Is This Site Really Catholic

How to Tell if a Web Site follows the Teaching of the Magisterium

One of the difficulties in using the Internet as a resource for information is making certain the web site designated as “Catholic” actually is in agreement with Rome and does not contain heretical information. This problem was presented to members of the Catholic Writers Association who frequently use the Internet in their research. From their responses, and my own experience online, the following questions were developed to help in identifying web sites which follow the teaching of the Magisterium.

Does the web site display a statement that says it is loyal to Rome? Most of the time this is a good indication, but be aware that it is just a statement. It isn’t necessarily a true one. Many authentic Catholic sites will have no statement.

Does the web site encourage you to read the writings of the Holy Father? The more the Holy Father is quoted and his writings promoted, the more the web site is likely to be authentic. Dissident sites usually ignore John Paul II or promote articles written about him rather than using his own writings.

Does the web site build up the Church? Most overtly anti-Catholic rhetoric is easy to identify. Even if they proclaim their loyalty, it is usually followed by an immediate attack of something about the Church.

What issue(s) within the Church are addressed on the web site? While discussion can be meaningful and doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem, take note of areas which may signal questionable information, such as a web site’s position on women’s ordination, human sexuality, and the Holy Father’s authority.

What does the web site include in its list of links? A web site will usually link to others that promote their same agenda. This area of a web site may be the most obvious example of the position available on that site.

What authors does the web site encourage and what causes does it promote? When a web site’s position is not immediately obvious, take note of the authors and theologians that visitors are encouraged to read. If the works of dissident theologians and questionable causes are promoted, the site should be suspect. If this information is not readily available, contact the webmaster and ask what books they recommend and what causes they support.

What does the URL (web address) indicate about the source?

Look at the URL (address beginning http://www…………) The last three characters tell you the origin of the web site.
edu = educational institution (This may be the school’s official web page or one built by a teacher or student)
org = organization usually non-profit (Most official church sites will have this designation.)
com = commercial enterprise (They are probably selling a product and text may be biased.)
net = internet service provider (These may be anything. Usually they are personal web pages.)
gov = governmental body (These may be State, local, national bodies.)

Is the web site rated, endorsed, or linked to various Catholic Indexes? These are some of the trustworthy indexes available. However, Catechists should exercise caution even on these web sites since all are unofficial Catholic sites.

Catholic Information Network
Catholic Online
CatholicCulture
Internet Padre

With all the precaution needed, why don’t we just declare the Internet off limits to catechists?

In His 2002 World Communications Day message, titled, “Internet - A New Forum For Proclaiming The Gospel” the Holy Father tells us the Church welcomes the Internet as a new opportunity for evangelization and catechesis. As catechists, rather than shy away from the Internet, we must strive to identify what we find there as to its Catholic authenticity. The best way to do that is to continue in our study of the faith so we can recognize truth or untruth when we meet it.

Finally, if you aren’t sure about the truth of a statement on a web site, or feel uncomfortable about any information found there, it is best to skip the site as a resource or visit with your pastor about the text in question.

Keep in mind that the best way to identify truth or misleading information online is to continue to study and know the Catholic faith for yourself.