"Catholics don't read the Bible." (Okay, Catholics can say this about themselves, but others should not.) I'm pretty sure some Catholics really do read and even study the Bible. I do not need to memorize the passages to keep them in my heart and live them in my day. But it's okay with me that others quote the Bible. When they do, I hope that they wonder, think, feel what it truly means.
Catholics confess their sins to God. Priests are mere messengers of forgiveness. If you have never confessed out loud in the presence of another, you do not understand the power and beauty of the act. But it's okay with me if others do not feel the need to have a witness to their penance.
What's with "When I confess my sins, it's a personal thing between me and God"? When Protestants are saved, don't they shout it out (just in the movies or does this really happen?) or at least go in front of the whole church to witness it? Hello??? You don't see the similarities for Catholics who want a witness to their penance? Again...hello?
A simplified example...you do something stupid to your husband. Of course, he knows that you are sorry, but it might feel a lot better if it's said out loud. "I'm sorry that I did this." "I forgive you." Very simple, yet powerful words.
On my Dad's deathbed, I held his hand, laid my forehead on his arm, and apologized for anything I had ever done to cause him worry or pain. I said it out loud and although he could not reply, I felt his forgiveness, because I knew it in my heart. However, I'd feel a lot better if I could have just heard the words aloud. It's not that I would have known for sure. I do know for sure that my Dad loved me and had already forgiven me.
Just as not all Muslims are terrorists, not all priests are molesters. I am so sick of this point among the disenchanted or the other-believers. I have known a few priests, none of whom were/are molesters. Unfortunately, there are many molesters who are not priests; they are people of all religions. Non-Catholics will say, "What's so special about priests? They are just men." But when these "just men" makes mistakes, they are held up as supposedly supposed-to-be-better. There's no excusing that type of terrible behavior. Just stop the double-talk. I want every article that talks about a molester who is NOT a priest to detail the religion of that person. (Obvious sarcasm here, but you get my point.)
I recently read an interesting article about Catholics and Protestants. It shed some light on some differences.
(Do Protestants call themselves Protestants, or do they call themselves Christians? Anyway...)
The article said that Catholics looked at things we know and understand so that we can understand things we don't know know. Our sacraments and symbols are real things. These things are real to us, because we know/believe that Jesus is real. (Obviously, I am not saying that Protestants do not think that Jesus is real.)
The article also said (something like) Protestants do not look at how physical and cultural things connect us to God, but they focus on man's sin and redemption by God's saving them. So, Protestants believe in an existential inner connection to God. While Catholics believe that God is working with us in this world. Basically, what the author was saying is that we see the world differently. If I recall right, the author said that Catholics want everyone to be one big, happy family no matter what religion they are, and Protestants want to be obedient to Christ. I have to say, that's been my experience for the most part. I don't think that there's anything wrong with being obedient to Christ. That's just not how I look at things; it's not my motivator.
The 2nd posting to my first blog back in September 2005 was:
A co-worker just made a comment about Catholic Nuns and how they are judgmental sticks-in-the-mud. (paraphrasing there.) The Catholic Nuns that I met through Siena are/were some of the most forward-thinking, compassionate, intelligent, dynamic individuals that I have ever met or probably ever will meet. They inspired true thinking and true justice.
So, can't we all be one, big, happy family?
3 comments:
I could not agree with you more, Mary. I am personally tired of hearing one side or the other acting like they know everything and have some sort of direct line to God. Bottom line - no one (and I mean no one) knows the heart of another person. Only God knows. And no one has the right to look at someone else beliefs and say "you're wrong, I'm right and you need to change things." That is a personal decision. I think it is much more powerful to just show people how you live your life and lead by example. If someone wants to know more and learn about your religion, they will be attracted to it because of how you live your life. I lived in the Protestant world for a long time and there were some really wonderful things about it and I still have friends, lifelong friends, that I admire and respect who are "Christians".
But I can personally recall (at my Christian school) one of the ministers saying that Catholics are wrong and don't go to heaven. I was like - "WHAT???" Not to mention that my Catholic friends' dad just died and she happened to also be in the room when this was said. I was PO'd. I also had a very raa-raa Protestant (my aunt) write letter after letter to my dad when he was dying about how he should (paraphrased) "repent for the end is near." Not effective. His feelings were hurt because she hadn't talked to him in 20 years and then sent letters loaded with Bible verses. Anyway, as you can see I am passionate about this topic.
My point - your fine. But then you know this. And no one has any right to tell you or any other Catholics that you're not.
I'm glad I got to read your blog -- I hope I didn't offend with my post. My aunt is a devout Catholic who attends mass every Sunday and is caught up in this whole mess with my family. She (along with my mother) both admitted to me that they have never read the Bible. I'm glad that you belong to a church that encourages you to read the Bible. My aunt said that she doesn't even own one. I mentioned John 3:16 once, and she didn't know what that was.
I am so very happy that you are content and fulfilled in your religion -- obviously many Catholics are, because there are a great number of Catholics. But my mom and aunt both grew up knowing religion but not really knowing God and Christ. The purpose of my post was to show that one doesn't have to be bound or committed to a specific Christian denomination if it doesn't make sense to them. My mother has a real problem confessing her sins to a priest -- she's admitted it profoundly. All I was trying to tell her was that I could understand why, and that it doesn't have to be that way. I wish she could have the sense of belonging and peace that you have in your church w/ your priest, but she doesn't.
As you know, I go to a Christ-focused non-denominational church. We focus on being the hands and feet of Christ and leading by example. I honestly can't say I have ever heard a bad comment made about anyone from any of the friends we have made at church. While this may a bit too open for some people, I feel it meets your ultimate message on being one happy family.
Do not judge, yet we all do. Frankly it comes down to leadership and in leadership roles specifically the judging should not be done in a public arena, such as church. If we must judge, keep it in private. It sounds like your experience has been open-minded and non-judgmental and that my sister is a true blessing.
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