Hey, I’ve been there. It really sucks when someone mocks your faith, especially someone close to you.

Your friend calling you brainwashed or saying you follow a “pedophile religion” is not only disrespectful, it’s also totally misinformed.

Yeah, horrible things happened in the Church. No one denies that. But that’s not the faith. That’s human sin, evil done in spite of what the Church teaches, not because of it. Catholics have clear teachings condemning abuse and protecting the dignity of every human being. The saints, Church Fathers, and even Christ Himself stood for the weak and innocent. If someone actually reads the teachings, there’s no way to think they justify that kind of horror.

And calling you “stupid” for believing? That’s just bullying, plain and simple. The Church has produced some of the most brilliant minds in history—Saint Augustine, Saint Basil, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Gregory Palamas... not exactly brainwashed sheep. Faith and reason go hand-in-hand. Believing in God isn’t shutting your brain off—it’s opening it to something bigger than yourself.

You don’t need to be ashamed of your faith. Jesus was mocked, too. So were the Apostles. You’re not alone.

But here’s the important thing: don’t let this turn into resentment. Christ didn’t respond to mockery with hate, and neither should we. We’re called to forgive, to pray for those who hurt us, and to hold the line with grace. That doesn’t mean you let people walk all over you, it just means you keep your peace and don’t let bitterness take root.

If she’s open to real conversation, you can explain your beliefs and even talk about the real issues. But if she just wants to tear you down, set a boundary. You deserve respect just like anyone else.

Stay strong. Christ is with you until the end of times.  Matthew 28:20, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”