I don’t generally do the religion thing. In fact, there are two topics I avoid like the plague: politics and (you guessed it) religion. I don’t consider myself religious, but I am spiritual. While I do not personally adhere to any particular belief-system, I have nothing against those who do. I try very hard to respect the beliefs of others, that differ from mine, and generally, I adhere to the 11th commandment: ‘Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself.’ (Don’t you just love George Carlin?) But to each rule, there is the odd exception.
One might deduce, from my user-name, that I practice paganism. This is partly true. I’ve been part of a coven. Cast a circle, or two, in my time. Do I consider myself a wiccan? No. Not really. However, the idea of a loving, nurturing god and goddess fits so much better with my world-view than that of a vengeful, wrathful patriarchal god. And the rituals involved in goddess-worship (Im talking regular, run of the mill paganism, not dark-side stuff, here) are lovely, and empowering, to both male and female. I like very much the idea of having male and female worship-leaders, rather than adhering to a largely male-dominated set of religious practices that has portrayed women as less, weak, or lacking in some way.
I have also been a ‘Christian’–baptized in flowing water, as is traditional, to “wash away my sins”. The minister who baptized me was removed from his pulpit by the church board, shortly after. For “personal reasons”. The longer I was part of various congregations, the more I agreed with the bumper-sticker: If going to church makes you a Christian, does going to the garage make you a car? Of course, there is a passage in the Christian Bible that says, “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there will I be, also.” I’m fond of that passage. Here’s another bit that never quite made it to the Bible, but should have: “The kingdom of Heaven is within you, and all around you, not in palaces of wood and stone. Split a piece of wood, and I am there. Lift a stone and you will find me.” This quote was from the movie Stigmata. Touted as the gospel of Thomas, the doubter, this statement would set the Church hierarchy on its ear, if it had been included, completely undermining the tidy business of saving souls they’ve set up. Salvation with a price-tag. The more you give, the more you’re forgiven. How incredibly pious *sarcasm font*. Naturally, it would have been excluded, if, indeed, it ever existed at all. I prefer to think it must’ve.
I’ve studied, at least minimally, the beliefs and practices of a number of religions, actually. I agree with some, disagree with others, and have combined them into a belief system that suits me. The core idea comes from wicca. Essentially it is this: what you put forth comes back to you, threefold; this above all, do no harm. Its similar to the concept of Karma, in the Hindu religion. Among other things, this was ‘borrowed’, when Christianity was first introduced to the ‘heathens’. It was supposed to make the idea more palatable–See? Our religion is just like yours, only a LITTLE different. Now, convert or die! So much for brotherly love.
I raise the subject of religion because at 6 PM, today, Christ was scheduled to rapture his church. At least that is what was concluded by reputed biblical scholar, Christian author, and broadcaster Harold Camping. It’s now 6:44 PM, local time. I’m still here, and so is everyone I know. And most of them are much more Christian than I am. But Camping’s prediction raises a couple of questions, for me: Firstly, in all of the study time he put in, did he somehow fail to note Matthew 24:36–“No one knows the day and the hour…Only the Father knows.” And Matthew 24:27–“The coming of the Son of Man will be as lightning that can be seen from east to west.” According to Thessalonians, the dead will be resurrected first, following a divine command, and a trumpet-blast. NONE of these happened. Sorry. And what about those poor fools who donated to his cause? (And since when did prophecy require funding, anyway? Oh yeah! There’s a biblical admonition to “beware the false prophets”.) Perhaps there needs to be a bit more Bible included in their bible study? Its just a thought.
My point, and I do have one, is don’t let your zeal for worshiping whatever invisible being you choose override the actual worship, itself. Worship, in my estimation, is supposed to be about study, ritual, fellowship with like-minded individuals, and communion with your omnipotent being of choice. But if, in the course of that worship, you fail to actually learn about the religion you’ve chosen, perhaps you should pay closer attention to the study guide. Again, it’s just a thought.
Lest you think I’m attacking Christianity as a belief system, I’m not, really. My issues with it stem largely from the mockery most people who call themselves Christians make of it. I’m not saying I’m any better, but I don’t put on a show for people, either. I am what I am. Just saying.
I owe a debt of gratitude to @Depoetic. She mentioned the two verses from Matthew and the bit from Thessalonians. They were good for illustrating my point, so I cited them, here. This stuff, by and large, is my opinion. You are fully entitled to your own. Feel free to share it in comments. I bid you peace.
I love what you’ve said and pretty much agree with it. I’m Catholic, but over the years I have created what I call Kathleen’s Catholic Religion. I’m what Pope John Paul II called a “cafeteria Catholic”. I take what I like and leave the rest. I was unsettled with my religion, and even tried paganism at one point. But I’ve always felt that I have a relationship with the Blessed Mother. My rosary is sacred to me. And my God is a loving God.
I went to a Jesuit college, and one thing you have to give to the Jesuits is that they stress education and encourage you to ask questions. They also encourage the study of other religions. This made me more comfortable with the whole God/Mary like Father/Mother thing. This was when I had the revelation that Christians did not necessarily behave in a Christ-like manor. The teachings of Jesus have nothing to do with judging or hating people. Jesus is all about love. He loved the poor, the diseased, the social outcast. And He did what he could to bring solace to people. My favorite t-shirt says “Jesus is coming. And boy is he pissed!” Remember the story of how He lost his temper and threw the money-changers out of the temple? Think what He would do to people who built temples and lived well on money they’ve taken from people in His name. And those are the people who think they’re going to heaven! Anyway, I always enjoy your blogs and I look forward to reading more of them.
I need that shirt! Lol! I have a good friend who refers to himself as a ‘recovering Cathaholic’. He and I have many deep theological discussions, usually over a bottle of whiskey.
He and I have very similar views on the matter. But being the person I am, I generally play devil’s advocate. Kind of refreshing to state my REAL opinion, for a change.
I highly agree with you. I am a baptized believer but I too have issue with many things that so called christians say and do…personally I don’t like churchesvery much either though I was baptized it one as a child and again as an adult…I like this quote from Cross Canadian Ragweed…”church, its in your heart son, you don’t always need a steeple.” As for Harold Camping, last I read last night, he had up and vanished, now my wondering, is he too embarassed that he was wrong for a second time, or did he up and disappear into the night with his followers money? Not that he needed it…he’s worth around 120 million dollars on his own…so I’m just a little confused. He is indeed a false prophet, and maybe a bit crazy. As for those who followed him, that old adage comes to mind…”you gotta stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything!” Anyway, hunny, I think you did a great job here and I think I’ll repost it to my blog…. π
Thank you! Feel free to repost. I’m thrilled that you find it worthy. Thanks for reading!
As for Mr. Camping disappearing, perhaps he’s trying to keep up appearances? π
Well said. I devise my own faith also. Afraid I last read the bible in my primary school years so couldn’t confidently comment on its contents. But, I did find it out of keeping with the general christian belief system to produce an exactly time and date.
I loved the quote from Stigmata. I hadn’t heard it before.
That quote is one of my favorites. Is a great movie. Gabriel Byrne is brilliant in it! Glad you enjoyed my ramblings. π
Love Stigmata! That quote is fabulous. I really like the way they did that movie. Casting Gabriel Byrne was a good move too
Amen, I would hasten to say.
Well written and very well put.
Church is a male dominated institute, but carried by women who do almost anything to maintain it. Without thinking if it even is worth preserving.
I work with a lot of religuous people (priests, nuns, friars) and even a lot of them think the Church has ‘outlived it’s usefullness’ Being a good person is way more important than knowing the bible and practise the rites as prescribed by priests. It’s what most of them will tell you.
I’m not sure it’s outlived its usefulness, per se. I do think that many in the Church have lost sight of the bigger picture. I’ve seen churches disband over squabbles about the color of the carpet in the sanctuary. This is the sort of pettiness that irritates. And it seems prevalent throughout, regardless of denomination or locale.
Church as community or even platform, I’m ok with. Church as institute that tells me and millions of other people how to live their lives…not ok, according to me. But then again. There are many people who don’t mind being told what to do. Thinking for yourself is difficult and scary.
Insightful and thought provoking as always.
you and i have discussed this topic so you already know that i have a similar belief system to you, i love that you wrote about it.
*hugs* I’m glad you enjoyed it! I thought it was appropriate, given the whole “end of the world” hubbub, this week.
I’m sure this isn’t the last prediction of judgement day. But the fact is there are more immediate concerns, like the business of living a decent life, and getting through it the best way we can.