A problem with these forums

[mango_2003]

In general, I’ve liked these forums. However, I am beginning to grow weary of how many Roman Catholics treat and talk about us Protestants. I’m really tired of hearing us “talked down to” and being talked about like we’re second rate people/Christians.

I do realize that these sentiments are not of all, but of some…and it’s sad.

~mango~

 

[GoodME]

mango_2003:

In general, I’ve liked these forums. However, I am beginning to grow weary of how many Roman Catholics treat and talk about us Protestants. I’m really tired of hearing us “talked down to” and being talked about like we’re second rate people/Christians.

I do realize that these sentiments are not of all, but of some…and it’s sad.

~mango~

There are forums where you can go and see the Catholics talked down to and the Church referred to as the “whore of Babylon”, and the Pope referred to as the “anti-Christ”, etc. Two wrongs don’t make it right, however.

I believe a Faith and the practice thereof to be an extremely personal thing, which at some higher level we group ourselves into Catholic/Protestant, etc. Nobody practices a Faith they don’t believe in.

So when you hear Catholics on this site “talking down” to Protestants, understand that the discussion is motivated by the perceived error of the beliefs and practices of these faiths, and the care and concern to “get it right”. What a Catholic believes a Protestant is missing is the fullness of the relationship to which we are called by God to have with Him. What you should get out of these posts is a concern, and not a boast.

Some people are not as tactful as others about this discussion.

 

[Faithful_2_Rome]

I have noticed out of the clear blue…threads created to just shut down protestants…I dont participate. If a protestant challenges or asks a question or creates a thread, then fine…have at it. But I am also weary of seeing these so called “soap box threads” pop up correcting protestants when there isnt even a reason to do so, then to just say…HA! so there! Got ya again! In that respect, I agree with you. I have seen them pop up just to write some long winded scriptural quote, and I cant fathom WHY or what the REASON was for it…nice…you can read the bible and type…clap, clap, clap…

But dont let that stuff get you down on Catholicism itself…everyone in any denomination can be a blowhard…me included… that doesnt take away from all the tradition and history as well as miracles, which have led us to believe it is the faith created by Jesus, thru an apostolic line of Popes… and dont let insensitive people (though hopefully, good intentioned) possibly turn you off from perhaps seeking and discerning if you can accept all the churches writings and teachings as “Truth”. God Bless.

 

[mango_2003]

GoodME:

There are forums where you can go and see the Catholics talked down to and the Church referred to as the “whore of Babylon”, and the Pope referred to as the “anti-Christ”, etc. Two wrongs don’t make it right, however.

Very true and well said.

I believe a Faith and the practice thereof to be an extremely personal thing, which at some higher level we group ourselves into Catholic/Protestant, etc. Nobody practices a Faith they don’t believe in.

I agree, and I do realize that sometimes conflict is necessary. I’m all for it…as long as it’s done in good taste and with care.

So when you hear Catholics on this site “talking down” to Protestants, understand that the discussion is motivated by the perceived error of the beliefs and practices of these faiths, and the care and concern to “get it right”. What a Catholic believes a Protestant is missing is the fullness of the relationship to which we are called by God to have with Him. What you should get out of these posts is a concern, and not a boast.

Although I would like to believe this is a universal truth on these boards, I would say that it’s more a “hit or miss” situation. In some posts, the concern can be seen. In others, we’re simply treated like a ragtag bunch of misfits that are running around with our heads cut off. This scenario isn’t one that is uncommon, especially lately.

Some people are not as tactful as others about this discussion.

Yes, you are right. It’s just too bad that people can’t stand back from situations every now and then and realize that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

~mango~

 

[space_ghost]

mango_2003:

In general, I’ve liked these forums. However, I am beginning to grow weary of how many Roman Catholics treat and talk about us Protestants. I’m really tired of hearing us “talked down to” and being talked about like we’re second rate people/Christians.

I do realize that these sentiments are not of all, but of some…and it’s sad.

~mango~

Like the political threads, i try to stay out of the holier than thou forums… i hope you stay… it helps us all to understand our protestant brothers and sisters… and i will gladly apologize for those who have the manners of a … well, I hope you stay…

 

[mango_2003]

Faithful 2 Rome:

I have noticed out of the clear blue…threads created to just shut down protestants…I dont participate. If a protestant challenges or asks a question or creates a thread, then fine…have at it. But I am also weary of seeing these so called “soap box threads” pop up correcting protestants when there isnt even a reason to do so, then to just say…HA! so there! Got ya again! In that respect, I agree with you. I have seen them pop up just to write some long winded scriptural quote, and I cant fathom WHY or what the REASON was for it…nice…you can read the bible and type…clap, clap, clap…

But dont let that stuff get you down on Catholicism itself…everyone in any denomination can be a blowhard…me included… that doesnt take away from all the tradition and history as well as miracles, which have led us to believe it is the faith created by Jesus, thru an apostolic line of Popes… and dont let insensitive people (though hopefully, good intentioned) possibly turn you off from perhaps seeking and discerning if you can accept all the churches writings and teachings as “Truth”. God Bless.

Thank you for that. It’s people like you who make these forums fun!

I love learning about the RCC…it just stinks having to wade through all the junk.

~mango~

 

[Kevan]

I haven’t detected any such problem. The tone seems, if anything, overly indulgent toward noncatholics.

 

[T.A.Stobie_SFO]

And they’ll know we are Christian by how we post.

And they’ll know we are Christian by how we debate.

And they’ll know we are Christian by how we admit our errors.

And they know we are Christian by how we forgive.

And they know we are Christian by how we love.

 

[T.A.Stobie_SFO]

More to the topic than my last post.

They have been some posters, whom I will not name, that are very forceful about their point of view who do not appear willing to even try to understand the differing viewpoint of another. This is sad but true. These posters, some have been Catholic, some “Traditionist Catholics”, some Protestant, and some none of the above.

I wish there was a forum feature that I could mark for my future references these individuals so that I am pre-warned next time I see their posts. (This probably is too difficult to implement as it would require keeping track of an opinion of every member by every other member.)

 

[SPOKENWORD]

Theres always a couple of bad apples that spoil the whole bunch. If you cannot come into this site and speak in Christs love ,you have no business being here in my oppinion.All they are is just a noisy symbol. So dont give up hope,there are plenty of friendly and loving christians in these forums. Hopefully we will all learn something from each other.

 

[Theodora]

mango_2003:

In general, I’ve liked these forums. However, I am beginning to grow weary of how many Roman Catholics treat and talk about us Protestants. I’m really tired of hearing us “talked down to” and being talked about like we’re second rate people/Christians.

I do realize that these sentiments are not of all, but of some…and it’s sad.

~mango~

I agree with what you wrote. It is not charitable to jump all over a person just because an honest-to-goodness question was asked or the non-catholic differs in his point of view from what CC teaches. You will notice, however, that master apologists (usually) are respectful in talking to and about Protestants. I believe that the ones who get easily offended and retaliate with put-down remarks or impatient answers sometimes don’t realize what they’re doing. But it is a good thing that you brought this subject up. Maybe others who see your post will reflect on what you wrote and change their way and will respond in a more charitably manner when discussing with others who hold a different point of view or different set of beliefs than they do.

Being rude is self-defeating. The other person is turned off by such attitude and the intended effect is negated.

 

[Auberon_Quin]

mango_2003:

In general, I’ve liked these forums. However, I am beginning to grow weary of how many Roman Catholics treat and talk about us Protestants.

Heh. Try being a Buddhist who occasionally goes to strip clubs and see how many friends you make.

When I first posted in the non-Catholic religions forum, lots of Catholic posters assumed I was here because I was exploring the faith or needed converting, or something. I found that irritating. Once I got a little more comfortable and started posting elsewhere, I found that several people are praying for me, as I am on the express train to hell.

It’s a Catholic forum. I consider myself and other non-Catholics to be guests here. It should neither surprise nor annoy us to encounter Catholics who believe that their faith is the only correct one and ours, such as they are, are flat wrong.

It is very hard to have a reasoned discussion with somebody when you believe they are entirely wrong about something important. No matter how hard you try to be open and reasonable, you can’t keep the fact that you are right and they are wrong from influencing your tone.

If anyone wants to know about Zen Buddhism, I’ll answer the questions they ask, assuming that I know the answers. If they want to know how I got there, I’ll answer that as well. I assume if I have similar questions about Catholicism, I’ll find people to answer my questions.

I will stipulate to the fact that many of the things I believe are in direct opposition to the teachings of one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic church. If Karl and his crew want to ban me for it, that’s fine. If anyone wants to convert me or convince me that my views on religion are wrong, I’m not going to get into it. If anyone wants to insult me or call me names, I’ll report them and let Karl jug 'em.

We are guests here. Our hosts are Catholic. To expect them to not act like Catholics is a bit much.

 

[theMutant]

mango_2003:

In general, I’ve liked these forums. However, I am beginning to grow weary of how many Roman Catholics treat and talk about us Protestants. I’m really tired of hearing us “talked down to” and being talked about like we’re second rate people/Christians.

I do realize that these sentiments are not of all, but of some…and it’s sad.

~mango~

There are good and bad eggs in any group. If any of my posts were taken this way, I apologize and assure you that it was unintentional.
T.A.Stobie:

I wish there was a forum feature that I could mark for my future references these individuals so that I am pre-warned next time I see their posts. (This probably is too difficult to implement as it would require keeping track of an opinion of every member by every other member.)

You could try adding them to your ignore list in your profile. I haven’t tried this feature so I don’t know exactly how it works.

 

[Katholikos]

I am a former Southern Baptist, agnostic, atheist. For years, I was taught bull-oney in my Sunday School class and from the pulpit about the Catholic Church and the Bible. I know it’s still going on, because I attended a Protestant funeral recently and out of courtesy for the deceased, I had to sit quietly and listen to the preacher bash the Church I love. At a funeral !!! You’ll never hear a Protestant church mentioned in the Catholic Mass. I’ve never heard one even mentioned at any Catholic event in all these years. But listen to Protestant programs on the radio or TV – Catholic bashing is the name of the game.

Protestants have a lot in common. All Protestant churches were founded by men – we know the names of the men and the dates they started their organization from the historical record. They understand that each of them arrived at their beliefs because of their personal interpretation of the Bible (or their pastor’s interpretation). They dialog (or argue) as equals. That’s not the case when one dialogs with an Catholic who knows his Faith. You’re bound to be offended when a Catholic tells you that he’s right, because that means you’re wrong. But if he is presenting what the Church teaches, it very well may be true.

The Catholic Church is God’s own Church. It was founded by God Himself, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. There is a certain feeling – call it an attitude – that one gets from knowing that the doctrines of the Church come not from reading a book and trying to figure out what it means, but from the lips of the Apostles who sat at the feet of Jesus for three years while he taught them what they needed to know. And the Apostles in turn taught the Church what she needed to know before, while, and after the NT was being written. The Catholic Church wrote the New Testament. So we don’t dialog on religious questions as equals. That doesn’t make me personally superior to Protestants – but it certainly puts my beliefs on a higher level, since they come from the Holy Apostles themselves.

I find it very irritating when Protestants try to tell me what I believe, and they haven’t a clue. So this complaining cuts both ways, my friend.

Most Protestants whose posts I have read are not here to ask questions and learn what the Catholic Church teaches. My experience has been that they are here to tell us that we’re wrong and to try to convince us that we should leave the Church.

I’ll step down from my soap box now.

Peace to all who post at Catholic Answers. JMJ Jay

 

[Auberon_Quin]

Katholikos:

So we don’t dialog on religious questions as equals.

This sums up the issue very neatly. The problem is that most of us are pretty sure that we are the ones who are right. It doesn’t make for a fruitful discussion.

I am often educated by the “why do you believe that…” threads. In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve learned a ton about the Catholic and Protestant perspectives (and, yeah, Wiccans too) that I never knew before. I quit reading when the discussion breaks down into “You only believe that because you are (a) stupid (b) heretical (c) improperly catechised or (d) insufficently open to the love of God.”

That’s just yelling, and yelling is boring.

 

[pnewton]

mango_2003:

In general, I’ve liked these forums. However, I am beginning to grow weary of how many Roman Catholics treat and talk about us Protestants. I’m really tired of hearing us “talked down to” and being talked about like we’re second rate people/Christians.

I do realize that these sentiments are not of all, but of some…and it’s sad.

~mango~

I am sorry, Catholics also have their share of off-kilter extremists. We mat not call any one the whore of Babylon but some Catholics have our own prejudices. One way to recognize this is when groups are attacked, belittled, or even referred to negatively and not the ideas behind these groups.

We Catholics pray for our separated Brothers in Christ not in the Church on Good Friday specifically, but also at other times. May God bless you and grant you forebearance.

PS - I am ex Southern Baptist myself. Thank you for participating in these discussions.

 

[T.A.Stobie_SFO]

theMutant:

You could try adding them to your ignore list in your profile. I haven’t tried this feature so I don’t know exactly how it works.

I generally want to see their posts, so I can tell how they are affecting others and see if clarification is needed to prevent confusion or harm to another.

So what I need is a semi-ignore list, which would change the background of their posts or something noticeable.

 

[T.A.Stobie_SFO]

And something I do do, it that if I notice an offensive thread, particular one that starts that way (some titiles I have found offensive), I rate the thread with one star as “terrible” to warn people away.

I recommend others do the same.

 

[mango_2003]

Katholikos:

I find it very irritating when Protestants try to tell me what I believe, and they haven’t a clue. So this complaining cuts both ways, my friend.

And I never said it wasn’t both ways. I can’t claim to know what it’s like from your perspective…simply calling it as I see it. If that’s wrong, sorry.

As to what you said in that post…you missed the point entirely. I know what you said is what you believe…the thing is, I don’t. It is complete truth to you, but an error to me. These disagreements happen and that’s fine, but when one comes with an attitude of spiritual haughtiness, no learning and /or growth can come.

All I’m saying is to think twice before hitting the “Submit Reply” button.

~mango~

 

[Annunciata]

mango_2003:

In general, I’ve liked these forums. However, I am beginning to grow weary of how many Roman Catholics treat and talk about us Protestants. I’m really tired of hearing us “talked down to” and being talked about like we’re second rate people/Christians.

I do realize that these sentiments are not of all, but of some…and it’s sad.

~mango~

Dear Mango,
Please don’t be offended…I know I was drawn into one thread to give a “new name to something” and wasn’t really thinking about what a Protestant would think (I’m a former Baptist) and gave an opinion which gave me pause afterward when someone took offense…I took a few days off from the Forum after that… We are all here because we love the Lord! I think it’s beautiful that we can share our faith w/ one another…sometimes we don’t always like what we hear, but then isn’t that what a forum is all about…? Agree to disagree, etc…
I’m sorry you have been hurt…I know I’ll be more careful in my posts. Much Love In Christ, Annunciata