Catholics...just some of my thoughts

"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?