I was raised in the Catholic faith but became disenchanted very early (10 years old). We had arrived in NYC from Cuba as refugees and my mother took us to the local Catholic church to enroll us (my brother and myself) in school. She explained our situation to the priest and he proceeded to tell her that when and if she donated one year of weekly contributions in clearly mark envelopes to the Church we would then be entitled to enroll in school. I told my mother I did not want to go to school there and we went to our local public school. I am not saying all Catholic churches are like this particular one but it affected me deeply at the time and still does to some extent.
I have studied many of the world religions and found them all equally beautiful and valid. As for me, I feel that God(dess) is within me and I must go out in the world and do no harm. I also feel I must lend a hand when I see someone who needs my help.
I believe Jesus was a great teacher and I believe in his message. I really don't buy into all the resurrection nonsense because to me it makes no difference. He came, he taught (by example) and his message is there for all to see. It is a message of love, forgiveness and compassion. The whole idea that he was the only "son" of God is pure nonsense. We are children of God..every single one of us. We are here to help and love each other. This is why I don't understand the direction this country is taking.
To put out a message that being gay is somehow wrong is ridiculous.Gay or straight you are child of God and you are equally loved by your maker. To say that a woman has to carry a child she doesn't want or maybe cannot afford is nonsense. You are not that woman and therefore I believe what Jesus taught ..which is not to judge others until you finish with yourself. I am 49 and still not perfect..are you?
This was a country founded on the concept of freedom and the pursuit of happiness. You cannot be happy without freedom...freedom of belief, of action, of worship. This why I love this country with all my heart and why I will be willing to die to protect those freedoms..and it doesn't matter who tries to take them away..whether it is a minority which right now thinks it owns the country or a terrorist that thinks America is easy pickings.
I know I am not alone...I am one of the silent majority...the rational majority and we will take our country back.