What I read here
Is this a theology class or is it supposed to be a cafe? I think a lot of people are turning this into a vehicle for clarifying their own theology or imposing their theology on others. Fr Hays hits the same point 'eclesial prayers are too Zombie like' [not the exact words] The word 'cafe' to me presents the concept of 'normal' people and what I read here isn't.
I, on the other hand, am
I, on the other hand, am most assuredly not normal, and I have the papers to prove it. j/k, well sorta.
sevenup, I have yet to find a normal person in this crazy world, although I think many of the people your are thinking of may be intmidated not only by the level many of the debates reach (in heat, depth, and pettiness, mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa) but also the structure of the boards and the whole moderation question.
Perhaps starting some conversations with a K.I.S.S. tag (Keep It Simple, Stupid) and a common understanding to take any debates elsewhere might help encourage the discussions you are looking for, without us freaks and geeks showing off. ;-)
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What I'm Listening To...
What would you like to
What would you like to discuss? It seems to me that there is a great deal of variety here, though limited of course by its connection to religion. Even though this is called a cafe, I always sit down with a cup of tea rather than coffee when I visit.
'normal' may not be the
'normal' may not be the word. Fr Hays used the word Zombie or zombie-like referring to some prayers and I agree with him in that, and that much in theology is the same and is reflective of that attitude. Religion and theology are miles apart and more's the pity. I had a future comment in mind when I made the remark. I was thinking of the Nicean Creed and the verbiage in it-every time I reach that part of the Mass I think to myself what a pity- We are applying concepts and words to God that we don't understand. It is like dressing a person in clown's clothing. [Now I read that it was the 'national'pledge of allegiance of the Roman Empire.]
Of course some of it is what we believe but much of it is Zombie like.
A good deal of my religious
A good deal of my religious education (Lutheran) was devoted to understanding the concepts being conveyed in the creeds--Nicene, Apostles, and Athanasian.
It is my understanding
It is my understanding that this is what Vatican II was supposed to address. Many supplemental discussions were scheduled to be held and transformations to be implemented. But, of course so many more important priorities were outstanding ...
Beauty is not opposed to truth. It is simply truth in its most attractive form.
sevenup, pretty 'normal'
sevenup, pretty 'normal' here, if you're looking for a body count?
I kind of think the fact a
I kind of think the fact a person chooses to post takes them out of the realm of normal. The statistical norm favors those who read but don't write.
I've enjoyed the fact I've had to get out some seldom used books in order to understand some of the threads. I see it as an antidote for Alzheimer's, and a much needed spiritual boost.
But then that takes sevenup
But then that takes sevenup out of the norm also, so I guess we're all back in this together again...:-)
Not fair. I'm normal
Not fair. I'm normal (although I haven't the papers to prove it). I love to read the posts of the theologians and priests among us because I learn so much from them.
I feel myself growing in understanding over time. I am confident enough in my own positions to print them in front of God and everybody. And if I'm wrong, so what? Then that's one more thing I've learned today.