Beliefs

I rarely openly speak-out about my faith (I believe one’s Religion and Beliefs – or lack thereof) is a personal issue, but lately I have seen too many people – Politicians and Regular People – throw their Religion and Beliefs on others as though it was a weapon while at the same time being hypocritical in what they say they believe and what they actually do.

I am a Roman Catholic. I was born and raised a Catholic.

I was Christened in a Catholic Church in New York a few days after I was born. I attended a Catholic School from 1^st-part of 5^th Grade.

When I was younger I wanted to grow-up and be a Priest (until I learned they couldn’t marry and have a Family.) Despite not becoming a Priest I have tried to be a good Catholic throughout my life.

Yes, I have made mistakes, questioned things and I don’t fully believe in everything the Church did or does, but I can say the same about many things. For example: I believe the United States of America is the greatest country in the world and take the good and the bad with that.

I also firmly believe in the American Principle of “Separation of Church and State.”

Some countries (like Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, etc.) believe in the opposite: the Church is the State and that one Religion is better qualified than all others to rule so the Monarch has to be a Man or Woman of that Religion – which regulates everyone of a different Religion to Second-Class Citizens. I say that as a Canadian Citizen.

I once dated a Northern Irish Woman while studying in Russia. Things were going well until she learned I was Catholic and ended things because she was a Protestant and said it would never be accepted in Northern Ireland. I made a point to go to Northern Ireland (and Ireland) in 2010 and saw first-hand what she was talking about.

On the other side I know many Roman Catholics that have married Protestants and have no issues.

As an American Citizen I have always believed in the “Separation of Church and State.” I fought for a new Voting Location when my Polling Station in Virginia was at a Church. It didn’t feel-right, as an American, that I should be forced to do Politics on any level in any House of Worship. In the end, I was allowed to vote at the County Offices instead of the Church.

Another thing I firmly believe in is doing good where you can. My Mom always taught me to “Do Good” and I have tried to follow that – both her words and her countless examples.

 She taught me that while we are Catholics we are not superior to anyone else, regardless of their Religion or their Beliefs. She showed me how to stand-up for those being attacked (physically and verbally) for their Religion and their Beliefs.

She taught me that while many people will “preach” that they are Religious by constantly throwing their Faith and Beliefs into the faces of others those same people also tend to be the less-Religious of everyone else and are only using their Religion to bring others down.

My point in all of this is not to convert anyone to becoming a Roman Catholic (or any Religion.) I believe in what I believe in and everyone else can do the same. My main point is that be weary of anyone who spews Religion or anything as though it is a weapon, see if they practice what they preach and in the end only doing good and helping where you can matters.