Hi Deborah. I was relieved to see that I wasn't in the list of Catholics who have said insulting things. While I recognize that it works both ways - non-Catholics have said plenty of personally insulting things as well - I cringe every time I see a personal insult from a Catholic. We should be above that.

I've been called stupid, unable to comprehend, a fraud, and other things. I'm going to severely limit my participation on this board for awhile. I won't read anything started by a non-Catholic unless it's a generic post like this one. I won't read anything by a Catholic that's likely to start the name-calling. Today the only posts I've read are Pninah's, to which I replied; this one, to which I'm replying, and mull's introduction.

I have to do this. I'm trying to draw closer to God, to Christ, and this board pulls me away from Him. I'm trying to read more Scripture, and this boards pulls time away from that, plus causes me to use Scripture for the wrong thing - trying to win arguments. I just have to stay away from the controversial posts. I have a serious controversy going on in my personal life right now, and I don't need the stress of silly arguments about what the proper beliefs and practices of Christianity are. And I have to stay off the Internet, considering my schedule in the next few days.

I apologize for what I may have said that gave offense. I'll ignore your insult saying that we're in a "vulgar religion." It's comments like that, which appear all the time in non-Catholics' posts, that get me angry, and in doing so pull me away from striving to draw closer to God.

Peace to all of you. I wish for this to be a polite board. But it will take a lot of effort on both sides. Maybe I'll check back in a year to see if you've been successful

Radar

PS I won't be reading replies to this post - they'll just get me angry, I'm sure. Just thought I'd let you know.