I became a Catholic a year ago, and now that the summer is upon us again, this June 21, I find myself, much like the English weather, only partly sunny. I have wavered this year - coming in and out like that politician's infamous spiritual radio; as discussed previously here, the numerous nuclear accidents, wars, cruelties, and destruction of the environment, have made it seem as if God is distant. And, some of the positions of the Church are difficult. Not least, celibacy, and also a lack of ordination for women. Still, having a faith is a bedrock, even if one has to lie in (on?) it. A hard bed, then, but one for some assurance. Not that I am certain of Heaven. I tend to think that Christianity is best in this world. I wonder why it is that humans, godless or not, are so hell-bent on destroying the oceans; and battering themselves to hell. This disenchanted, secular, world, is clearly fallen. I had hoped poetry would help raise it up. Or good works. Or belief. It seems a narrower needle than that, now. But I maintain this core belief - love and tolerance and compassion - kindness - are required, in the daily and supernal realms.
Comments
You forget other core beliefs of papism, like torturing most of the human species for ever,
I can't see myself ever becoming a catholic but I respect your chosen spiritual path. When I lived in Kuwait I remember having a debate with the natives about the respective merits of Christianity and Islam. I was doing pretty well until I had to start defending things like turning-water-into-wine and virgin births. Sensing that I was about to be liquidized, I suddenly looked at my watch and pleaded a prior engagement. There is a lot of truth in Christianity coupled with an awful lot of nonsense!
Best wishes from Simon