Can you be a good Catholic if you're comfortable being described as dorky/cool?

[Ben]

I notice that [Louis], Mithrandylan, Kaeskopf, and erinisnice (and others) think of themselves in these terms. That's probably one reason why I find them tiresome at times. Though I do like some of their qualities, so I don't want to suggest that I don't appreciate them at all.

I just can't imagine a "dork" or a "hip" person getting anywhere near heaven.

I can't think of any estimable Catholics of ages past or present who could be contained by such limiting descriptions.

VoxClamantis calls herself a geek. That's a warning sign. It's a sign that I'm dealing with an un-serious person.

This dork culture is rife on FE, and it's now here, too. I notice that [Louis] was attempting to elevate himself to a more serious person when he came over here, by using a Catholic king as his avatar and striking a solemn pose. But his heart wasn't in it, and so the facade crumbled, and he's back to posting pics of The Dude and now has a "hip" avatar. I think this is best. If you are not cut out to be like PereJoseph or spouseofjesus than you shouldn't pretend. Don't pretend to holiness or refinement of soul, as is the custom of someone like VetusOrdo. He's an imposter. I doubt he's even Protestant. Who knows what he is. So it's good that [Louis] is being honest with himself and has given up this charade. But he should still seek to build up his soul. If he accomplishes this, his nature will elevate in a very natural fashion.

You four need to give some serious thought to promoting this banal hipster/dork culture. It really reeks.

I know some of you agree at some level because I see you poking fun at people like Stan Fortuna and Michael Voris, and monstrosities like guitar masses.

You need to learn to enjoy Catholic culture, and not infuse it with unnecessary elements.

You're young and you still have a lot to learn. But this crusty old man will teach you. I will be observing. To guide you through the perilous waters.

[Edited to remove identifying details]

[Kaesekopf]

Thisll be a fun thread.   I do have some thoughts about this. 

[tmw89]

Best OP ever?

[Spooky]

I don't understand the OP. Dorky is the opposite of hip/cool...and why couldn't a socially awkward person be a good Catholic and why couldn't a NOT socially awkward person (which is was I'm assuming Ben means about [Louis], Erin, Mith and Erin) be a good Catholic.

I don't understand.

[Edited to remove identifying details]

[Mithrandylan]

Did I ever claim to be a dork?

If so, I'm not sure what I meant by it.

What hipster culture do I promote (specifically) and what is wrong with the specific things I promote.

I would also ask you to gather evidence after my public retractions of general neo-catholicism and such, which can be found here:  http://catholicforum.fisheaters.com/index.php/topic,3454210.0.html (so we're talking post-October 2012).

Not sure what Ben's intentions are here, but I take charges seriously, especially when they have to do with Catholics who are setting bad examples or causing scandal.

[Mithrandylan]

I suppose in answer to my own question, the memes would be one possible answer.  Though I do not see them as being somehow in opposition with the faith, though I'm open to being convinced otherwise.

[tmw89]

Maybe Ben is getting at... a kind of "brand" reputation?  The purported "Woody Allen v. John Wayne" image issue?  I've seen this sort of thing raised elsewhere, not on a forum, before... can't for the life of me remember the blog (I think it was a blog), though...


...or maybe that's not what he's getting at?  Hopefully he'll come back in here and expound on what he means.

[erin is nice]

I don't understand what Ben's getting at. I've never called anyone 'dorky' or 'cool'... including myself.  I've referred to 'the cool kids' before, but that is obviously a joke.

Maybe this has something to do with a bunch of us quoting The Big Lebowski? 

[Mithrandylan]

I don't understand the OP. Dorky is the opposite of hip/cool...and why couldn't a socially awkward person be a good Catholic and why couldn't a NOT socially awkward person (which is was I'm assuming Ben means about [Louis], Erin, Mith and Erin) be a good Catholic.

I don't understand.

For the record, I am a very socially awkward person.

I haven't had an IRL friend besides my mom, wife and dog in about five years.

[Ancilla Domini]

Oh, Ben! I hope there's something tasty in that big pot you're stirring, but so far it seems a little bland. Come on now, hit it hard with a couple of shots of Tabasco! :tongue:

[LouisIX]

I notice that [Louis], Mithrandylan, Kaeskopf, and erinisnice (and others) think of themselves in these terms. That's probably one reason why I find them tiresome at times. Though I do like some of their qualities, so I don't want to suggest that I don't appreciate them at all.

I just can't imagine a "dork" or a "hip" person getting anywhere near heaven.

I can't think of any estimable Catholics of ages past or present who could be contained by such limiting descriptions.

VoxClamantis calls herself a geek. That's a warning sign. It's a sign that I'm dealing with an un-serious person.

This dork culture is rife on FE, and it's now here, too. I notice that [Louis] was attempting to elevate himself to a more serious person when he came over here, by using a Catholic king as his avatar and striking a solemn pose. But his heart wasn't in it, and so the facade crumbled, and he's back to posting pics of The Dude and now has a "hip" avatar. I think this is best. If you are not cut out to be like PereJoseph or spouseofjesus than you shouldn't pretend. Don't pretend to holiness or refinement of soul, as is the custom of someone like VetusOrdo. He's an imposter. I doubt he's even Protestant. Who knows what he is. So it's good that [Louis] is being honest with himself and has given up this charade. But he should still seek to build up his soul. If he accomplishes this, his nature will elevate in a very natural fashion.

You four need to give some serious thought to promoting this banal hipster/dork culture. It really reeks.

I know some of you agree at some level because I see you poking fun at people like Stan Fortuna and Michael Voris, and monstrosities like guitar masses.

You need to learn to enjoy Catholic culture, and not infuse it with unnecessary elements.

You're young and you still have a lot to learn. But this crusty old man will teach you. I will be observing. To guide you through the perilous waters.

King Louis was never goofy.  He also never laughed.

Look it up.

[LouisIX]

Did I ever claim to be a dork?

I never claimed to be dorky or hip either and yet here we are.  I'd just take it as a compliment.

[Mono no aware]

For those who misunderstand, I think Ben intended to mean "dorky/cool" as one thing, and not two separate qualities.  Such as was found in the beatnik trend of the late '50s and early '60s, with their Buddy Holly glasses and corduroy jackets.  I believe the latter-day heirs to the beatniks would be the so-called "hipsters," who also attempt their own fusion of the dorky and the cool.  Perhaps I'm wrong, though, and Ben will correct me.

[Ben]

For those who misunderstand, I think Ben intended to mean "dorky/cool" as one thing, and not two separate qualities.  Such as was found in the beatnik trend of the late '50s and early '60s, with their Buddy Holly glasses and corduroy jackets.  I believe the latter-day heirs to the beatniks would be the so-called "hipsters," who also attempt their own fusion of the dorky and the cool.  Perhaps I'm wrong, though, and Ben will correct me.

You are right, Brocklehurst! You helped me out on the Byzantine thread, too!

It's nice to have someone more articulate than myself to flesh out my musings. 

[Bonaventure]

You need to learn to enjoy Catholic culture, and not infuse it with unnecessary elements.

Practice what you preach.