A Response To My Last Entry

I've posted my last entry "How Can One Be Spiritual and Not Go To Church?" on Facebook and I have gotten this response:


" this particular post called my attention. i suppose you are inviting dissent, considering that you have made it a public announcement.

It seems that your targeting of those who do not attend the Church or who do not follow the Commandments the way you see it fit (and yes, your way, because I doubt God literally calls you up) is based on a western Christian way of thinking. No wonder we have so misunderstandings among cultures!

How can you ignore the fact that people have different-spiritual rules that exist outside of the Church and even inside those who consider themselves Cristian or Catholic, it seems as you strategically forget that the Church, aside from preaching rules from God, are also based on rules that perpetuate elitism, gender discrimination, and many times classism and hidden forms of racism. I love God and respect God, but I do not need to follow an institution that alienates me or the communities I live in. Perhaps you need to step outside of what those norms mean and where do they come from before accepting them as universal truths.

this criticism is a joint effort by my best friend and I. we're also open to your opinion/response."

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Here is what I had to say:

"Thank you for taking the time to read what I had to say and for posting your comment. I know that religion is a very touchy subject and can cause a lot of anger and "dissent." However, from reading your response, I felt you may have took what I had to say personally. It was not my intention to "invite dissent." It was not my intention to discriminate or judge anyone who is outside of my faith. I do feel it is important to express my faith...even if it means being scorned by those who do not share the same beliefs.

My entry was mainly addressing Catholics and other Christians who say they are spiritual but do not see it as a priority to go to church. Church is a huge part of the Catholic Christian faith because it is God's House. I do not see it fit for a Catholic Christian to say "I'm spiritual but I don't see the need to go to Church." They are contradicting themselves because they are denying a huge part of their spirituality.


It sounds like you are having doubts with church because you feel they are run by "hypocrites." Please read my blog entry: http://insideacatholicmind.blogspot.com/2008/04/why-go-to-church-if-it-is-run-by.html

Thank you... I will keep you in my prayers. God bless."