For the record, contrary to a certain angry young man’s claim, the following text (or words to similar effect) has been prominently displayed at the St. Blog’s Parish Aggregator page for quite some time. If a similar disclaimer was not visible at the SBP Blog’s and Resources page, hopefully it will be soon.
How do I join? Are there membership restrictions?
Membership is mostly open. There aren’t theological restrictions per se, but we ask that Catholic members recognize and respect the Magesterium of the Church and be obedient to the Pope and authorities under him. After all, without those, you aren’t really Catholic are you? We ask that Orthodox members be obedient to their patriarchs. Beyond that, there aren’t any restrictions. We’re not theology police and you need not be a NeoCath. Feel free to disagree with Church teachings so long as you do so respectfully. Also, this list should family-friendly. If you encounter a member blog of SBPA that is frequently vulgar, pornographic, violent, or hateful, let us know. If you’d like to join, fill out the membership form here. For more information (e.g. “What is syndication?”, “What is St. Blog’s”, etc.), click here.
The admin for the SBP Blogs and Resources page, John Bowden, has posted a response to the rantings of Joe Perez, including an explanation for why his application was rejected. Mark Shea and Kathy Shaidle have tossed in their two cents as well.
This is the only bit that I’d like to further address:
Faith is vulgar. Life is vulgar. The Cross is vulgar. If Until is vulgar, it’s because it strives to be real to what is. The Catholicism of Saint Blog’s Parish is apparently the sanitized, flushed-down-the-toilet, hide-your-eyes-and-don’t-peek sort of religiosity appropriate for children and adults with a childlike spirituality who demand to be chaperoned. I’m glad I know better now. You want to hear vulgar you should listen to me try to sing. DON’T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA!
Oh, really?
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” – Luke 18:17
Ah, but Joe’s already addressed that.
Mistaking childish faith for child-like faith, St. Blog’s Parish has set its goal at being the Internet’s #1 destination for watered-down sorts of Christianity suitable for children of age 13.
So whatever it is we’re doing/saying is childish, but profane rantings and crude and vulgar insults aimed at an archbishop isn’t? Riiiight.
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying,’Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them,and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.'” – Matthew 18:1-6
“Let there be no filthiness, nor silly talk, nor levity, which are not fitting; but instead let there be thanksgiving.” – Ephesians 5:4
Let’s assume we are childish, Joe. I don’t see how crude language and malicious vituperations make you any more mature than us. In fact, you sound an awful lot like an ill-bred brat whining and yelling “I hate you!” to his parents (i.e., the Church) because nobody will listen to him and he isn’t allowed to have his way.
Anyhow, for a lengthier examination of Christian interaction (especially in public fora such as blogs) and vulgarity, read these posts. I hate repeating myself. 😉
The link is fixed 🙂
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