Hello Everyone,
So this is the continuation of the last post The Story Of A Candle. First off what made me decide to make something like that? Well not
only am I in a rut with my own novel, I recently read this article and it made me
begin to think:
At first I was tormenting myself over this article,
basically feeling sorry for myself, and that’s when my thoughts turned a little
darker. I began to think about the “what ifs” in my life, like “what if
somewhere along the way, I lose my own faith?” or “what if no one will listen?”
Thus “The Story Of A Candle” was born.
There are moments in my life where I realise I’ve been
through that situation, where I almost lose faith, but then something amazing
happens to restore it. So although my candle is still a little weak, it’s
getting stronger. I have been knocked around a bit, in terms of my faith, but
I’ve learned that going to church and having my quiet time with God refreshes
me, it restores the faith that I have lost.
Ok, so that’s just a little summary of what I’m about to
say, but stay with me, it’ll all make sense, that is…if you’ve got a religion
you believe in.
So let’s start from the beginning. What you need to know is
that I was pretty much raised as a Catholic, my parents went to church every
Sunday; I went to Catholic primary and secondary schools, and I took part in
all the initiation sacraments of the Catholic Church. Basically, I’ve led a
sheltered Catholic lifestyle. That is not to say I’ve not learned a thing or
two while I’ve grown up. In my schools we weren’t just dictated the bible and
punished as you’d think. We were also taught little bits and pieces of other
religions like Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Judaism, etc. So I’m not that
ignorant, and I am fully aware that each religion have their own traditions and
principles that I respect.
Now skip forward to Sixth Form (the equivalent to college or
the last few years of high school for some of you), where I’m thinking about
university and what I want to do in the future. The idea that I’d be in a
world, where people don’t quite understand my views on the world, or the views
of the Catholic Church, finally hit me. I would no longer be sheltered as much,
by the Catholic Church, or by any sort of spiritual guide, and that thought
scared me the most. It didn’t matter if I was going into a new environment. It
didn’t matter that I’d finally be in a “co-ed” environment. It didn’t matter
that I was going into UNIVERSITY to get a DEGREE. What scared me most was the
fact that my own faith would be shaken just because there would be people who
do not understand (or like for that matter) the fact that I am a Catholic.
I don’t understand why they hold such animosity for us. I
mean I know there are a many deeds in the history of Catholicism that I’m not
proud of, but they have to understand that we’re also human, we’re not gods.
I’ve used this quote many times before, and I have a feeling I’m going to use
it many times more in the future, but I believe everyone needs to remember
this:
“Religion is flawed on because man is
flawed, all man!”
It is very easy to fault the religion itself because of the
people that have influenced it, but at its core, religion is about faith and
the belief that there is something more to our lives than simply being on this
Earth. I mean, my faith has led me in many of my decisions. For example, my
novel, the music I write/arrange/compose, the TV programmes and movies I watch,
etc.
My faith has gone so far as to give meaning to everything I
do. That is how I came to this subject while reading that article above. I
always have to have meaning in everything, even in the names of each character
of my novel have meaning. I always put some sort of meaning to whatever I do
because without meaning, I don’t think we could function. For example, every
movie has a meaning, if not explicit, it’s implicit, words have meaning, even
paintings have some sort of meaning. This is why I’m actually glad I’m
Catholic. It gives meaning to whatever happens to me.
Anyway, regardless of what has happened to me for the past
two years, I am still glad I’m Catholic. I won’t fault others for believing
what they believe in. If you don’t believe in a god, or a higher being, that’s
up to you. If you think there’s meaning in life, and your purpose will
eventually show itself, it’s your choice, but there is one thing you must
remember. Do not be too aggressive in your conviction. If you try to convert
me, know that I will listen to your point of view, but I will always believe
that I will flourish under the Catholic religion. Everyone has their own way of
worship; this is mine.
Well, that’s it for now; I know it’s a bit of a rant and a
bit long but I hope you understand that it’s something I’ve been wanting to say
for a long time. I know I’ve said it before, but I feel like repeating it,
because it is not just something that can be put out there and then archived, it’s
something that needs to be remembered.
So do with this post what you will, and God Bless! ^^
“Religion is flawed on because man is
flawed, all man!”
