A couple weeks ago, I was talking with another student. This student told me that he was Catholic. I got excited (as I tend to do when I manage to find other Catholics in South Carolina- there aren't many of us) and began discussing it with him further.
I was quickly disappointed, however, when I realized "Catholic" was really just a label he gave himself, not so much something he truly practiced. He supported a number of things that were in stark contrast to the teachings of the Church. When I made a comment about it, he responded, "Well, you can choose what parts of the faith you want to follow."
I was flabbergasted. Of course I know people who are "Cafeteria Catholics" and seem to just pick and choose what parts of the Catholic teachings they like to follow. I had never heard someone actually admit that was what they were doing, though.
Perhaps I'm wrong, but if your faith is the most important part of your life, it makes sense to me that your faith should shape your morals and beliefs, not vice-versa. If your beliefs do not come from your faith, they come from the world. Whatever faith you are, commit to it entirely. And why wouldn't you? Your faith has to do with the salvation of your eternal soul. What is more important than that?
