Posted by:
summer
(
)
Date: August 16, 2016 09:40AM
I grew up Catholic. We never listened to Christian music at home, and I don't know of anyone who did.
Here, from my POV, are some major differences:
1. Time -- We went to church for about an hour a week. In addition, as a school age child, I had one hour of religious lessons per week. That was it. Religion was a part of our lives, but did not take over.
2. Priorities -- Family truly came first. Religion was somewhere down the list. My father had no problem with saying "No" to a priest.
3. Entanglement/Privacy -- There was not a steady stream of calls, visitors, or demands. It would have never dawned on our priest to come to our home unless he was expressly invited.
4. Range of Involvement/Belief -- You could attend mass twice a year, occasionally, once a week, or every day. All were acceptable. You could be "all in," or more commonly, be a cafeteria catholic.
5. Friendships -- We were not afraid of outsiders. My parents and I had friends of all faiths, and that was encouraged. We did not see our friends as conversion projects, but as true friends.
6. Confession/Repentance -- Confession is anonymous and private. In my experience the priest will only discuss what you, yourself bring up. Repentance is just some prayers that you say after confession. Easy, peasy. No one looks down on you for going to confession. It is expected. No one is publicly shamed.
7. Obedience -- We respected Catholic leaders, but we did not always agree with them. Strict obedience was never expected, and would have been impossible to enforce.
8. Crosses -- Catholics, along with other Christians, often do wear crosses as necklaces. The crosses may be a family heirloom.
My friends included Episcopalians, Methodists, Lutherans, etc. I would say for the most part that my family's experience was typical for them as well.
Some Catholic oddities:
1. My parents had a crucifix above their bed. I always found this rather foreboding.
2. In my youth, the religious custom was to have meatless Fridays. So we ate fish instead. I found this custom rather charming and comforting, part of the weekly cycle. I still often eat fish on Fridays!
3. Getting objects blessed by the Pope: If a friend was traveling to Rome, you would give her a bible or a rosary to have blessed by the Pope. These items, once blessed, were considered rather special.
4. Religious medals -- It is not unusual for a Catholic to wear a religious medallion around his or her neck depicting a favorite saint.