TESTIFY!

The traditional perception of the "perfect" family includes the idea of the weekly trek to church.  We all know what that Sunday picture looks like: gussied up kids, mom and dad in their best outfits, the whole family crammed into a pew pretending to listen to the pastor while, in reality, mom's mind is racing about the details of the night's dinner, dad daydreams of pigskin and Budweiser, and the children just pester each other.  Nevertheless, this longstanding belief that a good family attends church EVERY Sunday still persists.  But the cracks in the proverbial dam are forming.  A Hybrid Husband doesn't feel the need to drag his family to the cathedral and put on a show every week.  He's content without this ritual.

Don't get me wrong, I am not against religion or anyone's want/need/right to worship.  It's personal and varies from man to woman.  I am not judging anyone.  But the truth is, for me personally, church isn't a priority in my life or the life of my family.  Going to church doesn't make us good people.  We are perceived as good people by the choices we make in life and how these choices affect the ones closest to us.  Anyone can go to church, that's easy.  It's much harder to change your mindset and let reality be - to stop labeling people - to stop reacting over and over again without thinking first.  It's much harder to practice peace than it is to sing about it.

I grew up Catholic.  I attended mass every Sunday until college.  I went through all the rites and sacraments.  So I've based my opinion on personal experience.  Being born into the religion, I never had a chance to question it.  Catholicism was my reality and it was what was right.  But now, as an adult, I've learned that it's okay to make my own decisions.  It's okay to decide that religion isn't for me right now and that I won't go to hell because I've made that choice.  That's not to say I don't philosophize every now and then or meditate while stuck in traffic.  I just have no interest in attending church.  I'd rather spend a lazy Sunday morning sitting on the couch with my wife, sipping a cup of coffee.  I'd rather play catch on the front lawn with my son.  I'd rather make my daughter giggle.  That's my religion.

Again, please don't be offended by my personal decision.  I respect however you want to live your life (as long as you aren't hurting others) so I would prefer the same respect in return.  Please don't feel threatened, especially if you are Catholic, by the fact that the whole world doesn't share your beliefs and opinions.  Because that's alright.  We'll all float on, anyway.

Peace Out,

Nathan J.