Catholic Dads

11 Responses to Rob, if I’m out of line, delete this.

1. Rob Kaiser says:

   January 25, 2010 at 5:15 am

   To be fair, the site description does include:

   "Here we can share stories. Debate the issues of the day. Give advice. Share our faith. You know, guy stuff."

   Debating the issues of the day IS something relevant to Catholic Dads. However, there are times that we need to refocus on the Dad issue and make sure that this remains the overall theme of the blog.

   There are times that politics are rightly discussed here, but the focus should remain on being Catholic Dads.

   I do notice that the political issues do not get a lot of discussion here. People are most interested in Dad stuff.

   Many political comments do relate to the faith, others don't. I have not found any that are counter to the faith or advocate for something that is counter to the faith – these would be pulled immediately.

   Sometimes, I need to provide reminders. I try to handle these issues respectfully and off-line.
2. Will says:

   January 25, 2010 at 10:44 am

   I think it's easier to generate political content than from-the-heart family content. That may explain it. I certainly would rather read about family stuff and Catholic stuff, since I can read politics anywhere. Not proposing any changes in policy, just saying what I like.
3. James III says:

   January 25, 2010 at 10:48 am

   Hence, it is clear that the main tenet of socialism, community of goods, must be utterly rejected, since it only injures those whom it would seem meant to benefit, is directly contrary to the natural rights of mankind, and would introduce confusion and disorder into the commonweal.

   ~Pope Leo XII Rerum Novarum
4. Rob Kaiser says:

   January 25, 2010 at 1:48 pm

   James III, I am not sure this is the place for that discussion.
5. Rob Kaiser says:

   January 25, 2010 at 1:51 pm

   My original thoughts were that Catholic Dads is going to be defined largely by what Catholic dads want to discuss. I think that is still viable. I think most of us agree with Will that the family stuff is most relevant.
6. James III says:

   January 26, 2010 at 4:38 am

   Perhaps an apology for my post is necessary. Let us see if the Leonine words do belong in this discussion by making two points.

   First I will admit that The Dutchman and I might have common ground if what he means is summed up in Gaudium et Spes;

   “Often enough the Christian view of things will itself suggest some specific solution in certain circumstances. Yet it happens rather frequently, and legitimately so, that with equal sincerity some of the faithful will disagree with others on a given matter. Even against the intentions of their proponents, however, solutions proposed on one side or another may be easily confused by many people with the Gospel message. Hence it is necessary for people to remember that no one is allowed in the aforementioned situations to appropriate the Church's authority for his opinion. They should always try to enlighten one another through honest discussion, preserving mutual charity and caring above all for the common good.” (GS 43)

   If however he means that we, or any forum, should only discuss what both we agree upon and is directly related to Church matter, I would have to disagree. Now there are a few things which Catholics in good will must agree upon to be Catholics. These few things, really they are few, lie within the bounds of the Magisterium.

   Our faith should illuminate and animate our stances on fiscal policy, war, and elections. And the best way for this to happen is to have an open forum where we can discuss these things. Gaudium et Spes reminds us that the most grievous error of our time is the separation of faith from our daily (read regular) life. And so our Faith, the Light of Christ, should interact with every subject. Ever thing we do ought to be to bring us closer to Heaven. (As a necessary side note, there is of course a rightful autonomy of the temporal order.)

   Second point:

   Socialism stands outside the Magisterium. Albeit, so does the right's unconditional support of the modern nation of Israel. That modern nations founding is nothing but a humans' right abuse. (Which is not say that the Palestinians are innocent of grievous wrongs as well.) But I digress.

   And so the correction of Socialism is apt and necessary for this discussion. I have no problem with some-one leaning left. I have no problem with irritation concerning the right’s American political agenda. The Church allows for a great intellectual freedom. And The Duthman is right to critique the implication that to be Catholic is to a Republican, if that is what he trying to do.

   I do, because of my formation, have a serious problem with socialism. And so does the Church. Now, I love the Dutchman out of Christian Charity and mutual brotherhood through Divine Adoption. And I would expect my brother to correct me if I was pretty much in serious error. And since The Dutchman brought it up, it belongs to the discussion.

   And so a third point, if may. I suggest instead of not talking about serious things that might upset others, we talk about serious things with a sense of great charity and humility, that is being open to correction.
7. Mike Krafick says:

   January 27, 2010 at 10:36 pm

   I have to agree in principle. The Blog seems to be drifting from it's original intent. Honestly, I have been visiting less because it has.

   I would love to see a course correction to see it come back to it's original intent. There is a ton of websites on patriotic movements, politics, remembering the fallen. This is a place for me to share and learn about being a Catholic Dad.

   I'm a 4th Degree Knight, a Knight to the core, so believe me I hold the military close to my heart. However when I come here – I don't want to see post after post of "Remembering the fallen". I came to read about how one father educated his family on the sacraments, another father write of stuggles with brining NFP into a family where it didn't exist, or read on books another father found helpful.

   Please, reign in the content on this site. I miss the old way.

   Vivat Jesus,

   Mike
8. Subvet says:

   January 27, 2010 at 11:40 pm

   Per Rob Kaiser's request I'd already ceased the "Remember the Fallen" posts, so your gratuitous swipe at those entries proves the lie of any affinity you claim for the military.

   Let 'em go die, just don't bother you with it. Noted.
9. Mike Krafick says:

   January 28, 2010 at 1:53 am

   I'm truly sorry you interpreted my post in that manner. It was not intended to be a swipe by any means.

   Sincerely,

   Mike
10. Rob Kaiser says:

    January 28, 2010 at 4:26 am

    There is something I noticed that Dutch did another time when he and I discussed this privately that worked. He posted something directly relevant to parenting that generated a good discussion, even some disagreement – but a very good conversation.

    I also want to thank Mike for sending in a guest post to my recent call for articles.

    I believe that the best way we can shift direction is to DO something rather than create more rules. That is why I put out a call for articles on a specific topic.

    Sometimes it is not easy to think of what to write for Catholic dads – heck I run dry on things to say. If anyone has suggestions for topics – share 'em. I can get a schedule together and release the topics periodically.
11. Subvet says:

    January 28, 2010 at 10:41 am

    Okay Mike, lets just forget it.