Replies

I was surprised when I came to this thread and found out it had been turned into a "everyone's mean to us Catholics" free-for-all.

1) Yes, there are a bunch of anti-Catholics who take pleasure in baiting us; that's why I try not to rise to the bait and refuse to debate with those who are not at the minimum Christian in attitude.

2) Sometimes my fellow Catholics resort to name-calling, which makes us no better than the Catholic bigots.

3) We all voluntarily contribute (financially and opinions) on FR in a forum conceived and maintained by a private individual. We don't have to be here, we want to be.

4) I have received numerous private and public posts from lurkers and others interested in honest dialogue about Catholicism and Christianity in general, without the baiting and the name-calling.

5) I have been offended and saddened by some who claim to be Christians when they gleefully attack my faith with cruelty and ignorance; I offer my pain up to the Lord that He may turn it into something position. He has. I am better versed in my faith today than I was two years ago when I started posting to FR. I am a better Christian because of my friends, as well as the enemies of Catholicism.

6) The only thing I would ask of Jim Robinson and the moderators is that they be as fair as they can, but I understand everyone comes to this forum with their own biases.

7) To my fellow Catholics, I love you all. I have learned so much from you, particularly Polycarp, NYer, Aquinasfan and Salvation. I'm sure there are others I am neglecting. But sometimes we become one of them when we attack. I've deleted many typed words before posting when I've been responding in anger. Maybe we should all look at our attitudes. We don't have to put up with the bashing; I say, we ignore the bashers and simply post the Truth, or engage in dialogue. We all love the Lord, we all love our faith, and we want to defend it. And we should. With love.

8) I'm not lecturing, or at least I hope no one sees this as a lecture. I hope my comments are taken as intended, which is with love.

9) God bless.

In an amazing turn of events, thank you. You are absolutely correct.

I've done the same, not responding in anger. At least I've tried.

And, IMO, the virtual version of taking toys and going home, gives the "other side" a victory of sorts, if you're inclined to keep score.

Catholics (including our bishops and priests) should have the courage to stand up for our beliefs, regardless of what vitriol we might be subjected to. If Christ could take torture and death, we can certainly take a little argument, or even vituperative remarks, on this forum! We should stop whining and get on with the witness of our faith.