Posted on 05/14/2008 9:06:42 AM PDT by Religion Moderator
In late April, markomalley and gamecock made a trial run at a “respectful dialog” category for threads on the Religion Forum. The trial failed due to the inability of the posters to agree on what is or is not “respectful.” Then in early May, several other posters appealed for the elimination of posts which seek to tear down other poster’s beliefs (iconoclasm.)
Meanwhile, the situation on the Religion Forum has been exacerbated by posters on the News/Activism forum inadvertently being exposed to religious debate as a result of choosing the “everything” option on browse instead of the “News/Activism” option.
In response to the pleas for a “respectful dialog” and/or the elimination of “iconoclasm” (attacks on other people’s beliefs) – I’m opening the floor for trial postings of a new type of semi-open thread which we shall call “ecumenic.”
Unlike the caucus threads, any poster could reply to an ecumenic thread. And the article on which an ecumenic thread is based could include contrasts and challenges of other beliefs. However, on the ecumenic thread, the poster must not argue against any other beliefs. He can only argue for what he believes – or ask questions.
While we test this new type of thread, be sure to tag every article so that posters will know when to avoid a thread. The tags during this trial run are “prayer” “devotional” “caucus” “ecumenic” or “open.”
Devotional threads are closed to debate of any kind.
Caucus threads are closed to any poster who is not a member of the caucus. If it says “Catholic Caucus” and you are not Catholic, do not post to the thread. However, if the poster of the caucus welcomes you, I will not boot you from the thread.
Ecumenic threads in this trial run are closed to all “anti” arguments. Posters who try to tear down other’s beliefs – or use subterfuge to accomplish the same goal – are the disrupters on ecumenic threads and will be booted from the thread and/or suspended.
Open threads are a town square – posters may argue for or against beliefs of any kind. They may tear down other's beliefs. They may ridicule, similar to the Smoky Backroom with the exception that a poster must never “make it personal.” Reading minds and attributing motives are forms of “making it personal.” Thin-skinned posters will be booted from “open” threads because in the town square, they are the disrupters.
When you see a post which is inappropriate for an ecumenic thread, ping me. Do not bother the Admin Moderators with an abuse report unless the situation requires immediate attention.
LOL.
So the “ecumenic” thread is just another caucus thread
Is whining about the so-called “squeaky wheels” going to do any good?
Actually, I’m really liking how this whole thing is going. Seems that the one’s bellowing the loudest are those that accuse others of being thin skinned.
By your fruits, I guess.
I think. I can’t really tell because so many people are complaining about it.
I sure have and am truly amazed at our differences.
Well that’s a point, if it’s just another caucus thread why not just call it a caucus and be done with it. A tempest in a teapot
>>I sure have and am truly amazed at our differences.<<
But you know what’s really sad, most of us don’t care about the differences. We care about Our Lord.
But I still like this thread! Makes some of us look really good!
I am sure the knowledge that Mary being the co-Redemptrix does not deify her, is among those insights into Catholicism you have gained here.
>>Well that’s a point, if it’s just another caucus thread why not just call it a caucus and be done with it. A tempest in a teapot<<
Maybe because it shows all the people saying how they can’t live with it and how it’s not right are actually those that cause problems?
I don’t know.
Sounds like a plan to me. Conceptually, I believe it’s a strong proposal.
This is an open thread. If some of these comments offend you, then stay off this thread and post on the caucus threads, the co-caucus threads and the ecumenic threads.
P.S. I believe many of these statements are true. Does your belief trump mine? Do I say to you that you cannot believe as Ratzinger has said, that "Protestant churches are defective?"
"Why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?" -- 1 Corinthians 10:29
LOL. Yes, we care about our Lord for sure, but I am concerned that some of the differences can be fatal to those who trust in other entities or rites for their salvation. Love, M
Does your belief trump mine?
I will tell you this: my definition of what I believe trumps your definition of what I believe.
Grrr... I always goof that up. Thanks. 8~)
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