Catholicism

found these two article on NPR the past few weeks...two different views on Catholic faith and identity

On Good Friday, Here's Why I Remain Catholic - by ELIZABETH SCALIA


There is a reason I came back to the Catholic church earlier last year, and it wasn't for the Communion wine. I grew up Catholic. I was baptized and confirmed in this faith. But it wasn't until college that I really decided that I didn't know if it was me. I went through a deistic phase... an agonistic phase... it never seemed like it fit with my soul though. But I came back, and my heart and soul knew they were home again with God. Faith is never simply understood. It is personal journey each person has to make. I still am not at terms with some of the Catholic doctrine and goings-on (i.e. contraceptives, evolution, abuse scandal, etc.). I struggle with my faith everyday, but I challenge myself to keep learning and expanding what it means to believe in God and the Catholic church.

The author sums it up best here:
I want my church to shine. But I understand that everything, from our institutions to our innermost beings, are seen through a glass, darkly. Arms outstretched, listening for the Word, and its echoing liturgy, I make my way forward, in bright hope.


Leaving The Church But Not The Identity - by JULIANNA BAGGOTT


I like this article because I can definitely identify with it. Faith can and will be a struggle. My Catholic identity has been and always be a part of me (even subconsciously). I know I don't have perfect faith in the institution of the church, which so recently is plagued by sin and human fallibility. So I try to put my faith in the highest place, in God, trusting that he will show me what it means to keep faith in his church.


Said best here:
What does it mean to be Catholic and not a Catholic? I feel adrift, homeless.