Illiteracy Part Deux: Religious Illiteracy

A brief follow-up to yesterday's post.

It is often said that we "live in a post-religious society." Or "post-Christian." I don't think this is necessarily true, at least not in the United States where 75% of the citizens identify with the Christian label.

A more accurate description might be "religiously illiterate." Individuals are ill-equipped to grapple with the complex and often confusing world of spirituality. So they either opt out entirely, or embrace an easy fundamentalism.

Most cannot name the four Gospels, or tell you who wrote the book of Corinthians. They could hardly identify the difference between a Catholic and Protestant, let alone a Sunni and Shiite. A 2000 Gallup poll shows that 70% of Americans believe "you can be religious without going to church." Is it any wonder that more people are choosing to tune out altogether?

Again, what is needed is a return to basics of the faith. Clear articulation of doctrine. A more widespread understanding of religion. Personally, I believe that Religious Studies ought to be a mandatory part of the high school curriculum. A mind that is well-educated about various religions and their denominations is more free to choose his or her path, not less.

I caught this hilarious skit from That Mitchell and Webb Look on BBC America:



Comedy aside, it makes some good points. Religious belief is becoming more "me" focused, rather than "we" focused. Our communities must reach out and embrace the "other." Without being jerks, of course! Which we Anglicans are quite good at.

There has been a shift away from the wealth of information found in a community, to the individual's personal interpretations and worldview.

Or, as the Vicar says, "You've thought about eternity for twenty-five minutes and think you've come to some interesting conclusions, have you?"

Head + Desk

Some days, you just don't know whether to laugh or cry.

The Force Be With You

Most Excellent

On a Lighter Note...

I Like My Church Boring and my Pastors Old

Okay, major props to Fr. Craig for this one.

To the tune of "Onward Christian Soldiers."

Like a mighty tortoise
Moves the Church of God.
Brothers we are treading
Where we've always trod.

We are all divided
(Many bodies we);
Very strong on doctrine,
Weak on Charity.

On Episcopalians!
Saunter as to tea!
Taste and etiquette shall
Lead us, Lord, to Thee!

10 Things I Hate About Commandments

Oh man, this is a classic. Thanks to Bishop Alan for reminding me about it. Enjoy:

Ahahaha...yes.

Sneering, Sniveling Papist Hatred

....Now, there's a title some of you may not have expected from a good 'lil Anglo-Catholic.

But the fact of the matter is, while browsing various blogs this past week, I happened across the Roman Catholic blog circle. Many of them were talking about, well, us.

Because it's always easier to talk about someone else's scandals than your own.
(Cough, cough, and cough.)

It wasn't pretty. Particularly the entries from ex-Anglicans. Heretics, sodomites, sinners - lovely choice words from Rome's finest. (And one Orthodox priest as well - I'm sure that's a different can of worms, though.) I'm not going to provide links to these blogs, they're fairly easy to find if you look. Oh, and depictions of upside-down Episcopal shields seems to be in vogue.

Let me cap all this by saying there are great RC blogs out there and there are even more great RC clergy and laity. But right now, I'm talking about the not-so-great.

One so-called "traditional" Catholic blog describes us as "a pseudo-religion with invalid Sacraments run by immoral perverts." Wow, what a loaded statement. (A bit funny, though. Just a bit.) Guilty conscience, perhaps?

Personally, I'm glad to practice a religion that prides itself on being open to all people, and engages in listening to them. I'm glad that, despite its shortcomings, it condemns real injustices in the world, rather than scrambling frantically to assemble some kind of sexual moral authority based on folklore and poor Biblical scholarship.

I'm proud to be an Episcopalian.

This image has been circulating among anti-Anglican circles lately. I guess I'm interpreting it differently, but I personally love this picture. I think it says a lot about us.

When an Anglican is asked,
"Where was your church before the Reformation?"
his best answer is to put the counterquestion,
"Where was your face before you washed it?"
-Archbishop Michael Ramsey

This Is Really Unhelpful, But...

....I crack up every time I see this picture:

Personally, the whole thing makes my brain hurt, but if you'd like to know what's going on...

Info on the latest Anglipiscopal shenanigans here.

Learn about Episcopal loyalists here.

Alternatively, you may wish to take the "other side" - here - at Stand Firm.



(Warning: If you experience "firmness" lasting 3 or more hours, consult your physician and/or priest.)

You Know You're Anglo-Catholic When...

...you get most of your exercise on Sunday.

...you insist that Jell-O be served in the proper liturgical color of the season.

...you use the words "heresy," "heretic," and "heretical" frequently, but your friends all know you're just kidding.

...sort of.

...you think Methodists are kinda precious and adorable, what with their grape juice.

...you know that if you really want to get through to Jesus, you have to speak with his mother.

...you refer to incense as "Protestant Raid."

...your priest feels as if you are his personal cross to bear.

...you know that if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing.

...you like words such as, "oblations," "supplication," "succour," "bewail," and "dost."


...if you add to this list because you feel inclined "so to do."