No one likes being told what they can and can’t do.
The longer I stay here the more I become aware of the goodness in the Catholic faith but also the number of, quite frankly, unbelievable teachings.
I was in the student common room watching the Man United vs. Milano match two nights ago when I got into a conversation with another student. The normal things; Are you going anywhere nice for the free weekend? The villa, oh I bet it’s lovely there now… Then we began talking about what he had been learning in lectures that morning. "The Sacrament of Matrimony," he said, "and what bars people from marriage." At first I thought that would be useful especially when talking to couples about the commitment they were going to make. He mentioned the things you would expect; polygamy, blood relations, being forced into it, if one of the partners was not baptised (but you can get permission from the Vatican if that is the case), not sure if I agree with that one but ok… Then I couldn’t believe what came next! If the male in the couple is impotent you cannot have a Catholic wedding and there is no chance of a reprieve. I was speechless.
Could you imagine the scene? The young couple are sat in the presbytery and the priest is reeling through the Churches teaching on marriage, going through the list of do’s and don’ts, when, all of a sudden, a priest you have probably only met in passing by the church door on a Sunday (and that’s if you are regular church goers in the first place, which lets be real - probably not) says, “…so impotency is a bar to marriage, are you impotent?” Oh the embarrassment, for all parties concerned. Granted I am sure it would be dealt with much more tactfully than that – the couple would probably be given a leaflet or it would not even be mentioned!
Add to this the fact that the guy was actually impotent for whatever reason. To give an extreme case he could have been in an accident and be paralysed form the waist down or born that way. You would deny a Catholic couple the Sacrament of Marriage because he can’t get it up! So not only would he feel awful anyway for obvious reasons but he is destined to spend the rest of his life as a bachelor because of something beyond his control. Now forgive me if I am wrong but this sounds very unchristian to me. Obviously the couple could go ahead and get married in a civil ceremony or within any other of the major religious traditions for that matter – I’ve checked, however, they may be incredibly devout Catholics.
I also decided to read the Churches teaching on this one for myself. There is no mention of it in the Catechism, but it is in the statutes of Cannon Law. Which basically says if you are incapable of having sex for the procreation of children what is the point of getting married? Well there you go! Don’t mention love, commitment, happiness, giving of oneself completely to another, not to mention adoption, sperm donation, artificial insemination, treatment for the impotency and other viable alternatives – if you can’t get it up what’s the point!! I am still speechless.
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Monday, 16 April 2007
Let it be.
I have just arrived back from the UK yesterday. It was great to be back – although I am more tired now than when I left. I have been singing at a club, been best man at a friend’s wedding and generally tried to see as many people as possible before my return, whilst consuming in a week more than ten times the amount of alcohol I consumed over the entire period of lent!
I was over the moon to see one of my closest friends get married. Although I don’t know who was more nervous, him getting married or me for having to give a speech. I think it went down well. It was definitely much more reserved than it could have been and even got a few laughs! I love catching up with people, some of whom I had not seen for years.
I have to admit that I didn’t feel myself for the first few days. I was looking at A getting married, smiling for most of the day (with the exception of when he had to deal with the manager, who couldn’t organise a piss up in a brewery!) and fully ready to spend the rest of his life with S (who was equally as happy). I meant to say in the speech, ‘I had never seen A as happy and contented as he is now…’ (Although I think I missed that out by mistake). I found myself spending most of the after dinner jig looking around at all of the happy couples and thinking about the Church of England vicar who had married A and S, wondering how come nearly every other Christian minister has the option of marrying and raising a family?
When you put yourself forward for Catholic Priesthood it goes without saying that you sacrifice a lot. You get the obligatory questions about celibacy, “So what do you think about celibacy? Could you live a celibate life?” I think I had that one from six different people, each time I gave the same answer. Something along the lines of, “It is a different way of loving, you love people simply because they are and without any expectations.” Also I said the usual catalogue response of, “Celibacy is an outward sign of an inward commitment to Christ.” I think the first one makes more sense.
Caring for people just because they are people can be done by anyone; surely the skill is, whether married, in a relationship or single to care about others no matter how you find them. People can be grumpy, lazy, manipulative, rude, full of pride, judgemental, self-righteous, stubborn, cruel, uninterested, uninteresting, need I go on?! The trick is to separate the action/intention from the person and still be nice to them no matter what they might have done – nigh on impossible I know!
Like I have mentioned before we can speculate is this truth (in this case celibacy) or that truth the best way for me to find God? When really I am sure God is fed up of all the speculation, and as long as you try to grow and become a better human being whatever your circumstances in life, then I am convinced God is not bothered about small details. Maybe it is just better to stop speculating and wallowing in your own self-righteous view on the meaning of life and let life be.
I was over the moon to see one of my closest friends get married. Although I don’t know who was more nervous, him getting married or me for having to give a speech. I think it went down well. It was definitely much more reserved than it could have been and even got a few laughs! I love catching up with people, some of whom I had not seen for years.
I have to admit that I didn’t feel myself for the first few days. I was looking at A getting married, smiling for most of the day (with the exception of when he had to deal with the manager, who couldn’t organise a piss up in a brewery!) and fully ready to spend the rest of his life with S (who was equally as happy). I meant to say in the speech, ‘I had never seen A as happy and contented as he is now…’ (Although I think I missed that out by mistake). I found myself spending most of the after dinner jig looking around at all of the happy couples and thinking about the Church of England vicar who had married A and S, wondering how come nearly every other Christian minister has the option of marrying and raising a family?
When you put yourself forward for Catholic Priesthood it goes without saying that you sacrifice a lot. You get the obligatory questions about celibacy, “So what do you think about celibacy? Could you live a celibate life?” I think I had that one from six different people, each time I gave the same answer. Something along the lines of, “It is a different way of loving, you love people simply because they are and without any expectations.” Also I said the usual catalogue response of, “Celibacy is an outward sign of an inward commitment to Christ.” I think the first one makes more sense.
Caring for people just because they are people can be done by anyone; surely the skill is, whether married, in a relationship or single to care about others no matter how you find them. People can be grumpy, lazy, manipulative, rude, full of pride, judgemental, self-righteous, stubborn, cruel, uninterested, uninteresting, need I go on?! The trick is to separate the action/intention from the person and still be nice to them no matter what they might have done – nigh on impossible I know!
Like I have mentioned before we can speculate is this truth (in this case celibacy) or that truth the best way for me to find God? When really I am sure God is fed up of all the speculation, and as long as you try to grow and become a better human being whatever your circumstances in life, then I am convinced God is not bothered about small details. Maybe it is just better to stop speculating and wallowing in your own self-righteous view on the meaning of life and let life be.
Monday, 26 March 2007
Extreme.
The transition from life in England to life in Rome, although it has been easier than I would have imagined, has revealed to me many different view points on religion, some for better and some for worse.
In England there is a phenomenon which I like to call ‘extreme secularism’. I became very aware of it as an RE teacher, before coming to seminary. It is a complete closing of the mind to all things spiritual and even a view of religion as a relic of the past that can be of no relevance to our lives in the 22nd century. It can be seen through the parent who asks, ‘why does their child learn RE’? or says, ‘s/he was hoping to drop RE to focus on something else.’ They do not see the relevance or value of RE set within the context of our increasingly pluralistic society or the fact that the world is effectively shrinking in the sense that we are becoming a ‘global village’ evermore aware of the conflicts caused by extremism of one kind or another.
People can be so convinced that their ideology or way of thinking is correct that, in the worst case scenario they are willing to harm or take human life in the name of their beliefs, or in another, perhaps more reflective scenario, they may look down their noses at people who have differing views from them. Fortunately this does not seem to be the case with the vast majority of people I know. Most are indifferent to what religion people belong to, but judge them by their actions and nature – if you are basically a nice genuine person then what does it matter.
The more time I spend at seminary and become increasingly aware of diversity of belief through philosophy and the alternative spiritual literature I am reading, the more I am becoming aware that it does not really mater what you believe but how your beliefs (whether they be religious or secular) inform the way you live and treat others. Maybe religious indifference is the best way to be? It is certainly better than extremism or intolerance of other view points. Something that explains this much better than I can is a poem I used to have on my classroom wall:
“So many paths and so many creeds,
and so many roads that wind and wind.
When just the art of being kind,
is that this world needs.” (Anonymous)
In England there is a phenomenon which I like to call ‘extreme secularism’. I became very aware of it as an RE teacher, before coming to seminary. It is a complete closing of the mind to all things spiritual and even a view of religion as a relic of the past that can be of no relevance to our lives in the 22nd century. It can be seen through the parent who asks, ‘why does their child learn RE’? or says, ‘s/he was hoping to drop RE to focus on something else.’ They do not see the relevance or value of RE set within the context of our increasingly pluralistic society or the fact that the world is effectively shrinking in the sense that we are becoming a ‘global village’ evermore aware of the conflicts caused by extremism of one kind or another.
People can be so convinced that their ideology or way of thinking is correct that, in the worst case scenario they are willing to harm or take human life in the name of their beliefs, or in another, perhaps more reflective scenario, they may look down their noses at people who have differing views from them. Fortunately this does not seem to be the case with the vast majority of people I know. Most are indifferent to what religion people belong to, but judge them by their actions and nature – if you are basically a nice genuine person then what does it matter.
The more time I spend at seminary and become increasingly aware of diversity of belief through philosophy and the alternative spiritual literature I am reading, the more I am becoming aware that it does not really mater what you believe but how your beliefs (whether they be religious or secular) inform the way you live and treat others. Maybe religious indifference is the best way to be? It is certainly better than extremism or intolerance of other view points. Something that explains this much better than I can is a poem I used to have on my classroom wall:
“So many paths and so many creeds,
and so many roads that wind and wind.
When just the art of being kind,
is that this world needs.” (Anonymous)
Monday, 5 March 2007
Genuine.
March 5th 2007:
I went for a run today with Fr. B (A ridiculously fit individual, Who I am sure could put me to shame, but always keeps to my pace and is to polite to speed up). Usually our runs take the form of tourist trails and interesting facts about the buildings we pass. Today though after the brief stop and chat with the Cardinal for Catholic Education (unbelievable who you can meet in Rome), I gained a glimpse of some things that were important to Fr. B. He spoke about the commitment you can either make to married life or celibate priesthood, seminary formation, vocation and philosophy – nearly every topic you could envisage a seminarian and priest discussing!
I got a glimpse of his genuine faith and belief in the person and message of Jesus Christ. He spoke of Jesus having the capacity to change lives. He spoke of the fact that Catholicism in the past fell short of preaching this message, save some genuine individuals who put Jesus at the centre of their lives and that there are some people within the church today in positions of office that do not really believe or realise the great gift the church has, but are more concerned with the institution and ritual.
When you get to the heart of any religion I am convinced that it can change lives by altering an individual's outlook and giving meaning, peace and purpose. As I said before isn’t that what religion should be about? I am sure if all religious people thought like him and had reflected upon their beliefs and faith as much as he has we would not have religious intolerance but confidence.
I went for a run today with Fr. B (A ridiculously fit individual, Who I am sure could put me to shame, but always keeps to my pace and is to polite to speed up). Usually our runs take the form of tourist trails and interesting facts about the buildings we pass. Today though after the brief stop and chat with the Cardinal for Catholic Education (unbelievable who you can meet in Rome), I gained a glimpse of some things that were important to Fr. B. He spoke about the commitment you can either make to married life or celibate priesthood, seminary formation, vocation and philosophy – nearly every topic you could envisage a seminarian and priest discussing!
I got a glimpse of his genuine faith and belief in the person and message of Jesus Christ. He spoke of Jesus having the capacity to change lives. He spoke of the fact that Catholicism in the past fell short of preaching this message, save some genuine individuals who put Jesus at the centre of their lives and that there are some people within the church today in positions of office that do not really believe or realise the great gift the church has, but are more concerned with the institution and ritual.
When you get to the heart of any religion I am convinced that it can change lives by altering an individual's outlook and giving meaning, peace and purpose. As I said before isn’t that what religion should be about? I am sure if all religious people thought like him and had reflected upon their beliefs and faith as much as he has we would not have religious intolerance but confidence.
Signposts.
I received a really good book from a friend over Christmas called, ‘The Song of the Bird’ by Antony de Mello. It is a collection of short stories and poems with hidden meanings. One that has particularly struck a cord with me is ‘The Devil and his Friend.’
‘The devil once went for a walk with his friend. They saw a man stoop down and pick something up from the ground.
“What did that man find?” asked the friend.
“A piece of truth,” said the devil.
“Doesn’t that disturb you?” asked the friend.
“No,” said the devil. “I shall let him make a belief out of it.”
(The Song of the Bird by Antony de Mello)
Each religion/philosophy would argue that they have the fullness of truth. They guard it, hold onto it and cherish it, with each one claiming to be doing what is pleasing to God. Many are not willing to budge over certain issues and some even resort to violence to justify their views.
What if these beliefs are only elements of the truth and reality? What if they are meant to evolve and change? Should we allow them to grow and mature? Is a truth worth holding onto if it is only partial truth and if from that truth come other beliefs that are of human creation and not divine?
‘The devil once went for a walk with his friend. They saw a man stoop down and pick something up from the ground.
“What did that man find?” asked the friend.
“A piece of truth,” said the devil.
“Doesn’t that disturb you?” asked the friend.
“No,” said the devil. “I shall let him make a belief out of it.”
(The Song of the Bird by Antony de Mello)
Each religion/philosophy would argue that they have the fullness of truth. They guard it, hold onto it and cherish it, with each one claiming to be doing what is pleasing to God. Many are not willing to budge over certain issues and some even resort to violence to justify their views.
What if these beliefs are only elements of the truth and reality? What if they are meant to evolve and change? Should we allow them to grow and mature? Is a truth worth holding onto if it is only partial truth and if from that truth come other beliefs that are of human creation and not divine?
Saturday, 24 February 2007
Strange beginnings.
This is a bit of a strange time for me to start this blogg, especially given its title. I am more confused about my faith than I have ever been before. I still believe in God or the Divine, but I am not sure if it is as simple as integrating yourself to the beliefs of the Catholic Church or indeed if Catholicism is the fullest expression of God and truth, which it claims to be.
It’s fairly obvious – at least from my British, western perspective - that the major faith traditions are not addressing the needs of the world. Churches are empty and the numbers of vocations across all Christian denominations are dwindling. I would argue that the majority of people in the UK view religions with disinterest and a significant minority as a product of the past. In my view religion is a very simple thing, it is people that make it complicated. One quote form Leo Tolstoy sums it up beautifully:
The principles are very simple, comprehensible and uncomplicated. They are as follows: that there is a God who is the origin of everything; that there is an element of this divine origin in every person, which he can diminish or increase through his way of living; that in order for someone to increase this source he must suppress his passions and increase the love within himself; that the practical means of achieving this consist in doing to others as you would wish then to do to you. All these principles are common to Brahmanism(Hinduism), Hebraism(Judaism), Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity and Mohammedanism(Islam) and Sikhism. (If Buddhism does not provide a definition of God, it nevertheless recognises that with which man unites and merges as he reaches Nirvana. And that something is the same origin which the other religions recognise as God.)Leo Tolstoy 1879.
Put in this way religion and spirituality should inform how you live your life and treat others, ultimately making us less egotistical. The rituals and doctrines should surely be of secondary importance. I am convinced that there is a great deal of unnecessary dogma and doctrine within every religion. If I could sum up in one word what each religion should teach us it would be compassion. The nature of reality, God and the universe and ultimate questions like these can take care of themselves.
The Buddha always refused to talk about Nirvana and simply said, “Will the knowledge of Nirvana make you a better person?” In fact he saw it as a danger in that it would inflate the ego and form in the disciple an unhealthy state of mind and desire (doing good deeds for rewards and not because they are good in themselves). Could religion practiced incorrectly actually inflate the ego and create self righteous people? That was definitely the case in September 11th.
It’s fairly obvious – at least from my British, western perspective - that the major faith traditions are not addressing the needs of the world. Churches are empty and the numbers of vocations across all Christian denominations are dwindling. I would argue that the majority of people in the UK view religions with disinterest and a significant minority as a product of the past. In my view religion is a very simple thing, it is people that make it complicated. One quote form Leo Tolstoy sums it up beautifully:
The principles are very simple, comprehensible and uncomplicated. They are as follows: that there is a God who is the origin of everything; that there is an element of this divine origin in every person, which he can diminish or increase through his way of living; that in order for someone to increase this source he must suppress his passions and increase the love within himself; that the practical means of achieving this consist in doing to others as you would wish then to do to you. All these principles are common to Brahmanism(Hinduism), Hebraism(Judaism), Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity and Mohammedanism(Islam) and Sikhism. (If Buddhism does not provide a definition of God, it nevertheless recognises that with which man unites and merges as he reaches Nirvana. And that something is the same origin which the other religions recognise as God.)Leo Tolstoy 1879.
Put in this way religion and spirituality should inform how you live your life and treat others, ultimately making us less egotistical. The rituals and doctrines should surely be of secondary importance. I am convinced that there is a great deal of unnecessary dogma and doctrine within every religion. If I could sum up in one word what each religion should teach us it would be compassion. The nature of reality, God and the universe and ultimate questions like these can take care of themselves.
The Buddha always refused to talk about Nirvana and simply said, “Will the knowledge of Nirvana make you a better person?” In fact he saw it as a danger in that it would inflate the ego and form in the disciple an unhealthy state of mind and desire (doing good deeds for rewards and not because they are good in themselves). Could religion practiced incorrectly actually inflate the ego and create self righteous people? That was definitely the case in September 11th.
Friday, 29 December 2006
Introduction - The guest
After nearly two years of blogging I have finally convinced my friend to start his own blog. He moved to Rome at the end of Summer 2006 after being accepted to train for the priesthood at the Vatican. Being Roman Catholic, this has been something that he has felt called to for almost as long as I have known him, that is nearly eight years.
How can I imagine what life must be like for him behind the hallowed halls of the centre of Roman Catholicism Hopefully, now I will not have to, as he should be blogging about the Theology and practise of becoming a Catholic priest. Is it hard now that he has six years to go, six years of lectures, six years of faith that should take him on an inner journey that will have an immeasurable effect on who he is.
Here is the blog of an old friend, his blog should be full of musings, his thoughts and feelings as the days pass on his path to priesthood.
How can I imagine what life must be like for him behind the hallowed halls of the centre of Roman Catholicism Hopefully, now I will not have to, as he should be blogging about the Theology and practise of becoming a Catholic priest. Is it hard now that he has six years to go, six years of lectures, six years of faith that should take him on an inner journey that will have an immeasurable effect on who he is.
Here is the blog of an old friend, his blog should be full of musings, his thoughts and feelings as the days pass on his path to priesthood.
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