"Lopez" has peppered our comments of late with pithy questions. At first they seemed misguided but innocuous. Now he asks, "Why is this site called 'Catholic Light'? Shouldn't be called dim religious dork?"
I invite rational discourse with him on the whatever topic on which we disgaree. I suspect he will reply, "I've got your rational discourse right here, buddy!" and go back to watching meta-narratives on cable news. The same cable news where he's heard "Gay marriage doesn't hurt anyone."
Sal, it's probably best to ignore "Senor Lopez" (sorry, I don't know how to do a tilde over the n). Folks who post a snarky comment here and there aren't worth bothering with. If he posts an actual argument, which is what a blog is here for, then respond to him.
On a related note, I've been visiting Amy Welborn and Mark Shea's blogs this week, to see discussions of Cardinal George's ad-limina visit letter. I have been startled by the personal, rancorous nastiness some of their posters show to Rod Dreher of the Dallas Morning News, a frequent poster at both sites. I attracted a nasty set of pit-bull bites on the ankle from one guy when I defended Rod.
For the record, I consider Rod's take on the scandal and the bishops spot-on, and I don't consider him nasty or mean-spirited in the least.
It's one thing to disagree with Dreher's take on homosex-predator priest scandal, which is perfectly fair. It's another for fellow orthodox Catholics to tear into him with such personal nastiness. Shea himself falsely accuses Rod of not respecting the bishops' sacramental office.
Catholic Light, by contrast, features civilized, respectful discussion worthy of adults (with the occasional snark from someone like 'Senor Lopez,' which is to be expected). It's a reason why I enjoy partaking here regularly but don't there. I have better things to do than spend the day pulling broken pit-bull teeth out of my ankle.
Beregond,
Thank you for your active and charitable participation in our discussions! I wish we had a dozen more like you, but we get about a third of the traffic that Mark does on a daily basis.
I, too, was quite shocked at the vitriol of some of the comments towards Rod. It serves no purpose whatsoever. If has an honest beef, articulate in a civil manner. We are all Christians. We must demand from ourselves and each other an appropriate degree of charity. I know I can get snarky some times - I called Ms. Rodriguez a moron - then later thought it best to say something meaningful. We all need to let off steam, but while letting fly some harsh words onto the web might make us feel better, it also sows the seeds of discord, attacking the Church from within.
Let's take this to heart:
Ephesians 4:29-32
Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ.
Thanks again for your participation!
Sal
Lopez needs a haircut!