Blogging, the Vatican, and Getting a Grip

One of my goals, as a blogger, is to not get told by a bishop that I fouled up.

That's not at all likely to happen.

First, I'm pretty sure that the Diocese of St. Cloud, and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, have a great deal more important things to do than monitor this blog for doctrinal error.

Second, I make an effort to be an informed Catholic. Which is why you'll find so many citations and links to Catholic documents in these posts.

I've repeated "I write with the full authority of 'some guy with a blog' " so often, it's starting to sound like a catchphrase. My opinion.

Frontier Life on the Digital Continent

Emerging social and legal structures that use the Internet and other Information Age technology are a bit like the western frontier in America's history - hardly an original observation. I think online communities are sorting themselves out into more orderly (virtual) societies - but there's still a great deal of freedom. And disorder - which isn't the same thing.

I hope that online communities - and blogs - continue to be forums where opinions can be expressed - even if establishment editors and other information gatekeepers¹ don't agree.

Since being a practicing Catholic puts my views well outside the conventional envelope in today's America: The openness of the online world is a welcome opportunity.

On the other hand, that same openness makes it possible for someone to opine that, for example:

• 'The only true Catholics are vegetarians'
  • No, but the Church has rules about animals
    • See (August 17, 2009)
• 'Vatican II is a communist plot'
  • See (July 8, 2010)
• 'Social justice demands armed revolt'
  • Liberation theology is on the 'don't' list
    • See (March 5, 2011)

I'm not referring to any particular person or blog in that list - although I've run into statements that are pretty close to each of the examples.

'But They're so Sincere'

I don't doubt that quite a few folks who say things like "I see salvation as a commitment to organic fertilizer" are sincere - and think they should be taken seriously. That doesn't mean I think they're right.

My take on the nature of reality is pretty close to 'if three hundred million people really believe in a stupid idea: It's still a stupid idea.'

"...A Christian Style of Presence"

The Catholic Church takes beliefs - and blogging - seriously.

An excerpt from yesterday's news:

"...During a press conference to present Pope Benedict XVI's message for World Social Communication's Day last January, Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli decried 'aggressive blog sites that excommunicate and don't have a Christian style of presence.'

"While it was not clear to which Church-themed blogs he referred, he said that Internet users needed to approach blogs with an eye on 'to what point they are truly Catholic.'..."
(CNA)

The CNA article was discussing part of the Holy See's efforts to learn about, and deal with, today's culture. Nothing new there: it's what Peter's successors been doing for almost two millennia.

Anyway, here's how the article starts:

"The Vatican is inviting Internet bloggers to Rome next month for an unprecedented meeting to foster 'informal exchange and contact.'

"The May 2 event aims to take advantage of the influx of international bloggers coming to Rome for the beatification of Pope John Paul II a day earlier.

"While all are invited to apply, only a limited number of blogging attendees will receive a formal invitation. The objective of the Vatican departments organizing the event is to fill the 150-seat St. Pius X auditorium with a group representing the diversity of the 'blogosphere.'..."
(CNA)

I'd say something about the Catholic Church, technology, and common sense: but I did that on Thursday. ("Modernism, Luddites, Catholicism, and Godzilla" (April 7, 2011))

I'd also opine on what I think that "Christian style of presence" means - or should mean - but, like I said, I'm "some guy with a blog." And anyway, bishops are already addressing the issue. (see "Background," below)

Related posts:

• "Why I Write Posts on A Catholic Citizen in America"
  (March 6, 2011)
• "A Catholic Blogger In the Digital Continent"
  (November 15, 2010)
• "Social Media Guidelines from American Bishops"
  (July 21, 2010)
• "Matthew Warner on Blog Comments: Part 3 of 2"
  (June 11, 2010)
  • That title's not a typo
• "Giving the Internet a "Soul?!" No, Really: This Makes Sense"
  (May 8, 2010)

My (sort of a) blogroll:

• "Blogroll/Catholic Links"

In the news:

• "Vatican seeks greater interaction with bloggers in first-ever meeting"
  Alan Holdren, CNA (Catholic News Agency) (April 8, 2011)

Background:

• "Social Media Guidelines"
  Communications, About Us, USCCB (from www.usccb.org/about/communications/social-media-guidelines.cfm (May 24, 2014))
• "Bishops Urged to Embrace Social Media in Order to Effectively Evangelize 'Digital Continent'"
  USCCB News Release, 10-210, (November 15, 2010)
• "Thoughts on the USCCB Guide to Social Media"
  Matthew Warner National Catholic Register (July 22, 2010)
• "USCCB issues guidelines for use of social media"
  TheCatholicSpirit.com (July 20, 2010)

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¹ An "information gatekeeper" is someone who controls access to information. See:

• "What is an Information Gatekeeper?"
  Another War-on-Terror Blog (August 14, 2009)