I would like cling to the notion of this forum being of intrinsic value; to have a place to go online to discuss, in writing, subjects relating to the Catholic Faith. There are many virtues of the forum... the opportunity to put together a piece of text in an artful way to express a thought, have it responded to, and debated. I believe it to be useful aid to the mind and the Faith if used properly.

Even the speed at which it moves is just about right, from post to reponse to repost. It is a nice pace. Most contributions represent the honest thoughts of thinkers. There's some good natured thinkers in here; people of good will. Imho there are surprising few interuptions compared to what can and does take place on internet forums. Sure things heat up from time to time, and that is to be expected.

But every so often the charity index drops to zero and it gets so dark and thick that I feel like a complete fool for ever posting here in the first place. Right now I feel just that way. I'm asking myself if I should just blow this joint if for nothing else than just not allowing my patience to be tested beyond its strength.

Everyone is going to fail the charity test from time to time, myself included, but its the aura behind some of these particular failures I witness recurring... for some posters it is like an art, or as if there is some very dark driving force behind it. I can feel it in my gut. To be honest, it freaks me a bit because I just don't understand it.

I personally believe that if someone can identify a post as being a heinous, charity-devoid, groundless attack on somebody's character, it should just be deleted. I think there ought to be added to the list of rules on the forum, that if a post contains venom completely divorced from the subject matter at hand, and with the damnable intent to ruin somebody's good name, for God's sake delete it.

Charity rules. All other virtues are glued in place by this one virtue of charity.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), December 06, 2002

Answers

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-- (emerald1@cox.net), December 06, 2002.

1co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

1co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

1co 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Thanks Emerald...

-- Tim (tlw97@cox.net), December 06, 2002.

REALLY well put Emmy! a big Amen. Tee

-- Theresa (Rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), December 07, 2002.

Thanks Theresa. I'm a big fat failure all over the place with charity in this forum, around my house and on the freeway. I fired off a couple rounds last night on the forum and I already wish I hadn't.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), December 07, 2002.

and Tim too. Sorry bud.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), December 07, 2002.