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.
The last thing in the world I want is Catholic adoration.
It looks too much like worship. :-)
Productive discussions of faith can continue and yield great fruit under the simple rubric of “Speak only of your own beliefs and ask only straight questions.”
In fact, the “ecumenism” tag might well end up much like a great arbor or pergola to that end. Keep the vines from crawling in the dirt, give them access to sunlight, drying wind and pollinating insects and they will thrive.
I agree, as well.
***************
I scarcely know you. I certainly don't dislike you. Would you like to be friends? :)
Lovely!
Ecumenicalism is simply accepting everyone's view and never moving forward; never moving up the mountain to a correct understanding.
Oprah would agree.
Now stop your inane pestering.
Sure, I'll ping you later to my "Hollow Earth" thread.
ROFL!!!
I can tell the difference between them. You could never be an object of worship. ;-D
I say this, since you posted it on an open thread, but I am aware someone may push the abuse button on these personal, adorable comments. :D
“That means they know about our pact with the Joooooos and the Grays!”
Well, that explains things. I’m doubly protected since I have Jewish roots.
OTOH, it might be a Dan Brown plot to usher in the persecution of the Protestants since they are bound and determined to think they are persecuted.
Yes, the Body of Christ, the true church of Jesus Christ, not the Roman edifice.
I guess you never met my dog.
Just yesterday, wmfights posted a very thoughtful question on the Mary thread regarding Elijah and his assumption into heaven. I attempted a response and before we could even fully respond to each other, the disrupters caused the thread to be shut down due to childish behavior.
I finished the conversation with wmfights in private email. This is what debate on the religion forum has come to. Seriously, if you can't or don't want to engage in the topic being discussed, go somewhere else.
“Mary’s role as Co-Redeemer and Mediatrix of grace is not a formally defined dogma of the Catholic Church. It remains a pious opinion...”
Well, you tried. It won’t make any difference since they are determined to say we sacrifice our little knees in Virgin worship while beheading red roses as blood offerings.
It was a serious question, though it now seems to me you have quoted KJV.
Click on my screen name and meet mine. My dog can beat your dog up. ;-D
“It’s no wonder people don’t like you.”
Wow! I haven’t heard that phrase since I was in 8th grade about 55+ years ago.
Now wouldn't a no-holds barred closed caucus have come in handy then?
Wait for word from X, then execute Plan 'R.'
Hey, wait up. I’m going with you.
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