Several years ago Dave Armstrong gave up online debate. He stated that life was too short and he had run out of patience. For the last several years I have taken part in the online debates over at CARM. At first they were edifying and enlightening, I even made some good friends there of all different theological slants. (Ric, Julie, Paul, Fr. Pomeroy). Lately though, it has just become downright nasty. Personal attacks replaced critiques, there is not a single anti-catholic myth or conspiracy theory that isn't promoted as truth.
It has brought out the worst in me on many occasions. So, after thought and prayer, I am returning to my blog to put out my thoughts.
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2 comments:
I didn't give up all online debates (I've had several with atheists in recent months): only attempted ones with anti-Catholics, because I have found that true dialogue or debate with them is impossible. People have to know at least the basics of an opposing position before they can have an actual dialogue, and these guys don't.
Sounds like you have learned this, too, at CARM! I lost patience with that place many years ago.
Actually, I'd love to participate more. You have no idea how much I have learned about the CCC this last year, just by reading their (CARM-ites) assertions and then weighing those assertions against the actual source. 2 basic reasons I do not participate much:
1) I cannot type that fast. Gatecrasher's posts can easily be torn to shreds, but he is obviously either a great typist or he has ridiculous amounts of free time on his hands. I'd love to engage him, but I always have to ask myself: It's going to take me an hour to do this. Do I have an hour to give? If I did, is Gatecrasher worth that hour? Is the jury section straight out of the movie "Idiocracy" going to stop their cheerleading of the self annointed master debater after I give that hour? My wife says that I may as well be arguing with the wall, and she is correct.
2) I felt convicted to get my own ducks in a row (my confirmation), first, before participating too much more. Because of my own unique hurdles, I expected this to take years, but it turns out that my priest is an expert at taking what seems complex and making it very simple. In short, Sacrament of Reconciliation has already happened, and barring any catastrophe, I will be confirmed Sunday morning. Please pray the Holy Spirit to keep my path clear between now and then.
Ken, aka, Seraphim
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