Being Catholic- It's Complicated [View all]

[joesdaughter]

What I hold dear and what disgusts about my church result in intensely felt emotions. I received formal Catholic education from first grade through university level. I attended a large Jesuit university and there was always the joke that a Jesuit could die for his faith, but could never lead it. Who knew?

Practicing Catholics can be very different from each other. I am fascinated with Church history. I an intrigued with dogma and canon law. I have been both inspired by and comforted by liturgy. Family traditions from birth to death are based on my Catholic culture. I cannot ignore the fact that in the name of the Church terrible events have occurred. But so too has the Church taken noble stands. There are examples of both that have been brought up here.

I grew up in a "union" family. And was familiar with" Rerum Novarum" at a very young age. This Encyclical by Pope Leo XIII was a powerful statement on Capitalism and Labor. It had an impact on labor relations around the world. Looking at it through the prism of the times it was written shows how powerful it was and still should be.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rerum_Novarum


Will I continue to practice Catholicism ? At 63 I still don't know. I don't need anyone else to give their approval of my spiritual journey. So my wish for my fellow DUers is that we lighten up.