To Those of a Faith II

A friend has asked for a clarification to my last comment ("To Those of a Faith"). On Christmas eve I took a young family member to a church service we had attended annually for the last three years. The Christian service in a group, self-described as a "non-denominational multi-ethnic church, drawn from 20 nationalities," included hymns and Christmas messages familiar to this old Catholic. Without bogging down in detail, suffice to say that I no longer share a belief in fundamental doctrines of Christianity, whether in Catholic or other variations. Nor do I share all the tenets of other major religions. I never challenge the faith held by anyone else. I do believe, however, that the truly fundamental teachings of all major religions are love and compassion for others. Religions seem to set aside or ignore doctrinal differences during periods of "high" Holy days, such as at Christmas for Christians, and return to those fundamentals.

Joining in the singing at the service, however, I wondered whether I was being hypocritical or professing, to my young companion at least, a false piety. After some reflection during the Bible readings, I concluded as I discussed with her following the service and then published here. Where any group meets to declare or solidify an honest message of unselfish love and compassion, whether in a religious or other context, I feel no hypocrisy in joining with them. Christmas eve is, for that reason, my one annual direct involvement with Christianity. My lack of foundation in the specific rituals of other religions precludes my recognition of similar opportunities.