Catholic, born and raised.
Oh yeah, wall 'o' text warning BTW. Spoiler'd for convenience.
I don't understand what everyone has against religion in general; especially the media. I mean, there's all sorts of stereotypes regarding just about any religion, and negative ones especially.
I mean, Muslim = Terrorist? Christian = Bible-beatdown, and child molesting priests? Catholics = :looks at the schoolgirls: ...Okay, I don't know what to make of that one. But being religious to a falsified degree (do all sorts of crap, as long as you go to church next Sunday, it'll make up for that time you got wasted). Bhuddism = Everyone's Ghandi? Jewish = Apparently, they're a favorite target. Protestants = "Be good or go to Hell." Agnostic = "I don't believe in any religion because I'm lazy." Athiests = Almost Satanists; mass-controllers of the media. Lynch mob towards (all) religions.
Really? I mean, this has gotten out of hand. Are we all in elementary school again? I find it entertaining that I have befriended just about anyone from any religion, and... they're not all that bad. I mean, just as long as they're not being total dicks about it, I'm okay with them.
Tolerance is a hard thing to come by these days in such regards. The only thing that puzzles me is when someone not in the same faith questions it to a degree that it makes you wonder if they ever considered joining in the first place. So often, have I come across that. It makes no sense.
A good way to at least help the tolerance/healing process/bond between religions is something I have stated some time ago; and I still live by that rule. I do wish more practiced it. The latter part being variable.
"I have no intention to convert anybody; I only want them to understand."
To give a better understanding of my religion, at least clearing any bad air from Catholicism, as best I can: We are a Christian-based religion, but we exercise openness to the opinions of other religions, while following our own code. Not to speak any superiority, but Catholicism, from what I have observed, is a more refined form of Christianity that applies much of both Testaments, and applies it to a form of law that can be followed. Morality, and preservation of spirituality is, of course, both a primary cause, and concern of our religion.
Like I listed above; there are those who decide to join due to the level of forgiveness it provides, and takes it up to abusive levels even. That's probably where it differs most from Christianity; it's easier to be forgiven for your sins, as long as you actually mean what you say (which many often don't. God does have a bullshit-meter, you know.). Often a missed point in regards to Catholicism; Baptism ensures cleanliness of the soul after birth (or later in their life); consider it a passport into Purgatory (also a believed plane which exists between Heaven and Hell; think of it as living still, but much more forgiving, for meditative purpose; like a reeealy long walk on a beach or something. A trial to get into Heaven, minus the tortures Hell brings.) or Heaven.
Basically, we follow (if I got my Catechism classes correctly) a sacramental system. It's "An outward sign of inward grace". Consider it like a treasure hunt/achievement system that gives you further proof for your passport in order to have an easier time getting through the gates of Heaven. Considering the process, airport security today are a cakewalk by comparison.
As listed, and in order: Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick
And why they're important to us:
1- Ensured purity after birth
2- God's blessing provided your acceptance of his help; a refresher of the healing from baptism at older ages, essentially, is what it is. Re-purifying your soul.
3- Confession of your sins, to further ensure, and maintain purity and control over your body, mind, and soul.
4- Acceptance of becoming a warrior of God, a soldier of Christ; to accept the gifts of Heaven; to ensure the bond with a guardian angel, and a confirmation of being of the Church, and defense of it without shame, nor arrogance.
5- A bonding of souls into one, to continue ensuring an everlasting bond between the two spirits. The primary purpose is for procreation and education. Birth control of any kind is severely frowned upon (grave offense, in fact, towards the sanctity of marriage, and towards God), mostly for reasons of counter-productivity, and hapless regard of life.
6- From here on up, this is achievable to those in a Holy Order (priests, deacons, bishops). It pronounces them as ministers of the holy faith, and to provide the word of God; practice His will, and provide healing.
7- Also known as the Last Rites. It's considered a final purification for the sick or dying, to basically finalize their position with God; or to re-establish them as a beloved of God's. You can consider it as a concentration of all sacraments you've earned to give your soul a full-luxury spa treatment before entering the afterlife.
Reference(s): (until I can list more, this'll do for now)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SacramentADDITIONAL NOTE:
Oddly enough; as much into my faith I am; I am plenty observant to other faiths, seeing how they work; gaining a better outside observance and deeper respect and understanding of them. In a way, though I am raised to believe in the one true God, Father almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth... (and so on); I always have a feeling He isn't the only of His kind to exist. Though I am monotheist, I still consider the possibility other gods have existed, or still do as well (I just won't worship them; that's where it stays monotheism). Heck, I even try to consider that the Bible hasn't been fully understood from all angles as well. So, basically, I go with my gut in how I should believe. I mean, I am devout in my faith enough, but I also consider my own path to do His bidding. My faith may teach dependency on Him, but I try to prove that we can call for His help when we need him; not when it's convenient, despite what the Bible states. If He's our Father, then like one, He should be proud of our progress, but give us proper punishment when we're practically asking for it (Old Testament made a good point of that).
Just remember, not all Catholics are strippers in costume, nor lazy in our following, or taking up good parking spaces. We're just more laid back, but if challenged, can hit hard in response; mostly with non-violent prayer, albeit; however there are those more aggressive, they're just much harder to find and provoke. But yeah, to provoke one is like crossing a mama bear and her cub. You'll be lucky if you can still walk.
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Topic: Religious people, make yourselves known! (Read 64102 times)