www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Incognitus returns!

Sorry, in a sense, to resurrect this thread. But an utterly serious issue has suddenly arisen on another thread, now closed, which involves all of the participants who use pen-names.

Professor J. Michael Thompson eschews pen-names, at least for himself, so I may identify him as the source of the serious issue. He issued a public threat to report a priest to the Bishop for the offense of expressing an opinion. I hasten to add that Professor Thompson has apologized (it is not for me to judge that apology).

But what this demonstrates is the necessity for the use of pen-names. I am not ashamed of my own name, nor am I ashamed of my own thoughts as expressed (except, perhaps, my habit of repeating stories which I consider amusing). I am perfectly willing to defend my ideas in this forum or any other forum which does NOT involve the use of the sort of techniques appropriate to the Gestapo, the KGB, Orwell's Thought Police or similar bodies. Freedom of thought and expression are essential. If that requires the use of pen-names, then I shall continue to sign myself with a pen-name.

It is not courteous or kind to attack someone who is dead and unable to defend himself, so I will not name the hierarch who boasted in my hearing that it was his custom to assign educated clergy to places at great distances from each other, so that such educated clergy would not be able to visit each other or speak over the telephone. Maybe he got the idea from the Holy Office in Rome, which forbade George Tyrell even to engage in what they termed "epistolary correspondence" - in plain English, that means writing and receiving letters.

One of the great benefits of the Internet (and cheap long-distance phone calls thanks to the Internet) is that people who realize that critical thinking involves the need for others to criticize one's thoughts without holding threats over the head of the man who dares to think are now able to exchange their thoughts in these ways.

So, while I regret to use a pen-name, I see no practical alternative, and I rather suspect that others can understand this. So I must request that my privacy be respected, deeply though I wish that there would be no need for such a request. Diak, of course, has my complete sympathy. I dare to hope that Professor Thompson can understand the point.

To end with a conundrum for those who enjoy them: "It does not matter who said something. What matters is what he said!" That was taught by a Saint who was being overly modest. Any guesses as to his name? Hint - if anyone can provide the original Latin, I shall be most grateful.

Incognitus

Dear Incognitus,

You mean 'Incognitus' isn't your real name?

I thought it was-- and a lovely Latin one at that!

Fondly,
Alice

(P.S. ...and my prayers are with you for the coming days, dear forum friend--just as you requested )

The late Pope (may his memory be eternal!) has apologized for the methods of the inquisition, and the persecution of Galileo and other intellectuals and scientists by the Church in the past.

It is chilling to think that such fascist tendencies still exist now in our Church. I find the idea that you can be reported to the authorities for "incorrect thinking" chilling to the core.

It is ironic when the "new politically correct thinking", the feminist inclusive paranoia, and other liberal causes, employ the same strong arm to enforce their agenda. Just shows, I suppose, that the dangers that tempt those in power, attack those liberals today, as they tempted conservatives (who held office) in generations past.

Nick

The only problem I have with pen names, is that it allows some posters to throw bombs into threads and start mini-wars. They usually take off, and I suppose, lurk and enjoy the havoc they have caused. As to hierarchs, such as the one mentioned by Incognitus, we have had bishops who were saints, and also some who could give Hell a bad name. I consider us lucky when we get a bishop who is a good man, and is also holy.

ByzanTN writes that "I consider us lucky when we get a bishop who is a good man, and is also holy." This observation is correct - if anything, it is a bit weak, since such a bishop is a remarkable blessing for his Church. I will gladly bear witness that such bishops are to be found, and that when one finds them it is a discovery well worth making, with the potential to change one's own life. I shall not name any specific bishop, because I would not want to grieve such a bishop with the quasi-public praise which he would not want, but there are exemplars among quite recent Saints recognized by the Church - Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco comes to mind immediately, to name only one.

Tip: pray for the Bishop, whoever he may be. Such a prayer is often richly rewarded (by God, that is!). Behave toward the Bishop with the reverence that our Faith asks of us - this may shock some bishops, but often enough the shock will have positive consequences.

And here are two tips for everyone, including bishops: read the seven Letters of Saint Ignatius of Antioch over and over, in many different translations, so that one internalizes the teaching of Saint Ignatius. Let that be our model for how the Church should behave. Forget about the attempts to impose the "CEO" model on the hierarchy and the parish clergy.

Heavens, I'm much too profound for this time of night!

Incognitus