Is this you, really?

Question

The person you are in Y!A R&S. . . is this really who you are out in the real world? or do you take the liberties with the annonymity of the internet and be as radical and over-the-top as possible?

I have seen some very disrespectfull comments coming from both sides of the spectrum. Atheists calling Christians ignorant and uneducated, and Christians telling everyone who isn't a Christian they are going to hell. I won't even go into the ignorance on both sides when it comes to the misrepresentation of the Catholic Church.

So, my question is: "Is this how you interact with people on the street?"

btallman - yes, I have been involved with the Jesuits. In fact, it was the Jesuits that helped me in my conversion to the Catholic Church, as well as my college education.

Atum - I have no issue with those who point out things in an honest way. I am not blind about my Church, I know there are problems and I know they are being corrected. This may be the Church that Christ founded, but it is run by mortal men - we are bound to have issues.

Answer 1

The questions I ask and answer are reflective of my inner thoughts, and I would say about 90% of these things to someone I just met. As for the rest, the anonymity takes out the embarrassment factor for more personal issues.

I just can't pretend! For some reason, I care what people think of me even online; even when they know as much of me as dust.

Answer 2

I'm pretty much the same on YA as in real life... if anything I'm a bit more outspoken in explaining Catholic teachings, but that's because this is a Q&A format. People don't tend to come up to me on the street and ask about transubstantiation. ;-) (Although I've been questioned about wearing ashes many times.)

Where it counts, I am the same. I do my very best to respect all people and their opinions. I do not force my religion on others, nor do I put down anyone else's religion. When asked a question, I do my best to put forth facts (good, bad and otherwise) and make it clear where my opinion differs from official teaching.

Answer 3

In R&S, yes. I'm blunt and honest in real life and on-line. I'm also respectful of other people's religious traditions.

In certain other categories, no, For example, I mentioned while answering a question in the "Mental Illness" category that I take 4 psych. meds daily. That's something easy to say here, where we have a degree of anonymity; in real life, however, I'd be far less likely to make such an admission for fear of being stigmatized.

Answer 4

I am Catholic so I have not been misrepresenting Catholicism or the church, I have not condemened anyone to hell on this forum or anywhere else on the street or otherwise, and I am not an athiest. So what was your question to me? Am I just like I am here? Yes, vocal, opinionated and willing to refute error when it's thrown down in front of me.

Answer 5

This is who I am in real life. I don't make up crappy answers or troll for the sake of trolling. Also, I don't make annoying source claims that say "Athiesm: The Logical Choice" for every single answer. That's just comes off as arrogant.

AMDG= involved with the Jesuits, I presume?

Answer 6

I am who you read on your screen. As for people on the street, I associate with the castoffs and those rejected by society. Although well educated, my chosen medium of travel is down in the trenches with the common man. Best way to travel. Best place to be. I embrace total anonymity.

Answer 7

Depends on my mood.....Honestly, I do vent a bit more on here than I do in real life, but I also believe in letting people know how I really feel about something and being as honest and upfront as possible. Honesty isn't always pretty or nice...

Answer 8

Well here no one can actually hit me, so I might hold my tongue a bit more if someone tells me I am going to burn for eternity.
I have not had many people just walk up to me and throw out extremely divisive questions though so I'm not sure how well I would hold my tongue if it does happen.

Answer 9

Yes. I am as real as you can get and most people resent it, "including" those of your faith. Pope John Paul "disliked" my research into the catholic church and anything I say about it is HISTORICAL fact. No misrepresentation or ignorance here...........A disciple of "Amen" in Yezua.....

Answer 10

My answers do reflect how I would answer in real life. I do think many here take advantage of being unseen and say things they would never dream of saying to someone in real life.