I was reading a post by Tony Jones this morning about Clergy participating with the State when it comes to marriage ceremonies.
Documents are drawn up at the courthouse. We sign them. As an arm of the State. Does anyone else see a huge issue with our cooperation with the State in a sacred ceremony that is supposed to join two people in a monogamous, committed relationship?
In fact, I believe this points to something on a far deeper level within the Church. Not only our ties to the State, but our deep immersion in the popular culture of our world.
I was talking with my good friend Matt the other day about the faith- lives of the youth in our churches and he brought up a good point. He spoke about how people of faith used (and in many cases– still use) traditions (such as the Seder Meal within Judaism) to explain to their children why they lived differently than other people. Where are our sacred meals? Where do we go to show our children that they are different? Are we any different from the world?
We have become culturally assimilated. When you look at your family’s lifestyle, is it different from everyone else? Does your family have more than they need? Are they involved in corrupt business practices that lead to the unjust treatment of workers here and abroad? Are you teaching your children to respect the creation God has placed under our watch or are you (perhaps inadvertently) teaching them that it is OK to have whatever they want regardless of how it might rape the earth or cause someone else their well-being?
Remember, the first step is admitting we have a problem.
I have a problem. You have a problem. We have a problem.
*all this being said, I will no longer be performing weddings in which the State has a say.
Um…our sacred meal is the Eucharist (or Communion or Lords Supper) and our traditions are the sacraments and the liturgical calendar.
Thanks Jason. I am aware of the traditions that we, as Christians, hold in common. However, I am more concerned that the way in which we observe our traditions doesn’t quite have the learning experience it used to. Most of us no longer sit down at a table for communion and share a meal and discuss why we are the way we are. Most of us hear the preacher gab at us for awhile and walk up front to eat a cracker and a thimble full of juice. Talk about watering down the faith!
Great picture! The three most important theological documents/symbols in the church today: the US Dollar, the flag, and the Bible (listed in descending order, of course).
Hello
I’ve just uploaded two rare interviews with the Catholic activist Dorothy Day. One was made for the Christophers [1971]–i.e., Christopher Closeup– and the other for WCVB-TV Boston [1974].
Day had begun her service to the poor in New York City during the Depression with Peter Maurin, and it continued until her death in 1980. Their dedication to administering to the homeless, elderly, and disenfranchised continues with Catholic Worker homes in many parts of the world.
Please post or announce the availability of these videos for those who may be interested in hearing this remarkable lay minister.
They may be located here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/4854derrida
Thank you
Dean Taylor