When the anti-Catholic fetish subsides, and false posts about what I believe have ended, the combative tone will subside.
I envision the religion forum as a European cafe where folks of differing beliefs gather to discuss philosophy (in this case, more specifically: theology). We can go point for point for hours on end, often with voices raised, but in any case each speaking about why their belief is more faithful to Scripture, etc. Great stuff, and highly educational.
But some of the things said about Catholicism over the years I have been here have been all about Catholics being told what they believe--falsely.
It's not "Why isn't what you do a deification of Mary?" or "If I did what I think Catholics do, I'd be worshiping her."
No.
Instead, its "Catholics worship Mary, their Catechism deifies her." False and False. (And that is but ONE example.)
And this does not mention the vicious insults hurled from the bleachers.
Finally I figured out that this is not the quaint cafe I wish it was, it is a town square, and it has been made what it is by those who figured out long before me precisely what is permitted in this square.
Now that I know, I am bringing it in kind.
Welcome to the town square.
If you don't like my tone, all I can say is "I did not make the soup, I only serve the soup."
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I would guess that many of us here envisioned the same place, but were rudely brought to reality. It's unfortunate, but it seems we must work with what we have.
Easy Petro.
I Never accused you of anything.
I only said thats what it LOOKED like you said AT FIRST GLANCE and asked you to clarify.
I never believed that you meant what appeared to be implied.
Thank you for clarifying.