You are just as free as any other to state your beliefs....you should not though “expect”, as so many do, that your beliefs will not be addressed when they oppose other beliefs.
Otherwise opposing false doctrines as others might believe is what debate is about and how the truth is revealed when allowed to be expressed.
BTW..I certainly have been bashed by catholics so you have presumed wrongfully....I either respond, don't respond, or leave the thread until the heat cools down a bit.....you too have that same choice....nobody has taken that from you.
What we do encounter when having a conversation are beliefs: that is, each other's perception of the truth, based on their, their denomination's, or whoever else's perception that may include. Only God knows the entire truth; that which we cannot really begin to perceive until we see Him face-to-face. Speaking civilly promotes dialogue and is conducive to discussion- as is adherence to the topic in the article that is posted.
"...and it's not being presented as you “feel” you need to be addressed then THAT is what the Moderator is for."
When a problem is addressed on multiple occasions, and yet persists, it is time to go to the next link in the chain of command.
"You are just as free as any other to state your beliefs....you should not though “expect”, as so many do, that your beliefs will not be addressed when they oppose other beliefs."
Addressing another's belief entails courtesy, even in the face of perceived discourtesy. I generally state things as, "I believe..." simply because the absolutes of "true" or "false" tend to shut down a discussion, rather than promote one: also because I am here to learn and share, not to impose my truths on anyone else.
The Bible is accepted as The Truth- errors lie in interpretation- but I daresay I believe mine just as strongly as you believe yours. Presentation of one's beliefs in forum is not the same as attempts to impose those beliefs on others here. I don't have problems with non-Catholics in my life. Ours is more an informative discussion: "As a ......, I believe this..." both stated and answered with mutual respect. "Otherwise opposing false doctrines as others might believe is what debate is about"
Rather, debate is an intelligent discussion between two people or groups of people with differing opinions.
Opposition of doctrines perceived as being false, by using insults; deviating from the subject matter posted; using age-old derogatory terms, etc. is degradation and proselytization.
The article had two keywords: "catholic" and "heaven"; was from a Catholic publication directed to Catholics: stating what we believe, not imposing it on anyone. Soon came those of other opinion, declaring that THEIRS was the only truth; converging on our discussion, before it could even get started, like vultures on carrion. "...and how the truth is revealed when allowed to be expressed."
Again, it is one's perception of the truth, expressed intelligently and courteously, without misrepresentation, which is not often the case here. For example, this is the post I made, to which you are responding:
***And I say ‘none’ should be running to Jim Robinson Courtesy Ping with complaints...*** That is your opinion. You're stating it without getting yourself or whatever you believe bashed. It would be nice if we Catholics were able to state our beliefs without the bashing. Simple: common courtesy.
FWIW, I'm not the one who reported, although I heartily agree that it should have been. Why? Because, of late, our caucus threads have not only been invaded, but arguments put up about it being a caucus threadby people who came in with anti-Catholic posts.
As for the post to which I am responding: a person reading that post would think the original post quite different than it actually was- hence the quote in blue. Responses should accurately represent the post to which the response was directed. " BTW..I certainly have been bashed by catholics so you have presumed wrongfully....I either respond, don't respond, or leave the thread until the heat cools down a bit.....you too have that same choice....nobody has taken that from you."
I am a beyond-middle-aged Catholic professional: although ill health forced me to stop working, I remain a responsible, intelligent adult. I needn't be spoken to as if I were a petulant child, thank you. BTW, whether or not you like Catholics, the word as you used it is a proper noun, and should be capitalized. If our Faith is not respected, we should at least be shown respect as individuals. That's where good, productive discussion begins and should end: respectfully.
God bless you!