Sunday, April 13, 2008

Yes, I'm willing to debate

Yes, I'm willing to listen to arguments and discuss and debate my faith. I don't even have comments moderated.

For the record I started life as a Catholic, and am currently a member of the Catholic church. That said, the parish we belong to is arguably one of the most liberal in the nation, and I am poorly catechized, I admit it. But I take comfort in the Mass, in the rituals and the rosaries, and in knowing that I am continuing my family traditions. Odds are I shall always be part of the Catholic church, if for no other reason than because my entire family, both sides, are Catholic, which makes for three Catholic Grandparents. You do the math.

Odds are when my Mother-in-law hears this, she who is going for her Master's in Catholic Theology, I'm going to be learning a lot more. Go for it Mom, I'm willing to learn.

On the other hand, I also consider myself half Unitarian Univeralist, still. Why? Because I do consider myself still learning. But while on that quest, I can whole-heartedly say I agree with, and accept, their seven principals:

  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  • Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  • Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  • A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  • The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
  • The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  • Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
I can also safely say that, as an adult, I've studied more about the UU church and faith than I have about the Catholic. Something I'm still trying to rectify. And than the beliefs and practices of the UU church are much closer to the beliefs in my head and my heart, at least as far as I understand the Catholic church. Sadly for me, there is no UU church in town, or else I'd be a member, I think, and a much more active one at that. As it stands it takes an act of Congress to get me to mass, even on the holidays.

But I'd still consider myself at least partly Catholic. I never said it made any sense.

You can learn more about the UU church here.

Either way you look at it, I'm not afraid to discuss faith, with anyone. Now, if anyone wants to discuss or debate, comments are open.