Beliefs, Spirituality, and Church
For some reason, I’ve struggled with writing this post. Probably because I’m not even 100% certain of my own Beliefs, and they’re still evolving.
I grew up Catholic. I’m not sure what to call myself now. Not Catholic, I know. I can even pinpoint the day I started to pull away. It was the day I was informed that not attending Mass on a Sunday or holy day was a mortal sin. As an adult, I understand that there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that may classify it differently, but I have a real problem with putting skipping Mass in the same category as murder.
Anyway, that bridge is burned. I think I still believe in God. I believe in something, at least. It just seems like there has to be something. Maybe not Christianity, although I haven’t closed the door on that yet. And please don’t tell me about how Catholics aren’t part of Christianity. I’m not delving into the nitty gritty of what makes one religion or denomination and what makes another.
Suffice it to say, religion is not forefront in my life. Or my kids’ lives. They have the knowledge to search out their own beliefs. That’s not for me to decide.
With that said, I find different religions fascinating. I like seeing the differences, what made one sect move away from a religion, and what they all teach. And I can’t help but believe that there are multiple routes to the same endpoint.
But I don’t think religion makes the person. I know plenty of non-religious people who are really good people. Go figure, sometimes people do the right things, even without the carrot of heaven. Frankly, the idea that someone needs God in order to be a good person leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Lastly, fate. I don’t believe that people are destined to do something or meet someone. However, I do believe that life is a series of events that lead you to where you are. Sometimes that’s the result of choices, and sometimes it’s just the result of chance, for better or worse.
Please note that these are my thoughts. They don’t have to be yours.
