So, I’ve made it onto someone’s “good news” list.

“Good news” as in those little sniping emails sent to remind you how someone is just rejoicing away in the glow of the lord. (you cannot here the musical cadence to my voice when I say that phrase hence the italics)

I’ve never felt compelled to club anyone over the head with my religious beliefs. I don’t particularly like it when I find myself getting those kinds of emails.

I’m one of those weird people who thinks all religions pretty much have it right. I don’t think there’s a wrong way to worship (and isn’t that mighty big of me as if it’s my decision - or anyone’s for that matter to make).

While there seems to be a great deal of focus on who’s method of worship is correct, the western religions all seem to share a great deal with one and other. Much more than some people would have you believe. Also, I always find it interesting to learn what the beliefs are of the people around me so, I try against my own closed nature not to come to the table with any preconceptions. As a result, I’ve been fortunate enough to learn some very interesting things through the years I probably wouldn’t have if I didn’t take the time out to listen.

I’m a lapsed catholic (cat’lick), meaning I feel guilty whenever I think about something that doesn’t fit into the rigid moral code of the teachings of the church. Still, I haven’t set foot in a church in a long, long time. I just lumber along figuring if I can stay true to the moral compass I was given for the most part, I’ll be alright.

It’s not that I don’t imagine there’s a God or even that I pray on occasion (though I find myself a little embarrassed to admit it), it’s just that I don’t put much stock in the temporal body of the church.

Funny thing is when I went to Rome a few years back, I did make it over to the Vatican and was sorry I didn’t get a chance to enjoy a mass lead by the pope. I also have to admit I got really jazzed about St. Peter’s and the whole Vatican city thing - it really was an incredible experience for me. Yet, I didn’t come away feeling the compulsion to convert all my friends and acquaintances over to Catholicism.

It wouldn’t be right.

It not only wouldn’t be right, it would be downright rude and insulting. I never would assume my form of belief is the correct form of belief or better than anyone else’s. But, there are those os us that don’t feel similar to me in that regard and find there is not only a comfort in their faith but a certain superiority in the structure of their beliefs (guess they’ll get to cut the line into Heaven).

That’s okay by me though, I’m just as willing to take my number and wait my turn - and if for some reason my way of doing things is wrong, something tells me I’ll be forgiven.

In the meantime, I’d sure like to avoid all those well-meaning people who seem to have such a better way of worshipping than me - I don’t want to be nasty about it but, I really wish they’d get the hint.