A Former Catholic
Ponders Life
JB
February, 1999
I've been an "Atheist" for about 12 years, before that a non religious and before that a Catholic. I don't like to be categorized so I don't even like to call myself an Atheist. There is no proof that there is a God and no proof that there isn't. I think the so-called Christians have it all wrong. I think Jesus wouldn't be happy about what has and is being done in his name.
A lot of people think that God is a man sitting up in heaven judging us and meting out punishment according to the sins of the believer. My husband thinks there is a "force" that created everything and doesn't think it is called by a name. I don't even believe in a force. I think it was all random and don't believe that it was a "plan".
It probably is comforting to have faith in something but I think it's all on us. I guess I am an existentialist of sorts. I used to believe in life after death but now I think that this is it, you only get one chance.
Thanks for listening
JB
The term "Recovering Catholic" is becoming popular these days. This phrase harkens to the Twelve Step movement's "Recovering Alcoholic" -- as if a Roman Catholic bacground is nothing at all to be proud of.
Rather than emulate Alcoholics Anonymous in our language, I think it preferrable to emulate the humanistic former Jews, who call themselves "Cultural Jews" to honor their heritage without endorsing the superstition. Contrary to what some atheists would have us believe, there is something to say for having been raised Catholic or Mormon or Muslim or Jewish, and there are, believe it or not, some good elements in each of these cultures.
So, then, don't you think the phrase "Cultural Catholic" (as coined by social activist Michael Harringron) might apply?
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