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?
I LOVE IT!!!!!! I have got to start reading keywords!
My reaction is that I doubt whether such a procedure would do much to change patterns of behavior in the forum. It's pretty certain that no matter how good a case you made that a certain "authoritative" attack on the Churh was false, it would continue to reappear from people who missed the argument or simply didn't care.
So, what you propose would simply add another kind of thread. I'd say that if you or others want to post such threads, why not? Even if you don't persuade the diehard Catholic bashers, such threads could be educational for those with open minds.
Check keyword "anglican". There is an article in the Times of London today positing a reunion of the Catholic and Anglican Churches. It has over 1200 views and I didn't see your name as a poster. Sionnsar has pinged his group.
F
The keyword search was very illuminating. I missed a lot of really interesting threads.
We do remove keywords when there are complaints, if the words are profane or false - or if they have been spammed.
I've always wanted to catalog the threads I've posted (as opposed to just everything I've posted). I think I've found a way to do that now, thanks to my keyword-entering, double-secret mystery fanbase :D I'll have to find a way to thank them!
Not that I'm complaining, nor am I asking that they be removed, but I'd love to find out who posted the keywords MRMURPHYNEEDSHELP, OBSSESSEDWITHRCS, and PRESBYSARENUTS along with the recently announced CATHOLICBASHING on my 12/31/06 thread Jesus Appears On Laundry Door.
The ugly keywords are removed. I know who posted them but will not reveal it. However, I will remember should it happen again. When posters follow another around adding the same ugly keywords, that is trolling.
Actually, I think it's more than that. Labeling everything a "caucus" is simply a way of promoting a particular view. To be sure, there are things such as prayer request and devotionals that are legitimate "caucus". Posting doctrinal positions, in my mind, does not fall into a "caucus".
In a way it would be best if we could stick strictly to the subject of the article but these threads take on a life of their own at time.
But being a caucus doesn't that mean that those of a differing view aren't supposed to post to it?
these threads take on a life of their own at time.
Isn't that half the fun? You never know where the discussion will lead.
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I have to agree, Frank. The term has a very specific meaning to Catholics, and its use otherwise is jarring.
While I will probably not be able to contribute doctrine-wise to the threads (though, who knows?!?), I would really enjoy reading them. They are extremely educational, and they reinforce my desire to formally study and become a part of the Catholic church.
I hope you continue to read and learn about the Catholic Church. It will be worth the effort. And there are some really great Catholic posters here.
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