The net looms large in religious debates. I’ve been debating, studying, and learning about theology on the internet for over five years now. I can honestly say that I would not be Catholic (and maybe not even Christian) if it were not for the positive and negative influences of the internet. Negatively speaking, the internet exposed me to all the various sects of Christianity, which made me move past debating the content of the Bible to thinking about questions of authority. Positively speaking, the net introduced me to great people and countless resources, both of which addressed the questions I was asking and gave satisfying answers.

One particular resource that was instrumental in my conversion to Catholicism was the blog Pontifications, written by an Episcopal priest. The Pontificator’s genius is not so much in the answers he gives or the resources he provides (although these are both excellent), but in the pointed and relevant questions he asks us all to ponder, especially with regards to authority. His questions troubled me; the solutions he gave resonated strongly with me. The debates among his commenters spurred me into further questions and taught me a lot (it’s amazing how many brilliant people comment on his blog).

The Pontificator has caught some flack from some of his readers recently, so I want to provide an alternative to the criticism and give him a hearty "thank you!" I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.