Oh, I feel I'm saying this badly, but suffice it to say that I am doubtful and leery of any organized religion as a WHOLE, but I respect many individuals who are faithful members of those religions as INDIVUDUALS.

Nah, you're not saying it badly. There's strength in numbers--power, and power does corrupt. Any organization (religious, political or otherwise) full of humans has terrific potential for both good and evil, I think. And certainly the Christian church and other religious institutions, and groups of religious people have worked their share of evil.

I try to not mix up those who believe in a particular faith with the irritations and arguments I may have with the ORGANIZATION of religion.

Most religious people who think (and I've found they think at about the same rate as non-religious), also have irritations and arguments with it. I don't know if that helps. I believe that Christianity is true, but I do not think Christians have anything approaching a monopoly on truth, if that makes any sense.

Despite this, I believe there is A God -- some higher animating force behind the universe, something we are all a part of that is a part of all of us. I can sense that. I pray, sometimes, though I'm not sure what I'm praying to. I like the ceremonial trappings of Catholicism, and the deep faith I see in Catholics like JZ. If I could just get over the whole "not believing Jesus was more than a great teacher" thing...

I start the same place you do. I just end convinced of that empty tomb, and the actions of his followers, after its discovery. I am (somewhat unsuccessfully) fighting the urge to gently proselytize (although hopefully in a non-yucky way). Questions aren't that, right? What makes you think he was a great teacher?

eta...

Cindy, after I typed that I realized I probably should have commented in your LJ instead. Feel free to use that however you wish.

That doesn't matter, Maria. I'm just glad to know more of your story.

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What makes you think he was a great teacher?

My religious education stopped in seventh grade, and as such is woefully lacking of the tools I would need for any sort of adult discussion. So it isn't really something I can logically defend, though I probably should be able to if I'm going to say it in a place like this.

That said ... I like not judging. I like being kind to those who are not kind to you. I like clothing the naked and feeding the hungry. I like that he accepted people who were cast out by mainstream society.

All the usual things lefties who don't really know the bible will say, I suspect.

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Cindy, that was utterly gorgeous.

the deep faith I see in Catholics like JZ

Half the time my faith feels skin deep. It's a constant struggle -- a worthwhile one, that strengthens and deepens me, but I'm incessantly plagued by doubts and scruples and a ghastly Lovecraftian horror of the vastness and indifference of the universe. But I think I have the faith gene that Lyra and Jen lack (possibly I have both of theirs as well as my own, which would explain a great deal). I'm physically incapable of un- believing, doubts and fears and all.

ION, heh. I just got a call from the mock clinic people. They desperately need someone this Sunday and I couldn't turn it down -- they want me to be a sullen, irritable, heroin-addicted singer in a rock band with infective endocarditis. I kind of think I have to do it.

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a sullen, irritable, heroin-addicted singer in a rock band with infective endocarditis.

They want you to be Charlie! With endocarditis.

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Can you BE sullen in bloomers?

Must ask Jilli.

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Can you BE sullen in bloomers?

Must ask Jilli.

Yes. It's a bit tricky, but it can be done. One can also be sullen in a stripey skirt, velvet jacket, and top hat, as I've discovered today.

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I suppose I should go image-Google track marks so I can do the makeup, but the thought makes me faintly queasy. It's much more fun to think about costumes.

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How close will the audience be, JZ? I mean, can't you just do some arm and leg bruises, surrounded some scar tissue?

I'm sorry you were channeling Sullen!Goth today, Jilli. But I'm sure you were sullen and pretty.

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I'm sorry you were channeling Sullen!Goth today, Jilli. But I'm sure you were sullen and pretty.

That's what Pete said on the phone, just a few minutes ago.

looks around suspiciously

You people are talking behind my back, aren't you?

I'm still kinda sullen and cranky, and also cranky because I don't want to BE cranky. I would stamp my feet and growl, but have been informed by certain people that doing that is terribly cute, not fierce. H

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Yeah, Pete and me are on each other's speed-dial, purely for HottVicarious JilliGossip.

Caught!

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