When it comes to religion (and as you age, you realize EVERYTHING comes to religion) I grew up in a mixed-up home...a REALLY mixed-up home.
Back in 1982, shortly before my Dad died, my Dad and I discussed religion. He described himself as a Pantheist. He told me he believed God is everywhere. From what I understand, he was raised a Protestant, and that's all I know of his religious up-bringing. I guess he had renounced his Protestant faith somewhere along the way.
My mother, who is half Chinese and half Japanese, grew up in her own mixed-up house: her Chinese mother practiced Buddhism, and her Japanese father practiced Shintoism. And then when my mother was a young teen, Catholic missionaries converted her to Catholicism. I'll bet that irked her parents.
Interestingly, mom now has beautiful images of Buddha throughout her home. They outnumber the single crucifix she has in her bedroom. In her living room, she has a simple altar, with a sitting Buddha statue, where she lights incense each day.
A couple months ago, when my mom's cancer situation looked grim, she surprises me by telling me of her funeral preferences. This was a conversation we were trying to avoid. Anyways, she wants a Catholic ceremony. I was disappointed because I was hoping she would prefer a Buddhist funeral (okay I admit it, I think a Buddhist funeral would be really cool to see).
But I digress.
My mom is a non-practicing Catholic. She does not go to church. I don't think she prays at all. So why does she want a Catholic funeral?
I don't know.
I just want her to feel assured that she will get her wishes when she dies.
So what faith am I?
Good question.
When I was growing up, my parents never took me to church. As a child I was never baptized.
At age 24, I decided to join the Lutheran church. I'm comfortable with this, I think. I don't go to church. Instead, I pray at home. I talk with God and sometimes I hear Him.
What about you?
4 comments:
An interesting post, Nerima. I'm guessing your mother finds strength both in the Catholic faith she joined from choice and in her own mother's Buddhism, but wants her chosen church to deal with her funeral. I can understand that.
I was brought up Congregationalist by my bu-then non-churchgoing parents and became an Anglican (Episcopalian to you) from choice at the age of 30. Despite my doubts at times, the Anglican church is still where I belong and I'll be having an Anglican funeral when the time comes. I'm even going to choose the hymns and readings beforehand. :-)
Surprisingly, L at age 4 announced that she "had to go to Sunday school."
And this in a region where hardly anyone attended church. So who was I to argue? Off we went to the Congregationalist church (not comfortable) and then to the Episcopal church, whose priest I really liked. But of course the congregation was trying to oust her for some pettiness. Anyway, remained in the Episcopal church until fairly recently, when the priest was so unlikeable and cold that I just got tired of the whole thing. I can honestly say I don't believe in God, but I do love the teachings of Jesus and the Buddha.
Perpetua, and Tut-tut,
Thank you for your comments.
I've always thought that everyone else was on firmer ground when it comes to religion. the more I ask around, the more I see everyone has interesting experiences growing up with (or without) religion. And as adults, we are still growing and learning.
Thanks for sharing. I value your perspectives.
i am...
that is about it....ha...
grew up baptist...
ran away from that pretty quick upon near adulthood or choice...
was a pastor in a christian non denom church...
but i study buddhism as well...but do go to church...
hehe
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