Is posting on CA a good habit?

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hi there newbie 2 your last sentence seems to be a commonly heard thing around here.to the op’s thought on how this site affects one’s faith,i was pondering how did our Lord feel when He was rejected saddened i think,how did He feel when He was called a blasmer saddened as well. yes it is hard on the faith when we think we have just said something of importance and it is either ignored or blasted by a fellow catholic.i try to remember the difficulties faced by Jesus when He walked with His people.i also with a heavy heart remember all the times i rejected Jesus in th way i lived.
 
There are Pharisees (though Pharisees were in league with Rome or they didn’t want to get Rome against them–were they really plants by Rome?–whereas conservatives here are not in league with America or the U.N. when it comes t correcting, though correcting is a tricky business best left to priests who know and care about the truth and other theological virtues) and Trolls. There’s also the soul judger police who, if you complain about clothes at Mass or a priest’s behavior, you are accused of judging their souls. The judgers, not having the context, that is in the commenter’s head unless blatantly stated “What lousy Christian–wearing fun clothes to Mass”(for example), actually are judging souls right then.
 
I’m with Gardens. There are some threads on certain topics that I know will degenerate. I don’t post on those.

I don’t post in forums that tend to debate and contention. I find those forums upset my peace.

But…I think posting often helps me to “think out” different topics. This is in line with what I’ve read that writing is as important for teaching kids to think as it is for composition practice.

I really appreciate the spirituality forum because it gives lots of great links.

I know that there is some kind of neurological conditioning that goes on with message boards because if I’m feeling bored or stressed out, I go to CAF and my mood because relaxed and engaged.

So, whatever makes our brains go, posting on message forums can be soothing–which also means it can be addictive.
 
I have often wondered how many people on this forum are really Catholic. :hmmm:
 
I do like the Apologetics where the priest answers the questions or a good apologetic to answer. I frequent the Spirituality forum, Prayer Requests and Sacred Scripture forums some.

I find the Catholic Answers on the radio to be superb!

I think the forums could use more monitoring, especially the ones with debating and confrontation.

Posting on CA might not be a good habit if it causes one to act in an unkind or unloving way.😉
 
I think I’ve become more gentle in my spirit since joining this forum. I see the uncharitable, complaining behavior of others, and I don’t want to be that way.

I’ve suggested several times that there should be certain sections of the Forum that new Catholics or Protestants should be warned about. Some people post very confusing things.

One bad thing that has happened to me as a result of these Forums is that I want nothing to do with TLM. We have one in our city, a daily TLM, and several on Sundays. I never was very interested, but I at least was open to the experience. Now I’m totally closed. If the Lord wants me there, He will have to lead me.

I like to think that I am docile, but unless the Church actually declares that all Catholics MUST attend TLM, I probably will not go anytime soon.

So you can see why I think that certain threads or even whole sections should be posted with a warning for new Catholics, people who are struggling, Protestants, etc. It’s my own fault that I now feel this way, and I will have to work it out. But I don’t think I would feel this way if I hadn’t been exposed to some of the extreme types on this Forum. (Although in all fairness, I was also exposed to some real-life extreme traditionalists in my city, and they did their part to scare me away from TLM, too.)
 
consumedconvert said:
As I catch up on a few of the debate threads I missed during Lent, I simply have to wonder, is posting to this site such a good habit? Look at the debate threads! Unless you start a post about beer or something, someone somewhere will say something very edgy and unChristian, or at least state their opinion with a very unChristian tone.

The usual pattern is:
  1. OP posts.
  2. Three or four thoughtful responses.
  3. Someone gets sardonic.
  4. Those involved in #2 respond sarcastically.
  5. The sardonic poster attacks those involved in #2 and ridicules OP.
  6. OP responds sarcastically.
  7. The thread goes on angrily for twenty or so pages, degenerated into attacks, counterattacks, baiting, backbiting, and complaints about attacks (which become “YOU are attacking people!” “No you idiot, YOU are attacking people!” etc.) until a mod shuts it down or people get bored and move on to another thread, which will degenerate the same way.
I’ve been drawn into this too many times. I’ve enjoyed this site, and wasted a lot of time on this site, admittedly when I should be off to other things. I’ve contributed to CA Forums before, but now I have to wonder: was that money well spent? I’m basically paying for my own enjoyment with discussing issues and getting bashed in the head by (primarily) other Catholics, and bashing other Catholics in the head. Should I really be so eager for this? Just a thought.

Well, enough already. I’m off to go do something else.

CC

PS – I’m waiting to see if this thread will degenerate in the same way; so maybe I’ll kick the habit for my non-lenten journey 😉
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That pattern happens everywhere, on forums, blogs, journals and in real life. It just seems to be from the typical human character collection. You know, think of Jimmy Neutron or most children’s shows. They have a nerd, a pretty girl, a tall guy, a fat guy, a really dumb guy, etc. 😃

After participating in debates as a teen where things when south quickly, I quickly noticed everything was the same, as if it was a script everyone knew. Now I “post and run” or post for small intrusions of thought before leaving.

I have participated in a few debates on here, but I either end up having to back out because it’s crazy, or with a non-existant argument from the other person who can’t really clarify their position.
 
It can be good. If you need a question answered, there’s usually someone who can answer it directly or point you to a website that can answer your question. :yup:
 
consumedconvert said:
As I catch up on a few of the debate threads I missed during Lent, I simply have to wonder, is posting to this site such a good habit? Look at the debate threads! Unless you start a post about beer or something, someone somewhere will say something very edgy and unChristian, or at least state their opinion with a very unChristian tone.

The usual pattern is:
  1. OP posts.
  2. Three or four thoughtful responses.
  3. Someone gets sardonic.
  4. Those involved in #2 respond sarcastically.
  5. The sardonic poster attacks those involved in #2 and ridicules OP.
  6. OP responds sarcastically.
  7. The thread goes on angrily for twenty or so pages, degenerated into attacks, counterattacks, baiting, backbiting, and complaints about attacks (which become “YOU are attacking people!” “No you idiot, YOU are attacking people!” etc.) until a mod shuts it down or people get bored and move on to another thread, which will degenerate the same way.
I’ve been drawn into this too many times. I’ve enjoyed this site, and wasted a lot of time on this site, admittedly when I should be off to other things. I’ve contributed to CA Forums before, but now I have to wonder: was that money well spent? I’m basically paying for my own enjoyment with discussing issues and getting bashed in the head by (primarily) other Catholics, and bashing other Catholics in the head. Should I really be so eager for this? Just a thought.

Well, enough already. I’m off to go do something else.

CC

PS – I’m waiting to see if this thread will degenerate in the same way; so maybe I’ll kick the habit for my non-lenten journey 😉
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Of all things to complain about. Honestly I think you should stick to moral theology and not this kind of nonsense.
 
foolishmortal said:
There are Pharisees (though Pharisees were in league with Rome or they didn’t want to get Rome against them–were they really plants by Rome?–whereas conservatives here are not in league with America or the U.N. when it comes t correcting, though correcting is a tricky business best left to priests who know and care about the truth and other theological virtues) and Trolls. There’s also the soul judger police who, if you complain about clothes at Mass or a priest’s behavior, you are accused of judging their souls. The judgers, not having the context, that is in the commenter’s head unless blatantly stated “What lousy Christian–wearing fun clothes to Mass”(for example), actually are judging souls right then.
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Well said. There are a lot of judgmental posters who judge other people for being judgmental 😛 . Note: They are usually the ones who call other people names…like Pharisee. They tell other people they are “holier than thou” which, ironically, is kind of holier than thou. 😃

Regarding the OP, I have learned a lot on CAF and even softened some of my views thanks to the thoughtful responses of many whom I disagree with. I’ve slipped up and been uncharitable…most people do at some point. I try not to be, and when I slip I reflect more and more on The Rule of St. Benedict’s call for humility (it’s a twelve-step program…Chapter 7 🙂 ).

I do find the site a bit addictive, and I am considering getting parental control software to block it (give my wife the password), so I don’t waste so much time. It hasn’t effected my work too much (I go on in between account calls, interspersed throughout the day), but it is a time waster.
 
I can so relate!!

So much so that i got a happy feeling as i read some of the posts… I guess i felt that way because i felt understood, whereas elsewhere on the forums, i have often felt very misunderstood, attacked, . etc…

Anyway, i have often thought of leaving but then, i figure maybe i can help someone somehow .

Some don’t seem to want 2b helped, though… I notice some posters just go on and on even after they seem to have gotten answers to their “problem” or whatever… It is almost like some poeple just like to argue and/or discuss certain topics, regardless or whether there is “resolution”… Yes, i realize this is just my perspective. Maybe they really are still searching… & have not found the answer(s) they desire. But, well, i can’t help but wonder: maybe they are not really listening… Maybe they just like to hear themselves talk…

Anyway, i think sometimes we just have to be logical: Take out pen & paper, draw a line down the middle & on one side put the advantages & on the other the disadvantages (to self & others) of being on the forum - something i haven’t actually done… except in a sketchy way in my head…

Another good thing is to ask yourself what your strong-points are… what gifts you have been given by God… and apply them in the appropriate forum, with the “right” people… then it won’t (probably) be a waste of time…

Obviously, It also helps to pray before choosing which posts to respond to…

I think young people on the forums can benefit from the wisdom of older people. The world is so crazy nowadays… They need our help… (Though they, like everyone else, don’t like being told what to do… we can give suggestions or examples from our experiences…)
 
Ana said:
I feel the same way. I have detached myself from this site a lot. I stayed away for about a year and now only participate minimally. I need to have a constant awareness though, because it is easy to find oneself caught up in old bad habits.

I often wonder how those that post here regularly find time for anything else, then I just assume that they are better at managing their time than I am.

I noticed when I came back that there are a lot of bullies.

Just MO.🙂
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When I first came to this forum, I was a lurker. Having mainly visited the EWTN Q&As forum, I was at times taken aback at the level of debate and arguing here.

Over time, though you get used to it. :rolleyes:

Although, I feel this is the best religious forum I have found so far, it doesnt do much for one’s spirituality. Have I learnt much here? Yes, I have. Have I grown closer to God since posting here? No. Whether a coincidence or not, my faith has declined. However, that’s also because I have been exposed to so many opinions from others who have posted here and from other websites and books as well.

Anyway, are we serving Christ here? probably not as much as some would think, but this website is great for learning and asking questions that one might not be able to ask somewhere else, or might be uncomfortable doing so.

It still surprises me how much name calling and uncharitable behaviour “religious” people show each other here, myself included. Imagine if there was no moderation!

I have also been a bit surprised at reading some posts from those who clearly seem to be very conservative Catholics. You know the ones Im talking about, the ones who like to talk about crusading and eliminating Islam (or criticising Muslims), or making fun of other Christian groups, and who defend every single action taken by Catholics in the last 2000 years etc. At least its good to see some loyal Catholics here, though.

Finally, I just want to add how surprisingly addictive this website is. It has become one of those regular websites along with hotmail etc that I visit.
 
To the one who talked about never going to a TLM, what if you read stuff by the ones supporting left-wing governments in South America. They are probably Novus Ordo goers. I can’t stand electric guitars and drums or Ha Has outside of the pre-preaching part of the sermon, where announcements can be made as well. I don’t like clapping for a new altar boy or the band/choir when the Mass is all about Jesus. Can’t Jesus just have at least 1 hour for him?

You’ll find many different personalities drawn to one kind of Mass or the other. I’ve met many well-adjusted people at the Latin-Masses. If you went to an SSPX or one like that, well, they probably are too extreme. However, the Mass is given full respect there–something hard to find at many N.O. Masses where women dress loose and kids play with toys in the pews and such. Maybe there’s a reason some go to TLM Masses if they can and it’s probably a darn good one, too. I could go to an EWTN Mass, a St. John Cantius Mass or a N.O. one done by religious who do not have Mass at a parish (where the temptation is too strong to cater to the people’s comfort.

I am teaching English in S. Korea where I’m supposed to get students to want to learn English and so I get these priests now who have rock bands to be relevant or who don’t want to give the straight, hard facts so as not to drive them away, but it’s bad medicine and as bad for their education as being cutesy at Mass is for our souls.
 
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