Thanks for the memories, but it's time for Christians to unite not fight

self | 3/2/2015 | two134711

[two134711]

Thank you Free Republic for allowing me to post and vent on this site for over ten years. I am a young, married conservative woman who is trying to raise her daughter to be a fine, upstanding lady, an educated woman and a worthy wife to a decent man. Despite the stupidity of my generation (I am on the cusp of GenX and GenY) there is hope. Many young people are more prolife than ever. And at last, many others are beginning to open their eyes to the lies of socialism.

However recent events on this site like witnessing the discord between fellow believers of Christ and how the Religious moderators have given carte blanche to those who wish to spread hate is not something I want to be part of.

I received this message from the Religion Moderator regarding Key words received 03/02/2015 8:45:19 PM PST

“DO NOT use keywords to snipe at other posters or beliefs. RM”

I certainly did not post key words that sniped at anyone; they were terms such as "enough already,” “Christianity,” “unity” and "peace." Now, yes, the comments I made were invectives thrown at posters. I don't deny that; but they deserved every word directed at them and more. Outside of Caucus threads the religious forum is based on sniping at posters and insulting other's beliefs. Mostly it’s a few alleged “Evangelicals” damning those Papists, pedophiles, pagans, cracker-eaters, cannibals and Mary-worshipping heretics to Hell if they don't convert to the Western Branch of American Reform Presbylutheranism or the Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879. Then a very small contingent of Catholics tries to fight back.

These are the kind of comments are allowed on the religious forums without any moderation.

"I believe that Catholicism has caused more people to go to hell then [sic] Islam."
84 posted on 2/23/2015, 2:36:42 PM by CynicalBear (For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus)

AND

**Have you accepted the Catholic Church** "I have accepted Jesus. Not some abomination created by man."
98 posted on 2/23/2015, 2:46:17 PM by Gamecock (Joel Osteen is a minister of the Gospel like Captain Crunch is a Naval line officer.)

I have no skin in this game other than to realize that Christians (and Jews) are not each other’s enemies. There is a much more diabolical force in this world that should be fought. Anti-theists, Islamists, secular amoralists, etc., they're nothing. But, hey, keep going after Catholics and Mormons because they're the ones ruining the world today!

I said those words because it was the truth, (a truth that many others see but do not mention; they merely avoid the conflicts). If the anti-Catholic delusional bigots have a problem with the truth, then a pox on their houses.

I have posted on and off this site for over ten years. Every time I come back here I think to myself, “Wow, FR is one of the only sites telling it like it is when it comes to politics!” But then the OCD religious posters take control over and over again. It’s not just the religious forums, but they’re the worst. In the past the moderation was far more even-handed. Now it’s out of control. Please use more judiciousness in moderating them in the future.

You are losing members left and right and your fundraisers take months to complete. I am aware that the owner of this site, Mr. Robinson, is a Catholic, and I’m sure it breaks his heart to see such infighting amongst fellow Christians. I hope his health betters and that he can continue to fight the goof fight.

Nevertheless, FR's days as a premium conservative site are over. There a quite a few decent folks around here like Mrs. Don-0, xzins, Morgana, miss marmelstein, wardaddy, that fellow named something like yefrugeturbrumuy, and lots of others. There are many good folks with diverse opinions and no malice in their hearts.

But some others seem possessed by other-world forces. Mostly they're old people scared of death, wanting to make sure they get in with God before the end, desperate to hold on to every penny they've ever come across, willing to kvetch about the future and frequently mentioning how glad they'll be when they're dead and won't have to deal with this world, while their children and grandchildren will. Or worse, they actively wish for the world to end today or soon. Sorry, I'm young enough to have a smidgen of hope despite the moral disaster this world is in.

The Apple squabbles, the griping about TV and art, heck even the "my candidate is better than your candidate" bloodletting is nothing compared to the nutters that run rampant on the religion forum.

So Religious moderator, if you thought my key words were examples of “sniping,” then I suppose this post was outright bashing. Every time I come to this site I get angry. Anger opens up the heart to dark forces; it’s best not to be part of that.

Got to go. May peace come to this once wonderful site and make it a place of harmony for future posters.

[Grateful2God]

***IMO that's exactly what some of these Catholics are asking for, i.e. for Free Republic to move all religious discussion out from under any sort of moderation, because the current Religion Moderator will not allow Catholics to use destructive personal language in posts made about certain Protestants. In other words, I think the Catholics want sanctioning, i.e. "space to destroy".***

Honestly, the issue with the above is that Catholics have an intrinsic disadvantage in forum in one respect: we are a denomination. That gives a larger target and more ammunition to posters who want to take a jab. In return, we as Catholics can't reply on a personal level, nor to a denomination that does not exist, or will not be disclosed.

[Gamecock]

**That gives a larger target and more ammunition to posters who want to take a jab.**

And more firepower to return the jab.

[mlizzy]

For all we know, some of the rowdiest posters could be Moderators as well, stimulating discussion and general infighting, while simultaneously being assigned to keep things under control. Gotta be quite a juggling act, if that's the case. Just an observation.

Interesting! You referred to Free Republic's Religion Forum [the open threads] as maybe a Jerry Springer type operation in a previous comment, and that made me smile, because that's what it feels like sometimes on those threads. Would be a shame if that is so, though, because there are so many people in need of FRiendship, with spouses passing, and families separated [by distance], etc. and so on. Many people are disabled, suffer dis-ease, or have no neighbors to visit, as well, and they should not be taken advantage of......."if that's the case." :)

[Alex Murphy]

A devout Roman Catholic sharing in moderation would know how to handle the Catholic troublemaker with better results, I believe. They know better than anyone else who they are [no devout Catholic appreciates their actions], and could more readily take care of any issues in that regard.

How would this theoretical Catholic Moderator handle Catholic troublemakers? How would that be different than how the current Religion Moderator handles them?

I think more respect could have been expressed [especially since the OP had been with Free Republic for over ten years]....Sarcasm runs rampant over Free Republic and it can be very funny, but religion moderators, in my opinion, should not be on board to post this sort of dialogue [under their own name] during their "work" hours.

Let's (re)state this one in rule form:
"Religion Moderators should not engage in sarcastic posts, even when posting under private (i.e. not moderator) accounts."

What threads have you seen this behavior occur on? I originally thought you were referring to this thread, but there have been no moderator posts on this thread, except for those quoted by the OP, and those quoting the OP's quotes.

On the subject of sarcasm and respect, tell me this - how much respect do you believe that the current Religion Moderator is due? Do you believe that your fellow Catholics are showing an adequate level of respect to the current one today?

[Grateful2God]

God bless you, onyx.

Same from me. You're a polite and edifying poster.

[Alex Murphy]

...Catholics have an intrinsic disadvantage in forum in one respect: we are a denomination. That gives a larger target and more ammunition to posters who want to take a jab. In return, we as Catholics can't reply on a personal level, nor to a denomination that does not exist, or will not be disclosed.

Try focusing on creeds and beliefs, and not on denomination or church names. I've never seen a poster demand that a Catholic tell everyone what parish they attend, but that's what some Catholics have demanded of others. if you're really interested in knowing what someone believes, try asking them what they believe instead of asking them where they attend church.

For example, if you told me that you adhere to the Baltimore Catechism, you've expressed what you believe without telling me which parish you attend. In turn, you could ask what I believe, such as the The Westminster Confession of Faith or the Heidelberg Catechism or The Baptist Confession of 1689, and then you would know what I believe without asking me to divulge personal information like where I attend church. You may be given the individual statement of faith from some nondenominational churches, but you can get that without asking for the name and address of the building.

Try my idea out, and IMO you'll have a more fruitful conversation without running afoul of the RF rules.

[Brian Kopp DPM]

Not at all. The current RF is simply a cause for scandal. All these “Christians” fighting each other tooth and nail serves only the devil and drives away anyone who is honestly seeking the Truth. There is no evangelization going on in this kind of behavior. Frankly it would be too kind to even call it proselytizing. It needs to be eliminated for the good of the souls who might still be receptive to Truth because the vile and toxic behavior is driving them away from Christianity.

[onyx]

SWEETEST YOU. Thank you from my heart.
See you on our caucus threads.
God bless and keep you and everyone you love.

[mlizzy]

How would this theoretical Catholic Moderator handle Catholic troublemakers? How would that be different than how the current Religion Moderator handles them?

If it's Catholics who are mainly complaining about bias in moderation, then put a Catholic on board part-time, but a devout teacher-type one; one with a level head.

In regard to being the religion moderator, your commentary earlier on seemed to point in that direction. I guess you were just being silly once again; I can honestly say, I don't always understand your humor.

And respect is due to everyone. All peoples. All colors. There are certainly disrespectful Catholics on board; I'm disrespectful myself sometimes. Boatbums called my commentary vile. What can I say? We are all sinners.

[Grateful2God]

**Try my idea out, and IMO you’ll have a more fruitful conversation without running afoul of the RF rules.**
OK, thank you, although I don’t recall asking a specific parish- that would be intrusive; if I did, I’m sorry. I just have had people avoid answering questions about what they believe, either by asking another question in return; state what they DON’T believe about mine; even come up with remarks which have nothing to do with what I’ve asked. There have been a lot of times when I’ve used the, “if you’re angry, delete it!” rule, and am glad, but haven’t had a lot of luck asking and getting a straight answer, but I’ll keep trying. There are some really nice people on our FRamily who would be honest and straightforward without sniping- they’re the ones I learn from. Thanks!

[Gamecock]

Meanwhile, in Rome:

<cue ominous 1920s theater music>

Pope Francis Steps Up Campaign on Climate Change, to Conservatives’ Alarm

</cue ominous 1920s theater music>

From the article: The Vatican summit meeting will focus on the links between poverty, economic development and climate change

So given the above stated concerns of the FRoman Catholics, how should we Prods deal/react to this on the friendly confines of FR? Or should we just sit in the corner and color?

[Grateful2God]

Thank you! 🌟

[NYer]

Very late to this party. Too many posts to read through. However, I concur that a Catholic should be a member of the Moderator team and "no!" I am not volunteering for the position. Freeper two134711 has done an excellent job of describing the inconsistent attacks we all encounter on a daily basis. My pet peeve would have to be freepers who post comments based on thread titles without reading content.

Alex asked how having a Catholic moderator would alter the current approach. Perhaps a tag team of mods might be the solution.

[onyx]

I’ve read all of the posts and thank you all for your erudite input.

I need to sign off from this thread. I personally have no beef with our Religion Moderator, who holds a job that I can’t imagine anyone would want and s/he is an unpaid, loyal, dedicated FReeper who puts in countless hours.

The moderating answer actually lies with us ... or maybe I should say, the daily and frequent posters on these threads to self-moderate.

Think of one another before casting aspersions. These threads are definitely not for me and they’re not for me because I’m thin skinned or because I hold doubts about my Catholic religion, as it’s been suggested.

I am perfectly content with my religion and not thin-skinned, but these threads have affected me negatively, in that I came to realize that some here look at me as a “cult member,” which led me to the sad conclusion that I’ve misjudged their friendship.

Lastly, I more admire the Reverend Franklin Graham, than my own current Pope! Shame on Catholic me, huh? Well, I’m not a bit ashamed! I love Pope Benedict XVI, never mind the ‘Emeritus’ title. :)

Peace be with you all.

[onyx]

Don't come back, onyx!!
Resist temptation!

[mlizzy]

Hahaha. Very funny graphic, onyx. And I miss BXVI too, by the way. I will not ping you anymore, lest you see my commentary. God be with you. ♥

[WVKayaker]

Very late to this party. Too many posts to read through. ... My pet peeve would have to be freepers who post comments based on thread titles without reading content.

Hahahahahahaaaaaaaa~ so you posted!

Truth revealed!

Biblical Christians are united. We are united with Christ. Most Roman Catholics are united with Rome. What could be clearer?

Care to join the Truth Squad? Repent and dedicate your life to God, through Jesus. He promises to fill you with His Holy Spirit, who will "guide you into all Truth".

Does it help to light candles and pray to Mary? Is it Christian to bow down to images, idols, and "relics"? Is it Christian to drink blood and cannibalize Christ's body (as Roman cultists euphemistically equate Jesus's remembrance)?

Roman Catholicism is a man-based feel-good religion, not a walk with God. "Smells and bells" are accouterments of empty "religion", not the sweet savor" spoken in Scripture, rising to God. They only fill the mortal needs of a people seeking something to fill their life. Fill your souls, instead.

Roman Catholic cultists whining changes nothing... because the Truth will set you free! Truth does not eminate from Rome! Truth is revealed in the Word of God, when we are led by His Holy Spirit. Jesus is the only Priest we need!

[Grateful2God]

Love the "cue ominous 1920s theater music"! 🎬

That's cute, and as a movie buff, I can just picture that! 🎥

First, I'd go back to the main source, past the article: read where it's from, and what the source actually is all about. Then just ask what we think.

Something to consider: we have one denomination, whether Eastern or Western rites: we're Catholics, and deserve to be called so. I've not called anyone, "Prot" nor "Proddy", mostly "non-Catholic brethren." I've referred to people who choose to interpret Scripture on their own, without an affiliation, as "self-interpreters" for lack of a better term. Being called a Romanist, Papist, cultist, heathen, "child of the cult of Satan" (that one really floored me!) etc. shuts things down.

Just reading the title, if you asked me, (and I haven't read the article yet, so please bear with me) I'd say that the Holy Father came from South America, where the issue of decimating land for gold and the resulting soil erosion, combined with rainforest destruction, is a HUGE issue (and I'm no tree-hugger, but parts of S.A. are turning into a giant mud slide, even I'll agree to that.)

I guess the bottom line is asking what we think/believe/do and why. Things that are so viciously picked on in forum are often things that have a real significance behind them. Disagree, but don't insult, and I mean all of us in forum, and we can learn and better understand one another.

Thanks for asking, I hope I expressed it well, and please know that I mean nothing personal toward you. We live in a world where Judeo-Christian beliefs are not only becoming suppressed, but those who hold them dear are persecuted and murdered. We need one another!

God bless you!
Grateful

[Grateful2God]

PS: If all else fails, just do the opposite of Post 777! Lol
Peace, Game!

[Grateful2God]

**I’ll be sorry if you leave. Some of our best contributors have been driven out for similar reasons, and it’s a real shame.**

I agree! Please don't even think about it! We all need a little time away once in awhile, but please don't forget to come back- and stick around the other forums!