Why participate in these forums as a non-Catholic?

[PumpkinCookie]

This question comes up frequently, especially in contentious threads. I’m curious to see what people say. I’ll go first.

I come to CAF for several reasons.

First, because it is a place where I can discuss faith with believers of a major religion without personally upsetting people, or at least where I am shielded from the effects of their upset (injury to my reputation or person).

Second, because I am trying to figure out why people believe Catholicism or various versions of it. I can’t believe any version of Catholicism despite many attempts to convince myself, so I’m genuinely curious about whatever it is that enables people to believe.

Third, because I like to argue with people about philosophical topics and this is a generally civil environment. I don’t want to discuss faith and belief in an echo chamber. I want to challenge and be challenged; I want to produce truth via dialogue.

And so, my fellow non-Catholic brothers and sisters, why do you come to this philosophy forum to discuss with Catholic believers?

 

[rcwitness]

Just curious to observe…

I can’t believe any version of Catholicism despite many attempts to convince myself, so I’m genuinely curious about whatever it is that enables people to believe.

… and I can answer this one. The Holy Spirit

Peace and thank you all for fellowship ping with us!

 

[jane_doe]

I’m here because I’m a huge fan of inter-faith dialogue. I like to learn more about Catholicism and explain about my faith.

 

[HerCrazierHalf]

I originally came to find out about my wife’s faith prior to marriage. I stay because I find religious belief and the logic used (apologetics) fascinating even though I obviously disagree. Well that and to dispel some of the of assumptions sometimes made about agnostics/atheist by believers.

 

[Eric_Prine]

I started coming out here to learn about Catholicism and how it shaped Church history. And to see if there was anything worthwhile to take from Catholicism. That was 8 years ago and I’ve become Catholic since then.

 

[Rhubarb]

I came to the forums after listening in to the radio program for awhile. Which I listened to because of a bumper sticker for the local Catholic radio station.

I listened, and log in, because I am always interested in hearing other people’s points of view and reasons for thinking or believing. I took a philosophy major in university so this is my favorite subforum.

 

[Ben_Quincy]

Not a Philosophy topic.