First of all, I want to say that this will come across as a little bit of a rant. It is based on no articles or sources other than my own experiences over the last month. If you don't like talking about religion or want to discuss it in a civilized manner than don't bother reading further.
I am a Catholic. However, I don't regularly go to church other than certain familial obligations and most major religious holidays. I can attribute this to several different reasons. The first, my local priest was moved to another parish about an hour away as per Catholic regulations. He has been a family friend for most of my life, so losing him decreased the chance of myself going to church. Also, I have a being problem with organized religion in general. You will see why after the fold.
About a month ago some young women came around my neighborhood from the independent Baptist church in my town. They were inviting people to a community outreach/open house kind of event at the church. I have no problem with any churches trying to be involved int he community or even trying to attract more members. They left some information and wished me a nice day. The information sat on my table for a few days and probably made it to the recycling on garbage night.
Yesterday, the same young women came back, although in smaller numbers. They knocked on my door at around 10 in the morning and said that they had been around about a month ago. The young lady asked if I had a chance to read the pamphlet they had left and I was honest and told her that I probably did not read it because I really don't remember.
She then continued on to say that it was "important that we find religion especially with what is going on in the country today". There are a number of different ways that one could interpret that statement. The poor are getting poorer? People are out of work, homeless, starving and dying due to lack of healthcare? I doubt that is what she meant however. Usually when I here someone devoutly religious say something like that I assume that it is code for something else. In this case, my guess is she was saying that we have those "damn liberals" running the country (or perhaps that Kenyan President). Do I know this for sure? No. But I suspect based on the rest of the conversation this was the case.
After that statement I told her that I was a Catholic and that I attend church (sometimes). She said that it was "great that you go to church. But, that is not how you are going to get into heaven." There is only one way that I could take that I am sure. If you are Catholic, you are going to hell.
At this point I told the young woman that I did not see how the conversation was going to end well and told her to "have a nice day." I did this instinctively, because my fundamentally religious belief is that there is enough good in man to defeat the evil in man. A thousand things were going through my head at that moment, such as "excuse me" or "if going to heaven meant being there with you, then I'll pass." But all I could say was "have a nice day". That is my religion.
This brings me back to my problem with organized religion. A lot of religions think that their shit doesn't stink. Further, it is amazing to me that most religions believe that only those that follow their faith are in God's favor. Give me a break. As long as you believe you are in God's favor in my opinion. I choose to believe in love and justice for humanity.
That being said, I have a Christening to go to. I'll see you at Church. Occasionally.