Before I starting throwing a fit, I should tell you that I am light and funny today over at The ‘Stache. And whether you stick around to read this shit or not, you should definitely go over there to comment.
Now, the shit…
You know how people say you shouldn’t talk about politics or religion on your blog? (Unless, of course, you are a political or religious blogger, in which case you should not talk about your vagina I think)
Well today I break that rule. Because I’m a rebel.
Today I also break another rule - linking to a post that pissed me off and not just keeping my damn mouth shut in an effort to avoid finding myself in the middle of blog drama. Whether or not this lands me in the middle of some deep shit remains to be seen, but I am sooooo tired of keeping my mouth shut about shit like this.
So - post in question: Taking The Christ Out Of Christian
Now, initially this post seems to be a commentary on a recent report released by the Vatican, and the fact that the current Pope can be a little… ahem… “exclusive”. Fine. Whatever. Don’t agree with the Pope, think he’s being an ass, whatever. When that man opens his mouth someone is bound to get pissed off and I can think of very few instances where I would take that personally.
However (and I cannot believe I am getting ready to actually quote another blogger, I feel like a 12 year old, seriously) what has inspired this post is this specific paragraph:
“This shit just makes me sad. People really believe that old dude has some kind of up close and personal with God. People really believe that only they are true believers and only they will go to heaven, be saved wtfever. ‘Course, Catholics™ also think that saying 100 Hail Marys (because a priest-in-a-box told them to) will absolve them of that extra-marital affair. Fucking morons. Don’t forget the crucifixes and statues…they don’t fall under that silly graven image thing.”
For those of you keeping track, I am Catholic. Therefore, by definition apparently, I’m a “fucking moron”.
And you know what? Even THAT doesn’t piss me off. If you are honestly so baffled or disgusted by a school of thought that you can reduce your opinion of an entire faith and all of it’s followers to being “fucking morons” - yay for you. I don’t need you to pat me on the head and tell me how smart I am and how much you agree with me - especially when it comes to matters of personal belief. You have your views, I’ll have mine - and we can both think the other is retarded. Hell, we don’t even have to be nice about it or quietly agree to disagree over martinis. People disagree, sometimes passionately.
But… BUT… if you are going to personally insult me based on my beliefs, at least take the fucking TIME to understand exactly what it is you are bashing, lest you grossly misrepresent what the hell it is you are opposing in the first place.
I am so, so, SO tired of hearing Catholics slammed based on FALSE information and assumptions. So, please, allow me to fucking edumacate you on WHAT exactly it is you profess to have so much disdain for
*disclaimer - this is, obviously, Catholicism according to Miss Britt. I may not have the credibility of the Pope, but as an actual practicing Catholic I would like to think I have more credibility than your average dimwit hate monger. Also, this is not directed at only Miss Ann & her post, but at the constant shit I hear being spouted as “what Catholics believe” all the damn time.
Anyway. Let’s start with the common misconceptions, shall we?
“People really believe that old dude has some kind of up close and personal with God.” Um, yeah. Catholics do believe that the Pope has an up close and personal relationship with God. We also believe that you, me, and that guy who picks his nose in his car have an up close and personal relationship with God.
What? You thought because we have things like Apostolic succession and priests and OMG rules! and authority! that that means that we don’t personally have a relationship with God?
That’s crap. We believe that for The Church - an organization that spans 2,000 years and millions of members across the world - that leadership and authority is important. We believe that a hierarchy from Big Guy In Rome to Little Priest In Small Town Iowa is important, for very practical reasons.
Oh, and we do not believe that everything the Pope says is infallible. This is a pretty common misconception. The Pope is still human - to be revered, but not worshipped. We DO believe that God has his hand on The Church, guiding the leadership process, etc. And there are certain things that the Pope will say came - basically - right from God (and btw, this is MUCH more rare than people seem to realize. In fact, I dare say more rare than the US President claiming infallibility via God). I can see how some people would have a problem with that concept. Although I don’t think it should be a stretch for Christians who believe that Bible is God’s Word - inspired text. Infallible statements from the Pope? Same thing, basically. Messages from God - not a uniquely Catholic conept.
ANYway, moving on.
“People really believe that only they are true believers and only they will go to heaven, be saved wtfever.” Um, no. This is so NOT Catholic it’s not even funny.
We don’t go to Mass to get to heaven. We don’t receive the Eucharist (aka Communion) to go to Heaven. We don’t even go to confession to get to heaven. These things are designed either because it was a specific request from Jesus (Commnion: “do this in memory of me”) or because it enhances our relationship with God and with the Church. You don’t obey your parents to get their love, or to be allowed in the house. You do it out of love and respect.
Catholics believe, basically, the same thing most Christians do regarding “salvation” and “Heaven”. You have to believe in Jesus as the Messiah - and being baptized is kind of a big deal in showing that belief. And even THAT has a little grey area because - well, ultimately, it’s up to GOD.
And furthermore, what I have always been told is that the official Church stance on heaven and hell - and who is or is not there or will or will not be there - is that the Church is not the official word on that. God is.
To be clear: you do not have to be Catholic to go to Heaven. Nor is being Catholic a Get Into Heaven Free Card.
‘Course, Catholics™ also think that saying 100 Hail Marys (because a priest-in-a-box told them to) will absolve them of that extra-marital affair. Again, no. A common misconception - but a gross misunderstanding none the less.
Catholics believe you are absolved of your sin because Jesus died on the cross in order for you to be forgiven. We go to Confession because it is incredibly healing to have someone - a real, live, talking person - verbalize that for you. It’s an act of accountability - to say out loud that you have sinned, and say that you’re sorry, and that you want to be forgiven. It is a way to actively receive the forgiveness we are taught about in the Bible. The priest delivers absolution because of what the scripture says to Peter (the first Pope/priest basically) about “whatever you loose on Earth shall be loosed in Heaven.”
Hail Mary’s and what not? Not part of the absolution, for the record. Those are actually called “penance” - a way for you to avoid going “um, shit, yeah, I know, I’m sorry - but whatever, you’re going to forgive me not matter what anyway, right?” It’s a way to show true remorse and regret and a genuine desire to do better. Your forgiveness is not contingent on your penance.
Don’t forget the crucifixes and statues…they don’t fall under that silly graven image thing. Well, shit, if they do then I strongly suggest anyone trying to be a “good Commandment following, Bible quoting Christian” take down any pictures they have in their house of loved ones. It better be All God, All The Time. Seriously.
Why is it so fucking hard for people to understand the difference between reverence and love and WORSHIP?? I love my mother, adore her even. Same with my dead grandmother. And you know what? I have mementos reminding me of those relationships all over my damn house! I feel the same way about The Virgin Mary - I have a serious affection for the woman who carried, birthed and raised a man I consider to be Divinity Incarnate. I figure if she’s good enough for Jesus to love as a mother, she’s good enough for me to show a little respect for.
The thing is, Catholicism is really not that different from other forms of Christianity. And do you know WHY?? Because that’s where they all fucking CAME FROM!
I know, I know. It’s not cool to be all superior and “we came first” and blah blah blah. But that’s not arrogance people, that’s history. When shit went down during The Reformation and there was corruption and discent and disagreement (as you will have in ANY human institution), some people decided they could go their own way, start their own groups, and do it better.
And some of us? Decided that while the people may being screwing things up and the practices and traditions might have gone wayyyyyy off course - the ideas and principles and FAITH that the Church was founded on were still valid. And worth sticking with and fighting for.
It’s the same decision many of us make today - whether we disagree with the current Pope, or the Church’s stance on abortion, or gay marriage, or treatment of women or whatEVER… we are still a family. With roots we can trace all the way back to Peter and Jesus himself. The building blocks of the faith have not changed. Like any family, we will fight and bicker and continue to try to hammer things out amongst ourselves. But we remain united in the constants, the core principles that are sadly misconstrued but that ultimately define who we are and what we believe.
In summary (because I was told I should summarize this long ass, rambling post) - I am Catholic. I sin all the damn time and I am still very, very Catholic. I disagree with things the Pope says, I understand that Priests Are People Too and I don’t worship statues of Mary or Joseph or Nana. Confession is something I do to soothe my own soul and draw me closer to God, not to bribe my way into Heaven. I pray with beads because I want to, not because I think not using them will cause eternal damnation. I hate broad sweeping statements borne of ignorance and arrogance. Especially when those statements are supposed to be a representation of what I believe and fall so far off base it’s down right insulting.
And also, I drink a little. Sometimes.
Now, if you’d like to slam THAT… be my guest.
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Posted in Blogging and Bloggers - Tips, Contests and Stuff for Bloggers, Serious Discussions - Politics, Religion, Society
very interesting and informative. I hope the idiot reads this and learns something.
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The last time I tried to go into church, the father pointed at me, eyes bulging, and said “Begone, evil creature!” Also, my shirt caught fire.
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You rock, kid.
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I love this post…it is one of my all-time favorites. It is well written, and full of truth. Love it!
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Well done child. I love that someone out there has the balls to stick up for US. It seems like Christians (of any kind) are the only ones that the general public put a muzzle on. If we relate our opinions, we are automatically cast into the same lot as Jerry Fallwell and his ilk. If we do what every other person does and sin, then we are not “good Christians.” Sometimes it feels like all we do is fight an uphill battle.
But my favorite part of your post is this:
“Catholics believe you are absolved of your sin because Jesus died on the cross in order for you to be forgiven.”
In the churches I grew up in: Pentecostal, Baptist and Non-Denominational, we called that being “born again.” Recognizing the ultimate sacrifice and asking for forgiveness. Somehow, that phrase got associated with crazy abortion-office shooting up, gay-bashing, hate-filled warmonger rednecks and I thank you for your eloquence on the subject. You wrote about your feelings well without being an asshole about it and that is what people will appreciate.
It’s REALLY easy to judge other people’s decisions on how they live their lives when you are on the outside looking in and I think that is exactly what Miss Ann is doing. Not everyone believes or worships in the same way AND, the last time I checked, even the news media outlets get their fact wrong once in a while. *SNICKER, SNICKER*
Longest comment ever? Maybe so, but I am so glad you posted this….
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bravo. terrific post, britt. thank you. you did a wonderful job of eloquently expressing some concepts that i personally think need to be said more often. i’m glad there are people like you in the world.
oh, if my memory serves me correctly, i think jesus’ first miracle may have been turning water into wine so drink up. but just a little!
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The Catholics say they’re the best. The Christians get pissed because the Catholics say they aren’t Christian enough. The Muslims say the Christians are evil. The Jews stand up and fight for their homeland. The Muslims get pissed at the Jews. Meanwhile, the Buddhists, Hindus and others just kind of chill out…
Makes me kind of think this Jesus guy caused more problems than he was worth…
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I don’t want to slam it, but I have some things for you being kinda Catholic myself….
‘Course, Catholics™ also think that saying 100 Hail Marys (because a priest-in-a-box told them to) will absolve them of that extra-marital affair. Again, no. A common misconception - but a gross misunderstanding none the less.
The reason for the Hail Mary’s and what not’s is penance, but it is more of a meditation and a reflection on what you did wrong. It ties into many different Pagan religons, which are the oldest forms of worship. It is like quiet time to sit and feel guilty to a rhythm that cleanses your soul. It makes you really repent what you did. Does that make sense?
As far as Catholicism being where we all came from, not true. Druid was the the first “organized religon” and it trickles down through many pagan veins before you get to Catholicism. That is why Catholicism is so very ritualistic.
Other than that I feel you are so dead on accurate and I love love love how passionate you are aboput it!
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so well put in so many ways. I certainly appriciate the lesson. So often the folks with the fervor get all the attention making the rest of us forget about the quietly faithful. I think that Mr.W is wrong though. I am not a follower of the teachings of Christ, but I think he was an important historical figure. You cannot deny that he changed the world. But I think that people change his words to suit them and their adjenda. I believe that in all that mumbo jumbo, there’s a really good, really simple message. Many people just miss the forest for the trees. Or, more likely, they cut down the forest and build something else out of it.
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Britt… ummm, I don’t mean to rain on your parade. And, well, this was very well written. But! I think you screwed up here somewhere.
Aren’t you supposed to bash a group of people here? I think you are supposed to end this by calling someone’s beliefs moronic or stupid because they aren’t your beliefs. Right? Maybe I’m confused - but I’m fairly certain that is what you were supposed to do.
The blogosphere will just not stand for a calm, mature, rational approach to religion or politics. WTF is WRONG with you?
You know, this could get you voted off the island.
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Your dedication and honesty is why I love Catholics. Ya’ll are bat shit crazy sometimes but at least your honest about it.
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Holy shit, Britt.
I don’t have time to read all the comments right now, but I just wanted to say that that was a fucking FABULOUS post.
And real quick, about that “we came first” idea…
Before I converted to Catholicism, I was at Mass with Maggie (I would accompany her)… we got there early, got a seat close to the front.
As I took one of my kids to the restroom, my neighbor, seated all the way in the back, said to me: “How come my Jewish neighbor gets a seat up front?”
I said: “Hey, man, my covenant came first.”
Hee hee. Ahem.
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Well, said. I went to Cathlic school K-8 and then stopped going to church after highschool, and am now Lutheran–for very shameful reasons. (Members get 1/2 off their school tuition–that’s a lot of $$) But what I came to realize once I frequented the Lutheran church is that God is God and I found him just as easily there.
PS~I’m new and totally enjoying the blog. I just start one. Visit if you get a second–www.princessvictoria.typepad.com
Great ’stache post!
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For me religion comes from within, not what a “group” of people perceive it to be. But that’s just me..I don’t like to be told how to feel or what to think
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I’m a Christian who tends to loathe the fear used by a lot of organized religion to ‘tether their flock’, so to speak. I suppose that makes me a bit of an enigma, but I take my faith too seriously to allow others to dictate what it should look and feel like, so whatever. Your defense of yours is very impressive, though. Very well said, homegirl.
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jason: well, I hope at the very least I’ve been somewhat accurate. Lord knows there are so many rules and nuances sometimes it’s possible for me to get it wrong.
avitable: well yes, but you are Evil.
Mom: sometimes it’s nice to have someone so biased in your corner. ;-)
Angel: well gosh, thank you!
ADW: longest comment ever totally appropriate for longest post ever. LOL
hellohahanarf: I think that’s why Catholics always serve plenty of booze at weddings.
Mr. W: I’m not so sure that Jesus can be blamed for the fighting between Muslims and Jews.
Or, for that matter, the things Christians have done “in his name”.
debkitty: sorry, what I meant was that Catholics were basically the first Christians. But yeah, a lot of our traditions and stuff came from Pagans (and Jews for that matter) who became the early Christians.
ginamonster: yeah, I think that it is really easy to miss the simplistic message with all the “stuff” added on top of it. In fact, that’s a common “complaint” about Catholicism. And there is definitely room for the “bells and smells” to overcome the whole point… if you let it.
gerg t: well see that’s why you have to say “a little”. Unless of course you go to the meetings in church basements - then “a little” is the same as “a death wish”.
AmyD: *sigh* I am so bad at blog drama, aren’t I?
evilynmo: well, I try anyway! LOL
Rich: yeah, should have clarified I meant first Christians. Like I tell my son - Jesus was a Jew baby, that makes them pretty special in our book.
Victoria: welcome, and thanks for the comment!
I do think the most important thing is to go where YOU feel closest to God, or whatever. For ME - it’s in a Mass.
Delite: I bet you don’t like to be spanked either, do you? ;-)
You can call me, ‘Sir’: faith is a personal thing, and as such should be a personal decision. Good for you for knowing where yours comes from!
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I do not do well with the whole church thing. I am more of a spiritual person that does believe in God. BUT I do respect others wishes for their God. (or our god if the case may be.)
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I do not see the original post you are referring to.
Quakers are pretty liberal when it comes to theology; viewing pretty much every spiritual path as a valid journey. But we’re not without our own petty controversies from time to time.
I think when we let doctrine and dogma cloud our vision enough to start imposing human requirements on the spiritual dimension we take ourselves down a short path to bigotry. And it doesn’t matter what “denomination” one is from, every one has their share of it.
And I would back you to the hilt in your response to Mr W in that the problem isn’t Jesus - the problem is people. Blaming Jesus or God or Muhammad or Allah or Whatever for the problems that exist between religionists is like saying we need to ignore the Constitution because people keep reading one of the amendments wrong.
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Way to put it out there.
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Ok, so… it’s… bad… to mock your faith?
We can still mock you for everything else, right?
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Papal infallibility is widely misunderstood… even by Catholics. Everything that comes out of the Pope’s mouth is NOT infallible. It actually takes a papal decree to render something infallible, and is a very very rare event.
Of course, if I am elected Pope, that’s all going to change…
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themuttprincess: or Gods, or whatever - I’m with you on that part.
RW: man you make me sound like a bumbling idiot. I seriously have a literary crush on you.
usedtobeme: yeah, I’m nothing if not a loud mouth put it out there kinda gal.
Joefish: except for the whore thing, I’m sensitive about that.
And you can TOTALLY mock my faith - just be accurate in your insults please. :-)
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Seriously… I’m not really blaming Jesus. Was it his his fault that a bunch of people decided to believe he was the Son of God? I guess if we’re on that train of thought, we probably shouldn’t blame Hitler for getting Germans to believe they were the superior race. Nor should we blame Osama Bin Laden for getting people to follow a jihad against infidels.
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Mr W “Makes me kind of think this Jesus guy caused more problems than he was worth” is not the same argument as “Was it his his fault that a bunch of people decided to believe he was the Son of God”.
And now I know why my Sox are sucking so much this year. It’s YOUR fault. Thanks a bunch. And may the ghost of Ted Kluzewski drink all your beer.
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Mr. W: ummm… horrible logic there.
The “Jesus promlem” is people basically ignoring what the man said. And clearly his intent was not to have people tortured and killed in his name.
In fact, I believe what he asked people to do is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself - this is The Great Commandment” - pretty much.
Hitler and Osama Bin Laden? Their CLEAR intent was to cause destruction. They had intentions, people listened.
I mean… duh dude. If you want to argue this, OK. But let’s draw some parallels that make sense.
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If he were a Cubs fan I could understand where it was coming from better.
I’m crying for my countrymen here. Oh! We don’t deserve to beat the Tribe tonight…
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De-lurking to applaud this excellent post.
Have you read Constantine’s Sword by James Carroll? A truly excellent history of the Roman Catholic Church. He does a wonderful job of writing about not only the tragedies but the triumphs of the Church. One of my all time favorite books.
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Ok, here’s what I do not understand. I don’t understand this of any religion, not just Catholisism, so I’m asking what you do, not anything else because I’m sure even within the religion there are some differing opinions. What do you confess? Do you confess the sins that you are ready and willing to never do again? Or like me, I am not sober all the time and I sleep with a man that I am not married to. (more to it that I will get into only if asked) BUT I am not planning on stopping either of those any time soon. Would you advise me to confess those sins for good measure? Would you ask me to pray to change my ways or keep doing them until I realise its tiem for a change THEN go confessing them? I’m really unsure about this one.
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i just found your blog and i love it!!! i’m catholic too, and by the way, you succinctly posted everything I’ve tried to explain to people who believe catholicism is nothing but idolatry.
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Not very long ago you wrote a post about your husband and strippers. In it you specifically name called. I remember because I called you out on it.
You might want to point your finger at your very own self and 90% of your commenters. In my time on the net, there’s always been someone calling idiot, moron whatever. I don’t take it personally when someone has something to say about what I believe and I don’t care if they call me an idiot, I call myself that all the time.
I believe what I believe and it takes someone really special with a really excellent argument for me to change it. Sarcasm and defensiveness doesn’t do it. Plus you’re talking to a person who knows quite a bit about the subject at hand.
i assume you wouldn’t have taken an issue with my post if I hadn’t used the words ‘moron’ and ‘idiot?’ I think it would have prompted a post on your part regardless.
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Awesome post.
I am a protestant christian dating a (lapsed) catholic and you just summed up the religion better in one post than he has in four years.
The parallel you drew with “You don’t obey your parents to get their love, or to be allowed in the house. You do it out of love and respect.” made so much sense to me.
Thanks for making things clearer for me
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onetallmomma: I haven’t read that - but I will certainly add it to the list. Thank you!!
Brandi: me? personally?
I confess the things that I feel are sins - whether I’m ready to change them or not. I hope that by confessing them maybe I’ll get the strength to not do them again.
Honestly, sometimes I go into confession thinking “yeah well, I’ll just leave this one out” and once I get in there I just HAVE to get it out - regardless of whether I think I can stop or not.
For example - my husband and I use condoms. (TMI, I know) I need to take the class, I need to have more faith or something… but I confess it every time and the priest and I talk about it - every time.
I’m sure some people would think that was stupid. But it’s something I need to do.
JustMe: really? Oh good! I’ve kind of been starting to wonder if I had everything completely wrong!!! LOL
Miss Ann Thrope: I’m not exactly sure what I should be pointing my finger at (for me, or my commenters)?
I thought I was pretty clear in that this post was about what I believe - specifically because it had been said “if you’re Catholic than you believe this” and been dead wrong.
I’d like to respond better to your comment, but I’m not even sure what you’re saying. Except for the sarcastic and defensive part, in which case - you’re absolutely right. And for that I make NO apologies.
Amanda: glad I could help. Hopefully a priest doesn’t tell you someday I’ve gotten it all completely wrong.
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Don’t blame me for the Sox woes… blame Jesus.
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Lutheran grl says:
Nicely put. Rock on.
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I’m not a Catholic, but I’m so glad you posted that. Too many churches are quick to spread differences instead of the most important similarities… and they don’t get the differences right anyways. I learned something… thank you!
It’s always nice when someone with common sense posts something like this - it’s a refreshing alternative to the media coverage of religion or public opinion of religion - making everyone look like an idiot or a self-righteous bore.
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Well-written!! Thank you for this most excellent defense of us mis-informed, backasswards Catholics!
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I was raised Catholic, but strayed. It seems that differing Catholics in different areas may learn different things. For example:
“We don’t go to Mass to get to heaven. We don’t receive the Eucharist (aka Communion) to go to Heaven. We don’t even go to confession to get to heaven. These things are designed either because it was a specific request from Jesus (Commnion: “do this in memory of me”) or because it enhances our relationship with God and with the Church. ”
Our church didn’t accent that the way yours obviously did. And we weren’t doing it to get into Heaven, either. We did it to avoid Hell. That was one of the reasons I strayed…. living in fear every day can wear on you. And while I haven’t heard the Pope say it, I have heard many Catholics say that only Catholics can be saved. Heard a lot of Baptists say the same about being Baptists, too. I don’t take that crap seriously.
You are correct, of course, about the pictures and such at home, but I wonder about those statues of Jesus and Mary that my Church had at the altar. The statues faced us as we worshiped, and of course we were facing the altar, and the statues, while we worshipped. That seems like a finer line to me.
That all said, the thing that offended me about the Pope’s recent speech was the stuff about how Catholic priests weren’t the ONLY child molesters out there. So what? They ALL need to be punished, and the church’s history of quietly moving them to other churches did not fit the bill. There are no excuses. If he wants to change the situation, I would respect him for it, but I do not want to hear “Well, oher people do it, too!” That counts for nothing, in my book.
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Geez, this post made me get out my bible & bible commentary. And I know I’m days late, but I just got home from vacation. That said, I would like to comment about this tomorrow, if it’s okay. If the post is too old, I understand. Let me know, k?
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Ok, the bitch is back.
Part of the problem is that organized religions change & so you get people who remember church rules as they were & aren’t that religion anymore.
When I was little we weren’t supposed to read the bible, a baby had to be baptized or risk not going to heaven if they died, etc. I understand both of those have since been changed. And back in the day, the Pope was indeed infallible. So, I looked up ‘infallible’ at a Catholic website & the description was pretty confusing.
I think it’s important to remember that Miss Ann was also speaking as an Ex-Catholic.
And then when the leader of the church, the Pope, makes a declaration that Protestants are flawed, or wounded, as a whole, it’s bound to offend lots of people. Quite a few organizations spoke out about what he said.
I’m not trying to be argumentative but are you saying the 1st Christian church was in Rome? Cuz from what I’ve read, the 1st Christian church was in Jerusalem.
About praying to the Virgin Mary, the 2nd commandment specifically says not to bow down to any idols, which is pretty much what that would be considered. The difference w/a family picture is we don’t pray to them or bow down.
I’m not taking anything away from the Virgin Mary cuz I agree, she most certainly does deserve respect & honor.
I am positive that once I hit ‘enter’ I’m gonna realize all sorts of screw-ups in this, but, oh well…here goes
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Actually, I was quite embarrassed for you in this response.
Your beliefs are indeed your beliefs, but to broadcast them as if they have any rationality is quite pathetic, and I am sorry for you.
If you claimed to follow Catholic rituals because they make you feel good, that’s one thing.
Broadcasting nonsensicalities like “Jesus was nailed to a two by four to absolve me of my sins” and other silliness just makes you look atavistic and superstitious.
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Wow, Scott. Go suck a cock, will ya?
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Scott, I appreciate your concern for my dignity.
You should really search for the word “vagina” on this blog. I’m most certain the entries you find related to that will reassure you.
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I’m sorry I had not seen this post earlier, wish I had written it myself.
It’s refreshing to see an intelligent post on faith in general and Catholicism in particular.
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QofD: thank you!
Dave2: EXACTLY!!!
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This is in response to Jane
I am Catholic and I just wanted to say that as a practicing Catholic I don’t believe that I am praying “to” The Virgin Mary. It is more like I am praying “through” Mary.
Kind of like if a daughter goes to her mother and ask for the car keys to take the car out that night. Mom says NO! So then she goes to Dad and says “can you please talk to mom for me…”. So Dad goes and puts a good word in with mom for the daughter.
To me I am kind of asking Mary to pray for me and put a good word in for me.
Does that make any sense or does it seem more like rambling?! LOL
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pnbzmom, I don’t think you were rambling at all. You explained your view quite well.
I didn’t write what I did as trying to tell anyone it was wrong, I was just trying to explain the biblical difference.
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Oh no I didn’t mean it bad at all
I just have had non Catholics ask me about praying to Mary before….so that was the story I told them. I thought it could be used here too!
There was absolutely nothing wrong with anything that you said.
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regarding where jane and pnbzmom went…
i always thought jesus said the only way to the father is through me. praying to mary to ask her to step in never made sense in my head because it is still praying to someone other than god himself or jesus…and that someone was human. an amazing and loved by god human, but a human nonetheless. as a catholic i just can’t wrap my head around praying to her. hopefully one day i’ll be able to tell her in person that i mean no disrespect!
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Way to go! I am definitely sending it to my friends Catholic and non-Catholic alike. It is sad that some people do not have the ability to believe in someone who was and is the one true, sure, thing in life. If you can’t believe that there is Heaven for everyone to get to then what the hell is your life on earth for?!?!
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I really enjoyed reading this, and I read it very closely to make sure I understood what you were saying.
Good for you. I’m not Catholic, but I send my kids to a Catholic school, so I learn bits.
I have always believed in the Big JC though and He is very dear to my heart and I don’t need to know everything in the bible to know that, or feel that.
Well done to you for putting your thoughts out there.
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