BUCK writes:

I went with friends to help them pick up a Christmas tree. We quickly exchanged views. Debbie said that she grew up in a Catholic family, that she was raised Catholic, and made her case that that alone entitles her to a legitimate Catholic identity. She said that she considers the Bible a “fairytale,” especially the Virgin birth and the “Mary fanatics” as she put it (“I have family members like that.”) She dismissed the story of Jesus and made it clear that she doesn’t really believe in God; all said in a matter-of-fact tone. I shouldn’t have been, but I was surprised by her utter disdain and the open charade.

She said it’s just tradition; “It really means nothing, but I like the tradition. That’s all I care about. I participate in the Eucharist even though I know that it is meaningless, and that it, and all of it, is just ritual, but it feels good. I enjoy it.”

We went back to her condo, unloaded and situated the perfect blue spruce into it’s Christmas tree stand. She was so excited. “I love Christmas.” She’d already pulled a dozen boxes of ornaments and decorations out of storage. “What can I help you with?” “No, no. You’ve done enough. I love decorating. I really look forward to doing this.” On Christmas Eve, her condo will be packed with friends, for her annual Christmas Eve party.

 I wish that I had not had that conversation with Debbie. Her definition of “traditional” Catholic, with a little “t”, has legs. Her parents and grandparents have transmitted their customs and beliefs to her and her siblings. She argues for them like they are the most rightous views on Earth. Here’s a surprise; she loves “Pope” Francis.

—- Comments —

Terry Morris writes:

Buck’s anecdote about his non-Catholic Catholic friend reminds me of Ann Barnhardt’s entry, The Cool Kids Don’t Actually Believe Any Of That Bull***t.

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