CAF charitability improving?

[AlanFromWichita]

Is it just my perception, or has the overall tone of the posts in the spirituality section become much more charitable over the last few years?

I used to get upset at things that were posted, and there was much bickering. :slapfight:

But now I see charitable discussions, frequently even when there is disagreement.

Maybe it’s in the way I choose which threads to read, but I think it’s more than that. :twocents:

Or is it more that I have learned to avoid certain topics?

Could it be that we are gradually becoming more unified and more open and honest in the way we interact as members of the Body of Christ? :grouphug:

Or am I just imagining things? :whacky:

Alan

 

[Lisa1967]

I think it depends on who you are. I am a former Catholic going to an Episcopal church and my choice of church was criticized in another CAF forum (not this one). I would like to see more charity between Catholics and Protestants, as the guidelines state non-Catholics are welcome on CAF.

 

[robwar]

Is it just my perception, or has the overall tone of the posts in the spirituality section become much more charitable over the last few years?

I used to get upset at things that were posted, and there was much bickering. :slapfight:

But now I see charitable discussions, frequently even when there is disagreement.

Maybe it’s in the way I choose which threads to read, but I think it’s more than that. :twocents:

Or is it more that I have learned to avoid certain topics?

Could it be that we are gradually becoming more unified and more open and honest in the way we interact as members of the Body of Christ? :grouphug:

Or am I just imagining things? :whacky:

Alan

maybe some of the bigger offenders have been removed. I think all of the above are true.

 

[coachdennis]

Is it just my perception, or has the overall tone of the posts in the spirituality section become much more charitable over the last few years?

I used to get upset at things that were posted, and there was much bickering. :slapfight:

But now I see charitable discussions, frequently even when there is disagreement.

Maybe it’s in the way I choose which threads to read, but I think it’s more than that. :twocents:

Or is it more that I have learned to avoid certain topics?

Could it be that we are gradually becoming more unified and more open and honest in the way we interact as members of the Body of Christ? :grouphug:

Or am I just imagining things? :whacky:

Alan

I came back after weeks away and look at posts only today. I found insulting comments directed towards people who did not agree with the poster that implied it was better for the Church for the entire current generation of Catholics to “die off”.

Frankly, you are imagining things and this is my last post ever on this forum.

 

[eddie_too]

ahhhh, the joy we receive in forgiving and being forgiven.

 

[Vouthon]

I have certainly seen more of an openness to our own Christian mysticism.

Prior to this I used to feel at times that my quotations from Catholic mystics were not received with great warmth but at times with suspicion of what was said, even from a canonised, beatified or approved mystic. I usually found it more weird rather than uncharitable, although it did not please me to say the least.

So that is certainly good and yes I do get the same impression that there is has been an increase in charitableness. It must be the Holy Spirit

Although I do agree with Lisa that I would like more compassion to be shown towards our brothers and sisters from other Christian denominations and other religions as per CAF’s regulations on respect which while wonderful and enlightened are sadly not always followed.

Some people need to read over Vatican II’s decrees on ecumenism and others faiths methinks

 

[Hotgoldensun]

I think CAF has a peaceful, joyful, and loving atmosphere .

 

[Armor_of_Light]

I came back after weeks away and look at posts only today. I found insulting comments directed towards people who did not agree with the poster that implied it was better for the Church for the entire current generation of Catholics to “die off”.

Frankly, you are imagining things and this is my last post ever on this forum.

Stay coach! That person was a one-off…really. I have not seen a comment like that on here before today. Stick around and share your boomer wisdom with the punks. I will, too.

 

[robwar]

I came back after weeks away and look at posts only today. I found insulting comments directed towards people who did not agree with the poster that implied it was better for the Church for the entire current generation of Catholics to “die off”.

Frankly, you are imagining things and this is my last post ever on this forum.

don’t leave, better to remain and try to make it better.

 

[dshix]

I came back after weeks away and look at posts only today. I found insulting comments directed towards people who did not agree with the poster that implied it was better for the Church for the entire current generation of Catholics to “die off”.

Frankly, you are imagining things and this is my last post ever on this forum.

coach is exaggerating.

I saw that thread, and that’s what coach construed the person to be saying, but the poster did not actually say those words, but only hinted at something similar.

 

[Lisa1967]

I came back after weeks away and look at posts only today. I found insulting comments directed towards people who did not agree with the poster that implied it was better for the Church for the entire current generation of Catholics to “die off”.

Frankly, you are imagining things and this is my last post ever on this forum.

I hope you don’t leave.

I plan to stay. I like the Prayer Intentions forum specifically as well as the Spirituality forum. I’m not going to let the occasional bad egg drive me away. I do find that it’s better for me to avoid certain discussions.

 

[Linusthe2nd]

Is it just my perception, or has the overall tone of the posts in the spirituality section become much more charitable over the last few years?

I used to get upset at things that were posted, and there was much bickering. :slapfight:

But now I see charitable discussions, frequently even when there is disagreement.

Maybe it’s in the way I choose which threads to read, but I think it’s more than that. :twocents:

Or is it more that I have learned to avoid certain topics?

Could it be that we are gradually becoming more unified and more open and honest in the way we interact as members of the Body of Christ? :grouphug:

Or am I just imagining things? :whacky:

Alan

I’m getting better myself, though I’m sure some posters wish I would reach the goal overnight as it were. Linus2nd

 

[meltzerboy]

Is it just my perception, or has the overall tone of the posts in the spirituality section become much more charitable over the last few years?

I used to get upset at things that were posted, and there was much bickering. :slapfight:

But now I see charitable discussions, frequently even when there is disagreement.

Maybe it’s in the way I choose which threads to read, but I think it’s more than that. :twocents:

Or is it more that I have learned to avoid certain topics?

Could it be that we are gradually becoming more unified and more open and honest in the way we interact as members of the Body of Christ? :grouphug:

Or am I just imagining things? :whacky:

Alan

It also seems to me that posters have become more charitable since I first joined CAF over two years ago. Or maybe I’ve just gotten used to it. Regardless, don’t you or anyone else dare disagree with me!

 

[pnewton]

I would say that this is true. I think the charity has improved here. I credit several factors, of which the moderation is chief. I think the addition of a few religious sprinkled in the midst also has helped.

 

[littlenothing]

I haven’t been on in a while, so maybe I shouldn’t complain…but I guess I will since you brought it up Alan!

I have noticed some cradle-Catholic to cradle-Catholic needling that seems to me to be quite mean-spirited. I do believe there are some things we can differ on (such as how we prefer the Holy Saturday Vigil to be conducted or what liturgical music we like) that shouldn’t be attacked. Lively discussion? Great. Name-calling? Not great.

Also, if a cradle-Cat is ignorant and needs some instruction, there are those who will lambaste the person in need of instruction rather than being a gentle guide. It only happened once to me on the forums, but I was quite hurt. Sometimes we don’t know everything we should! Isn’t that why we’re all here?

 

[tabycat]

I hope you don’t leave.

I plan to stay. I like the Prayer Intentions forum specifically as well as the Spirituality forum. I’m not going to let the occasional bad egg drive me away. I do find that it’s better for me to avoid certain discussions.

I know some of the forums seem to more ‘bad eggs’ then others, but not enough to drive me away. I have looked at other forum sites, and CAF is better then most that I have seen.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

I have looked at other forum sites, and CAF is better then most that I have seen.

I’ve heard that a lot. I haven’t seen many other sites, for myself, so I take your word for it.

Regardless, don’t you or anyone else dare disagree with me!

I’m getting better myself, though I’m sure some posters wish I would reach the goal overnight as it were. Linus2nd

I think CAF has a peaceful, joyful, and loving atmosphere .

Awesome!

I have certainly seen more of an openness to our own Christian mysticism.

That may be what I’m noticing most; there are more and more posters “coming out” and agreeing to discuss mystical writings and contemplative ideas. A few years ago you could only speak of those things if you kept it nice and sterile, and used only only a certain subset of Catholic sources.

ahhhh, the joy we receive in forgiving and being forgiven.

Nice thought. Most of the time I come here to learn, help, pontificate, or whatever, but mostly I think of it intellectually. The fellowship I’ve enjoyed here – including help with learning to forgive myself and others – has been priceless.

I came back after weeks away and look at posts only today. I found insulting comments directed towards people who did not agree with the poster that implied it was better for the Church for the entire current generation of Catholics to “die off”.

Frankly, you are imagining things and this is my last post ever on this forum.

I’m so sorry. I’ve had a few times when I got very upset, too. But in my own experience I see that much less than I used to. I hope you decide to come back, or find a more suitable site for you.

maybe some of the bigger offenders have been removed. I think all of the above are true.

Yes. Three cheers for the mod staff! :clapping:

I think it depends on who you are. I am a former Catholic going to an Episcopal church and my choice of church was criticized in another CAF forum (not this one). I would like to see more charity between Catholics and Protestants, as the guidelines state non-Catholics are welcome on CAF.

I confess there is one forum section in particular that used to get to me a lot, and I haven’t been there in a long time and I’m not sure I have anything to discuss there anyway. In this section (spirituality) I think there are starting to be enough posters that embrace all members of the Body regardless of religion, who want to come and share with honesty and respect, that stand with our non-Catholic siblings to counter some of that problem attitude.

Also I think some of us are wannabe evangelists, and are realizing that they might catch more flies with honey than vinegar, so to speak. More with love than with chastisement. Personally, I rejoice over conversions but it really isn’t my specialty to try to get someone to switch religions, at least not as a Primary Objective. Now if I attract them by my own fascination or maybe they will see something I have from my faith that they want? That’s a different story. Honestly if anybody converted on account of me, I’m not sure how I’d handle the temptation toward pride.

I hope things improve as you are also hoping.

Thank you, posters and lurkers, for making me glad for starting the thread! :tiphat:

Alan

 

[Vouthon]

I confess there is one forum section in particular that used to get to me a lot, and I haven’t been there in a long time and I’m not sure I have anything to discuss there anyway.

Given that I participate in Non-Catholic religions frequently, I hear you (since I assume that is the one you are talking about and if not then IMHO what you say definitely applies over there) I personally avoid Islam threads in that section now since despite the continual reminders and interventions from the mods, one often finds great offensiveness towards Muslim beliefs without recognition of their personal sincerity to their faith and a more balanced attempt at understanding that religion. The mods actually created a thread a few months back warning people to not speak so unfairly of Islam. One can disagree with Islamic doctrines, explain why one personally is Christian rather than Muslim, absolutely but it must always be done with sensitivity, love, respect and a recognition of the sincere faith and seeking of others who do not share one’s opinion.

I have suggested before that it should be re-named “Interfaith Dialogue” and that an “Ecumenism” forum section should be created for our Christian brothers and sisters of other denominations rather than having them talk in “non-Catholic religions”. I do not like defining other people as “non-” something as a rule since it seems exclusive to me.

“Interfaith dialogue” and “ecumenism” is more in tune with Vatican II and post-conciliar magisterial documents IMHO.

I think we could all be doing with heeding Bl.John XXIII’s words:

“…All men, then, should …] be joined in mutual and just regard for one another’s opinions…For discussion can lead to fuller and deeper understanding of religious truths; when one idea strikes against another, there may be a spark…”

- Blessed Pope John XXIII, AD PETRI CATHEDRAM (On Truth, Unity and Peace), 1959

And Paul VI’s:

“…Speaking generally of the dialogue which the Church of today must take up with a great renewal of fervor…We do so in fulfillment of Our duty and with no other thought in mind than to open Our heart to you and to strengthen more and more and render more joyful that union of faith and love which happily exists between us…These then are the lines of our dialogue. But before we engage in conversation with our brothers, we address ourselves lovingly to our Heavenly Father in earnest prayer and great confidence…A spirit of bitter criticism, defiance, and arrogance is far removed from that charity which nourishes and preserves the spirit of fellowship, harmony, and peace. It completely vitiates dialogue, turning it into argument, disagreement and dissension-a sad state of affairs, but by no means uncommon…For the lover of truth discussion is always possible…And so We end this Our first encyclical on a note of great joy in the union of our spirits which has its origin in Christ…”

***- ECCLESIAM SUAM ENCYCLICAL OF POPE PAUL VI , AUGUST 6, 1964 ***

 

[pnewton]

I guess something else that has colored my perspective is that I do not frequent the political forums much.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Given that I participate in Non-Catholic religions frequently, I hear you (since I assume that is the one you are talking about and if not then IMHO what you say definitely applies over there) I personally avoid Islam threads in that section now since despite the continual reminders and interventions from the mods, one often finds great offensiveness towards Muslim beliefs without recognition of their personal sincerity to their faith and a more balanced attempt at understanding that religion. The mods actually created a thread a few months back warning people to not speak so unfairly of Islam. One can disagree with Islamic doctrines, explain why one personally is Christian rather than Muslim, absolutely but it must always be done with sensitivity, love, respect and a recognition of the sincere faith and seeking of others who do not share one’s opinion.

I have suggested before that it should be re-named “Interfaith Dialogue” and that an “Ecumenism” forum section should be created for our Christian brothers and sisters of other denominations rather than having them talk in “non-Catholic religions”. I do not like defining other people as “non-” something as a rule since it seems exclusive to me.

“Interfaith dialogue” and “ecumenism” is more in tune with Vatican II and post-conciliar magisterial documents IMHO.

I think we could all be doing with heeding Bl.John XXIII’s words:

And Paul VI’s:

It amazes me how much I agree with about everything you post.



But no, I’m not talking about the non-Catholics section; I’ve only looked there once or twice. I was thinking of the Traditional Catholicism section. Don’t know about now, but it used to be hostility was on a hair trigger. Just the mention of Communion in the hand, or cafeteria Catholics, or non-priests handing out Communion or the EF Mass (in vernacular) or Vatican II or or raising hands to Orans position during the Lord’s prayer, or anything mystical, and blam! Smart money would say the thread would end up being closed by mods. :slapfight:

And if you want a simulation of Kryptonite in action, just try suggesting we need more Liturgical Dancers. :bigyikes:



Then again, I guess the whole point of having a Traditional section is to avoid talking about those things.

LOL I trust that section has improved as well; if so then that’s great because my comments just above are based only on the past…

I would so much like to see real interfaith dialog, on a very large scale. There is Truth from God that transcends belief systems. In fact all belief systems are IMO human constructs in our minds that attempt to model God’s truth, and are based on each individual’s specific situation in life as to how that model compares to any particular established standard, or to “reality.” No matter what we believe, our thoughts can never grasp the reality of God which is why St. Paul says that if a man thinks he knows something, then he doesn’t know as he ought to know.

Alan