I get asked a lot what religion I practice and although I find that question a little intrusive, I do tend to give the best answer that I have which s that I was once a Catholic. People of course look at me strangely and if it is someone I care enough about, I will proceed with my tale.
I was born, baptised, and confirmed in the Catholic church. I attended Sunday services and went to church school (catechism) on a regular basis. I learned many great things during those years and I appreciate my mother for taking me and my father for allowing her to even though he was raised in a different church.
Once confirmed, my mother left it to me. I was a teenager and gone was the days of getting up every Sunday morning early to attend church. I knew she hoped I would continue, but I did not. I know to this day she hopes I will one day find my way back to the church, but I will not. Although my reasons today are different from not wanting to get up on Sunday mornings.
Today, I will not go back to the church because they would not allow a mentally retarded family member to be confirmed as she could not learn the prayers. I will not go back as they would not allow a dear friend's son to be laid to rest in the church she has devoted her entire life to because he had committed suicide. I will not go back because a dear friend's mother died in childbirth as they didn't want her to use birth control. So, I have my reasons for not going back to the Catholic church.
This does not mean I harbor resentment or that I look down on anyone who chooses differently. It doesn't mean that I am not a Christian or that I don't have many of the same beliefs of others that do attend the church. It simply means that I can't commit to some things or believe in some things and I think it would be hypocritical to pretend otherwise.
So, what religion am I practicing? I am practicing being a good person that believes in god and that also believes in person beliefs of EVERYONE. How do you feel when asked a question that is personal like this about your religion?
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 32
That is all that Heavenly Father asks of you.
I am shocked that they would not let the person be baptized or confirmed. That just seems sorta... how do I say this......... Judgemental as to who is worthy to be with the Lord. I don't think that Heavenly Father or the Lord would be very pleased with this action.
I was raised Methodist.
I did not join the Church Of JESUS CHRIST Of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) until 1993.
It's funny how they ban suicide but encourage it by being so rotten to anybody who is different.
The Catholic Church does have the best architecture, though. A Catholic Church really knows how to give you that WOW effect, as you walk it.
ha ha
There are many misconceptions about our faith. I know that to be the truth. It is just that so many people do not want to know the truth. They enjoy the inaccurate stories. For some reason, there are many people who enjoy stirring up trouble at any cost.
Since you asked, I am a Quaker. Having been active in other (larger) groups over the years, I found that this non-judgemental, Christ plus nothing (shedding pretense and dogma for basics) fellowship and community of believers is the best place for me to pursue my relationship with God.
My mother was told be a priest that she would go to hell if she left the husband that was beating her....that is one reason.....
That being said, it is like "once a Catholic, always a Catholic." I still think that way, see that way and the routines are so ingrained that it is hard to let it go. To be honest, I have been thinking a lot about it lately while thinking and planning my wedding. My first thought was that if it wasn't in a church, we wouldn't really be married. That made the rational part of me laugh.
My mom found her way back and from what I hear, the church has changed/ grown a lot. I will wait and see. For me, it isn't just the church that I have issues with, it is also with God....
so is the priest going to be kicked out now that I've told?
I also found it interesting that your mother left you "on your own" after confirmation. What does that mean? Does she attend Mass regularly, and did she encourage you to continue to practice your Catholic faith?
Thanks for your article! I will pray that you might eventually return to your Catholic roots, and if not that you will continue to grow in your own faith and develop a close relationship with God.
"All over the world, all Catholic bishops are part of a lineage that goes back to the time of the apostles, something that is impossible in Protestant denominations (most of which do not even claim to have bishops).
The role of apostolic succession in preserving true doctrine is illustrated in the Bible. To make sure that the apostles’ teachings would be passed down after the deaths of the apostles, Paul told Timothy, "[W]hat you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). In this passage he refers to the first three generations of apostolic succession—his own generation, Timothy’s generation, and the generation Timothy will teach."
Please don't get me wrong--I have no problem with other Christian religions, I am just trying to explain the Catholic faith for those who may not understand the problems that lie within.
I personally, too, am saddened by some things that I see in the Catholic church and have to remind myself that it is individuals, not the true Church, that is doing these things.