10 things things I've "learned" at CAF

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Back in the 1990s, alt.messianic was pretty nasty, I recall! So was the JFJ forum. I’ve spent most of my time on the forums that seek to convert Jews to a form of evangelicalism, this is actually my first experience on a Catholic forum, but there does seem to be some pretty nasty stuff here as well.
No names, but what per centage do you think are really day-in day out mean or agressive?
 
All I can say is, get used to it.

The Catholic Church is going through a period of restoration, and that means turmoil. Liberalism is going out, and with it, a lot of the dishonest warm fuzzies about how we’re all “the same”.

Orthodoxy is in, and that means honestly owning up to the differences between Porotestants and Catholics, and honestly owning up to the fact that Protestantism, being a schismatic offshoot of Catholicism - is either very right, or very wrong and therefore has led millions into Hell. It’s one or the other.

It also means that Catholics are waking up to the fact that living within a Protestant nation and Protestant culture has cost them their heritage and faith, in many cases. Birth control, divorce, abortion…these things were pushed in upon the catholic ommunity form the outside…in the case of the USA, by the more permissive Protestant culture-at-large. Catholics are waking up to the fact that, as they say in the deep South - “if you lie down with dogs, yer gonna get fleas.”

I think things are going to get harsher from here. I do not think this is necessarily a bad thing. I think Protestants are going to have to wake up to the reality of their position - they are the spiritual great-grandchildren of the men who claimed the Pope is Satan on Earth and who killed the priests and nuns and burned down the monasteries. Just 50 years ago, the Klan was killing Catholics in the South.

this waking up to what these faiths really mean is necessary and important. If you wake up to what your faith really stands for, and you don’t like it, have some courage and find the right one.
Your “circle the wagons” does define some of the dynamics but not all. You blame Protestantism for the decline in society rather than secular humanism thus painting Protestants as the enemy. Interesting indeed.
 
No names, but what per centage do you think are really day-in day out mean or agressive?
I don’t know, since I don’t know the people here except on this forum. But sometimes, a few really bad ones can overshadow the ones that are good. Its sad, but its human nature to see it that way.
 
I don’t know, since I don’t know the people here except on this forum. But sometimes, a few really bad ones can overshadow the ones that are good. Its sad, but its human nature to see it that way.
Even in this one forum, I think that the number of sure enough bad ones is low. There are some on the edge, who may go over, but it is low.

You are right. They are loud and overshadow the rest.
 
I know that this post might sound somewhat hostile and or negative. I really don’t feel hostile. I just feel … sad when I reflect on some of these things. I decided to list them out here as a FYI. Maybe some of you don’t realize how you appear to a non-catholic reading your posts. Some of you never reflect these negative things:D, but they are common enough that they come to mind when I think of Catholics now.😦
Hi Syele,
I’m sorry these things have been a problem for you. Hopefully, I have not been too much of a cause of it. Few of the things that you state are things that I have spouted. 🤷 I try to be a good example. Sometimes it isn’t easy.
  1. I’ve learned that there lies a deep resentment and hatred of protestants (not just protestantism) in a large number of Catholics. Even though a huge number of protestants know nothing about Catholics in order to even know if they disagree with Catholicism. Some are outspoken about their anger at us all and others use more sporadic snarky sarcasm thrown in at random.
Yeah, but be honest… doesn’t that cut both ways? I have had some very serious hatred (though the people who did so often try to deny it) laid on me by some n-Cs. Thankfully, I don’t recall you being one of them.

Certainly there is ignorance and misinformation on both sides, but again, as with even this forum, so long as individuals discuss and debate there will be those individuals who crank out error, or even just polemic rhetoric.

For Catholics, that’s why you have to turn to the teaching magisterium of the church, and “Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2nd Timothy 2:15) and listen carefully to what they tell us today. That’s why we have always believed in the development of doctrine.
  1. I learned that I am not as charitable as I used to be, and I’m sorry for anyone I offend(ed). I am trying to learn to be bold but not rude. It can be a fine line at times.
Aren’t we all my friend. If anyone is without sin in this then they can bean me with that first stone as I stand beside you. 🙂
  1. I learned that for some odd reason many Catholics like recited prayers unless a protestant does it… then its a (insert dramatic voice here) “magic formula.” 😉
IMO, one just has to know how to recognize rhetoric versus something of substance. I don’t think that rhetoric helps any discussions and debates here very much at all. Sadly, it’s very easy to fall into that.
  1. I’ve learned that this forum is usually not approached as though it is aimed at converting people to Catholicism but instead to create some sort of “points” against non-Catholics (of all types, not only protestants). “Protestants raise their arms towards the ceiling while singing! AH HA they worship the ceiling!” SCORE C -1 P-0!
I disagree with you about CAF, but I know what you mean. Again, this kinda cuts both ways doesn’t it? I can recall the many debates about images here and feel about the same way about some of the arguments that are offered.

And I do think that conversion is one of the goals here at CAF. There are many many good people here that help with this, and if our methods differ from those on n-C forums, what can I say?

Some of the polemics that I have read on n-C forums have made me wonder how they expect to win souls as well.
  1. I’ve learned that Catholics have some sort of weird love-hate relationship with the word Roman
. Several have tried to explain it, but the answers all contradict, so I have decided to give up understanding it and just use the word when I feel the need. You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time!Why is it even an issue? The fact is that we are somewhat sensitive to the way the term is used. I would think that you would acknowledge that having seen it here right alongside the other things that you have mentioned so far. 🤷
  1. I’ve learned that the things that bothered me about Catholics before still bother me, even after thorough explanations by Catholics, but now I understand they are all inter-related and not several separate issues. …
:yup:
(Cont’d)
 
  1. I’ve learned that few Catholics really know much at all about Protestants, though most think they do, also the ex-protestants think they know the most and are sometimes the most hostile and/or wrong. (this applies vice versa as well)
Depends on who ya talk to and where the person in question gets their info.
  1. I have learned that a whole lot of Catholics believe there are hundreds of thousands of Protestant denominations and each denomination believes totally different things
, (though no one can list them) AND all of them also miraculously believe all the same things… including sola scriptura, OSAS and probably some horrible thing about Mary :confused:. How we can manage such a contradiction is a great Mystery to me (besides that I don’t believe that stuff). Again, you’re generalizing when this is actually something that would depend upon the individual in question.

There are thousands of n-C communities and that is made worse by the host of “independent” communities, which again basically constitute a denomination of one. And there are significant differences in their teachings. I don’t have an answer to that but this creates that same kind of confusion that you speak of when individual Catholics offer erroneous info about what the church teaches. It messes with faithful Catholics’ heads as well sometimes and this is also one reason that CAF exists.
  1. I have learned that Protestant bashing is very often treated as OK (though some do admit to it being rude), its seen as just and fair retaliation for the Reformation and all the things Luther did.
Don’t know if I agree with you here. I suspect that it is (in some cases) actually “seen as just and fair retaliation for the” similar bashing that we Catholics catch in real life discussions with some (Praise God not all!) n-Cs and very especially on certain n-C/a-C forums all over the internet.

Granted, two wrongs don’t make a right, but this is how I understand some of it.
  1. I have learned all about the Catholic views on Mary, Birth Control, womens head coverings, Justification, the Magisterium, purgatory, and others too. I have learned to better defend my own faith by discussing these things. Its my hope that people who talk with me learn to defend their faith better as well, and that is why I support this forum.
I couldn’t have said this any better, nor could I agree with you more.
Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.
 
I don’t know, since I don’t know the people here except on this forum. But sometimes, a few really bad ones can overshadow the ones that are good. Its sad, but its human nature to see it that way.
Shalom Elechim!

Isn’t that always the way though?

Frankly, I treasure the Jewish posters here and thank G-d for my one Orthodox Jewish friend from whom I have learned so very much. We may not agree on all things, but I deeply respect him and his beliefs and rejoice in our friendship.

I have found that your faith helps me better understand my own.
Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.
 
Hi Syele,

Firstly, I want to apologize to you. I was raised Protestant and converted to Catholicism. I understand how some of the references to Protestants come across. Having been on both sides, I can tell you there are misconceptions on both sides, each having been taught incorrectly about the “other side.”

What saddens me the most is the idea that one can have such a distaste toward the other and blatantly deliver it up, thinking it is perfectly within their “right” as a good ( Protestant/Catholic.) I often will find myself coming to the defense of either side, depending on who is being attacked at the moment. Mainly just correcting erroneous statements. I know that when I was an Evangelical, I loved God with my whole heart and followed Him according to the tradition in which I found myself. I thank Him for bringing me into the Catholic Church, and I still love Him, and serve Him to the best of my ability here. So was I doing something “wrong” before? Was my love for Him of no account? Of course not. Fr. Corapi will tell us that there are many protestants who put some of us Catholics to shame with their fervent love and devotion to our Lord!
I would not ever attack someone for their beliefs, especially a fellow Christian. I would share my journey with them, if they wanted to know, and I live out my Catholicsm with as much devotion and charity as I can.
Again, I apologize for the lack of charity and respect that you have experienced. If you are seeking to know about Catholicism, there are many wise and kind posters on these boards as well as the offenders who have responded poorly to you.

Peace,

Kelly
 
I would believe that I agree with most of the 10 points OP has attempted to address. I also believe if we fail to discuss our shortcomings, them we are failed to repeat them.

I would like to add point 11

11 - I believe that there are certain members that have an agenda that is very political and their particular “party” and “leaders” get a free pass while if “the opposition” is discussed then you get “warned” about being political.

And earlier OP quoted me about “the incantation”. I came out of the Southern Baptist church. We evangelized using a multiple of different ways but the “Closer” was alway the “Sinner’s Prayer”. It is widely, if not universally, as a magic formula that guarantees your entry into heaven. I am not aware of anything in the RCC that where words guarantee eternal salvation for the rest of your mortal life whether you sin again or not. The Sinner’s Prayer is believed to have that power by millions of fundamentalist evangelicals. That alone shows the fundamentals that believe that are at odds with the Bible that they carry under their arms to church every Sunday but don’t read or have a teaching Magesterium to help them understand.
 
Shalom Elechim!

Isn’t that always the way though?

Frankly, I treasure the Jewish posters here and thank G-d for my one Orthodox Jewish friend from whom I have learned so very much. We may not agree on all things, but I deeply respect him and his beliefs and rejoice in our friendship.

I have found that your faith helps me better understand my own.
Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.
Et cum spiritu tuo! 🙂

I think some here could learn an awful lot from your outlook and approach.

Getting back for a minute to the Catholic vs Protestant issue: I do not understand why so many Protestants dislike Catholics. I could understand if this were Europe during the Inquisitions, but its not. I realize many differences exist between the two, but in the USA at least, Catholics have suffered much historically at the hands of Protestants (study the long history of anti-Catholicism in this country to learn more about it).

So while neither church should hold grudges or hate the other, the Catholics who do dislike Protestants can at least be understood a bit more, even if not agreed with.

Why would the group that has long been the dominant category in this country (USA) have any reason to hate a smaller group?
 
the magic formulas… read righetousones posts in this thread
I’m sorry Syele…but none of those people are saying a structured prayer is a “magic formula”…they are dismissing the sinners prayer specifically as that which gets you into heaven, by way of an OSAS altar call…which in itself, it does not, and they are correct.

Ultimately, you could have just as easily said, “What I learned at CAF…” and listed the many, many charitable, well-reasoned quotations that are out here. You chose not to. It’s just a personal little critique of the “Catholic Church” by pointing at what you perceive as character flaws in some of it’s members. Seriously, if these things bother you…you’d better leave Christianity…because after all, followers of Christ can be bought for 30 pieces of silver, they fake communion with Gentiles, they desire firestorms to rain on villages, they cut off people’s ears, etc… See how easy it is to paint. The athiests do this to God all the time.

I think you should stick with studying the actual faiths by your thought #10, the only one which isn’t a personal issue.
 
I couldn’t comment on all 10 things, so I chose a few to comment on:
  1. I’ve learned that there lies a deep resentment and hatred of protestants (not just protestantism) in a large number of Catholics. Even though a huge number of protestants know nothing about Catholics in order to even know if they disagree with Catholicism. Some are outspoken about their anger at us all and others use more sporadic snarky sarcasm thrown in at random.
First of all, thank you for these comments. 👍

To be fair to some of those people, many of them have had quite some hard time in the hands of rabid Anti-Catholics who will usually not listen to reason and insist that we Catholics are going to Hell due to this or that.

These then subconsciously think ‘Protestant=Anti-Catholic’ because of the negative experience and get (sadly) all rude and hateful to any Non-Catholic they meet, even to a more cultured poster who has a more open mind and does not have any Anti-Catholic sentiments. Unfortunately, this just turns them into clones of the people they are trying to ‘fight’ with.
  1. I learned that I am not as charitable as I used to be, and I’m sorry for anyone I offend(ed). I am trying to learn to be bold but not rude. It can be a fine line at times.
If any wrong is committed, then the apology is accepted. Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. 🙂
  1. I’ve learned that Catholics have some sort of weird love-hate relationship with the word Roman. Several have tried to explain it, but the answers all contradict, so I have decided to give up understanding it and just use the word when I feel the need. You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time!
That is because many people have different interpretations of the word ‘Roman’.

Some choose it for convenience and familiarity, or because they are a part of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, while others disdain the label due to its origins as an Anti-Catholic canard, or because they are not part of the Roman Rite, but are part of the Eastern or Oriental Churches.

To sum up, IMHO it is better to use the word ‘Roman’ when referring to the Roman Rite Church, and ‘Catholic’ when referring to the Church in general. 🙂
  1. I’ve learned that few Catholics really know much at all about Protestants, though most think they do, also the ex-protestants think they know the most and are sometimes the most hostile and/or wrong. (this applies vice versa as well)
  1. I have learned that a whole lot of Catholics believe there are hundreds of thousands of Protestant denominations and each denomination believes totally different things, (though no one can list them) AND all of them also miraculously believe all the same things… including sola scriptura, OSAS and probably some horrible thing about Mary :confused:. How we can manage such a contradiction is a great Mystery to me (besides that I don’t believe that stuff).
IMHO, Some of the main faults that many Catholic posters (myself included :o) have here is:

-Some tend to confuse the practices and beliefs of one church with another (even if they are on the same Denomination)

-Use of the word ‘Protestant’ as a blanket term, which can lead to confusion at times and might lead to misunderstanding

-Many usually get their knowledge of Protestantism from a specific source which might not even be the beliefs of the denomination that the author of the source belongs to (it might even be an author’s personal belief and thus is not representative of his group) and take it as general Protestant belief

-Particular posters may have been exposed to many Anti-Catholic sources and authors, many of which (based on personal observation) usually come from ‘Low Church’ Protestant Denominations rather than ‘High Church’ ones, which again might lead to a tricky situation involving someone from the latter group

-In case of converts, whatever they may have been taught or learned in their former Denominations may not hold true for the other one; for example Poster A came from a specific Denomination which teaches OSAS, but Poster B came from another church which does not teach it.

So take for example, there is a chance that Poster A might assume subconciously that Protestants (as a whole) teach OSAS, since that was what he was taught in his church.
 
Hi Syele,
I’m sorry these things have been a problem for you. Hopefully, I have not been too much of a cause of it.
I don’t recall you ever being uncharitable to me. 😃
Few of the things that you state are things that I have spouted. 🤷 I try to be a good example. Sometimes it isn’t easy.Yeah, but be honest… doesn’t that cut both ways? I have had some very serious hatred (though the people who did so often try to deny it) laid on me by some n-Cs. Thankfully, I don’t recall you being one of them.
Actually I mention vice versa on purpose… I agree, It does cut both ways.
And I do think that conversion is one of the goals here at CAF. There are many many good people here that help with this, and if our methods differ from those on n-C forums, what can I say?
I think it really is, and that is why I listed that point. If people want to convert me saying nutty things like that I obviously worship the ceiling or one thread title was “Protestants do not pray” plus some less obviously “out there” ones, really aren’t going to help convert anyone, the point of saying it was to say Hey, that method isn’t doing anything to help you there…
The fact is that we are somewhat sensitive to the way the term is used. I would think that you would acknowledge that having seen it here right alongside the other things that you have mentioned so far. 🤷
:yup:
It’s not a term I use much and generally i have a distinct purpose for using it when I do. That purpose has never been to be mean. Its an issue because people insist upon making it one.
Again, you’re generalizing when this is actually something that would depend upon the individual in question.
.
Of course it does, that is why I started the beginning of the post by saying that many don’t do any of the things I listed. 😉
 
And earlier OP quoted me about “the incantation”. I came out of the Southern Baptist church. We evangelized using a multiple of different ways but the “Closer” was alway the “Sinner’s Prayer”. It is widely, if not universally, as a magic formula that guarantees your entry into heaven. I am not aware of anything in the RCC that where words guarantee eternal salvation for the rest of your mortal life whether you sin again or not. The Sinner’s Prayer is believed to have that power by millions of fundamentalist evangelicals. That alone shows the fundamentals that believe that are at odds with the Bible that they carry under their arms to church every Sunday but don’t read or have a teaching Magesterium to help them understand.
I’m sorry Syele…but none of those people are saying a structured prayer is a “magic formula”…they are dismissing the sinners prayer specifically as that which gets you into heaven, by way of an OSAS altar call…which in itself, it does not, and they are correct.
I have said the “sinners prayer” myself and with others. I DO NOT believe in OSAS. Thing is guys, that the Sinner’s prayer is NOT unique to people that believe OSAS. I’d wager that WAY MORE people who pray it do NOT believe OSAS than those who say it and do believe it. The point of that point wasn’t OSAS or really even praying, it is that those people were against (insert issues here) but instead of condemning (real issue), they announce “(totally different issue) is a problem!” Its projecting one issue onto another. It doesn’t convey your real point, it doesn’t endear people to you, and it doesn’t really do anything but make you seem hostile (but in a way that is unclear WHY). This could have been said about a lot of subjects on this forum. I just picked that one cause I saw it a few times recently.

I see that my OP didn’t make that one clear enough, I hope this helps.
 
Hello,

I must admit, I have been struggling remaining Catholic. I have became Catholic 10 years ago and received all of the sacraments, but had no clue what I was getting into as far as its teachings. I became catholic for all the wrong reasons.

I agree, I find that many on here are rude, arrogant and judgemental, but that is what makes us human. I get defensive too, but I try not to insult but I do nonetheless.

However, despite and even with all the insults, I find much of it helpful in my my struggles in remaining a Catholic.

The only thing that keeps “pulling me back” to the church is not it’s doctrines, or that it may be the one true church, but it is Jesus himself in the Eucharist. I struggle with belief in this, but for some reason, I am drawn to it. It must be more than just a wafer???
 
Being a Catholic, and trying to answer charitably when questioned whether I have a relationship with Jesus, whether I am sure in my salvation, etc., it can be very hard to have a conversation with a non-Catholic that decides no matter how I answer that I do not have a relationship, and I am really not trusting in the love of the Lord simply because I continue to follow Catholic beliefs and teachings. And the ones who are the worst are the ones who claim to have been Catholic at one time.

I am sorry that any non-Catholic here feels they are not being respected here. But then again, I haven’t heard many apologies for some of the comments that have been sent my way either.
 
As for me, I have a couple of hot buttons. I need to work on them some. This is one of them.

However, even if the OP uses a “Sinner’s Prayer” in such a way or not does not take away from the fact certain fundamental evangelical denominations, of which the South Baptist Convention is the largest, does do “door to door” evangelism using OSAS intermingled with their own “incantations”.

Call it “Roman Road” or “Evangelism Explosion” or many other things, many of these groups get together on Monday nights, following up on Sunday visitors. They will go to a home unannounced, usually in teams of 2 or 3, 2 inexperienced and 1 leader. One of the inexperience usually has been out and they are further along than a newbie. Success on a visit is gaged on whether a “sinners prayer” was said. I have actually seen percentages of closing deals kept. At that point contact is pretty well lost with that person. I can also tell you that Latins are especially preyed upon because alot of them are looked at as being “easy pickens” for conversion because they have historically poorly catechised.

On this finally, a person with the most number of conversions is usually given something in recognition, maybe a gift certificate or something like that. It’s kinda like getting S&H “Green Stamps” or “Notches on your Gun”. I actually saw a fellow keeping track on the inside of his Bible so He could show it to God later.

Included in the “Sales Pitch” is things like: all your sins past, present and future are included, no matter what do in the future. Proponents of this “way of thinking” are well televised people Pat Robertson and Billy Graham to name a few. The newly converted are given comic book gospels like Jack Chick which “dumbs down” the gospel for them.

So, if it comes off that I co-mingle the “sinner’s prayer” with OSAS, it is because I saw it for over 40 years in the Southern Baptist Church, where the only requirement to preach is that the deacons (or pastor hiring committee) like you, not whether you can “rightly divide the word of truth”.
 
i wouldn’t judge all catholics by what one reads on an internet message board. (even though i’ve been tempted to do this myself a few times.)

if you want to know what the church teaches, read the catechism (and the New Testament of course, but being a protestant christian you’ve probably already done that.)
 
As for me, I have a couple of hot buttons. I need to work on them some. This is one of them.

However, even if the OP uses a “Sinner’s Prayer” in such a way or not does not take away from the fact certain fundamental evangelical denominations, of which the South Baptist Convention is the largest, does do “door to door” evangelism using OSAS intermingled with their own “incantations”.

Call it “Roman Road” or “Evangelism Explosion” or many other things, many of these groups get together on Monday nights, following up on Sunday visitors. They will go to a home unannounced, usually in teams of 2 or 3, 2 inexperienced and 1 leader. One of the inexperience usually has been out and they are further along than a newbie. Success on a visit is gaged on whether a “sinners prayer” was said. I have actually seen percentages of closing deals kept. At that point contact is pretty well lost with that person. I can also tell you that Latins are especially preyed upon because alot of them are looked at as being “easy pickens” for conversion because they have historically poorly catechised.

On this finally, a person with the most number of conversions is usually given something in recognition, maybe a gift certificate or something like that. It’s kinda like getting S&H “Green Stamps” or “Notches on your Gun”. I actually saw a fellow keeping track on the inside of his Bible so He could show it to God later.

Included in the “Sales Pitch” is things like: all your sins past, present and future are included, no matter what do in the future. Proponents of this “way of thinking” are well televised people Pat Robertson and Billy Graham to name a few. The newly converted are given comic book gospels like Jack Chick which “dumbs down” the gospel for them.

So, if it comes off that I co-mingle the “sinner’s prayer” with OSAS, it is because I saw it for over 40 years in the Southern Baptist Church, where the only requirement to preach is that the deacons (or pastor hiring committee) like you, not whether you can “rightly divide the word of truth”.
I understand that it is from what you saw there. What I am saying is that there are much better ways to combat what you disagree with than lumping everyone together who prays the sinners prayer as people who are saying some incantation. When I say it I am asking God to lead me in my life and repenting of my sins. Surely you have nothing against people following God and repenting? See, if you didn’t lump them together, I’d be agreeing with you against OSAS instead of debating the sinners prayer pointlessly.
 
SirOscar wrote:

***I must admit, I have been struggling remaining Catholic. I have became Catholic 10 years ago and received all of the sacraments, but had no clue what I was getting into as far as its teachings. I became catholic for all the wrong reasons.

I agree, I find that many on here are rude, arrogant and judgemental, but that is what makes us human. I get defensive too, but I try not to insult but I do nonetheless.

However, despite and even with all the insults, I find much of it helpful in my my struggles in remaining a Catholic.

The only thing that keeps “pulling me back” to the church is not it’s doctrines, or that it may be the one true church, but it is Jesus himself in the Eucharist. I struggle with belief in this, but for some reason, I am drawn to it. It must be more than just a wafer???***

I would think, from your post, that you would appreciate people who were less friendly…less “salesmen” for Catholicism. I don’t like the whole idea of smothering potential new converts with kindness and kisses…just give them the facts. Then, they are making a decision for the right reasons (because you can find fellowship anywhere!). I actually like the fact that potential converts often complain that Catholics are “cold” because then, if they do convert, it’s definitely for the sake of truth and their immortal soul, not for “fellowship” or some other emotional reason.

Also, yes, Jesus really is present in the Eucharist. Jesus promised this, particularly in John ch. 6, Paul taught it in his epistles, and all the Fathers of the Church through the centuries taught it as well. There are lots of good threads and articles on this site which will teach you all the details. Good luck.
 
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