Why I chose Catholicism is a subject I’ve been meaning to treat for some time. I know some people misunderstand me terribly – especially friends and acquaintances in France. On the deepest level, I don’t care if I am misunderstood, judged, or stereotyped - I’ve come to recognize this as the nature of my existence. It is of the utmost importance, however, that I be understood by my husband, whose support I could not pursue something so significant as religious conversion without. It is also important that my reasoning be sound and coherent in my own mind. So.

Among the very first reactions I tend to invoke when I reveal that I am considering Catholicism is something along the lines of “Well, I could never agree with the birth control interdiction.” Is it so odd to imagine that I do not agree with it either? That many, many people who embrace Catholicism, who baptize their children in the faith, do not agree with the Vatican’s stance on birth control (which, incidentally, is not considered infallible). In fact, one significant appeal of Catholicism is the immense spectrum of belief that falls under the same umbrella. On one end, there are literalist, fundamentalist Catholics, even those who oppose Vatican II, and on the other end, there are the liberal dioceses who call for women in the priesthood and who quietly pass around petitions to end the ban on birth control. Somewhere in the middle falls the official catechism of Vatican II which evolves, changes, and progresses under the constant scrutiny of theologians. Of course, things never evolve quickly enough, but isn’t the discourse beautiful? I think certain protestant denominations have pigeon holed themselves, in that respect. Your church breaks away, and this is how the Bible must be interpreted, this is the nature of God. No, we won’t hear anything else. End of discussion.

Many people are ignorant of this fact, but the Vatican is markedly progressive in their interpretation of the Bible. Evolution has been endorsed by the Vatican – we see science as a gift from God, not the work of the devil. We read the Bible in a historical and figurative context. Of course, it is a Holy Book, and an important guide for today. But most Catholics are not delusional fools, as some might otherwise say. While we are on the subject of ignorance of Catholic beliefs, I should probably point out that the Vatican does not profess that the non-baptized burn in Hell, and does not acknowledge a “limbo.” Catholicism does indeed acknowledge salvation for non-Christians. Whew, glad we cleared up that stereotype! I just encountered it last week.

Of course, the values professed by Catholicism are important to me as well - family, marriage, peace, environment, charity. Catholic charity is worth expounding on. In my own country, the Catholic Church is the most significant provider of social services after the government. This is true around the world. I’m not saying it is ever enough, but the emphasis on giving speaks volumes. I am of the belief that deeds speak more loudly than words, to borrow from an old cliché. I consider giving much more strongly than I consider any profession of faith. That is why I greatly respect and love many people I otherwise disagree with vehemently.

Above all, I love that we can all attend Mass, where we put our arguments and differences aside, and unify in prayer and worship, steeped in the ritual and tradition of thousands of years. Together in the human experience. Aren’t we all sailing along toward the unknown in the same boat anyway? And I think, whatever our differences, we all come to utter the same grateful prayer. ThankYou for this incredible gift of life. I am not worthy.

Amen!

Love,
Mom