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May I ask you two questions.

1. How are devotional threads to be designated? Should there be a formal mark, e.g. a "Topic"?

2. There are denominational "topics", e.g. Catholic, Mainline Protestant, Evangelical, Orthodox, Islam, even (nota bene, Elfman, Skeptics/Seekers). A reader can add a topic but he cannot remove a topic. Are these of any significance to you? There were instances when topics were added to disruptively (on Teri Schiavo's threads, for example). I think, if adding topics were disallowed by software, the topics could serve a very useful role in preventing endless interdenominational flame wars. Your thoughts?

This is the reason I am asking. It is good that on occasion one denomination can provide a teachable moment to another. For example, as a Catholic I value opportunities to explain why we venerate saints, etc. But at the same time, not every thread should erupt in a Catholic-Protestant fight over such basics, even when it is not a devotional thread. For example, a Catholic should be able to discuss aspects of veneration of a particular saint without having to field basic questions about veneration of saints in general, that are certain to come form the Protestants. Likewise, a Protestant should be able to post something about a Protestant thinker, or Protestant eschatology without others piling on Protestantism in general. What would be your recommendation? I see three possibilities about such "threads of limited debate"?

1. Mark the thread as denomination-specific and expect others to make constructive posts but not start interdenominational fights (my preference)

2. Declare thread devotional for defensive purposes, but in fact have a discussion among like-minded people.

3. Live with the fact that FR is not a suitable venue for such discussions and go to catholic.com and such.

I would welcome your thoughts of advice as well as clarification of policy.

1. How are devotional threads to be designated? Should there be a formal mark, e.g. a "Topic"?

Church-like threads are already being identified with terms such as “devotion” “meditation” “prayer” “mass” “catholic caucus” and so forth. Obviously, if a thread is disingenuously called a “devotion” it will not be protected.

I think, if adding topics were disallowed by software, the topics could serve a very useful role in preventing endless interdenominational flame wars. Your thoughts?

Changes to topic management is largely a matter of software and is therefore above my pay scale.

For example, a Catholic should be able to discuss aspects of veneration of a particular saint without having to field basic questions about veneration of saints in general, that are certain to come form the Protestants. Likewise, a Protestant should be able to post something about a Protestant thinker, or Protestant eschatology without others piling on Protestantism in general. What would be your recommendation?

I recommend pursing subjects where you want limited contributions on church-like threads. But be aware, passers-by are much more likely to stop in on the open threads – so all your effort may be for naught.

"What would be your recommendation? I see three possibilities about such "threads of limited debate"?
1. Mark the thread as denomination-specific and expect others to make constructive posts but not start interdenominational fights (my preference)… "

I like that one as well. It more mirrors how “non-virtual” services are conducted. They are rarely exclusionary or even challenge-free following a sermon, but virtually no-one would crash one and begin flaming it.

I think just clearly marking such threads as devotional and for specific denominations invites common social graces. But to enforce zero challenges on a multi-denominational and contentious forum such as this is as unnatural as enforcing none from multiple denominations meeting in the same room and time.

** For example, a Catholic should be able to discuss aspects of veneration of a particular saint without having to field basic questions about veneration of saints in general, that are certain to come form the Protestants. Likewise, a Protestant should be able to post something about a Protestant thinker, or Protestant eschatology without others piling on Protestantism in general. What would be your recommendation? I see three possibilities about such "threads of limited debate"? **

Excellent question. It seems to me that Catholics take more bashings on threads than Protestants do. Is my observation mistaken?

And then I must ask myself -- What difference does it make in the end? Will I hurt or hinder the other poster, or help or have mercy on them and cease posting?