I should have said “But compared to most of the other permabloggers there, I was like radical TBM to the max.” I really wasn’t the only conservative there. But I was probably the “most conservative” there.

Your point was still pertinent. I particularly liked this line: “This is totally at odds with the nature of the Catholic Church as it perceives and describes itself”

You can’t both be a civic club and keep the point of view you’re a revealed religion. The two are not compatible.

I have come to the conclusion that it’s a quirk of human nature that I (currently) see no way around.

I agree with everything you are saying completely. (Adam’s quote of me shows that.) My article was taking the stance “even if it isn’t true, the liberal religious point of view is still irrational.”

>>> Yeah, I thought of the liberal wing of the bloggernacle when I read Bishop Tobin’s letter.

Bookslinger? There’s a conservative wing of the bloggernacle out there? Where?

>>> Bruce, doesn’t MM keep some token TBMs/Iron-rodders as permabloggers?

Yes, me. I quit.

Actually I hestiate to use the term “TBM” and I’m not entirely sure I’d fit the mold. But compared to the other permabloggers there, I was like radical TBM to the max.

I don’t think there is really a way to allow open dialog between all sides. At least MM failed to do it despite (in my opinion) the best of intentions.

I used to believe it could be done, but I feel I was proven wrong, at least so far.

Not that I dislike MM, now mind you. I think it’s fine for what it is. I just don’t believe it’s really primarily about dialog (though that does sometimes happen there.) MM is the same as Sunstone. It desires and allows more conservative voices (good for them) but it’s primarily about forming a rejectionist community to replace part of what was lost.

I have mixed feelings about MM and Sunstone. They aren’t all bad or all good. They are sort of a niche that needs to be, but I can’t see any good way for a Believer to properly interact with them due to a variety of reasons.

Likewise, the Church’s opposition to certain immigration reform proposals means orthodox, conservative Mormons must be opposed to all immigration reform proposals as well. Um … right?

And the Church’s support for nondiscrimination in housing and employment against homosexuals means that Temple sealings for gay couples are just around the corner. Um … right?

I am very happy to see the denunciation of these cultural Mormons, ark steadiers, and faithless phonies on this here blog.

Bruce, doesn’t MM keep some token TBMs/Iron-rodders as permabloggers?