Good Friday Contemplations

To avoid controversy, it’s a good idea to stay away from politics and religion. That’s the conventional wisdom.

Never being one to shy away from criticism—both justly deserved and unfairly meted out, I have steeped this blog in politics many a time, but have so far stayed away from religion.

Until today.

It’s Good Friday, the day that Jesus died on the cross. This Holy Week is different than most though, as the Catholic Church is now facing a scandal that goes right to the top---landing at the feet of the Pope himself.

I won’t go there—in part because I was raised Catholic, which may poison my objectivity—and mostly because I doubt that anyone knows exactly what occurred, save for the parties directly involved. Instead, I put forth a few observations in general about organized religions, whatever they may be.

First, is it possible to simultaneously grow more SPIRITUAL while growing less RELIGIOUS?

I think so—and I think that I’m living proof.

As I get older—each day nearing my eventual demise (“Table for one in HELL, please!”), I find myself feeling more sentimental, more grateful for the blessings in my life—and more in awe of the wonders of nature. At the same time, I grow more cynical of organized religions, be they Catholic, Islamic, Scientologist, Baptist…you name it.

I believe in Christ—and if the scriptures are at all accurate, it seems to me that Jesus left us with ONE supreme commandment: “Love your God with all your heart and soul and love your neighbor as yourself”

That’s it.

Put all life situations through that filter—or even the trendy “What Would Jesus Do?” and you’ll be left with a pretty good roadmap for living. Not easy, but simple and direct.

So, how is it that this one command has grown into volumes and volumes of rituals, rules, regulations and restrictions? The answer is: human beings.

Not to target my own Church, but it is a historical fact that many past popes were corrupt to the point of criminal. The direct successor to the apostle Peter has been caught up in the politics of the time, subject to the passions of mortals and susceptible to the trappings and pitfalls of power.

It has been said that more people have died “in the name of god” than for any other reason. Not sure if this is true, but “holy wars”, where the zeal to convert has caused those resistant to lose their lives—is also a historical fact.

The Church has been a largely positive influence in my life—and I hope in the lives of my children. Perhaps the greatest gift of religion (for me) is simply the practice of regular worship—a defined time to set aside for prayer and reflection. Human beings need constant reinforcement—and the ritual of mass (or other ceremonies) tend to bring us to at least a weekly “home plate” to touch and reinvigorate our faith. Even the apostles needed this—after walking with Jesus and personally witnessing the miracles that I believe truly occurred. After all this direct experience, they still ran away when he was arrested and Peter denied Jesus three times.

We are weak. We need the support.

What irks me more than anything is the intolerance that supposedly “religious” people inflict on those who do not share their world view. These “Christians” spew hate and judgment—all in the name of Christ. Makes the lyric in the hymn “ They will know we are Christians by our Love, by our Love” seem a bit hypocritical, no?

Whether directed at gays, at those of other faiths or those with opposing POLITICAL views, these “followers of Christ” have seemed to forget the adage: “Judge not, lest ye be judged".

I won’t speak to the current problems of the Catholic Church—my opinion is of no relevance. I’d like to think that my relationship is with God/Jesus—and not the institution created by sinful human beings.

LIVE AND LET LIVE.

DO NOT JUDGE OTHERS

And above all: LOVE

These emotions will heal a scarred world, starting with our own families, friends, coworkers and acquaintances.

Here’s hoping you have a safe and healthy and happy Easter—regardless of your “religion”—or even whether or not you believe in God.
You are loved regardless!

If you’d like my blog in your box weekdays, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com