The childlike - and often childish - beliefs no longer nourished, inspired, or challenged me. Appropriating an adult sense of faith, however, was an onerous task [that] was often a lonely and bewildering journey. - Diarmuid O'Murchu
WHAT TO READ: Introduction
- In this week’s reading, what captured your attention or provoked a reaction (positive or negative)?
- Where did this lead you?
- What would you like to hear about from others this week?
Posted by bjp
ReplyDeleteI was struck by D O'M's childhood experience of religion (paragraph 2). It was the polar opposite to mine. I can't remember a time when I was not encouraged to ask questions. The religion of my childhood was neither rote, nor rule-bound; not imposed but something I was a participant in. Not a demanding God on high. but a Jesus, "friend of little children"
I now wonder how DO'M's experience will colour his approach to developing an adult faith.
I would like to hear what other's early experience of religion was - was mine unique, or was it more common?
Posted by EWL
DeleteI grew up in an Anglican parish and I never felt that people were oppressed or controlled by the law of the church. It felt like a big extended family. Encouragement to explore your faith however was seldom explicit.
G's thoughts:
DeleteHello folks. I am joining later, as I was on vacation. It is good to see this conversation.
My concern about O'Murchu is the one that bjp introduces - how far are his personal experiences going to colour the book? So far, he seems to be generalizing an awful lot about the world from his own chair with a significant amount of anger and resentment. If this keeps up, it will seriously impede my ability to hear what he has to say.
My early experiences of religion were probably a lot like O'Murchu's: people told me what to believe and what to do on pain of never-ending punishment. But so what? I was also introduced to many evocative and meaningful rituals, as well as to the contemplative aspects of Christianity. I am very grateful for that. And come to think of it, the discipline of listening and obeying did no permanent harm either. As an adult, I get to drive the car where ever I want and I don't feel the least bit intimidated by "authorities". I am also perfectly willing to respect the rules of the road which exist for the common good and not in order to diminish me.
This promises to be interesting...
G
posted by mbm
ReplyDeleteI agree with bjp comment. I suspect the difference is due to catholic versus protestant upbringing.
I found the first part of the book somewhat irritating in it's emotion laid wording concerning the rejection of established institutions. However, I read the chapter on 'theology from the bottom up" today and it is making more sense. The move to permitting everyone to be able to participate in theological discussions rather than just the clergy or academics is well noted.
Posted by EWL
ReplyDeleteWithin this week’s reading I took note of the quote from Naomi Goldenberg, specifically where she speaks of tribal groups. I thought of the street where I grew up and our neighbours who in my mind were identified in part by what church they attended. There were United Church, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian and Anglican families. Around the corner there was even a family that was part of a non-religious tribe.
I also took note of O’Murchu describing himself as a young man on a “turbulent spiritual search”. Is this a common feeling among church goers young and old? I can identify with an ongoing spiritual search but is this contrary to being “saved”?
posted by bjp
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Saint John NB where there was a sharp division between roman catholics and protestants, and knew of but never played with catholic children. Separate school system fostered this, along with the great variety of 'myths' about what each was like. I remember being both curious and confused by the perceived 'differences'.
I agree with the spiritual search part - at some times more intense than at others, but turbulent is not a word that describes my spiritual search. Now trying to cope with and fit into the secular world, that's a different matter..... I think being 'saved' connotes an end state, a confidence in the 'end state', which to me is quite different.