So true! I also subscribe to the Hotel California version of Catholicism. Interesting to hear your take on it.
I went through something of a rebellion against it, fuelled by studying lots of feminist theory. The church seemed so repressive in many ways to women, so I wanted to reject it entirely, but it is part of me so that’s difficult.
Like you, I still prayed at tough points in my life. I always find a peace of being in church, that I don’t feel anywhere else. It is enormously helpful to have that sense of supported during the terrible times in life, like bereavement and illness.
My aunt & uncle paid for a five year covenant - a sort of pact - for their local order of nuns to pray for me around the clock. I had a run of terrible stuff and they thought this might help. When I had a bad day I would visualise this little group of nuns, all rooting for me. It was lovely! 😀😂
Oh Rosaleen, I hear what you're saying and Im so sorry to hear you went through tough times. I too can picture those nuns, perhaps singing while climbing mountains?!
Always a pleasure to read your lovely prose. However, religion is a divisive topic and I'm not sure I can go along with your "what’s the harm in hoping for an eternity of happiness?", although I'm happy that you've found something that helps you make sense of all the madness. I don't know if it helps but in my mind, the Catholic poster boy is Martin Sheen, not Mel Gibson, and he is still held in high regard by everyone.
Thanks Colin, I was expecting some pushback from your good self and a few other atheist/agnostic friends! But I love that we are of the era that celebrate differences of opinion. It’s a sad old world when we don’t. Am always grateful for your support of my writing :)
So true! I also subscribe to the Hotel California version of Catholicism. Interesting to hear your take on it.
I went through something of a rebellion against it, fuelled by studying lots of feminist theory. The church seemed so repressive in many ways to women, so I wanted to reject it entirely, but it is part of me so that’s difficult.
Like you, I still prayed at tough points in my life. I always find a peace of being in church, that I don’t feel anywhere else. It is enormously helpful to have that sense of supported during the terrible times in life, like bereavement and illness.
My aunt & uncle paid for a five year covenant - a sort of pact - for their local order of nuns to pray for me around the clock. I had a run of terrible stuff and they thought this might help. When I had a bad day I would visualise this little group of nuns, all rooting for me. It was lovely! 😀😂
Oh Rosaleen, I hear what you're saying and Im so sorry to hear you went through tough times. I too can picture those nuns, perhaps singing while climbing mountains?!
Always a pleasure to read your lovely prose. However, religion is a divisive topic and I'm not sure I can go along with your "what’s the harm in hoping for an eternity of happiness?", although I'm happy that you've found something that helps you make sense of all the madness. I don't know if it helps but in my mind, the Catholic poster boy is Martin Sheen, not Mel Gibson, and he is still held in high regard by everyone.
Thanks Colin, I was expecting some pushback from your good self and a few other atheist/agnostic friends! But I love that we are of the era that celebrate differences of opinion. It’s a sad old world when we don’t. Am always grateful for your support of my writing :)