Why I'm Catholic

I have nothing against atheists, agnostics or those who choose to remain religiously neutral. I'll even admit that some large problems have been because of religion. Do the Crusades ring a bell? I cringe whenever I hear about the priests accused of pedophilia, but assure myself that more than half of the accused are just false claims made to ruin someone's reputation. However, this isn't about defending wrongfully accused, but rather to defend my identity as a Catholic. In a world where two extremes seem to be fighting for control: the fundamentalist Christians and the outspoken secularists, finding a healthy medium is the best course of action.

What does that mean? I like to embrace my identity but at the same time not condemn someone for believing in something different. The word catholic means "universal, all-embracing", and this is easily witnessed through all the various charities and events sponsored by Catholic churches and organizations. When I attended Catholic school I remember having a Jewish student in my class one year and a Canadian Muslim another. The principal and community could have denied admission to these two boys, but the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens is vehemently against discrimination on the basis of religion and race. Catholic Charities also cater to the needs of the poor and provide additional social services, irregardless of religious affiliation.

Another thing I like about being Catholic is the idea of Confession. People argue that having the opportunity to cleanse yourself of your sins only gives the freedom to continue sinning, knowing that no matter what is done there's an opportunity for a clean slate. Life is full of chances to sin, and no one is able to live without having at least impure thoughts. It's part of being human, and if we were to live without this then we would not be human. On the other hand, acknowledging those moments and asking for forgiveness is like an editor going over a transcript and making corrections. By reviewing our actions in front of a priest, we are admitting that we are not like God because we are not perfect, but that we will try each day to improve ourselves and the gift of life that we have.

Sometimes when I'm on the train people come on spouting the miracle of knowing Jesus. One one occasion, shortly after 9/11, a woman said we should pray for the souls of those lost at the Twin Towers because they were not saved. By saved, she meant that they didn't know Jesus. According to her, if they knew Jesus they would have survived. I've heard the expression holy roller countless times, but to me this woman was more than that. She was basically saying that everyone that lost their life that day, over one thousand people, died because they were not Christian. For the record, I do not condone that kind of speech, and I can say the same for anyone that's a true Catholic. I've never known a Catholic to go around telling others that their religion was wrong, and that if they didn't convert then they were going to hell for eternity. I have, however, spoken to my mother about an experience she had with a Jehovah's Witness that she kindly opened the door for. When my mother told the Witness that we were Catholic, therefore accounted for and in no need of being recruited, the woman said "Oh that's alright" and proceeded to show my mother JW literature. What is that comment "oh that's alright" supposed to mean? If someone has a religion and seems happy telling you about it, then it's at that point that they be left alone.

I am always interested exploring others' religion in a respectful environment, but will never force someone to believe what I believe. Everyone is different, and that's definitely something I can live with.