Generalising is fair enough.
But individuals that one encounters, who appear to fit a stereotype, should be treated as though they are the exceptions, until we know otherwise.
And even when we do know otherwise, we shouldn't be unfriendly!
Clare.
Believe it or not, that is my habitual mode of action.
I think it's been brought up before -- Many people are very nice in person, at their local TLM chapel, etc. but they are fiery online as they philosophize and discuss abstract ideas. That would be me.
I can believe it, Chant.
As trads go, I'm fairly on the "liberal" wing (not minding trousers or pop music, for example), but in my exchanges on Novus Ordo forums, people there think I'm a real hardliner.
It's because modern Catholics don't seem to understand the concept of principles. And it's frustrating to find oneself arguing with one's co-religionists about things we should be agreeing on. Like contraception and the like. They'll start bringing up hard cases, and because I inflexibly repeat the motto: "the end doesn't justify the means", they assume that means when I encounter people who might use birth control, I spit at them or something! Or because I insist that the Catholic Church is the One True Church, they think I'm incapable of getting along with non-Catholics without pointing out to them every two minutes that their religion is false!
Thing is, I shouldn't be having to argue with Catholics about these things. I don't
expect non-Catholics to agree with me. I also don't have a problem with Catholics who acknowledge that certain things they do are sins. It's when Catholics start assuming that because
they, and a lot of
nice people they know, use birth control (for example), it can't possibly be wrong, that I get on my high horse!
Clare.