This is sort of a tangent, but hell. We have space for comments, so why not. =P
I have less trouble with Catholics because I think a lot of them are there because the magic doesn't work for them in other churches.
This is the explanation I've gotten to. What it does mean to me, though, is that the ritual trappings are more important to them than the organization's well-earned reputation as a force of destruction and suffering. Now, we can say all we want about how important ritual beauty and spiritual mystery are, but what it does come down to is that those things are clearly what is more important to the people who stay for them than the harm being done in their name all over the world.
It sounds ugly to say it that way, but to me it really is exactly that ugly. I have a hard time imagining any ritual so beautiful that it would encourage me to give time, money, and PR to the Roman Catholic Church (to continue our example). Why? Because for me, deliberate (or at least willing) harm done to innocent people is a dealbreaker.
I mean, I wouldn't stand by the ASPCA if they earned a reputation for raping members' dogs, let alone their children, so I have a hard time understanding the priorities of people who will put their faith and confidence in the Catholic Church, giving it money and credibility in return (even knowing what the church will turn around and use that money and credibility for).
It's just hard for me. Politics is really important to me because "politics" isn't some abstract philosophical thing with no impact on real people. Asking "should abortion be legal" isn't like asking "which Ghostbuster is the most awesome." I mean, for some people, to whom those impacted by their decisions are not real, I guess it's as trivial as acknowledging Egon Spangler's clear and obvious supremacy. Even though people who prefer Venckman are PLAINLY wrong and TALKING CRAZY, I could circle with people who feel that way in a way that I cannot with an anti-choicer or a transphobe. It wouldn't matter for me how beautiful the ritual trappings were.
I'm rambling because it's late and I have probably repeated myself like five times, but is that making sense?
no subject
I have less trouble with Catholics because I think a lot of them are there because the magic doesn't work for them in other churches.
This is the explanation I've gotten to. What it does mean to me, though, is that the ritual trappings are more important to them than the organization's well-earned reputation as a force of destruction and suffering. Now, we can say all we want about how important ritual beauty and spiritual mystery are, but what it does come down to is that those things are clearly what is more important to the people who stay for them than the harm being done in their name all over the world.
It sounds ugly to say it that way, but to me it really is exactly that ugly. I have a hard time imagining any ritual so beautiful that it would encourage me to give time, money, and PR to the Roman Catholic Church (to continue our example). Why? Because for me, deliberate (or at least willing) harm done to innocent people is a dealbreaker.
I mean, I wouldn't stand by the ASPCA if they earned a reputation for raping members' dogs, let alone their children, so I have a hard time understanding the priorities of people who will put their faith and confidence in the Catholic Church, giving it money and credibility in return (even knowing what the church will turn around and use that money and credibility for).
It's just hard for me. Politics is really important to me because "politics" isn't some abstract philosophical thing with no impact on real people. Asking "should abortion be legal" isn't like asking "which Ghostbuster is the most awesome." I mean, for some people, to whom those impacted by their decisions are not real, I guess it's as trivial as acknowledging Egon Spangler's clear and obvious supremacy. Even though people who prefer Venckman are PLAINLY wrong and TALKING CRAZY, I could circle with people who feel that way in a way that I cannot with an anti-choicer or a transphobe. It wouldn't matter for me how beautiful the ritual trappings were.
I'm rambling because it's late and I have probably repeated myself like five times, but is that making sense?