[markomalley]

On our latest 5000+ thread, I got so fed up of the “you drink goat blood” argument and random photographs that I posted the reverse, idiotic argument. And the thread has degenerated into comedy central. We should have a forum where we can respectfully debate a central point with a group of Protestants — say the idea of the Baptists with their emphasis on adult baptism. I do believe we can have a serious, respectful debate with them on that, but for a gameload of doctoring, quizzical posters (Bashem, Hashem, Trachem) who destroy any meaningful debate with a nonsensical or out of context post or link or picture.

Agreed. Even *SOME* of the detractors are capable of some serious thought...if they are forced to stay on topic, that would be helpful.

But I think the *pat* answer would be "that's what the Ecumenic label is for"

[wagglebee]

I have yet to see where an ecumenical thread actually worked. They usually either have the bulk of the comments pulled by the moderators or they are entirely ignored.

[annalex]

An ecumenic thread would allow you to state where the Church stands on Mary in relation to Jesus, and on inspirational art (we often forget that the Catholic Church does not have iconographical standards similar to the Orthodox, and some art found at Catholic sources is a bit iffy theologically and esthetically).

But an ecumenic thread will do nothing to a propagandist because his whole purpose is to drag your faith down, not to explain his.

Neither a caucus or an ecumenic thread will close the deal, if the objective is to refute others. You need a format that is open to hostile views being expressed for that.