Why is it still okay to bash Catholics?

[Katrn]

If there are no Jesus parades in your neighborhood, it’s because supporters of Jesus haven’t taken the initiative to organize and produce them. Gays have taken that initiative. That’s whay we see gay pride parades.

You are absolutley right! We need to take action. and I’m sorry for engaging in a non christian manner, I was a convert to the Catholic church and have had to be on the defense even by my family on a daily basis…I woke up on the wrong side of the bed…by the way, I’m not agains’t Hindu’s I had plenty of Hindu friends that I adore in nursing school…again, accept my apology, I’ll try to be a better christian, thank you for bringing it to my attention that I wasn’t doing so…God Bless,

Kathleen

 

[Anna_Scott]

of course…Didn’t you know Catholics aren’t Christians in their eyes? Gee, I wonder who preserved christianity for over 1500 years while they were changing all of the traditions and dogmas of our church? Their God is a pie in the sky asking nothing more than “alter calls”’ and being “led by the holy spirit”…how convinient to get all the warm fuzzy’s with non of the responsibilities!

I just want to make sure I understand something here. It is okay to be rife about Catholic bashing in a play. However, when someone questions that this might be better referred to as Christian bashing than Catholic bashing it is then okay to clearly bash other Christians. Gee, I wonder why people think it’s okay to Catholic bash.

BTW: altar calls and being led by the Holy Spirit are not practiced by all Protestant denominations. These are purely Calvanistic teachings. You might do well to place a little research into what you wish to publicly bash so you can at least speak intelligently on the topic.

Drawmack: You’ve made an interesting point here. Though I wouldn’t be too hard on Katrn.

Sometimes when people of any faith are “bashed,” the initial instinct is often to come out fighting.

I am a Protestant Christian. I really enjoy the Catholic Forums. I have learned so much about the Catholic faith, as well as other religions. Sometimes the debates get really heated, but that is the nature of discussion and debate.

As for the OP’s question, we do have freedom of speech, as others have pointed out on this Thread.

I agree that the portrayal of Jesus as homosexual is offensive beyond words. However, the Gnostic writings, from many centuries ago, insinuated the same thing. Most of their writings were deemed heresy and destroyed.

I do agree that the more attention we give to a book, play, movie, etc.; the more likely people are going to check it out.

The Da Vinci Code is a good example. When the book and movie came out, it was difficult to surf TV stations without finding a minister condemning it. Initially, I was not that interested in even reading the book. But, after a while, I decided to find out what all the fuss was about. So, I read the book and saw the movie. So, in the end, all the protests against the Da Vinci Code actually promoted the book and movie.

As for “Claire Silva,” I would say the less publicity it gets the better.

 

[Drawmack]

Drawmack: You’ve made an interesting point here. Though I wouldn’t be too hard on Katrn.

Sometimes when people of any faith are “bashed,” the initial instinct is often to come out fighting.

Yes, it’s called the fight or flight response. I was just pointing out, shall we say, a case of the pot and the kettle.

I am a Protestant Christian. I really enjoy the Catholic Forums. I have learned so much about the Catholic faith, as well as other religions. Sometimes the debates get really heated, but that is the nature of discussion and debate.

I was Catholic, I no longer am and now identify as Protestant. I actually find it amusing how much misinformation Catholics pass on about Protestants, and how much misinformation Protestants pass on about Catholics. I think that we’d all find we have many more similarities than differences if we all stopped and took a look at each others’ actual teachings instead of making assumptions based on half-truths.

To relate this back to the original topic, did the OP actually read the play they are talking about or are they talking about a play based purely on what someone else said about it?

Don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying one should read literature that is directly opposed to one’s world-view. What I am saying is this. If someone else says something about a play, book, movie, etc. that makes you not want to see and / or read it fine – don’t see it. If you feel the need to inform others, simply point them to your source and let them decide for themselves. But, it is not appropriate to talk about, in condemnation or favor, of something you haven’t experienced yourself.

 

[Anna_Scott]

Yes, it’s called the fight or flight response. I was just pointing out, shall we say, a case of the pot and the kettle.

I know. the “pot and the kettle” syndrome happens a lot. I’m probably guilty of it myself at times.

I was Catholic, I no longer am and now identify as Protestant. I actually find it amusing how much misinformation Catholics pass on about Protestants, and how much misinformation Protestants pass on about Catholics. I think that we’d all find we have many more similarities than differences if we all stopped and took a look at each others’ actual teachings instead of making assumptions based on half-truths.

You are right about the misinformation that goes in both directions. I think that is one of the reasons these Forums are good idea. We can actually say what we believe and correct misconceptions.

It is interesting to me that I have encountered so many people on these Forums that have gone from Catholic to Protestant or Protestant to Catholic. I wonder what that says about the trend of religion today???

To relate this back to the original topic, did the OP actually read the play they are talking about or are they talking about a play based purely on what someone else said about it?

Well, the OP would need to answer that.

Don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying one should read literature that is directly opposed to one’s world-view. What I am saying is this. If someone else says something about a play, book, movie, etc. that makes you not want to see and / or read it fine – don’t see it. If you feel the need to inform others, simply point them to your source and let them decide for themselves. But, it is not appropriate to talk about, in condemnation or favor, of something you haven’t experienced yourself.

I can see that-- to a point. Sometimes the reviews of a book or a play can give us an idea of the general content. Movie trailers can do the same. Not always, though. Sometimes the plot is a shock.

I guess if you are going to protest something, you would have to see/read it first. But, again, protesting something usually highlights the controversy; and can actually cause more people to check it out. So, protesting can be an indirect way of promoting that which you protest. Our human curiosity gets the best of us sometimes.

Anyway, I think there are times when people from every religion probably feel like they are being “bashed.” It is just a matter of viewpoint.

I think I’m rambling at this point. So, that’s all for now.

Anna

 

[Drawmack]

I can see that-- to a point. Sometimes the reviews of a book or a play can give us an idea of the general content. Movie trailers can do the same. Not always, though. Sometimes the plot is a shock.

I would like to clarify that I think it is fine to make a decision on what you will and will not partake of based on reviews and trailers. Heck, I never read any book that Opera supports just because she supports it. That isn’t what I was talking about. If you’re asked you should say something like I’m not seeing that because _______ says ________ and I tend to agree with their opinions.

I guess if you are going to protest something, you would have to see/read it first. But, again, protesting something usually highlights the controversy; and can actually cause more people to check it out. So, protesting can be an indirect way of promoting that which you protest. Our human curiosity gets the best of us sometimes.

Exactly! There is no such thing as bad publicity. I never would have seen The Last Temptation of Christ if it hadn’t been for the local protests of it.

 

[Anna_Scott]

I would like to clarify that I think it is fine to make a decision on what you will and will not partake of based on reviews and trailers. Heck, I never read any book that Opera supports just because she supports it. That isn’t what I was talking about. If you’re asked you should say something like I’m not seeing that because _______ says ________ and I tend to agree with their opinions. . .

Clarification noted and point taken. No arguments here.

 

[Dale_M]

Talk to Catholics and other Christians in other countries about how “rough” we have it and they should laugh in your face.

Yes, I think the people who complain about persecution of Christians in the US must pay no attention to how Christians are treated in many countries of the world: India, Vietnam, Pakistan, etc. Those Christians really are suffering persecution, suffering extreme violence and economic hardship because of their faith. What Christians face in the US doesn’t even come close.

 

[StrawberryJam]

If there are no Jesus parades in your neighborhood, it’s because supporters of Jesus haven’t taken the initiative to organize and produce them. Gays have taken that initiative. That’s whay we see gay pride parades.

Ask your priest to do a procession. Many still do, I am sorry yours does not do Corpus Christi.

Sounds like a shame to me.

 

[TristanCross]

I stopped reading at “Jesus was gay”

 

[StrawberryJam]

I stopped reading at “Jesus was gay”

If you want to debate it in apologetics, it may be wise to at the very least read it at a glance. For the purpose of arguing against it as many of your theologians have over the years.

 

[GodLovesTheSpek]

It is never OK to “bash” Catholics. God permits this evil for a greater good. For the faithful it can be an experience to solidify and cement one’s faith. Be thankful that the Lord is handing out a share of the cross.

Some people are ignorant and have not been revealed the Truth. Perhaps their lives have been formed and mired within hatred of the Church. They may not realize the harm they do. If possible, we try to correct and inform – that is the loving thing to do. In any event we pray for these people, that they be enlightened.

Some, however, with full knowledge, do “bash” the Catholic Church and the Truth, thus bash God and do so at their soul’s peril. Final Judgment will sort this out. Forever.

 

[laskowski]

Catholic bashing will never end… I encounter this almost daily. All you can do is pray for those that do…

 

[mkingdomlvr]

Yes, I think the people who complain about persecution of Christians in the US must pay no attention to how Christians are treated in many countries of the world: India, Vietnam, Pakistan, etc. Those Christians really are suffering persecution, suffering extreme violence and economic hardship because of their faith. What Christians face in the US doesn’t even come close.

Exactly and I think the complaining that goes on in the US about how “mean” people are to Christians is an insult to those people who truly suffer. American Christians need to grow up and be more appreciative of the blessings we have, and stop whining about movies and TV shows that we do not have to watch, books that we do not have to read and whether or not a Target cashier wished us a “Merry Christmas” or not.

Jesus told us we would be on the outside of mainstream culture, and our First Amendment rights do not protect us from criticism or ridicule. Instead of focusing on how “rough” we have it, maybe we should work harder to show others why they should want to be like us.

 

[buffalo]

Y

I I think that we’d all find we have many more similarities than differences if we all stopped and took a look at each others’ actual teachings instead of making assumptions based on half-truths.

.

And the biggest thing in common is that at some point all our ancestors were Catholic.

 

[Drawmack]

And the biggest thing in common is that at some point all our ancestors were Catholic.

Denying that would be silly, however resting the entire argument on it would be just a silly. The reformation occurred over things that were changed or finally decreed at the time of the reformation.

 

[WillieWonka]

Are Christians persecuted in the US? If so, how? Who? By whom? Where? When?

 

[WillieWonka]

And the biggest thing in common is that at some point all our ancestors were Catholic.

I guess we could also say at some point they were pagan.

 

[Drawmack]

I guess we could also say at some point they were pagan.

How about we all come from Jews?

 

[buffalo]

Denying that would be silly, however resting the entire argument on it would be just a silly. The reformation occurred over things that were changed or finally decreed at the time of the reformation.

The point is that protestants have left the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church at that time. The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church is still alive and well and wishes our separated brethren to rejoin the CC.

 

[Drawmack]

The point is that protestants have left the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church at that time. The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church is still alive and well and wishes our separated brethren to rejoin the CC.

Which will happen when The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church quits teaching unbiblical doctrine.

But this is very far off topic and I will not pursue it farther in this thread.