Does posting on Catholic web forums help you in your spirituality?

[DL82]

I have been thinking about this myself recently. I’ve been thinking in particular of the way we can become quite cliquey and isolated from the ‘normal’ Catholic faithful, leading to a holier than thou attitude. Web posting can also be addictive. I might take a break for a while.

 

[blessedtoo]

I consider myself to be one of the “normal Catholic faithful”. While there may be a tendency for some to inflate their sense of righteousness, I do believe that folks who love their faith and devote precious time and energy to dialoge with others through internet forums should not be considered the “fringe” or the “extreme” in Catholicism. The point can be argued that they are answering a call to learn and understand their faith better in an effort to get closer to God and others.

If the “normal Catholic faithful” are defined as those who are unsure of Church teaching and unwilling to explore the fullness of their religion, then I think we are in trouble.

 

[brigid12]

Although it can become addictive if you let it, so can most other things humans do. For me, it provides intelligent, informed and (sometimes) holy insights. It also provides community. (The poll didn’t seem to allow a positive answer with community). It’s no different than talking on a conference call to a number of other Catholics.

 

[jc-servant]

Posting can take up too much time on occasion that could be better spent elsewhere. Since I started knitting prayer shawls, I spend much less time online in general. However, a person can get some quick answers to questions and find some interesting info out also.

Additionally, I’ve gotten more upset by some of the posters on this Catholic forum than in any other discussion group online. I guess that I expect better behavior from fellow Catholics than the public in general and therefore the nastiness that occasionally pops up is infinitely more upsetting than if some person yelled it at me on a street corner.

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

It makes me learn. I enjoy it in my spare time.

 

[Stratiotes]

When I get sucked into one of those endless political or theological debates, it is generally pretty worthless. But, perhaps it has more value than watching TV . So, I’m trying not to get into those debates - I think a friendly debate face-to-face is a lot more satisfying anyhow. Friendly debates seem a rarity online.

When I get a lot of answers to an honest question, it is quite helpful.

 

[Joysong]

Additionally, I’ve gotten more upset by some of the posters on this Catholic forum than in any other discussion group online. I guess that I expect better behavior from fellow Catholics than the public in general and therefore the nastiness that occasionally pops up is infinitely more upsetting than if some person yelled it at me on a street corner.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Phillipians 4:8

I believe we are responsible for the thoughts we permit to occupy our minds, and I do agree that if we feast continuously on threads that bring us down emotionally and spiritually, it can have long-lasting effects that do not bring us or keep us close to God.

These foums can be devastating or uplifting, depending upon our selectivity, and I agree that there are way too many of the negative sort. Maybe for New Years, we can make a resolution to keep watch on our eyes.

 

[Sr_Sally]

When I get sucked into one of those endless political or theological debates, it is generally pretty worthless. But, perhaps it has more value than watching TV . So, I’m trying not to get into those debates - I think a friendly debate face-to-face is a lot more satisfying anyhow. Friendly debates seem a rarity online.

When I get a lot of answers to an honest question, it is quite helpful.

This is how I feel. I’ve stopped posting on several threads and now have several topics that I don’t even want to read about. But this particular forum (Spirituality) can be very helpful.

I love the idea of knitting prayer shawls–I think I’ll start!

 

[lizaanne]

Yes - but not for the “yes” reason stated so I won’t be voting.

I have found that by having to articulate my position in writing, I have grown in my Faith through the necessity to be precise and understandable. So yes, I think that these forums do help me in that respect - I’ve just learned to stay away from stuff that makes my blood boil, or conversations that go on endlessly with no real point.

~Liza

 

[St_Gabriel]

Yes. I have found some useful links and insights that have been posted on these forums. And I enjoy reading posts from people who share their personal experiences and love of Christ. I also really love and appreciate the prayer support from you warriors .

I have also been thinking about staying away from these forums for a while now as well. Just because I am going through some major changes and will need time to adjust and focus on those changes but it’s so addicting. I don’t know if I helped anyone out there in cyberland but I try. So you may or may not hear from me.

 

[lizaanne]

I have also been thinking about staying away from these forums for a while now as well. Just because I am going through some major changes and will need time to adjust and focus on those changes but it’s so addicting. I don’t know if I helped anyone out there in cyberland but I try. So you may or may not hear from me.

It does tend to get very quiet around here during Lent - I’m considering a break myself actually.

~Liza

 

[InLight247]

CAF could be additive. Personally “Spirituality” is the only forum I get on. I used to scan through other topics but found it too time consuming; therefore, I don’t do it any more.

Even with only one specific forum, it still can be additive. But once I realize it, I can have better self control. Sometimes I can just feel the impression from the Holy Spirit that I need to get off, and I follow the nudge.

I gained much help from Spirituality forum, especially in the area of contemplation. I also find the benefit of being more patient, more tolerant, more understanding and having better self control by joining the forum.

For example, by withholding my opinion on somebody’s post, or not being offended by some rude responses, I gain more tolerance and understanding, by taking time, thinking it through before posting, I develop more patience, by getting off after staying on for a while, I lam doing better with self control.

 

[mommyof4]

Combination of a couple: they provide useful information and insights (I have learned sooooo much from these forums), and they’re addictive.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

It can be addictive, but beneficial in learning, especially when you have to do research to back your statements.

However, during Lent, I stay out of political forums and try to focus on sites that are conducive toward spiritual growth. I also give up watching, reading and listening to the news. Also, I give up listening to political talk shows, which I’m addicted to. On my commute home, I pick up audio books on spirituality or historical events.

Last year, I didn’t give up CAF, because work slowed down, and there was not much left to do.

This year, I might give up CAF as well as the other stuff.

Jim

 

[CarrieH]

When I first started hanging out here, I found many helpful and stimulating discussions. But now that I’ve been here for a few months, I’m really tired of reading about headcoverings for women, mediocre church music, homosexuality, impurity, and some of the other well-worn topics. Those who ask for opinions and then argue and find fault with everything which doesn’t agree with their own views annoy me almost as much as the uncharitable posters who viciously pounce on others. Even so, I have learned some valuable things here and the good generally outweighs the bad. But I’m thinking of restricting my internet use to 30 minutes/day during Lent, so I might join those of you who are going away for awhile.

 

[water]

I’ve learned quite few things from “good” posts as well as “bad” posts. An example of a bad post: is a post in which a user says something so untrue about our faith that can hurt your feeling.

As we all may know that there are many posts that can get you upset easily. These very same posts could be a very good chance for us to practice our patience, humility, and love in our dealing with others.

Though I am not encouraging others to post such bad ones, if we can handle them, handle with patience, humility, and love. If we can’t handle any one of those posts, simply ignore it. [and sometimes I’ve failed to ignore such posts.]

 

[Jeanette_L]

I think that CAF can be very informative if that’s what you are looking for, or a sense of community if that is what you need, or if you’re looking for a brawl, you can find that here as well. Apologetics and Liturgy seem to be where you need to put on your body armor before entering.

When I was first thinking about the Catholic faith but too afraid to even talk about it with anyone, this place was a Godsend to me, along with EWTN. It played no small role in my conversion process and allowed me the freedom to discuss my issues, fears and hopes.

Since becoming Catholic, I find that I am more drawn toward the Spirituality and the Clubhouse threads, those areas that seem less combative. It’s just what I need right now, a sense of connectedness and community with like minded and like hearted Catholics from all over the globe. I find that thrilling and a real blessing!

I don’t plan on taking any breaks from here, it’s much too valuable to me and my faith at this time.

 

[MSParrott]

It has definitely helped me. When I found this site, I wasn’t going to Church, but after spending time on here, reading about experience, the Holy Spirit was on fire in me and I started going back to Confession and weekly Mass. Thanks be to God!

Like others, there are some forums and discussions I stay away from, but I especially like the Spirituality group, the prayer requests, the Family/Parenting and the Clubhouse. I’ve “met” alot of really great people here and it is encouraging to see that others have the same feelings about certain things. For me, it’s great for fellowship.