Saturday 14 January 2012

The dangers of being an internet (Christian) communicator



Remember this character from the Muppets? Leaving aside the rather obvious political agenda behind his creation, let him be a symbol of some of the problems that can arise when we become "pontificating poops" (that is taken from a play but I can't remember which one).
In spite of having a Magisterium some of those who claim to follow it become MORE magisterial, often applying Canon Law with greater rigidity (and hence with less understanding) than the most experienced Canon Lawyers ("You can't do that - it says so in Canon Law"). Then there are the "obedience watchers" ("You are being disobedient to the Church - the Vatican - your Bishop - your right-minded truly Roman Catholic blogger)
Well, we can ALL fall prey to these things because we are ALL fallen human beings and we ALL have problems with pride (let's call it what it is).

I have seen references in different places recently which have made me groan - "Oh no! Not again!". To be honest, I have thought about dismantling my blog because it sometimes looks as though reason is in short supply on the circuit. I can get as upset as anyone about lies, untruth, heresy, injustice and bigotry etc, etc. But I have to be honest and say that I have not often found much justice, tolerance or compassion on the so-called "blogosphere" and there have often been examples of what appears to be sheer hatred. I was hoping things would improve, but it seems not. Still, as I say, I am just as liable to fly off the handle as anyone else, so let this be a lesson to ME before it is a lesson to anyone else!

2 comments:

  1. Great post Father. I have always considered you to be one of the 'good guys' in the world of Priestly Bloggers. I like your Blog very much, you give us some very informative and thought provoking posts.

    Many of us have felt like this over these past weeks, and I think we have asked ourselves the very same questions.
    As bloggers we all differ, we all have something to offer but we should not be bullied nor should we have to stand by while other bloggers drag the Faith down.
    Take care Father,
    Blessings and prayers,
    Ann

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  2. First class post, Father. You might also be interested in this:

    http://www.ibenedictines.org/2012/01/14/keeping-faith/

    Especially the last paragraph.

    I comfort myself with the thought that people tend to be intemperate about things that are important to them so whilst there are many failures of charity, compassion and understanding we do have a group of people who care passionately about the Faith.

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