[tiki]

Like you, I joined because of Clinton and his lies back in '98 and wished I'd found FR a lot sooner. It was great to see so many people say the things that I was thinking.

Unlike you in '98 I wasn't a Catholic and hadn't even admitted that I was interested even to myself and so probably never read the religious threads.

Growing up in a Protestant, mildly anti-Catholic home I never realized the extent of hatred that there was toward the Catholic Church until TNS. I've kind of been in shock ever since. I can't believe that the Church I've studied and through whom I find the presence of Christ on earth could be so DELIBERATELY misunderstood. I can't believe how the same people say the same things over and over again when they have to know it isn't true.

I've even cried a few times and if you knew me you'd know that I took it very seriously to actually allow myself that weakness. I literally skip most known Catholic-basher posters. I've learned not to compound their deliberate ignorance and I've prayed mightily for the Holy Spirit to enlighten them about love and charity.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

Generally I think it is good to ignore as much as is possible any posts which seem directly inspired by irrational hatred combined with almost diabolical ignorance. Some are apparently beyond reason or common sense. In their oppositional defiant neurosis, they just get more excited by direct conflict and the chance to unleash more bigotry. In the long run, it is probably better to pray.