[Mad Dawg]

We don't know what we're doing, but people who cannot resist coming in and interrupting us as we talk about it know better than we what it is? We are stupid people, lacking in insight, but those who are addicted to confrontation, who can't STAND to let us be because, because, well we don't know WHY, exactly, but we're confident that some dreadful crisis will happen if the Catholics and Orthodox are allowed to have their doctrines, and besides, it's just AWFUL, I mean LOOK at it! They have statues, and pictures and FLOWERS. OH. MY. DOODNESS! Hold me! -- People like THESE are equipped with the calm, professional detachment to see to the depths of what we are doing? I'm supposed to believe that?

And were you here for the "Mother of God" conversation? We've gone 'round the houses on what led to Ephesus and Chalcedon, and how the Fathers saw the title as essential to orthodox Christology, but now it's because of unresolved mother issues?

"A Freudian slip is when you say one thing and mean your mother." (rimshot.)

(How'd I do?)

YOu remember Totem and Taboo? Why is it we have cultural norms against incest? Because there's a drive to commit incest. SO why are some Protestants unable to pass a group of RCs or EO discussing their beliefs without coming in and accusing them of everything from neurosis to idolatry?

Hey! I'm getting better at it! But I'd like to stop now. I don't like it.

[Quix]

Well dear brother, I've found out the hard way on the same sorts of phenomena in my life . . .

that it IS as the Chinese say . . .

The onlookers see the game best--in many contexts about many issues. Just a fact of life.

It has been true of me. It has been true of many Protesties who'd have been insistent it could not be true and was not true. And, if my observational skills and discernment have a shred of validity at all, it is troue of countless RC's, too. Not alone, but too.

Just the accoutraments are different. The phenomena are the same.

The human tendencies, habits, obsessions, . . . are the same.