The Art of Moving On

[Not Afraid]

Originally Posted by SzczerbiakManiac

I sometimes (half-jokingly) refer to myself as a Born-Again Atheist. While I am strongly opposed to religions, I do recognize that they are not wholly evil and that many people find solace in them. So while I am hardly the person to be seeing religious counseling from, you may wish to check out Dignity, a national organization of GLBT Catholics. There's even a Boston chapter.

I just can't let this go by without quoting one of my all time favorite sayings that I, personally and wholeheartedly, believe:

Religion is man made, but Spirituality is God given. Of course, my definition of God may or may not be the same as yours.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Regarding those people who say one thing and do another: we're all hypocrites at one time or another. We're all horribly flawed in a cornucopia of ways. This does not excuse anyone's behavior. But it does bring out compassion in me. Oh, the human race. By and large, we suck. But there are moments of great beauty and grace among us--each one of us-- now and then, and if I didn't try to cling to those, I don't know how I'd get out of bed in the morning.

[€uroMeinke]

Yeah - what Hetdt said - there isn't a man or organizaion that isn't flawed in some way. On the other hand, I don't believe there is man or organizaion that is purely corrupt or evil.

I think one of the greatest tools of Christianity is the whole concept of forgiveness. It really is about getting past the flaws and looking at the inherent good within each of us - Perhaps one way for you to move on is to forgive the church (or it's contributors) it's ignorance. Yes they support some awful and stupid stuff, but that is not what the whole organization is about.

But I understand that one issue has overwhellming focus for you - but that is just the thing that will prevent you from ever moving on. If that is your goal, you have to find some way of acceptance. Rejection of the church alltogether is also an option, but I don't think you want to start discarding friends becasue they're donnated to the church.

[Gemini Cricket]

I thought about Dignity a long time ago. I wouldn't want to sit through mass, but I'm sure they have a priest or two that I could speak with. We'll see.

I think a lot of people have these conflicts with their religion or the religion they were brought up with. I'm thinking we don't hear enough about them or from them about their struggles... I could write something, I suppose. 'A Million Little Crickets'.

Maybe I'm not an activist. Maybe I'm not the right breed to be one.

I agree that we're all hypocrites at some time in our lives. But I'm not in denial telling people that I'm not one and that I'm better than a certain type of people. Bleh.

Forgive the Catholic Church. Accept their flaws. I'd like to do both but I'm not there yet. I've rejected them outright but that doesn't/didn't change the hurt I feel. It doesn't calm the anger.

Maybe I can influence change without taking them so personally? Maybe not looking for the moments to influence, only confront it when confronted? Maybe when I am truly comfortable with my sexuality, with my beliefs, with Brad?

Maybe
Maybe
Maybe...

[Capt Jack]

Originally Posted by €uroMeinke

...On the other hand, I don't believe there is man or organizaion that is purely corrupt or evil.

I wish I could agree with this, but in my short time here on earth Ive met one or two that from all I could gather were truly without a single redeeming quality of any sort.

Fortunately, the two that jump immediately to mind have....lets say, left this mortal coil rather abruptly.

good riddance

[innerSpaceman]

Speaking of good riddance ... it's my recommended policy, GC, for how to continue your stance on the Catholic Church.

Are you really in need of any organized religion?

At your level of spiritual enlightenment, I hardly think so. The choice will continue to be yours alone, but I think you've passed the church far behind on the road to nirvana,, salvatation, enlightenment and grokking with God.


If you need to sing kumbaya with folks, I'm sure something else can be arranged.




.

[Gemini Cricket]

Capt Jack ~ When I experience people like that, I actually feel bad for them. I really do. Maybe that's my problem. The Church says crapp-o things and instead of detatching, I feel bad for them. It's a loop.


iSm ~ I can only attribute that to great souls rubbing off on me. I consider you one of those. Totally.


I'm learning that religion may not be for me at all. But, I'm thinking any organized anything is not something for me.


"Kumbaya... my Lord or higher entity who may or may not exist... Kumbaya..."
(Doesn't quite roll of the tongue like the original...)

[Nephythys]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

You do not need to be affiliated to appreciate the good aspects of any religion, or to appreciate the loving wonderfulness of Jesus Christ.

Amen and Amen.

Hugs GC- you have been one of the most reasonable people I have ever disagreed with. I'm sorry to see you conflicted and hurting.

I hope you can find that resolution, for all aspects of your life. What you are feeling is, in my experience, universal- we all go through it in one way or another.

[Not Afraid]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

Speaking of good riddance ... it's my recommended policy, GC, for how to continue your stance on the Catholic Church.

Are you really in need of any organized religion?

At your level of spiritual enlightenment, I hardly think so. The choice will continue to be yours alone, but I think you've passed the church far behind on the road to nirvana,, salvatation, enlightenment and grokking with God.


If you need to sing kumbaya with folks, I'm sure something else can be arranged.

You are a wise old man, my friend.


But, can we at least choose another song???????

[innerSpaceman]

Infinity Bottles of Beer On the Wall, then. Very appropriate for everlasting spiritual eternity sing-alongs.