Attention, Please...

[THE Gypsy]

Since joining this little community, I have grown to appreciate, and respect, many of the members and the opinions they express, whether or not I fully agree. Like it or not...I consider myself a member of this dysfunctional family and, as a member, what I am about to say is strictly my opinion based on observation...

It seems as though every topic is being reduced to catholic v. Non-catholic. Good grief...even the Statement of Faith thread is falling into that demise.

To participate in such tactics is not only getting exhausting, it is an insult to the Administration and the purpose of the forum (as I understand it to be). Thanks to Hammerstone and his staff, we have a comfortable living room to curl up in, with the beverage of our choice, and discuss the various issues that face us in our daily lives, whether they be spiritual or simply everyday life and it is not polite to come into someone's living-room and crap on the floor.

The two sides are NEVER going to agree. Period. And here are a couple news flashes for you...

1. Catholicism is NOT "the way, the truth and the life" and no one "comes to the Fathe except through" Catholicism.

2. Not ALL Catholics are unsaved, evil, idolatrous creatures with no love of God in them.

There is much we can learn from, and teach, each other. I admonish you all to buck-up, suck it up, and get on with the mission at hand.

That is all...Carry on.

 

[Blair4Christ]

This!

 

[Rex]

Let me say I'm not going to recommend a solution, but nearly every topic will, when a difference of opinion arises degenerate to the pillar of the individuals faith that being the catholic church for Catholics. It's official church doctrine. I do know that on Catholic sites there is near zero tolerance for suggesting anything that is not outside the catholic churches official proclamations.

1. Catholicism is NOT "the way, the truth and the life" and no one "comes to the Fathe except through" Catholicism.

I try to address the issue at hand but it usually degenerates to the line in the sand sor to speak.
It's like the last limb that is clung to, they dig in and refuse to move from, my church and teaching is the only truth.

 

[Helen]

Well said Gypsy!!

I have been gone for a year! First I lost my password, and couldn't find out how to get back "in", then as months went by I forgot my user -name!! See what comes of getting old!
I said all that to say, I have just logged back in after a year...so have 'missed' whatever the OP was all about!! :)

Anyway, here I am again...so will now go and read some threads....NOT that I can catch up on a whole years worth!!!! LOL

 

[THE Gypsy]

Well said!
I have been gone for a year! First I lost my password, and couldn't find out how to get back "in", then as months went by I forgot my user -name!! See what comes of getting old! />
I said all that to say, I have just logged back in after a year...so have 'missed' whatever the OP was all about!! :)/>

Anyway, here I am again...so will now go and read some threads....NOT that I can catch up on a whole years worth!!!! LOL

Welcome back. As far as the "getting old" thingy...it beats the alternative!

I was gone for a few months, dealing with some medical issues, and you are correct...it is difficult to catch up.

 

[aspen]

I have managed to post and get along here since 2010 and that is due to the fact that most people who post in this site love Jesus and want to discuss real issues that occur in the lives of Christians. Doctrine is also discussed, but most of the time it leads me to think more about the Bible rather than fight, so I appreciate it, even when I start out disagreeing.

I, too, regret the recent Catholic/Protestant wars here. I have participated on the margins, and realized that it was not helpful. In fact, I believed it has lead to a lot of anger between myself and people I respect.

So, as far as I am concerned, I agree to disagree with all Catholic and Protestant differences. Hopefully, we can get back to discussing important issues.

 

[martinlawrencescott]

I rarely ask others here their church/denominational background. I'm also really bad at assuming it. Also, I'm not well studied on what a lot of denominations even believe, or what might be a cult or whatever else. I feel like my ignorance has proved beneficial in my relations with the people here. Might I suggest assuming ignorance to those whom in knowledge have a bias? Meaning, someone is talking about doctrine we assume might belong to a group we have a strong bias against. However, if you focus on the doctrine and not the group, there is little to no offense, so scripture can speak for itself, and there isn't personal offense taken on part of the groups we do or don't belong to. Foreknowledge may kind of suck for people and their preexisting relationships on the board, but I've seen it work before, and am not worried we can focus on what's truly important.

-My view doesn't really promote deep relationships, but neither does bias. I've got my own growing to do.

 

[IanLC]

Yes this forum is truly a "Christian" one. Even despite the figthing and differing of opinion we genuinely have a love for Jesus and each other. MAny of the people I have debated have become friends and people I look to. Its jsut a part of maturing in Christ. When you know what you personally believe and are rooted in it you are not threatened by others beliefs and come to respect and understand others belief systems and ideologies even in Christ!