Hello to everyone (as this is a general statement).
Please read the forum guidelines if you have not yet done so. Thank you. I need not reiterate them here.
We don't allow, and have a zero tolerance policy concerning flaming and personal attacks. That's why this forum is different. Without keeping a strict eye on those things, it would degenerate to the level of so many Internet boards that we see. We moderators will NOT let that happen here, when it is such a special environment, filled with encouragement and hope for new and potential Catholics.
The following of a few simple guidelines is not a violation of so-called "free speech." No one values free speech more than I do, on my own blog. I've been extremely consistent on that. But my blog and this forum are two different things. My blog is more "academic" and is almost exclusively about vigorous apologetic discussion (whereas this forum is basically a support group for new or potential Catholics).
Folks can say whatever they like on my blog (barring vulgarity and profanity), because I truly believe in free speech and a spirit of open-minded inquiry, and I live by it. I'm not a hypocrite who bans comments critical of me, out of pride or fear, like so many on the Internet do these days.
But on this board, which is not my own, as my blog is my own project and "domain," I and other moderators have a responsibility to enforce the guidelines and abide by them ourselves. The board has a very specific purpose: inquiring about and understanding what the Church teaches: not even to debate about same. If a person disagrees with that purpose, fine, but then this is probably not the place for them. If one doesn't care about Catholic teaching, or thinks it is a vehicle of antiChrist, etc., obviously such a one would have no reason to post on this forum and it is not for them, by definition.
Free speech is not an absolute. We all restrain ourselves according to situation. We don't tell jokes at a funeral or go up on the altar and talk about how our toilet is backed up in the middle of Mass. We can't yell "fire" in a crowded theatre (to use the proverbial example; and I believe that would be a punishable crime). We're not brutally honest when an elderly woman who is (to put it gently) not a cover model, inquires as to how she looks (or even our wives, on a bad hair day, etc.). We can't make racist or prejudiced remarks in public. This isn't tolerated (and thank God that they are, no longer, though other forms of prejudicial speech are). Or if it is tolerated "legally" the person will still have a severe price to pay, socially. This is a good thing. It shows that our secular society still has some standards left.
Questions of propriety and prudence (and of forum guidelines and policy) are just as valid as the vaunted free speech. "Legal right" and what is right in a given situation, are two different things, too. The second goes far beyond the first.
. . . it is necessary that you are honestly and sincerely seeking information about the Catholic Church and are willing to discuss it in a friendly tone. Flames are not allowed. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. We will maintain a Christian attitude at all times. It is not our intention to stifle honest discussion at any time, but all discussions must be kept to the question at hand, not to personal attacks on the person posting the message or attacks against the Catholic Church.
As a sub-category of insults and personal attacks, I'd like to also emphasize that someone else's personal and private life is off-limits -- in terms of probing and questioning someone on a personal level in public, especially with someone who is a relative (if not total) stranger. To insult someone you hardly know by characterizing them in an objectionable manner is impermissible behavior on this forum.
This doesn't prohibit mutually acceptable personal-type interaction with people we know and have a relationship with: only insults and "mind-reading" types of comments that size up a person and put them in a box. It's a sub-species of insult.
We want this place to provide an enjoyable, edifying, educational experience for all who want to participate. The guidelines that have been set by the Coming Home Network and Christian charity towards others play a key role in making the desire a reality. This is a wonderful forum and we intend to keep it that way. Please read and follow the guidelines and take all purely personal matters or specifically personal inquiries or criticisms to private messages, and do not personally attack others! That is nothing more than the Golden Rule. Thanks!
The rules and policy here are not about "censorship"; not about the moderators, as if we are little dictators who get a charge over controlling people's thoughts and words. It's about enforcing a few sensible rules so everyone here can have the best possible positive experience. The problems discussed above are pretty rare, and our hats are off to 99% or more of our members, with whom we never have any problem.
Now back to your regularly scheduled program . . .
Last edited on Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 07:19 pm by Dave Armstrong
____________________ I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale): http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
That's why this forum is different. Without keeping a strict eye on those things, it would degenerate to the level of so many Internet boards that we see. We moderators will NOT let that happen here, when it is such a special environment, filled with encouragement and hope for new and potential Catholics.
Thanks Dave and all the other moderators for working so hard to keep this forum a place we'll want to keep coming back to. This forum has become a blessing to me in a very short time. I love making friends, and I see I'm not alone in that here. May this forum be a place of kindness and support for all.
Oh, and hey Laura! Nice to have you here!
(Fixed your quote, Dave.)
Last edited on Mon Feb 25th, 2008 11:11 pm by Kim M.
____________________ "A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
Thanks for your kind words, Kim, and what you describe is perfectly in line with what we're trying to accomplish. Personal attacks and nosey probing do not further those ends.
Last edited on Tue Feb 26th, 2008 03:44 am by Dave Armstrong
____________________ I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 2000+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale): http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
Dave Armstrong wrote: Now back to your regularly scheduled program . . .
Just to reiterate what Dave has said.....
For a long time, this forum operated without direct intervention from CHNI. David and I created rules and an atmosphere we thought were appropriate. Due to the increase in activity and a new appreciation for the opportunity to minister through the forum, Marcus and the other staff members (starting with Dave) have become involved, and they are currently in the process of determining the future direction of the forum.
There is not now, never has been, and never will be freedom of speech on this forum (or any other, for that matter). It is what the forum owner wants it to be. Anyone who does not agree is free to go elsewhere. This forum exists for a specific purpose, and the entire forum is currently under review to make sure that everything posted here meets the mission statement of CHNI. That is not only the right and obligation of CHNI, but their absolute duty. Now that CHNI staff are directly involved, it is for them to decide what is appropriate and what is not. Until then, the current forum guidelines remain in effect. God knows I have been as guilty as anyone of drawing threads off topic (as David has often gently reminded me) and I hope the staff will give us an area where we can still socialize and have some fun from time to time, but that will be their call. I will do my best to obey their rules, and no doubt I will fail and be chastised from time to time. So be it. I expect them to call me to holiness when necessary and I hope to accept it with humility when it happens (notice I didn't say "if"), and I hope you will all do the same.
To simplify and repeat, lest there be any doubt, I completely support Marcus and the staff both in their ministry and in their attempts to make the forum blend with the overall mission of CHNI, and I am willing and eager to participate in any discussion of future changes, and in implementation of whatever they decide.
I believe God has placed me here for a specific purpose, even though I'm not always sure what it is. As I said recently in another thread, I think I serve mainly as the comic relief, but that's OK. God gave us our sense of humor, too. And we know that God certainly has a sense of humor, else why would he have created male pattern baldness?
BTW, did anyone notice Kermie at the Academy Awards last night????? He had a cameo in the first retrospective, singing "Rainbow Connection"! He forgot his LSU shirt, though, and performed "au natural"!
And as Dave said, we now return to our regularly scheduled program.
____________________ Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
I will try to behave. When I fail, I'll try to shape up with a sweet attitude.
And we'll all live together in a hap pee fam i leeeeee.
____________________ "The perfection of a soul may be measured by the degree to which it does the will of God, and finds its happiness in doing it.... O my God,...the only thing necessary is Your holy will," Divine Intimacy, pp. 15-16 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
.....and once again I have completely missed the "incident". I am beginning to feel like God is trying to protect me from myself. Maybe this is what is meant by "lead me not into temptation"......
If anyone is counting votes, I also vote for keeping a fellowship area to tell jokes and talk about non serious subjects like our families and holidays. I mean, sometimes you guys are the only people over 16,(besides my husband) that I "talk"to for days.
____________________ Becky
Wife of Michael(called Moo) and stay at home mom to 5 daughters between 10 months and 17
If anyone is counting votes, I also vote for keeping a fellowship area to tell jokes and talk about non serious subjects like our families and holidays. I mean, sometimes you guys are the only people over 16,(besides my husband) that I "talk"to for days.
lol Same here! I'm a Domestic Monastic, ya know. We need a cut-up room where we can have fun (*ahem* within reason). If things are too solemn here, well...*snore*. Of course, we'd need one of our mods to keep us from venturing out too far.
What say ye, Marcus?? Liked the beard, tonight btw! Did y'all notice he's keeping it trimmed all neat and everything? I love my hubby's beard as long as he trims it! Then I find he's quite dapper.
One more vote for a goof-off room for us nuts!
Last edited on Tue Feb 26th, 2008 02:26 am by Kim M.
____________________ "A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
Candlemass wrote: I never trim my beard, it's all or nothing! A goof off forum? I'm afraid I'd have to abstain, I have no time for such frivolous behaviour!
Ha! Neither do I, but I'll make time! We'll drag you over there somehow, bushy beard and all.
____________________ "A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
My prayers and praise for the hard job all of you forum moderators do for the CHN. Corralling all of us to stick to the objectives and purpose of the Coming Home Network should be your prime concern. As a Protestant on my way wrestling with serious issues regarding Catholicism I find it refreshing to read of the concerns here. I've met some wonderful people on this site. I love the comraderie and the occasional fun.
But my purpose is to discover just what the Catholic church believes and if I fit into it. I can get plenty of grief elsewhere if I want argumentation over peripheral issues. Here, I want answers and, if necessary, corrections.
My Bible tells me that the body of Christ is to be continually upholding Christ and building up the body of Christ, both the visible and invisible church. It's not my job to tear down individuals, but rather to be Christ to them as I see Christ in them.
Marcus has given us a way to share our faith. I, for one, intend to fulfill his purpose for this site and not only his but the staff and leaders of the Coming Home Network.
Does that mean I'll rubber stamp everything he or anyone here says. Heavens no! But, if i come with a humble and open mind, I know I will get honesty, integrity and wise counsel from this program and crew. Even from the Cajun.
I'm falling in love with the RC church. I hope I can be an asset to all of you as well. God bless to all of you. It's time for me to go and pray the rosary. I'll remember all of you in my prayers.
Rich
I also missed this incident, guess the good Lord was protecting me from my own big mouth! I think I can speak for many of us who have been here awhile and feel very comfortable, so much so that we forget the true purpose of the forum and that there are readers all the time that we don't even know about. They need to not only learn catholic theology and custom, but also hear it in a way that won't put us (catholics) in a bad light. This forum could be the one and only place a person considers the catholic church. What an opportunity! So we all have a duty somewhat to protect the integrity of this site. A goof-off room would be good. Would one be enough?
Kim M. wrote: Candlemass wrote: I never trim my beard, it's all or nothing! A goof off forum? I'm afraid I'd have to abstain, I have no time for such frivolous behaviour!
Ha! Neither do I, but I'll make time! We'll drag you over there somehow, bushy beard and all.
Well, you all know I would never engage in frivolous behavior!
____________________ Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Candlemass wrote: Green eggs and spam!
Did you see the news story about the chicken in Mississippi laying green eggs?
Kermie swears he has been nowhere near Mississippi!
He hasn't been to Mexico, either:
____________________ Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Dave Armstrong wrote: There was a little misunderstanding of one portion of my post above. I have re-written it. Here it is:
As a sub-category of insults and personal attacks, I'd like to also emphasize that someone else's personal and private life is off-limits -- in terms of probing and questioning someone on a personal level in public, especially with someone who is a relative (if not total) stranger. To insult someone you hardly know by characterizing them in an objectionable manner is impermissible behavior on this forum.
This doesn't prohibit all mutually acceptable personal-type interaction with people we know and have a relationship with: only insults and "mind-reading" types of comments that size up a person and put them in a box. It's a sub-species of insult.
This was necessary to stress because of the nature of the "incident" that took place today. Another member was characterized in untrue, judgmental (and, I think, ridiculous) fashion. That's not the goal of this board, to put it mildly.
I'm thankful I was busy most of the day and only saw a tiny part of the problem. I thought I had entered the Twilight Zone all of a sudden!
____________________ "A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
Credo Catholic wrote: A goof-off room would be good. Would one be enough?
At least one!!!!
____________________ Laura Corrigan, Resource Specialist
The Coming Home Network, International
PO Box 8290
Zanesville, OH 43821
740-450-1175 ext 102
laura@chnetwork.org
____________________ Laura Corrigan, Resource Specialist
The Coming Home Network, International
PO Box 8290
Zanesville, OH 43821
740-450-1175 ext 102
laura@chnetwork.org
