Pope Asks Catholics to give a soul to the internet

[gakroeger]

Benedict XVI urging Catholics to equip themselves with faith as well as technology.

Article on ZENIT

Comments on the linked article would be appreciated…

 

[Loboto-Me]

If it wasn’t for the internet, and those “giving a soul to the internet” through Catholic sites and forums, I would never have learned the depth of my own Catholic faith. I think that the internet is a double edged sword. It can lead a man to perdition or lead them toward God… just gotta slice with the right side.

 

[edwest2]

First, the bad. The internet encourages slavery to sin. Too many internet forums teach, by example, too many people, both young and old, how to be rude, crude and even vicious to their fellow human beings. That anyone can be insulted and that nothing is held to a level of esteem. As Catholics, we must think before we type and not be drawn in to a world without rules and with few sheriffs.

The good. The internet allows people who are sensitive to truth to see the truth. To be encouraged. To be uplifted. To build up the Body of Christ. What the world truly needs is hope. A sincere word of concern for our neighbor. And true love that trusts, abides and grows.

Thanks for posting this.

God bless,
Ed

 

[gakroeger]

If it wasn’t for the internet, and those “giving a soul to the internet” through Catholic sites and forums, I would never have learned the depth of my own Catholic faith. I think that the internet is a double edged sword. It can lead a man to perdition or lead them toward God… just gotta slice with the right side.

Yes, I agree. In my circle of friends we all (for the most part) agree on the Church’s teaching and try to live our lives according. Those that are not entirely on board and disagree with certain aspects of Church teaching such as contraception, abortion, divorce, etc. do not talk about our differences (too uncomfortable). On forums such as this, one can discuss openly these issues pretty much anonymously. I would say I have been pretty disappointed in the rationalization that takes place in the minds of those Catholics that are acting outside of Church teaching. I have seen very few cases of Catholics who are acting outside of Church teaching change their position as a result of others on these forums attempting to convince them otherwise.

I believe the greater good of the internet has been the ease of access to information about our faith. The Vatican website in particular provides instant access to encyclicals and other Church documents that otherwise would never be read. I have also received many recommendations for books, articles, and authors that help to learn about our rich faith.

As seekers of truth, the internet is a wonderful tool; however, as you say it can be a double edged sword, one must be careful of the source and insure that source is in communion with the Church. There are numerous groups online that claim to be Catholic and are not even close to being in communion with the Church.

 

[Catholic102886]

If it wasn’t for the internet, and those “giving a soul to the internet” through Catholic sites and forums, I would never have learned the depth of my own Catholic faith. I think that the internet is a double edged sword. It can lead a man to perdition or lead them toward God… just gotta slice with the right side.

I couldn’t agree more. Honestly I do not know where I would be if it were not for this site/forum. I have learned so much about Catholicism from the wonderful people on this forum I wouldn’t know where to began to thank everyone for the education/insight I have gotten into our wonderful faith.