I think it might be fitting to have a set of rules posted for any comments that come up in the future. I’ve been involved in many discussions on the net that have fallen into unrelenting argument.
Keep in mind one very serious point. My objective with this blog is not to win arguments. My experience has been that few arguments are settled, especially on the internet. Instead, my point is to give a Catholic view of things. There may be points to argue at times, but I seriously want to avoid fights if possible. Disputing over words gains little ground for God. After all, we’re here for His glorification, not our own.
Here are the Rules (subject to change at a moments notice and at the whim of the blogger):
1. “Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). No one is expected to back down from his or her beliefs, but this is not a place for verbal fistfights. If you wish to comment here, either let it be done in love or let it be done elsewhere.
2. “…he that refraineth his lips is most wise” (Proverbs 10:19). Please keep in mind that the terms “Romish”, “Roman”, “Roman Church”, “Popish”, “Papist”, “Recovering Catholic”, etc., are often used in derogatory ways. We are Catholic. The guy in charge is known as the Pope. It’s called the Catholic Church or Roman Catholic Church (“RCC” will do for brevity). When in doubt, see Rule #1.
3. “For I know thy obstinacy, and thy most stiff neck” (Deuteronomy 31:27). If we disagree, that’s fine. However, don’t present the same argument over and over and over again. We don’t attempt to win an argument by wearing each other down. Eventually, you may have to come to terms with the fact that we aren’t going to agree on something. When that happens, see Rule #1.
4. “But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you” (John 14:26). Alas, the protection against error granted to the Church does not apply to me personally. I make mistakes. No apologist knows everything, and none are able to relate a concept perfectly on the first try 100% of the time. Please remember that we all make the occasional mistake, and deal with that in the spirit of Rule #1.
5. When in doubt, refer to Rule #1.
I strongly recommend that anyone wishing to comment here do so with after this short payer (I repeat a variation of this often):
Grant, O Lord, that no one love you less this day because of me.
