I do not apologize for saying that the blog has “quasi-fascist tendencies.” Let me explain. I have in mind certain contributors at that blog, not the blog as a whole. I characterize said contributors’ views as “fascist” not to be mean or insulting or sensationalistic, but because their views clearly resemble the characteristics of the historical political tendency of fascism, broadly understood. That is, I am not simply looking to compare said contributors to Hitler or whatever other narrow understanding of “fascism” folks might have in mind. And since said contributors write for a particular blog, the latter can rightly be said to have “quasi-fascist tendencies.” Despite the focus on the word “fascist,” I used the prefix “quasi-” and the word “tendencies” very deliberately.

I hope I am being clear. But let me point out that I find it really strange that some contributors at that blog feel free to invoke the various totalitarianisms of history, e.g. communism, Nazism, fascism, etc. when it suits them (such as when they post about Hugo Chavez) but when those on the left do so, we are simply being “insulting” and “hateful.” If we cannot use a political term like “fascist,” a political term with a definition, without getting bent out of shape, then we risk allowing fascism to continue to appear in new forms, even “american Catholic” ones.

Happy Advent to all those with fascist tendencies, quasi-fascist tendencies, and anti-fascist tendencies alike!

Very beautiful picture

I think you’re touching on an interesting question: when does humor cease to be humor and cross the line so that it ceases to be charitable?

I’m curious: do you think jokes involving stereotypes are always uncharitable? Or does it depend on the stereotype?

We act as if all we know about one another is that that other is gravely wrong on a matter of great importance. That is a recipe for disaster. If we remind ourselves that everyone out there is only doing this because they care deeply about the Church, it will be much easier to deal charitably even when we profoundly disagree. We should be able to look everyone in the Catholic blogosphere in the eye and wish them the peace of Christ before we receive the Eucharist.

Speaking of Appalachia, here’s a photo for download I took at Hawks Nest, WV. http://files.me.com/geraldnaus/z3cq1j

But let’s be fair – there are some thoughtful contributors and thoughtful posts on that site too.

It’s almost a commonplace in explanations for the rise of Christianity that the Christians’ way of caring for each other, and “charitable” activities in general, were very attractive to religious seekers at the time. Whether taken as a natural explanation or in terms of the working of the Holy Spirit, I think it must be true. “They will know we are Christians by our love”–and vice versa!

There has to be a way to “stand up for what you believe in” without being scandalously offensive–but I’m afraid that looks more like bearing a cross than waving a banner.