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.
**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!
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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?
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.