As a late comer to this thread, I would say that this place probably not accompished what some wish for, that is the conversion of Catholic to their opinion of Catholicism, but that is an strange thing to desire. However, do not view all the talk her as unproductive. I know that I have changed my opinion about some specific issues and gained a greater respect for the faithful traditionalists. While I do not prefer Latin, I desire that the TLM be more sidespread for the sake of those who desire it. I also look for the further integration of Latin into the other Masses. I would like to see the priest return to the eastern orientation. I understand these issues better.
Also, as long as the more extreme forms of traditionalism are allowed to post here that encourage faithlessness and disobedience, I think that needs to be addressed by those faithful to the Holy Pontiff. Perhaps my greatest admiration of all posters are for those who are very traditional, yet remain faithful. They have a good handle on how far is too far when it comes to dissent.
I just wish that there was some way for those of us who are fairly new to the Church to KNOW on this board who exactly people really are and what they are really espousing so that we won’t be tricked.
After my experiences in the evangelical world (we were kicked out of our Protestant church by pastors claiming that they were following the Bible), I am extremely distrustful of people. I am absolutely paranoid about being led astray in this huge Church of Christ.
Some people are just plain nasty and mean. I don’t care if these people are straight and narrow orthodox Catholics and are teaching exactly what Jesus wants taught–the fact remains that Jesus said that those who don’t have love are NOTHING. He said that we will know His followers by their love for one another. People who call names and use snide sarcasm to insult others are NOT showing tough love, they are showing pride of self and hatred, and to me, THIS is good reason to utterly dismiss anything these people post. No love = no Jesus.
Some people are just the opposite–kind and sweet. But their words seem dangerous. They talk of things that make me squirm. One person on this forum told me that it is the duty of all Catholics to disobey even the Pope when he espouses something that is contrary to the traditions of the Catholic Church, and that the NO Mass is contrary to the traditions of the Catholic Church, therefore, all those popes who have endorsed this form of Mass should be disobeyed.
That made my radar go up. I think it’s wrong teaching.
But she sounded so nice.
Like I said, I wish that there were “police” on this Board who would step in and make it clear when someone is totally out of step with the teaching of the Catholic Church. I don’t always recognize the schismatics, the sedavants-whatevers (can’t spell it), the heretics, the troublemakers, the Protestants who are pretending to be Catholic, etc.
I wish we were asked (not required) to take a survey when we join CAF, and the results would place us in a category, which would be posted next to our names. The survey would be available for all members to check to refresh their memories.
I’ve taken “Catholic Surveys” before that place me in the “Traditional Orthodox” category–YES, me, Cat! Even though I answer the questions about TLM in the negative, I still get placed in the Traditional/Orthodox category because of my understanding and acceptance of Catholic teachings.
So I know that such a survey would be possible, and it would do all of us a big favor to KNOW that Cat is “Traditional/Orthodox,” and someone else is “Schismatic” or “Modernist” or “Neo-Pagan” or “Protestant” etc. etc. As long as we could check out the survey and see what the labels meant, it would be OK.
And it would sure help us to filter the comments correctly and not be led astray.
