Cast YOUR Vote: Should Conspiracy be Banned from E-Cafe?

[Barbara]

I am confidently voting FOR the Private Forum topic section of these ideas.
Why ?
The fact is we are all bombarded with this low stuff the minute we turn on our computers, or go to the libraries.
So we can't miss it. Obviously it preys upon the mind to catch even a bit of the whirlwind of news blitzing if one
does not have an anchor : a TRUTHFUL explanation for the bewildering events being pushed and promoted so aggressively.

Don't you notice how much the forces that be thrive on creating MORE "drama", MORE suspense, unfolding events
and keeping people on the edge of their chairs just to hear the next episode ?

Why not make a ban on Holy Week expositions of this secular political - conspiracy stuff and let us all concentrate on our Lord's
Passion and Pascha ?

Then after that, one can go back to discussing these theories at will.

I want to commend both Silverbeam AND Cyprian while at it, for their immense contributions to opening eyes.

I firmly believe that to be a True Orthodox MEANS one is AWARE and ALERT on EVERY major topic concerning one.

Every time I look at a "bar code", for example, I remember the [Esphigmenou ?] monks who tear them off - and
I tear mine off, too, when the label is loosely glued ! It feels a whole lot better to get that ugly thing out of there !
So there IS a connection to True Orthodoxy, and at best, it's harmless speculation, but at worst, we can suffer for
NOT being mildly alert as to what machinations may be taking place on international and national levels of outer life.

P.S. Maria's point is good about being forced to post in yucky forums which are odious to even visit almost -
we should keep all the most important topics HERE, so our members DO NOT have to waste time looking at Reptilians, or
glaringly ugly souls who may be pictured for illustration purposes only, but are offensive to a sensitive pair of eyes.

[Priest Antonios]

My vote? No, they should not be banned.

-Antonios

[Maria]

By the way, Symeon, I just perused the threads from 2012 to 2013 that have been relocated into the new Controversial Politics and Social Issues.

The overwhelming majority of those threads have been started by Icxypion.

[Matthew]

I already said that in my fist post on this thread--AND asked all of your forgiveness for being the author of this devilish distraction.

See below:

Symeon

PS. Having posted a few of these in the past myself, I see now that they are really unhealthy. Sorry to all of you for my starting all this off. I hope I can lead the correction of this error that I popularised on this forum. It would be something that could certainly posted in a private person to person message, but I think it is unhealthy in any of the group posting areas (be it the public ones or the "private members only" ones).

In fact, that I was the one who mostly can be blamed for this should speak volumes and strongly in favour of all of you listening to me when I say this was a mistake and a grave distraction and that we should all get off these distractions of devils. I know how seductive it is to get into conspiracy theories. But I see now that they are not of God. Please listen to me.

[Maria]

As you can see from Father Anastasios' post below, having "private only" discussions is considered problematic, but outright banning these topics that can fan our passions is worse. If we unburden our souls to others, through their prayers, we may be helped. Otherwise, we would force some of our users to post at non-True Orthodox or non-Christian forums where they may receive encouragement to continue in their delusions and misconceptions.

On the other hand, promoting disordered passions and heresies would not be allowed here at E. Cafe per our rules as these forums exist to help us in our faith.

I think that sweeping whole topics under the rug and consigning them to "private only" discussion is a problematic position to take. Discourse about homosexuality and transgenderism is rampant on television, in schools, on the streets, in social media, and in newspapers. It is not reasonable to imagine that someone, especially teenagers, will avoid seeing this topic addressed. Those struggling with the particular passion will also naturally seek to find answers. Not seeing an Orthodox response, they may conclude that there is none, or that we cannot address these issues, or that we are just "behind the times." No one starts off with an understanding of Orthodox phronema, following the Fathers, obedience to a spiritual father, etc; these things must be learned, and unfortunately, one's parish priest or family members may not be the best source of information...it's a sad fact in these days.

I do believe that overfocusing on these types of issues is problematic and as with any sin, it's not a good idea to dwell on it, but I don't really think that a total avoidance of a topic is a good idea.

In regards to specifics, such as whether specific individuals were afflicted with a sin or passionate disposition, I think you are actually quite right that this should not be discussed at all, or at the very least, a question about it should be addressed in private to someone trusted.

Just my two cents on the topic.

Fr. Anastasios

http://www.euphrosynoscafe.com/forum/vi ... 906#p51906

[joasia]

Maria,

Your quote is completely out of context to this subject. He was not referring to conspiracy theories, but to personal issues.

To Forum:

I would ask that Fr. Anastasios would post his reply to his own quote. Just to clarify the comment.

As for Symeon's post, he did make his point clear; apology. I don't understand why it would be debated.

This conspiracy subject is getting out of hand. I don't understand why the rest of you don't see that.

We are approaching Holy Week. Do you all really need to be focusing on conspiracies? You could be dead tomorrow. What will your knowledge of conspiracies give you when facing your personal judgement???? Nothing. Because repentance is the bottom line. Not how much you know about the illuminati. They will face their own judgement day.

[silverbeam]

It is possible to research 'conspiracy theories' (how I detest that term) and conduct independent investigations of crimes dispassionately. Your argument is similar to that used in world orthodoxy to discourage the faithful from looking into the calendar issue and other things. 'Concentrate on your spiritual life,' 'it's just politics,' etc.

Discussion can proceed rationally and politely if people who are unable or unwilling to put the time and effort into the research, simply stay out of it and leave it to those who have experience with the difficulties it presents.