One is a Lonely Number

 I am the only non-catholic I know in this city. I live in a very, very catholic place. It is has been quite the interesting experience living as a person who believes that salvation is a gift and not something that is earned amongst those who believe just a little different than me. I believe that it is by grace we have been saved, not by our actions and what we do or not do.

First big religious debate happened today - Divorce. I hope I never get those looks again when they asked me what I believed about marriage, divorce, and hell. I believe that marriage is not something to be taken lightly. It is a serious commitment and promise to your spouse and to God to love one another through whatever comes there way. Divorce is not an escape, or a redo button, it should be a last resort in extreme circumstances. Marriage is meant to last forever. However, I do not believe that one goes to hell for infidelity or remarriage or divorce. This is a belief that is not shared between me and my very dear Catholic friends.

I never feel offended by their gasps when I answer their questions about my church and my faith. Although, it is a bit tiresome when I am constantly feeling like all of their prayers are for MY salvation. Luckily, I believe that our God is a loving God who can forgive us for trying answer all His mysteries.

I know what I believe, because that's all I can know. However, I cannot say that I have it right at the Catholics have it wrong. I think it's futile to try and figure that out. We can't know until we die. I can only try to follow the 2 commandments Jesus gave us, to love the Lord more than anything else, and love others as you love yourself.

This is what I know. That is what I believe. That is what I have to hold on to. I don't remember reading where Jesus promised an eternity in hell after a divorce and remarriage...I don't remember where Jesus promised an eternity in hell if we didn't follow a strict law of a strict institution such as the church...but what I do remember is that He is the way, the Truth, and the Life and no one gets to the Father except through Him. It is by Grace we are saved, not by our works.

Here's my religious post for the day.

I love my friends and I respect their religious views. I try to remember that none of us have it all figured it out...so, hopefully this offends no one...but if what I believe offends, so be it.