrepresents the Mueller report, and my mother and brother also watch Trevor Noah, and other Leftist comedy shows which spew the same propaganda repeatedly. So what do you think, should I go ahead with this plan?
Gosh RW, I wish we had the answer to this one! So many of us have a relative or family member that follows leftist style media and political parties. It’s a heated, emotional division. For my part, I try to get them to open their eyes of faith first. I usually try to introduce them to OurLady of Fatima and Our Lady of Good Success. If they can come to the truth in faith, often the other follows. I don’t often find success on the surface, but I believe I’ve planted seeds. When God’s Grace enters their soul, perhaps those seeds will grow. In all things, pray, pray, pray. And put them into God’s good hands...where we all need to be.
I think you should push pause on this. I had a bad experience about 3 years ago with my 4 children and suddenly I became the enemy - now I am not allowed to send them anything anymore. So I try to be a good mother, I try to help them out in various ways and be supportive, but I now pray that somehow they will be saved, even though they might be deceived by the culture and by the media. And I have seen some signs of hope - that they learn about things without my input. Somehow. Not only do I have to be careful with not sending links to you tubes, but I also have to be careful with the conversation topics I choose when I am with them. e.g. I tried to tell my adult daughter what I had recently learned about the Thalidomide disaster and I realised I was just telling her more than she felt she could handle, to the point that she was shutting off the communication. I went away that day thinking " Well she has enough troubles, she does not need to know about the Thalidomide disaster as well." - It was too overwhelming for her. I would say, pray the Rosary for them instead, that the Lord will open their eyes, and always look for small ways to be of service to them, so that you shine a light in their lives. Also do not ever stay in the same room with them when they are watching the offensive comedians. Just excuse yourself and go read and pray.
Yes, this is a difficult area to be sure!! I approach it all lightly and selectively; different ways with different people. A friend proudly admits to being so democratic she's more socialist. Makes me cringe. That might be something to broach as an idea for a homily with a mutual friend being her priest who is also the Chaplain of my local singles ministry; difference between Catholic Social Justice and Socialism. That just came to me...Holy Spirit inspiration!! The Rector of our Cathedral loves the idea of a class on the differences between the two. He sent the idea to the Director of Faith Formation of the Catholic Information Center here in our diocese. How many more will be reached through a class!! Better that than hitting hard and meeting an wall. I've carefully started a discussion with a sister, and have most recently sent her a book for her birthday on Medjugorje. I'm not gong to try to address politics with her. If I can though lightly continue sharing with her information on one of the locations for my group pilgrimage next year, I'd be thrilled with an answer to THAT prayer. She's very agnostics but not closed minded. That is far more important to me. If she were curious enough to join us on the trip......?
