I am Eliza10, a convert since 200 from evangelical Catholicism. I am willing to call myself a traditional Catholic, now even though the cartoon of that on the internet and popping up in forums is so BAD, and in real life I do not see this among like-minded TradCaths, so I expect to run in to some of those cartoons here (among the regular folk).
I post on CAF but trads are not so welcome there. I just signed up at Fisheters, since my husband and I eat fish on Fridays, but just got banned from posting - this in less than a month since signing up (as St.Eliza). I have no idea why since Vox doesn't respond to simple requests for an explanation. I do not necc. want to discuss Fisheaters because I do not want to go where I am (for whatever reason) unwelcome. Also I just got a job I have long wanted, and I won't have much time anyway.
I realized some things while on Fisheters that I will be wary of here. I will explain them.
I would love some input from like-minded folk here how they deal with these things when/if they occur here:
1. I do not want to argue with folk who just want to argue for the sake of arguing. The type who only want to make their OWN points - in response to a post where this is hardly related to the thread topic. Once they are engaged in their goal, an argument, they will not acknowledge any point you make, because it's about winning for them, not sharing and arriving at understanding. I will try to identify these folk and avoid them. :boxer:
2. I do not want to be a target of SSPXers or others separated from Francis whose goal it is to convert me, arguing that if I have not chosen their path then I am sinning by remaining with Our Holy Mother the Church with Francis as Pope. The man is frightening just like his best buddies are. The state of the USCCB and other worldwide church hierarchy is shameful, and probably worse and more widespread than it appears. I see it, for me, as sinning to leave it, and I see our Church as being in it's passion. Who would follow Jesus through the streets of Jerusalem when he was bloody and defeated looking? Not many. I am following our Church like that. The Holy part, not the dirty part. I respect that others are following their conscience to do otherwise and I have done quite a bit of reading for the arguments to do so and the arguments are compelling. I respect the different viewpoint, and expression of it. I just don't want to be the target of their converting me.
The Church is troubled and we have to find our way. Listening and sharing is can and should be good and helpful. Jesus will save it in the end. meanwhile there are souls to be gained for Christ.
3. I want nothing to do with anyone who says "Shame on you" because you don't agree with their take on things.
And I have some questions:
1. If I post here about my thoughts or questions about any private revelation that the church has not made a statement against, am I going to get jumped on by folk that think all private revelation should not be looked at or discussed, because Catholics don't need to ever peek at private revelation at all? I would like to see discussion of actual reasons why a thing could not be from God. But other forums have folk that seem to be about the job of policing such discussion in order to disallow any discourse at all. Is that how it is here?
2. What topics are censored on this forum?
3. What are reasons for suspensions and bannings? Is there a procedure? Is one given a reason?
Thank you.