It is extremely interesting being a non-catholic in a catholic work environment. Not bad, just interesting. I have observed both the power and the prejudice that comes from devout religion at my work. I have seen people demonstrate their devotion in both loving and intolerant ways, but mostly I believe that my observations have led me to a deeper understanding of what a community is, and that is certainly not a bad experience to be a part of. If anything, at times it has been quite wonderful to witness.
It is of little or no consequence to me which religion people choose to put their faith into. Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Wiccan, Jewish, Christianity or anything else - it makes no difference. Because people are not defined by what they place their faith in, they are defined by what they do in their everyday lives.
I personally have absolutely no issue with any religion that offers people hope, if it is faith that you require than I say have it. Craig and I were both predominantly raised in a catholic environment, my grandmother who practically raised me in my pre-school years was an extremely devote catholic and spent many hours either in church or thinking about church. This never stopped her from gossiping about her community or being stubborn to a fault, but it did give her an anchor to tether herself to during difficult times and something to believe in.
I think we all need something to believe in. I also do not believe that it has to be in the form of an interventionist God. If a person is only good because they are looking for a divine reward in the afterlife, then that person is an asshole. Simply having faith does not make one good or better than someone else. From my experiences, some people that claim to be religious are about as corrupt as they come. Not because their choice of faith is poor, but because they have poor character.
The bottom line is that faith is a choice, just as much as kindness and charity. But I would rather see people adopt a more sound approach to things like fraternity, humility, equality and justice than I would like to see people hanging their hat on faith alone. It's totally okay for people to love their God, it's just vital that they don't get bogged down with all of the dogma and lose sight of the bigger picture.
It is of little or no consequence to me which religion people choose to put their faith into. Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Wiccan, Jewish, Christianity or anything else - it makes no difference. Because people are not defined by what they place their faith in, they are defined by what they do in their everyday lives.
I personally have absolutely no issue with any religion that offers people hope, if it is faith that you require than I say have it. Craig and I were both predominantly raised in a catholic environment, my grandmother who practically raised me in my pre-school years was an extremely devote catholic and spent many hours either in church or thinking about church. This never stopped her from gossiping about her community or being stubborn to a fault, but it did give her an anchor to tether herself to during difficult times and something to believe in.
I think we all need something to believe in. I also do not believe that it has to be in the form of an interventionist God. If a person is only good because they are looking for a divine reward in the afterlife, then that person is an asshole. Simply having faith does not make one good or better than someone else. From my experiences, some people that claim to be religious are about as corrupt as they come. Not because their choice of faith is poor, but because they have poor character.
The bottom line is that faith is a choice, just as much as kindness and charity. But I would rather see people adopt a more sound approach to things like fraternity, humility, equality and justice than I would like to see people hanging their hat on faith alone. It's totally okay for people to love their God, it's just vital that they don't get bogged down with all of the dogma and lose sight of the bigger picture.
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Release Date: 1939
Rating: PG
Running Time: 102 mins
It's an MGM golden oldie alright, but those bloody flying monkeys still manage to creep little kids out even today! It's difficult to say what I like best about this film, is it the ruby slippers? Maybe it's all that singing that Dorothy does, or maybe it's some link to my own childhood that I find so engaging, who really cares? It's a classic that speaks volumes about faith, girl power and bitches fighting over shoes.
When Dorothy's house gets blow away by a massive twister, she awakens to find herself in the magical Land of Oz. Oz is a joyful place, filled with munchkin people and good witches, but in order to get home again Dorothy must get her wish granted by a wizard. Seems simple enough, until the Wicked Witch of the West turns up demanding her ruby slippers back that magically ended up on Dorothy's feet after her house squashed the wicked witches sister to death, who just happened to be wearing them at the time.
Anyway, Dorothy has to avoid the green faced witch (and her creepy flying monkeys) and get to the wizard by following a yellow brick road. Along the way she befriends a tin man, a scarecrow and a lion that all need their wishes granted too. It's all really weird, but somehow it works!
Oz is captured in brilliant technicolor brightness and home back in Kansas in black and white, which was a clever and exciting new idea back in the 1930's. Judy Garland is so young and adorable as Dorothy, and man she sure can sing and dance! But it was always Margaret Hamilton's portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West that really freaked me out as a kid, she's just so deliciously evil!
FINAL SAY: I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!
3 Chili Peppers
Release Date: 1939
Rating: PG
Running Time: 102 mins
It's an MGM golden oldie alright, but those bloody flying monkeys still manage to creep little kids out even today! It's difficult to say what I like best about this film, is it the ruby slippers? Maybe it's all that singing that Dorothy does, or maybe it's some link to my own childhood that I find so engaging, who really cares? It's a classic that speaks volumes about faith, girl power and bitches fighting over shoes.
When Dorothy's house gets blow away by a massive twister, she awakens to find herself in the magical Land of Oz. Oz is a joyful place, filled with munchkin people and good witches, but in order to get home again Dorothy must get her wish granted by a wizard. Seems simple enough, until the Wicked Witch of the West turns up demanding her ruby slippers back that magically ended up on Dorothy's feet after her house squashed the wicked witches sister to death, who just happened to be wearing them at the time.
Anyway, Dorothy has to avoid the green faced witch (and her creepy flying monkeys) and get to the wizard by following a yellow brick road. Along the way she befriends a tin man, a scarecrow and a lion that all need their wishes granted too. It's all really weird, but somehow it works!
Oz is captured in brilliant technicolor brightness and home back in Kansas in black and white, which was a clever and exciting new idea back in the 1930's. Judy Garland is so young and adorable as Dorothy, and man she sure can sing and dance! But it was always Margaret Hamilton's portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West that really freaked me out as a kid, she's just so deliciously evil!
FINAL SAY: I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!
3 Chili Peppers
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