As I watched the queen's funeral yesterday, I was once again reminded that it must be very comforting to have one's faith laid out, with specific rules to follow, and belief adhering to those edicts made up by other people centuries ago and interpreted ad hoc, will ensure everlasting life in a place nobody has a brochure for. The concept has always perplexed me, especially when we're supposed to believe our sins can be washed away by confessing them to religious leaders. Some of the nastiest people I know are devout Christians. My kids were raised as Catholics, a concession on my part to their biological father, but RCs in particular have been cruel in ways I couldn't have conceived of. Perhaps that's my bad luck, or poor judgement, but it is what it is and that's impacted my opinion.
It seems the height of hypocrisy to expect absolution from someone who wasn't involved, and is a representative of someone who can't be proven, and they have the power to decide who is worthy. That a person's slate can be wiped clean after saying a few assigned prayers, often to re-offend, is ludicrous to me. I try to live a life that's kind, inclusive, and accepting of other people's differences and choices. Personal responsibility and making actual amends are goals, not buzzwords. Still, I spent years of visits with the wasband's family and arguing with him that it would be a kind gesture for us to accompany his mother to her church...because it was important to her. Was I delighted when she repeatedly told me over close to two decades that Jesus died for my sins? Not really. The best I could come up with was, "I understand you believe that and respect how important your faith is to you." She probably still puts in a good word for me when she prays. Having lived more than half my life, it's unlikely my fundamental beliefs are going to change, but I'll try to send up a sign if I was wrong.
A strong believer in signs from the universe, I'm well-aware it's completely subjective, but it does grinds my gears when people try to say it's Jesus talking. Maybe it's because I've never had a piece of toast blessed by Sky Daddy or maybe it's just because I'm a heathen. 2/2 mothers-in-law Believe.
You do you, but I remain skeptical. One of Kitty's jobs is in a women's fashion store and she shared a story with me this morning that perfectly summed up why I have a problem believing in organized religion as a choice for my life:
Co-worker One: You know I'm an atheist, right? Well, I was in Winner's and you know it's not a consignment shop, it's actual overstock, right? Like, new stuff that didn't sell, right? There was a Valentino bag and when I opened the zipper there was a rosary inside. Like, WTF? I opened the little pouch inside the bag and there was another rosary! So now I'm sitting on the floor with this designer handbag and two rosaries, texing my grandma, what do I do???Co-worker Two: Oh, my goodness! You know I'm Christian, right?!? My pastor told me this store needed a sign and Jesus would send it!! Jesus is calling you!!!!Kitty, looking around: The whole store?
So One and Two are more than co-workers now. They also go to church together because One isn't taking any chances. Good thing. She's a lesbian. That should go over well at bible study.
