Navigating this forum as a Catholic

bpd_stl · Mar 4, 2021

(note: moderators feel free to move this thread as you see fit)

I am new to ChristianForums...but not new internet forums. I'm old enough to remember when the Internet was "new" and just a fad that would soon pass.

Anyway, been navigating around quite a bit lurking in numerous threads...and I must say that even cynical old me is surprised by the amount of anti-Catholicism: most, apparently due to misinformation as well as just good ol' fashioned ignorance...but some of it is just straight up animus. I know that this is a multi-denominational/non-denomination forum...so water off a duck's back and all. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.

At this point: I am deciding how I want to engage on this forum. I have a formal theological education I received while a seminarian...want to put it to good use in service of the Church.

My question to fellow Catholics (as well as Orthodox who may be reading this): how have you decided to participate in this massive forum?

Lady Bug · Mar 4, 2021

I just decided to stay on this subforum and one other subforum. It seems that the undercurrent of this entire site (except OBOB) is the premise that to be born again is not to be Catholic. I'm surprised those kinds of posts are even allowed.

seeking.IAM · Mar 4, 2021

Under "General Theology" there is also a "Traditional Theology" sub-forum. You may also find that to be a more welcoming space. I invite you to look it over.

Pavel Mosko · Mar 4, 2021

bpd_stl said:
I'm old enough to remember when the Internet was "new" and just a fad that would soon pass.

lol

1) Find your niche that you are interested in, or areas and post there get to know people who frequent there just like you were joining any new organization or institution like a new school or company job.

2) It is against forum rules for folks to blast you with polemical stuff like "you are not saved", "a real Christian" etc. You can report them to the mods, or like many do remind them what the rules actually are of the board in question.

3) Sometimes it is possible to have fun with ornery Bible people. Like use Socratic questioning to bring up points they maybe never have considered and other similar things.

4) Playing the long game and be (genuinely) nicer than the average forum poster is a good long term approach. So go the extra mile to be polite and understanding towards people who seem a little rude or abrasive when you first meet them.

5) This forum has an ignore person button use it for people who show a pattern of behavior that suggests that they are jerks, spoilers, closed minded ,or disingenuous game players. This is kind of like an internet version of "shaking the dust off your feet".

“Paisios” · Mar 4, 2021

bpd_stl said:
(note: moderators feel free to move this thread as you see fit)

I am new to ChristianForums...but not new internet forums. I'm old enough to remember when the Internet was "new" and just a fad that would soon pass.

Anyway, been navigating around quite a bit lurking in numerous threads...and I must say that even cynical old me is surprised by the amount of anti-Catholicism: most, apparently due to misinformation as well as just good ol' fashioned ignorance...but some of it is just straight up animus. I know that this is a multi-denominational/non-denomination forum...so water off a duck's back and all. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.

At this point: I am deciding how I want to engage on this forum. I have a formal theological education I received while a seminarian...want to put it to good use in service of the Church.

My question to fellow Catholics (as well as Orthodox who may be reading this): how have you decided to participate in this massive forum?

(Please pardon me if anyone finds me pffensive, and delete if necessary. I am trying to answer the question posed, not to offend my Catholic brothers and sisters) I was a Protestant when I discovered these forums, and found the forums devoted to prayer requests, discipleship and advice relatively non-controversial. As I explored Orthodoxy more and after serious thought prayer and counsel, I converted to Eastern Orthodoxy. Now I spend most of my time in The Ancient Way, but like to read the aforementioned forums and One Bread, One Body...while I disagree with much Catholic theology, I can respect it and the devotion to it. I find that most of the Catholic posts that might be offensive to our Protestant brethren are defensive in nature, and that many anti-Catholic (and often anti-Orthodox) are often rooted in misinformation. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but do not engage in debates where trolling is evident. There is room for disagreement while mutual recognition of the other as a faithful (even if misguided) follower of Christ. Lovingly try to acknowledge their correct points and lovingly try to correct their faults...the key word in each case being with love.

Gregory Thompson · Mar 4, 2021

bpd_stl said:
(note: moderators feel free to move this thread as you see fit)

I am new to ChristianForums...but not new internet forums. I'm old enough to remember when the Internet was "new" and just a fad that would soon pass.

Anyway, been navigating around quite a bit lurking in numerous threads...and I must say that even cynical old me is surprised by the amount of anti-Catholicism: most, apparently due to misinformation as well as just good ol' fashioned ignorance...but some of it is just straight up animus. I know that this is a multi-denominational/non-denomination forum...so water off a duck's back and all. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.

At this point: I am deciding how I want to engage on this forum. I have a formal theological education I received while a seminarian...want to put it to good use in service of the Church.

My question to fellow Catholics (as well as Orthodox who may be reading this): how have you decided to participate in this massive forum?

As someone who started protestant and learned a lot from Orthodox and Catholic posters on this forum.

I'd recommend to pay attention to those who ask questions to learn, and those who ask question to bait.

You may find it helpful if you want to put your knowledge to good use.

Lost4words · Mar 4, 2021

Welcome aboard these fine forums.

Just continue the good work of being a devout a Catholic as you can be.

God bless you

Mountainmike · Mar 4, 2021

Welcome!
I came in via RCIA over a decade ago.

Too many other Christians spend more time criticising catholics than discussing their own faith, which is surprising given the doctrinal chasm between most groups of Protestants which they rarely air.
I’ve often wondered why.

Sadly it doesn’t matter how many times we correct misunderstandings or explain why we believe what we believe the errors are repeated ad nauseam.

I can say that many of the disagreements are reasonably good natured which is not true of other forums.

It can help to point out ( the large number of ) conversion stories back to Catholicism from every other Christian strand on such as journey home.

It is interesting to try to understand why others think what they do.

But welcome!

you will certainly get chance to practice apologetics!

bpd_stl said:
(note: moderators feel free to move this thread as you see fit)

I am new to ChristianForums...but not new internet forums. I'm old enough to remember when the Internet was "new" and just a fad that would soon pass.

Anyway, been navigating around quite a bit lurking in numerous threads...and I must say that even cynical old me is surprised by the amount of anti-Catholicism: most, apparently due to misinformation as well as just good ol' fashioned ignorance...but some of it is just straight up animus. I know that this is a multi-denominational/non-denomination forum...so water off a duck's back and all. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.

At this point: I am deciding how I want to engage on this forum. I have a formal theological education I received while a seminarian...want to put it to good use in service of the Church.

My question to fellow Catholics (as well as Orthodox who may be reading this): how have you decided to participate in this massive forum?

Michie · Mar 4, 2021

bpd_stl said:
(note: moderators feel free to move this thread as you see fit)

I am new to ChristianForums...but not new internet forums. I'm old enough to remember when the Internet was "new" and just a fad that would soon pass.

Anyway, been navigating around quite a bit lurking in numerous threads...and I must say that even cynical old me is surprised by the amount of anti-Catholicism: most, apparently due to misinformation as well as just good ol' fashioned ignorance...but some of it is just straight up animus. I know that this is a multi-denominational/non-denomination forum...so water off a duck's back and all. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.

At this point: I am deciding how I want to engage on this forum. I have a formal theological education I received while a seminarian...want to put it to good use in service of the Church.

My question to fellow Catholics (as well as Orthodox who may be reading this): how have you decided to participate in this massive forum?

I stay in this forum for the most part. Go to more lighthearted forums to just chat. Lurk in other fun forums where we can’t post. I really try to stay away from the serious or controversial stuff outside this forum. There is a lot of willful ignorance of the Church here though. But apologetics online is not my forte. I’m better in person as far as that’s concerned. I feel a lot of it is insincere baiting so I avoid it. It would be nice if we could get a vibrant community of Catholics here again.

thecolorsblend · Mar 4, 2021

Gnarwhal · Mar 4, 2021

bpd_stl said:
(note: moderators feel free to move this thread as you see fit)

I am new to ChristianForums...but not new internet forums. I'm old enough to remember when the Internet was "new" and just a fad that would soon pass.

Anyway, been navigating around quite a bit lurking in numerous threads...and I must say that even cynical old me is surprised by the amount of anti-Catholicism: most, apparently due to misinformation as well as just good ol' fashioned ignorance...but some of it is just straight up animus. I know that this is a multi-denominational/non-denomination forum...so water off a duck's back and all. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.

At this point: I am deciding how I want to engage on this forum. I have a formal theological education I received while a seminarian...want to put it to good use in service of the Church.

My question to fellow Catholics (as well as Orthodox who may be reading this): how have you decided to participate in this massive forum?

When I first joined this place in 2008 I posted in General Theology and Eschatology a lot, I'd get into arguments and debates but after a while I got tired of that and realized they weren't going anywhere. After I converted I pretty much stayed here in One Bread, One Body. I have nothing to gain from the other sections where people pass along bogus myths about the Church as if they're so well agreed upon that they're past debate.

bpd_stl · Mar 4, 2021

“Paisios” said:
(Please pardon me if anyone finds me pffensive, and delete if necessary. I am trying to answer the question posed, not to offend my Catholic brothers and sisters) I was a Protestant when I discovered these forums, and found the forums devoted to prayer requests, discipleship and advice relatively non-controversial. As I explored Orthodoxy more and after serious thought prayer and counsel, I converted to Eastern Orthodoxy. Now I spend most of my time in The Ancient Way, but like to read the aforementioned forums and One Bread, One Body...while I disagree with much Catholic theology, I can respect it and the devotion to it. I find that most of the Catholic posts that might be offensive to our Protestant brethren are defensive in nature, and that many anti-Catholic (and often anti-Orthodox) are often rooted in misinformation. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but do not engage in debates where trolling is evident. There is room for disagreement while mutual recognition of the other as a faithful (even if misguided) follower of Christ. Lovingly try to acknowledge their correct points and lovingly try to correct their faults...the key word in each case being with love.

No worries and thank you for your thoughtful reply. I myself am a former Protestant (first evangelical...then Anglican). I seriously considered converting to Orthodoxy, but chose Catholicism instead. Catholics & Orthodox have so much in common...which is why any differences/disagreements between us mean so much.

I especially like your emphasis on loving kindness. The Desert Fathers spoke so much about this.

bpd_stl · Mar 4, 2021

Michael Collum said:
I'd recommend to pay attention to those who ask questions to learn, and those who ask question to bait.

Been noticing that. Good advice!

Mountainmike · Mar 4, 2021

thecolorsblend said:
Dialing my participation back following the realization that posting here for any reason other than casual conversation is a complete waste of time.

Ymmv

Don’t go!
You never know how many lives you have touched!

The vociferous ones you will never reach.

But I’m guessing there are a lot of lurkers who are not confident enough to know which way To go.

When you explain the biblical arguments for Catholicism, indeed introduce the early fathers, ( many evangelicals have never heard of the post apostolic fathers) or the origins of the bible: just one of those arguments may resonate, and so begin the journey of study that leads to Catholicism.

Evidence like meachers book on the shroud can be a way to reach others...
Just keep trying! It’s our duty!

bpd_stl · Mar 4, 2021

seeking.IAM said:
Under "General Theology" there is also a "Traditional Theology" sub-forum. You may also find that to be a more welcoming space. I invite you to look it over.

Thanks for the tip...I'll see you there!

Mountainmike · Mar 4, 2021

Lady Bug said:
I just decided to stay on this subforum and one other subforum. It seems that the undercurrent of this entire site (except OBOB) is the premise that to be born again is not to be Catholic. I'm surprised those kinds of posts are even allowed.

That’s sad.

Certainly the frequented claim that catholics are not Christians is a violation of forum policy, report to the mods, don’t react.

chevyontheriver · Mar 4, 2021

bpd_stl said:
(note: moderators feel free to move this thread as you see fit)

I am new to ChristianForums...but not new internet forums. I'm old enough to remember when the Internet was "new" and just a fad that would soon pass.

Anyway, been navigating around quite a bit lurking in numerous threads...and I must say that even cynical old me is surprised by the amount of anti-Catholicism: most, apparently due to misinformation as well as just good ol' fashioned ignorance...but some of it is just straight up animus. I know that this is a multi-denominational/non-denomination forum...so water off a duck's back and all. Everybody is entitled to their opinion.

At this point: I am deciding how I want to engage on this forum. I have a formal theological education I received while a seminarian...want to put it to good use in service of the Church.

My question to fellow Catholics (as well as Orthodox who may be reading this): how have you decided to participate in this massive forum?

Welcome.

With rare exceptions I just skip the anti-Catholic drivel. There are some decent ecumenical discussions but not many. For the most part it is uninformed and uninformable bigotry.

Aussie Pete · Mar 4, 2021

Lady Bug said:
I just decided to stay on this subforum and one other subforum. It seems that the undercurrent of this entire site (except OBOB) is the premise that to be born again is not to be Catholic. I'm surprised those kinds of posts are even allowed.

Some Catholics do not help your cause. The idea that the Catholic church is the only true church does not sit well with Protestants like myself. I know the reasoning but I just don't agree.

I make a distinction between the Catholic organisation and the people who identify as Catholic. I know Catholics who are born again and love Jesus. I know Pentecostals who are as hard as nails and show no love for the brethren.

We prove that we have passed from death to life when we love the brethren, not when we are in perfect theological alignment.

chevyontheriver · Mar 4, 2021

Aussie Pete said:
Some Catholics do not help your cause. The idea that the Catholic church is the only true church does not sit well with Protestants like myself. I know the reasoning but I just don't agree.

You have the whole rest of CF for this. We are having a discussion here about how the whole rest of CF is unsavory much of the time because Protestants like yourself are not shy about telling Catholics how we are wrong. Please start a thread somewhere else in CF to tell everyone who wants to read it how you disagree with the Catholic Church. We already know. Thanks.

Bob Crowley · Mar 4, 2021

Like the OP I'm also a Catholic convert from Protestantism, but I don't have formal training.

I sometimes find there are issues in the "Kitchen SInk" and "The Junk Drawer" that are of interest.

If you're theologically trained, then the Theology section might be one of the best, other than this Catholic forum itself., although you'll run into the Scripture only crowd a lot.

Then there's the "Current News and Events" which is dominated by US news, with occasional forays elsewhere.

I don't very often stray outside those debate areas. There are a couple of areas where I get the message that "You don't have the administrative privileges to debate here" (or something similar), but I'm not interested enough to find out why.

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