Joanna, when I was about six or seven years old, after attending a Methodist service in our nearby village, my Mom said I always seemed uncomfortable in church, and asked if I would prefer not to go to church on Sunday with her. It would be OK, because my Dad didn't attend church services and I could stay home. I jumped at the chance. It…
Joanna, when I was about six or seven years old, after attending a Methodist service in our nearby village, my Mom said I always seemed uncomfortable in church, and asked if I would prefer not to go to church on Sunday with her. It would be OK, because my Dad didn't attend church services and I could stay home. I jumped at the chance. It never made sense to me. I will be forever grateful to her for understanding me so well at that young age. Looking back, I know I spent far less effort "unlearning" what our culture was attempting to inculcate in me, and in everyone else. Eventually I arrived at a view of the divine aspect of the universe with which I am completely comfortable. I understand that the Catholic Church, and the rest of the religious establishment, are trying to do the right thing. But I wish that Genesis did not contain gender-specific pronouns. I wish there were a Mrs God in that story, fully equal in stature and power to Mr God. For starters.
The first time my parents took me to Sunday school when I was five, I kicked the Sunday school teacher in the shins and called her a "Liar," starting my parents' voyage through Denver churches resulting from my "outrageous behavior" on Sundays. Outside of attending funeral services for friends, I haven't voluntarily darkened the doorway of a church since leaving home the first day I could.
David, I'm glad you have come to some peaceful place and your mom was really terrific in understanding you. I like the idea of Mrs. God, I mean, why not? I have also come to a peaceful place in my life, and I believe one must find that place from within.
Joanna, when I was about six or seven years old, after attending a Methodist service in our nearby village, my Mom said I always seemed uncomfortable in church, and asked if I would prefer not to go to church on Sunday with her. It would be OK, because my Dad didn't attend church services and I could stay home. I jumped at the chance. It never made sense to me. I will be forever grateful to her for understanding me so well at that young age. Looking back, I know I spent far less effort "unlearning" what our culture was attempting to inculcate in me, and in everyone else. Eventually I arrived at a view of the divine aspect of the universe with which I am completely comfortable. I understand that the Catholic Church, and the rest of the religious establishment, are trying to do the right thing. But I wish that Genesis did not contain gender-specific pronouns. I wish there were a Mrs God in that story, fully equal in stature and power to Mr God. For starters.
The first time my parents took me to Sunday school when I was five, I kicked the Sunday school teacher in the shins and called her a "Liar," starting my parents' voyage through Denver churches resulting from my "outrageous behavior" on Sundays. Outside of attending funeral services for friends, I haven't voluntarily darkened the doorway of a church since leaving home the first day I could.
So revealing my friend.
It was men doing the translations.
David, I'm glad you have come to some peaceful place and your mom was really terrific in understanding you. I like the idea of Mrs. God, I mean, why not? I have also come to a peaceful place in my life, and I believe one must find that place from within.