March 9, 2012 "Peace Be With You.."

"Lean into the Discomfort." I felt like that quote from The TED talk with Ms. Brown hit hard this week with the discussion on religion. As i've mentioned before in class, religion is a difficult subject for me to openly express myself on in class. It is comforting though to know that I am not the only one in class that struggles with this issue. I didn't get to fully explain my thoughts in class, so here it goes...

I grew up going to the Catholic church every weekend since I was born. My whole family was devout Catholics, especially my grandparents. I had to be baptized, go to mass every weekend, go to CCD classes every year until confirmation, practice Lent, etc. For those who don't know what Lent is, I don't want to waste alot of time explaining it, but for my purpose all you really need to understand is that we can't eat meat on Fridays. (By the way, it really pisses me off when people feel the need to question why we do that and argue that seafood is meat so we shouldn't eat that either. I don't question others' beliefs so don't question mine.) Anyways, I remember when I was little I went to my friends birthday party when we were around 7 or 8yrs old. She went to the same church that I did and her grandparents usually sat near  my family. her birthday was during Lent and they ordered pizza for everyone. I knew I couldn't eat meat so I got cheese pizza and her and the rest of the kids ate the hamburger pizza or whatever. When my mom came to pick me up, her grandma told my mom that she was so impressed that I didn't eat meat. I didn't know it was such a big deal because that's what I always did. The point i'm trying to make with that story though is that nowadays Catholics are alot less strict than they were in the old days, except my grandparents. Also, that just shows how kids are socialized and taught what they're supposed to do from an early age and they don't usually question that.

So basically I practiced like I was supposed to until I moved away for college and then I quit going. I started to question certain beliefs and wasn't sure if I really wanted to continue being Catholic, especially when I started dating a Muslim. At that point, my mom was so afraid that I would convert to Islam. While we dated I learned about the Muslim faith and agreed with certain things and also disagreed with alot of others.  Also, when I was younger I used to attend a Baptist church with my best friend when I would spend the night with her. I've never been closed minded to other people's religion or faith, but i've never felt that way about other people when they judge me for being Catholic. I feel like movies and media portray Catholics as being these evil people with ridiculous beliefs. I always hear stereotypes that we "hide things" and that priests are perverts, etc. Obviously, not everyone is perfect and there's always going to be weirdos out there, regardless of faith.

Since i've started the School of SW, i've noticed that there have been quite a few times when I feel as though i'm hesitant, nervous, or ashamed to say that I am Catholic. For example, i've noticed a bunch of times when people want to bash Catholics because of the birth control issue. I certainly don't agree with that belief because I personally use birth control and i'm not ashamed to admit that. I am a woman and I have a right to use whatever I feel necessary to protect myself. Just because i'm Catholic it doesn't mean that I agree with that belief. Besides, there are other religions who believe the same thing (Correct me if i'm wrong, but aren't Mormons the other people who don't believe in contraceptives?)

So anyways, Wednesday's class discussion about religion really helped me with all my internal struggles dealing with Sw and religion. I loved how Dr. G said that you don't have to agree with every single belief to be considered a part of a faith. I've always felt that I am a true Catholic even though I don't believe every single detail. I'm also very open to learning about other religions as well. I feel like everyone has something good to offer that anyone can use in their daily lives. I don't think that makes me any less Catholic than somone who follows the "rules" step by step. Thanks to everyone who expressed their beliefs on religion and spirituality. It really helped me.

So after hearing Rush's comments on birth control all I have to say is OMG! I saw this post on Fb today and loved it


Enough with the oppression of women and double standards!

I don't understand why people want to bitch (excuse my language) about too many people being on welfare and "taking hard earned tax dollars", then turn right around and say that birth control isn't necessary. WHATEVER.

In the words of Veronica, "Think before you love." <--Love that! lol