Friday, April 10, 2009

Blog against theocracy

I've never participated in this before, but I feel compelled to try my hand at it now. I have a dozen different projects and concerns pulling at me, and I need to get this post finished before I go to bed Thursday night, because I plan on spending the better part of Friday and Saturday (hopefully) in fasting, prayer and household chores. Fortunately for me, and for you, there are plenty of people participating in this who can tackle complex issues of faith, government and politics far better than I could. I'll start small.

The past several weeks have been an unusual and intense time for me.


A vacation trip to New Orleans, for Mardi Gras of all things, led directly to something of a spiritual renewal for me. It also led to my going to confession for the first time in 18 years, and receiving communion again. I won't bore you with the details, but I was lucky enough to wander into St Louis Cathedral while confessions were being heard, and the priest on duty also turned out to be one of the chaplains for the New Orleans Police Department. I walked out of that cathedral feeling better than I've felt in years.

I suppose that what I'm trying to say is that I am grateful to be experiencing a renewal of my faith.
I can't explain it, but I know for certain that my faith does not depend on the validation, sanction or support of any government entity.

I think that it's important to remind our observant brothers and sisters that the separation of church and state is there as much to protect the faithful from the corrupting influences of "worldly" politics as it is to protect government from the influence of religion. Religion needs to be about mercy, redemption and salvation, not about the exercise of government power or the legislating of a particular theology. It is the height of human arrogance to believe we can understand God's will, let alone presume to speak for Him in an attempt to shape legislation and state policies.

You can read plenty here: Blog Against Theocracy

That is all.

37 comments:

SkylersDad said...

Interesting post Bubs. I was raised Catholic, but saw too much hypocrisy in it and other religions that I tried. What lead me to walking away from religion was how Skyler was treated in a couple of churches we attended. He has had better treatment and attitudes toward him from thugs...

Joe said...

Skylersdad, I totally understand that. I think your experience is not uncommon, and it's a damnable shame to think of Skyler being treated so poorly. Ugh. Seeing how poorly church-going people treat others in church makes me especially eager to keep them out of government.

Utah Savage said...

I'm an atheist, and a snarky bitch most days, but I think this is a lovely post and I'm happy for you. I never had any faith to lose. I searched for a religion that would provide for me just what you've described. I never found it, but I'm happy for you Bubs. And this is probably the perfect kind of Blog Against Theocracy. It does just what's needed to get the point across. And doesn't piss anybody off. Nicely done.

Tengrain said...

Nice Post, Bubs, but then again, I think that you are a nice guy.

Best regards,

Tengrain

two crows said...

like your post, Bubs.

I walked away from dogmatic religion a long time ago -- and then found a 'religion' [except it's not really] that I could embrace.

it's outlined at
http://the-turtles-back.blogspot.com
in case you're interested.

it's not faith-based -- it's logic based. and it never persecuted anyone. my kinda 'religion'.

Padre Mickey said...

Great post, Bubs. I will be way too busy to participate in the blogswarm, but I will say this: anytime church and state get together, it is the church which gets corrupted and it never seems that the state improves. Reason enough to keep them separate, in my opinion.

Johnny Yen said...

Beautifully said, Bubs.

Thorne said...

Great post! Religion right where it should be... between you and your God. :-)

Coaster Punchman said...

Timely post considering this hateful commercial that has been playing about how all this "gay marriage" is signaling the beginning of the end of "religious freedom."

Distributorcap said...

bubs...

what a terrific post - and i couldnt be happier for such a terrific guy ---

you really have a way with words.....

Mnmom said...

Excellent post! Like your other readers, I agree that it's just such a personal thing. I seek, but haven't yet found. But I know for a fact that church and state must be kept separate, for the good of both and all.

Erik Donald France said...

On the same approximate wavelength, Bubs. St. Louis Cathedral scene -- might make a cool story. I like being Catholic, and agree about separation of church and state.

Gifted Typist said...

Amen, Bubs.

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