Christian Online Behavior

[oppositeman]

Can you add anything to this?

Be respectful of other’s opinions and differences in beliefs - state your opinion or belief and let it go at that - don’t argue, that comes from the enemy, that’s what he wants you to do - don’t come across like “I am the complete and correct depository of ‘The Word’”,

 

[anex]

That is the problem with the internet, it is a mask, people are free to just pop off what ever they feel like saying online, or have ever wanted to say, but couldn’t say it in person because we know the consequences of just saying what we really thing.

We forget the ones we are rambling with or arguing with even insulting at times on the other end of the screen are real people with the same feelings and emotions we have, we are not talking to a computer program or some random imaginary thing.

I am guilty of it too, but now I constantly remind myself that I am talking to real people, and to not be so harsh in the way I talk. I don’t talk to or treat people harshly or abruptly in real life so why should I do it online.

This is like a miss manners kinda thread, not bad, we need those reminders from time to time.

 

[Aelred_Minor]

I think you are right to urge respect and charity, and to caution against getting overly combative. On the other hand an intelligent, respectful debate can be edifying for everyone involved and is, in my opinion, a right and inevitable activity on the forums of a Catholic apologetics organization. Such debates will and should happen in this world, and these heavily moderated forums are a good place for it.

 

[oppositeman]

I think you are right to urge respect and charity, and to caution against getting overly combative. On the other hand an intelligent, respectful debate can be edifying for everyone involved and is, in my opinion, a right and inevitable activity on the forums of a Catholic apologetics organization. Such debates will and should happen in this world, and these heavily moderated forums are a good place for it.

well here that’s fine - I work in other places online and get “beat up” a lot when I post anything concerning Mary - so my online life can be quite difficult !!! ha ha ha

 

[Kamaduck]

well here that’s fine - I work in other places online and get “beat up” a lot when I post anything concerning Mary - so my online life can be quite difficult !!! ha ha ha

I think it depends on what the specific site is for. If you want a site mainly for community and encouragement among varied groups of Christians, then avoiding arguments over doctrine would be best. But you’d still have to define the limits of what counts as “Christian”, otherwise you’ll have to accept all kinds of weird things.

I agree with Aelred Minor that debate can be really helpful in other circumstances, though. I’ve learned a ton about my faith from reading and participating in some of the arguments on this site. You do need to set ground rules like no ad hominem or personal attacks, though. It helps that this site has really great moderators.