Same Difference

Just being nosy really

But just seen the thread about Catholic Churches in Spain, I just wondered how many of us on BE were religious?

Mitzyboy

There are more wars started over religion than anything else
And you bring it here

Fortaleza

Having a religion (as the title suggests) and being religious (as you put in your post) are two very different things.

It winds me up when you talk to Catholics (in Spain just throw a stone in any direction and you'll find them) and they say "I'm not Catholic. I don't believe in Religion"
This is in 99.999% of cases an erroneous statement. If you have been baptised into the catholic religion, taken communion etc.... (as practically all Spaniards have) then you are catholic. It does not matter that you have not been to church in 30 years. Unless you have been excomunicated or converted (which involves excommunication) you are still catholic. The correct term would be a non-practising catholic or non-believeing catholic etc

If you are heterosexual but haven't had a partner for years and have vowed never to have one again, do suddenly lose heterosexual status????

I've had this conversation so many times, especially with young people who think it's "cool" to be atheist (even though they probably don't fully iunderstand that concept either), and it is amazing how many don't understand the distinction.

I am an extremely lapsed rock cake myself but when asked I would never deny that I am one - I would just be struck down by lightening if I came within a mile if a church!!!!

DebsyW

Im a hetrosexual practising non-practising catholic. I think.

rachelk

To satisfy the likes of Fortaleza, who will still classify you as a catholic for an ceremony conducted before you can remember (probably) you can apostatar - ie get youself taken off the lists of the catholic church.

And if you're not a fan of the Catholic Church in Spain, remember you can opt to have your taxes used for other "worthy causes" if you don't want to help fund this institution.

bil

Now that's always puzzled me. Why do churches need lightning conductors???

Sam Greenfield

After being thrown out of Sunday school when i was younger i dont really go much now but i am protestant

Fortaleza

I remember my first confession, first communion, confirmation very well. But I haven't been on (except for weddings & funerals etc) since my teens. In fact when I do find myself at a church I don't take communion because it would be a bit hypocritical for me to do so - and I think they regard it as a sin if you haven't been to confession beforehand or something like that

Sam Greenfield

Ragomuffin

You've missed one out. I worship at the shrine of the sacred orb that is Association Football.

Ka Ora!

You will find me lying on the altar of her exulted gracefulness, The one who promises all a Half full glass of Guinness, and not a half empty one. Blessed is he who sips from her golden Glass.

leighbloke

I'm a dyslexic devil worshipper - I sold my soul to Santa!!



















Jesus H Christ on a bike, I am one funny guy!!

Mitsy

I have to disagree - being forced to be a part of something before you can read, write or think for yourself is not a natural thing unlike being hetrosexual, homosexual or whatever your natural sexual preference which incidentally can change for some - being forced into a religion is not natural nor does it make you one for the rest of your life.

Fortaleza

That wasn't my point. Whether you are religious or not is a personal choice - whether you have a religion, which as you say was most likely decided for you, is something else.

I'm British, I was born in Britain - I suppose my folks could have moved to another country for the birth so I could claim that nationality, but they didn't so I'm stuck with that (very fine) decision. I have not been living in Britain, nor contirbuting to its upkeep, for 11 years. I remain, however, British. If I choose not to be recognised as British I could renounce my nationality and take up another one (in this case Spanish)

I was born a catholic and although I don't attend mass, or pray or observe saints days etc and I don't consider myself religious. However I am a catholic - until such day I choose to renounce that.

leighbloke

Continuing the pedantic theme - were you not born to Catholics? only becoming Catholic following your confirmation? or is religion something else I don't care I know nothing about?