tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863557816383416771.post3410020855268298280..comments2024-03-20T02:17:35.429-05:00Comments on Giftie Etcetera: Religious DiscomfortGiftie Etceterahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353862141419399333noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863557816383416771.post-63918080005892727532009-07-03T08:21:05.175-05:002009-07-03T08:21:05.175-05:00I've been to a number of other denominational ...I've been to a number of other denominational services and I can say that what probably freaks me out the most is the feeling that if anybody knew I was Catholic they'd burn me at the stake. I know that wouldn't actually happen, but there's a vibe if I'm at certain places that just make me uncomfortable. I also must admit preferring services that are similar to the ones I grew up with, just because they are known to me (I can go to an Episcopalian or Lutheran service and feel fine). But I don't have problems with services that are different as long as I know I won't be "judged" either. Unitarian services are great because there's absolutely no judgment on other religions, and I've been to Baptist services where I felt comfortable. But I've also been to Baptist services where I felt like a Jew in a neo-Nazi rally - ultimately, I guess it just depends on the particular church. I'm sure that people who aren't familiar with Catholicism find it kind of creepy or weird (or, in some cases, left out, because they cannot receive Communion), so I definitely think that "Otherness" plays a part in it. Ultimately I think it's just the thought that you might be surrounded by people who, if they knew what religion you were or what your beliefs were, would hate you.Brien Louquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13753056752450360957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863557816383416771.post-62275334992012193072009-07-02T13:33:26.175-05:002009-07-02T13:33:26.175-05:00I would say you are probably more normal than you ...I would say you are probably more normal than you realize. My experience has been that I am abnormal in that I can go into almost any religious setting and view it with detachement from my own personal beliefs. <br /><br />My low level religion classes in college were painful when we had a person who couldn't just learn the information without arguing about it. The upper level courses were much more pleasant but also had far fewer people. When I graduated I think there were less than 10 people getting degrees in religion and i personally knew all of them.Mommyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11805471504942577395noreply@blogger.com