Re: I'll take a shot at this one... -- Catholic Friends Forum

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Date Posted: 16:07:18 07/07/07 Sat
Author: Phil from AZ
Author Host/IP: 71-223-21-236.phnx.qwest.net / 71.223.21.236
Subject:

Re: I'll take a shot at this one...
In reply to: Joan 's message, "Anti-Catholic sentiment on Brenda's forum." on 05:08:52 07/05/07 Thu

I think you were wise for not calling for Brenda to delete those posts, Joan. While some folks are offended by such posts, others may not be. One of the reasons I prefer Brenda's over some others is that she's 1 of the few who pays attn to the concept of free speech. Other forum moderators delete things that offend them, make them uncomfortable or offer mild criticism of how they run the forum. They also play favorites: deleting the contributions of 1 poster while allowing the posts of others to stand. In the end, these forums are difficult to take seriously.

However, its also difficult to take some of the posters on the Waltons seriously. Some of these folks obviously live very sheltered lives and watch far too much TV. As a result, they have trouble distinguishing fact from fiction, an expert from celeb rambling, 'opinion' from intelligent observation and analysis.

They also make foolish claims out of nothing. For example, in all my tvls, I have never seen a priest drunk at a wedding. I have also heard those scurilous charges since childhood that priests drink after communion. How many of these claims can be substantiated? One here, maybe 1 there? To taint the entire priesthood for the occasional bad apple is scandalous. Again, I have met many priests during my lifetime. The vast maj'ty are decent people who endure some hardship to do God's Work. Those who no longer feel they can serve God and the Church often leave the profession. Only a man of conscience would do such a thing.

Finally, I'm not always sure if folks are serious when they post. Personally, I enjoy getting under the skin of the high and mighty, who believe they are annointed gurus of the Waltons version of the Oracle of Delphi...and thus claim they know what's best for all Waltons fans. I do draw the line at serious topics though, and try to be accurate on all of my posts.

To re-iterate, I'm glad that you didn't ask Brenda to delete those post. In fact, you handled it very well by confronting their nonsensical claims.

Thx for allowing me to express my controversial views. Take care, God Bless,

Phil from arid AZ

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[> [> You're right. -- Joan, 11:55:53 07/08/07 Sun [1] (ip68-0-253-131.ri.ri.cox.net/68.0.253.131)

Though I think the anti-Catholic stance is alive and well a Brenda's, and that most people there think the Catholic Church is a legitimate target, I don't want people to feel like they have to be careful of everything they say when they post there. Where's the fun in that?

If a little of the anti-Catholic sentiment that is there all the time leaks through some of the time, I'll treat it as an opportunity to teach the truth to combat the lies.

Joan

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[> [> [> Re: I think that's a healthy attitude Joan! -- Phil from AZ, 14:58:41 07/08/07 Sun [1] (71-223-21-236.phnx.qwest.net/71.223.21.236)

Some yrs ago, I was stationed in Va in the USAF. I was outnumbered by non-Christians 4-1 in my office. They teased me a lot but that didn't bother me much. Sometimes they were mean to me, though.

I discovered that 1 of my co-workers was curious though. I convinced him to come to 1 of my Christian group mtgs (the Navigators). He became a regular member, and enjoyed it. One day, him and I turned the tables and tag-teamed my boss after he started a tirade against Christians. (Which could've gotten him in trouble with our superiors if we reported him.) He stormed out of the room, mumbling to himself. When he came back, he shouted,

"NO MORE RELIGIOUS TALK!! You hear that?"

When we stated that would be fine with us, he stormed out of the room again. (He'd expected us to argue with him.) Nobody in our office ever gave us a hard time again. In fact, the few times we did speak of it, my boss, as well as the others, spoke calmly and with respect for our beliefs. It was a relief.

My point: if we can handle the heat, educate and encourage a few others to join us, we will earn the respect that others get by default.

Again, I think you're right on about teaching others about your faith. In the end, that may change their thinking...and they may shed their prejudices. It doesn't always work, but its worth a try. Take care, God Bless,

Phil from AZ

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