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Articles with titles like "Why nobody should be Catholic," "Just how acurate is Catholic Church history," etc., particularly when the assertions in those articles are just-as-likely not accurate, are likely to be viewed as an intentional affront by myself and, I would reckon, most Catholics.

There are many articles posted here that are intended to inflame. Catholics are not the only ones who see these types of articles as an affront on Catholics as it is sometimes only thinly veiled and at other times blatant. And even though we see our own brothers posting such tripe, we do little or nothing. I am not proud of it, but I tend to avoid such threads saying nothing, thus letting my brethren have their fun at someone else's expense.

Quix in his post #100 suggested a way with how we might fight this abuse and hold ourselves and our brothers accountable. Perhaps you could offer some suggestions. All help is appreciated.

Or if you have a problem with a point of Catholic doctrine, the same thing? I bet if you do, you will be flooded with well thought-out, very polite posts!

I will testify that what you said here is true. I have asked Catholics some tough questions sincerely and in kind receive sincere replies.

Other than reciprocation (i.e., avoiding articles that call protestants heretics, apostates, or whatever), are there some guidelines that Catholics can use to have legitimate discussion without inadvertently opening a flame war?

That is what this whole thread is about. We are just trying to figure out how to bring back civility among all of the Christians who share God's grace and share this forum.

Thank you.

I will testify that what you said here is true. I have asked Catholics some tough questions sincerely and in kind receive sincere replies.

I had an experience here that made me very gun-shy about asking questions about Catholic doctrine and the Catholic church in general. Years ago, I asked why it is that so many people who call themselves Catholic and don't live by the doctrines of their church and who don't even AGREE with those doctrines (birth control and abortion, to name a few) continue to stay in the Catholic church. It was an honest question because it's never made sense to me. I couldn't imagine attending a church and disagreeing so strongly with its doctrine. Well, I got an angry private message from a Freeper who accused me of advocating a mass exodus from the Catholic church. I was stunned and hurt because that was *not* my intent. I was only asking a question based on what I have observed over the course of my life living amongst a large population of Catholics. I grew up in Ted Kennedy Land and have known many people just like him.

Now, I will also say that I've gotten some very kind replies from Catholics, too, when I've asked questions. But, that one incident really freaked me out and I tread very carefully with my questions now.

I am not singling out Catholics here, because I've seen Protestants attack Catholics, too. But, I'm just telling you what I've observed.