Defending the Faith (Catholic Caucus)

self ^ | January 8, 2010 | vanity

[Judith Anne]

In the age of the internet, a lot of very good information is readily available for those who have sincere questions about the Catholic Church. The Catholic Encyclopedia, the Online Catechism, many good apologetic sites--all have excellent answers to nearly any question that anyone could devise.

There is really no need for FR Catholics to engage in endless religious argument, and I would like to urge us all to simply refrain. We could resign from the debating society and let those who sincerely want to learn seek it out for themselves from a local priest or look it up on the net. Others, who do not sincerely want to learn, could be ignored, and privately remembered in prayer.

Opinions from fellow Catholics?

[Judith Anne]

I have greatly benefited by my absence from the Religion Forum. Perhaps other Catholics could, as well....? Is it our duty to correct misconceptions? Is that even possible?

[Judith Anne]

Pinging you at your request.

[Judith Anne]

Please ping other Catholics who might be interested.

[frogjerk]

Defend what is Holy.

Also, not actively debunking those that have misconceptions about Holy Mother Church and what she teaches would be wrong.

Conversing with fools is another thing all together.

[Judith Anne]

LOL!

[Judith Anne]

Yes, but so few roses among the thorns...

[Campion]

Is it our duty to correct misconceptions?

"Instructing the ignorant" is one of the spiritual works of mercy. Scripture also commands to contend for the faith "once delivered to the saints," and to "give a reason for the hope that lies within [us]". Not to mention that tidbit about "Go and make disciples of all the nations".

So, yes, it's absolutely our duty.

[Religion Moderator]

Thank you.

All: This Religion Forum thread is labeled "Catholic Caucus" meaning if you are not Catholic, do not post on this thread.

Also, to maintain the caucus, the beliefs of non-Catholics must not be mentioned otherwise they will have an interest in speaking for themselves.

[wagglebee]

I am sort of torn.

On the one hand, I have at times experienced intense resentment and found it necessary to ignore the Religion Forum for a while.

On the other hand, I do not want to see blatant lies about the Catholic Church go unanswered.

[wagglebee]

Also, to maintain the caucus, the beliefs of non-Catholics must not be mentioned otherwise they will have an interest in speaking for themselves.

Can non-Catholics be mentioned generically? For instance can they be referred to as "anti-Catholics" or "enemies of the Church"?

[Judith Anne]

Sure, but are we the best ones to do that? Not all of us Catholics have the same gifts to give the Church. Instructing the ignorant is not one of my spiritual jobs because I’m no good at it. Instead, I must choose other corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

[Judith Anne]

But remember what Christ said? “Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you for My sake.”

Such an opportunity to be blessed! A silent smile is a good response, and a prayer...

[wagglebee]

Conversing with fools is another thing all together.

Very true.

Give not that which is holy to dogs; neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turning upon you, they tear you. (Matthew 7:6)

[Religion Moderator]

Non Catholics can be mentioned but not non-Catholic beliefs.

For instance, "non-Catholics speaking of the Rosary should be ignored" is not describing non-Catholic beliefs and is therefore ok for the caucus.

But saying "non-Catholics who say we worship Mary should be ignored" is describing beliefs of non-members and is not ok for a caucus, i.e. they would have an interest in speaking for themselves.

[Judith Anne]

I’m sorry I didn’t ping you until now, I’m going down my list of Catholic FRiends.

[Judith Anne]

ping

[Rodebrecht]

Not sure why I was pinged, but I'll jump in.

I've seen some pretty outrageous things directed at the Church in the religion forums. I think not addressing and defending against them so as to prevent friendly or even neutral non-Catholics from getting any misconceptions about the Church or its teachings would be a shame.

[Judith Anne]

I pinged you because I liked your comments on another thread.