I've been called many things in my day; bitch (admittedly), stubborn (guilty as charged), intolerant (I'm getting better), gossip-monger (sometimes, unfortunately), holy roller --- now just hang on a minute!! I am NOT a holy roller! Am I a practicing Catholic? Yes. Do I teach CCD and Childrens' Liturgy on Sundays? Yes. Do I witness where and when I can about my Faith? Yes, but probably not as often as I should or could. Hmmm...maybe I am a holy roller! Nope, I'm sticking to my guns on this one; NOT a holy roller.
Actually, anyone who knows me, I think, would agree with my personal assessment...unless, of course, they're trying to get under my skin. Fortunately for me, I don't have any friends like that. Smirk.
You see to me, a holy roller is an in-your-face, steam-rolling, often obnoxious witness to Christ and His church (whichever sect). I don't want to work that hard. If I get a vibe that bringing up my faith will not bring the conversation to a screeching halt, I may do just that. But I may not. I think, like politics, religion and faith are to be discussed at the 20,000 foot level; cocktail party chat to get to know your fellow invitees. It's just safer that way.
That's not to say I haven't had some pretty heavy conversations and sometimes debates with family or friends because I absolutely have. Or talks with those close to me who share my feelings and beliefs. That's what helps feed us spiritually. Hearing what people don't agree with or understand is, to me, just as important as what they do agree and understand. Not to mention a better understanding of what their doctrines are. But I tread lightly. I wish everyone did too.
I was listening to a conversation over the summer about someone's Catholic church and the church's policy that if you don't go to church (read make your offering) weekly, your child is unable to attend CCD. My church has that policy as well but this particular church, according to this mom, took it a step further and gave an actual monetary minimum. I was kind of surprised but what do I know, right? When I commented about how, without the weekly tithing they might not be able to even hold CCD classes, I was verbally attacked by another mom who is usually pretty mild-mannered with "DON'T PREACH TO ME ABOUT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH!!! I WAS RAISED A CATHOLIC AND THEY'RE ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! NO OTHER CHRISTIAN CHURCH WOULD DISALLOW A CHILD FROM CCD!" Needless to say, I suddenly had a really important call to make and disengaged myself from the conversation! Clearly there was some history there that I had no intention or desire to learn about.
Look, here's my point (which I knew would come to me eventually). If you go to church every week, every day, or Christmas if you can fit it in, that's none of my business. Who am I to say, "that's fine" or "that's not enough" or whatEVER? Just like I don't want you to tell me how awful and rotten and political my religion is, or how priests are pigs and pedophiles because they can't get married (that was actually one of my favorite comments), I will respect your choices, actions, and beliefs. Do I agree with or like everything my religion mandates? No (sorry Mom). I like a lot about your religion but disagree with probably just as much. It's what makes the world go 'round! But let's keep it friendly; I'm having a good time at Life's cocktail party and don't want to have to walk out pissed off...or worse yet, get thrown out for pissing someone else off!
