Posted on 02/19/2007 5:56:06 AM PST by markomalley
I would like to take a straw poll of the various members of the Catholic Caucus:
There are a huge number of tracts out there that attempt to question various elements of Catholic theology. When they invariably surface on Free Republic, several of us take the opportunity to debunk them; however, as those tracts are invariably posted by Protestants, the threads become 'general discussion' threads and usually end up being several hundred posts (or several thousand) long; the hard work done by caucus members end up being swallowed up in the sheer volume...making those posts difficult to use as reference in the future.
My idea is for us to, from time to time, post one of those tracts, and go through and debunk the claims. Primarily from the Bible, but where history is misquoted, a proper source showing what that history IS would be appropriate, as well.
Now since thes would be 'caucus'-type threads, examination of the doctrine or practices within various Protestant denominations would be off-limits: the scope would have to be carefully restricted to understanding the scriptural defense against those denominations' attacks on us.
The question for the caucus is: would there be any interest in the above?
What if it's laid out as Catholic Catechesis-Subject?
Scripture, Tradition, Magisterium, Catechism Reference to start and go from there.
That way it could clear up teachings for Catholics and others would know the purpose.
I appreciate your consideration...
If it does, then the other confessions might need or want to post a rebuttal and the thread would have to be opened.
(Elwell Evangelical Dictionary)
The Christians (or Church) referred to in blue is what is commonly known as the Catholic Church.
What term would you use?
I agree with you. I have noticed that within the last year and a half the number of Protestant posts have increased many times over. I would estimate that half of these posts are devotional and genuinely doctrinal in nature, but the other half are purposely anti-Catholic.
Case in point, all of the posts and reposts about abusive Priests, the actions of people who say they act in the name of the Church or that they are "Catholic", but are contrary to Church doctrine, etc... It is an aggressive "ad-hominum" campaign against the Catholic Church perpetuated by a very few pseudo intellectuals. They will believe what they want to believe, and they have no interest whatsoever in finding out the truth of what we as Catholics believe. It is not our problem that their Theology is largely based off of how not Catholic they are. They can tell St. Peter, and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ face to face what they think of his pilgrim Church on Earth.
I have seen in the past few months threads posted closely following "Here's why Catholics are wrong" - type threads on exactly the same subject from a Catholic apologetics viewpoint laying out the Scriptural and historical foundation for what the Catholic Church teaches. It seems a more positive approach than attempting to "Fisk" Protestant tracts.
Personally, I see what Mark is trying to accomplish. As someone who has read these threads assiduously over the years, I have seen very capable apologists for both sides of a discussion. In almost all cases, the "Catholic" view is greatly enhanced by our Orthodox brothers, for example.
It is a shame that on a periodic basis, a post could not be made in the form of "Be it resolved that...." with a small "team" of several individuals from both groups calmly going back and forth with NO ad hominem or personal attacks. This is best done, of course, when a single apologist from each side has a give and take (as on a radio format), but as I've said, I've recognized great posters on both sides.
I have no idea how a team would be formed, but for the purpose of these "periodic discussions" extraneous posters would be ignored. The purpose would be to examine the doctrine as it unfolds by knowledgeable individuals and the exposition could be quite illuminating to read. As one who frequents threads on a variety of subjects, I have learned a great deal this way--by reading and paying attention.
If only FR and JimRob could find a method to see this put into place! I know that open discussion always finds the diamonds in the rough in many, many areas, but in a thread like religion discussions, the same turf is beaten to death over and over or relevant questions are simply ignored or finessed. The subject would not have to be done in real time either. It is often the case that a point needs to be examined or researched so that false information is not given.
If we could ever pull this off, everyone involved could "bookmark" the thread. Then, when some "newbie" comes aboard and is feeling his or her oats, the link could be posted for them to "read and learn."
Could it work on FR? I don't know, but it would be a real learning experience if it was done with honesty and with integrity.
I know that irenic discussions can happen. Witness the discussions on the Pontificator's blog. How did Fr. Kimel accomplish this? I've been reading his blog now since it started and his posts have had very meaningful and civil discussions. Very rarely did they get ugly. I've learned a great deal from him and other commentors. Not to mention getting stretched intellectually
Sometimes, a post of his makes its way here on FR and it quickly disintegrates and the substantive points that he makes are lost in the fray. Very disheartening to see.
It certainly is - especially when better than 80% of the threads that come up are mine. I'd love to know who's been attaching the keyword "catholic bashing" to my threads, especially since some of them have never been posted to.
Should we Protestants start putting "protestant-bashing" onto all the threads for which we can't mount a good defense.
Oh, wait. I haven't found a thread like that yet.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1786631/posts
i'll post a loving sermon and not have 1 view.
then compare protestant to muslims and there's a gathering.
I suspect that whoever told you about it is probably the one who has been planting that keyword on every thread which in any way criticizes the Catholic Church.
Carry on.
Yep. And the problem is exacerbated by the fact that Protestantism is in direct rebuttal to Catholicism so it's difficult to proclaim the Gospel without making reference to past and current errors.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.