I do not happen to be a Priest or Clergy within your Church Tradition. However, I do happen to have enough knowledge and understanding of Internet Security (with all of the spyware, et al.) and thus I do not relish the scenario of letting out personal information anywhere even including my very close friend who asks for a personal update via Plaxo. I am however one who greatly enjoys visiting your website's forum. I do happen to also seriously respect your Church Tradition although I do not always agree with some of your theological stances.
Yes, there is "nothing" to lose/gain by so-called "hiding" behind a so-called moniker. I not consider myself "hiding" (cf. above).
I also agree that choosing a name that copies, imitates, mocks or makes fun of past or present Religious figures is foolish and inane. Using my "real" name does not make my posts any more personal than vice versa. Is there any possbility that someone would actually want to visit me in Taiwan??? I think not. I am a "real" person and not some foolish, childish prankster looking for some inane "trick or treat" via visiting a well established theological forum with well informed individuals. I heartily agree that should one of your Priests or Clergy join this forum then there should be no reason not to use their "real" name except for my comments above. Of course, my agreement does not mean anything since I do not belong to your Church Tradition but I included it to show that I understand your purpose in doing so.
I do not usually post anyway due to my apprehension that others within your Church Tradition (which I assume to be associated with the Eastern Orthodox Church) may misunderstand my queries and "feel" that I am attacking, making a caricature, or even worse engaging in blasphemous blabber. There are those outside of your Church Tradition that would like to hear what "you" have to say and there hopefully should be tolerance for those who respectfully ask questions in order to more fully understand your theological stance. I have spent 3 decades studying Church History and realize the deep and profound persistence of various Church Traditions in their insistence upon their various theological stances. Whether it be the Oriental Orthodox Church, The Church of the East, The Eastern Orthodox Church, The Roman Catholic Church or the zillions of Protestant Churches there are significant differences between them that probably will never be resolved on this side of the eschaton.
Jim
--the Linux Guy
thus the "moniker" -- neonlinux
