Reflections on Life as a Catholic: A Layman's Journey from Innocence to Reality

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In a modern Apologia Pro Vita Sua I have attempted to give the rationale for my chronicling of a life that is now in its twilight years. The community of believers is a heterogeneous polyglot to say the least. The New Testament describes them thusly: there are those who receive the word vicariously and quickly fall away. Others receive it with joy but, when temptation comes, fall away. Then there are those who receive the word, digest it, and grow in faith and strength and never falter or look back. For myself I do not fit any of the above situations, but, rather, suggest that there is another category, of which more than a few belong but few would confess to. There is what I would refer to as a “silent majority,” if you will, who remain a part of the faithful, attend Mass every Sunday, and consider themselves practicing Catholics. Yet they harbor many reservations as to the dictates of the hierarchy and do not takes seriously many of the prohibitions imposed upon them, particularly concerning the matter of birth control. Many choose to follow their informed consciences and rationalize their consequent decisions accordingly. These are often referred to by the hierarchy as “cafeteria Catholics,” a pejorative appellation in current vogue. Actually I’ve had some very good meals in cafeterias and find the label offensive and judgemental. These individuals reject the “one size fits all” approach that the Church finds so convenient to adopt.