July 15, 2006

Invitations to Cross Rivers In New Shoes

Yesterday, I posted the link to 'safe' churches. Today, it was linked by Robert at the Llamas, and I left a comment about my own search. Some of what I said:

... I'm going through a similar quest right now. There's no way I can ever be Roman Catholic, not to mention I don't see why I should have to abandon my church. I'd rather stay and fight, or find a related church. I have my great grandmother's Prayer Book, and I'm not giving that heritage up willingly. Now here, there is a traditional Anglican parish here that's always been 1928 BCP. But when I move to Utah, I'm in trouble. Oddly enough, for such a conservative state, it seems they have one of the most liberal dioceses going.

Confession: I really self edit on this subject. I shouldn't -- it's my blog after all. But whenever I do post about the troubles my Church is having, and my own personal struggle, I invariably get well meaning Roman Catholics telling me I should convert, 'cross the Tiber!'. The thing is, I would never say something similar if they were having issues with their church. Why would you tell someone they should abandon their faith? I just don't get that. I would offer my prayers and support, but not "Oh, you should convert!", like it's something akin to changing your shoes. The other part is that I have lots of RC friends, people I'm very fond of, and I don't want to inadvertently hurt their feelings. I don't even read a lot of religious posts on some blogs because frankly, they're hurtful. Maybe I take 'do unto others' a little too seriously. Yes, I probably do. But I couldn't say similar things about their faith, no matter what objections I have to their church, I just can't. Not only would I feel mean, but it's not very Christian in the way I was brought up to think of as 'Christian Behaviour'.

So I don't know if I'll post much about the current path I'm on or not. Experience has taught me it's not such a great idea, but maybe things can change. Who knows?

Posted by Ithildin at July 15, 2006 12:19 PM | PROCURE FINE OLD WORLD ABSINTHE

Ith, feel free to post away on any topic you want to talk about. And while religion is a sensitive subject it can be discussed with civility and respect for all.

As for suggestions to convert, most likley they are not a plea to abandon your heritage or faith but an offer of welcome and friendship by those who care about you.

Personally, I have never thought about changing my faith. I regularly however, take issue with the many people who are trying to change my "church" to suit them.

More often then not, I tell them to just leave the "church" if they are not happy. They do not speak for me and since they are the ones who want change, they should leave.

I am not sure exactly what concerns you have but
somehow I do not think you doubt your faith. I have seen you live it, in deed not just in words.

More likely, certain vocal interest groups are hijacking or changing your "church" into something different and as such you worry about your place in it going forward.

I do offer you my prayers that you find peace in your "church". A place where you can practice your faith in harmony with the heritage and traditions given to you by your great grandmother.

Roberta

Posted by: Roberta at July 15, 2006 4:30 PM

Ith, my secret love, those well meaning but ham-handed suggestions aren't offensive if one interprets them in the proper light.

There is but one Christian faith: Christianity itself, as dictated by its Founder during His time on Earth. No one would dream of suggesting that you abandon that. Your choice is among the various sects that claim to be the best conservators of His message to Mankind, that's all.

We Catholics can look a bit strange to outsiders. Sometimes we can sound strange, too. But I truly believe, as do those who have made those suggestions, that our Church, despite its faults and missteps, does the best job of all the Christian denominations of preserving and promulgating Christ's message to Mankind. Nothing more.

Don't be hurt by that. Your Catholic friends are trying to give you the best counsel they have, by their own lights. They're treating you as they believe they'd like you to treat them, were your circumstances reversed. In other words, they're trying to act like Christians.

Posted by: Francis W. Porretto at July 15, 2006 6:34 PM

Nice site. I like your writing.

Posted by: Imperial Logic at July 16, 2006 3:41 AM

Godspeed to you, Ith: I'm sure you'll find whatever is the right path for you. And I'll take comfort in thinking of you as a Righteous Gentile regardless. ;-)

Posted by: Dave J at July 16, 2006 10:20 AM

I think Ith knows which way I would cheer for her to go - but she also knows I feel the same way she does. Its hard being caught in the middle especially when there are so many things about the Anglican church to share. If anything, the one peculiar aspect about Anglicanism that I love so much (its independence) is the one thing that is making it hard to come together. I try to remember it is the traditionalism that is the defining point for me, not whether or not it is in association with one particular group or not.

Best wishes, Ith. I keep praying that those who are wishing to return Anglicanism to an apostolic and catholic (little 'c', my friends) faith will eventually succeed and you wont have to worry about moving some place where participating in it becomes a sacrifice.

Posted by: Sharon Ferguson at July 16, 2006 1:32 PM