I come by my mixed faiths honestly. My father was not a Catholic, my mother was a Catholic, her father was a Catholic, her mother was Jewish. I joined the United Methodist Church, and after that a Church of Christ in the middle of an attempted reconstruction from the Boston Movement. Doctrinally I think I’m closest to the Churches of Christ; as a humanitarian, more Jewish; politically, Methodist; and spiritually Catholic.
I believe as most Christian denominations as recited in the Apostles’ Creed. I believe in the spirit of Mary, the Mother of Jesus; I refer to her as the Blessed Mother rather than the Eternal Virgin. I believe worship is best offered simply, I don’t believe in spectacles. I believe in doing what’s good and what’s right. This makes me no different from any other Christian.
SO WHY’S IT SUCH A BIG FREAKIN DEAL THAT I DON’T BELONG TO A CHURCH??
No church is perfect. We’re all sinners. But each one has its prescription for membership. Catholicism, eight months of catechism. The Church of Christ would have me submit to a discipler and show my true repentance through participation in all activities. The Jews would turn me away as a righteous gentile at least three times. Methodists would take me back in a heartbeat, after a one-hour Sunday school class. But I’d never be happy in any of them.
Some of this church, some of that church, some Jewish prayers, a connection to the Blessed Mother. Christendom calls this “cafeteria-style” faith, taking pieces that you like and leaving the rest; and it’s not a compliment, either. You’re supposed to commit yourself to a local congregation and stay there. I can’t. Each congregation has truth and inspiration, but you put a million of them together and you get a million different sets of doctrines. Each church is… well… cafeteria-style.
I believe, in the kingdom come,
Then all the colors will bleed into one, bleed into one;
But yes, I’m still running;
You broke the bonds and You loosed the chains,
Carried the cross of my shame, of my shame,
You know I believe it;
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.
Beliefnet indicates that I’m most in line with Liberal Quakers. Maybe I should seek them out.
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