For a religion that is practiced by 1.1 billion people and is one of the leading forces behind missions and volunteer work worldwide, Catholicism sure carries a bad rapport with many people. In a time where secularity is key and the world's major religions are being reduced to those who misrepresent their faith, it is hard to confidently say "Yes, I'm Catholic" without bracing oneself for an onslaught of ignorance. With the recent media attention Catholicism has received from the Academy Award-winning movie "Spotlight," I thought it appropriate to respond to the seemingly constant negativity surrounding my faith with an important reminder:
I am Catholic, but I'm not "better than you" because I believe that my faith is right and just. We are all equals regardless of our beliefs.
I am Catholic, but I'm not homophobic. I believe that everyone deserves love, because Jesus loves every single one of us.
I am Catholic, but I'm not a blind follower of a text written a thousand years ago. In fact, the Catholic Church says the Bible is inerrant. This doesn't mean they believe the Bible is historically accurate, but that it is accurate in the messages it provides.
I am Catholic, but I'm not a hater of other religions. Islam, Christianity and Judaism all originate back to the same belief in one God. They even believe in the same prophets and people from the Old Testament. How could I hate a religion who hold the same people in reverence?
I am Catholic, but I'm not the same as those who have sinned in the name of Christianity (or in spite of it). Evil isn't subjective and certainly doesn't work through people who are genuinely committed to living a Christ-filled life, and it's saddening to know that often their misdeeds become a label to everyone else simply by association.
I am Catholic, but I'm not "anti-science". It's the 21st century. I'm a science major. (Not to mention the fact that the Catholic Church does not reject the theory of evolution like many evangelical religions do).
I am Catholic, but I'm not going to force my opinions onto you. Catholicism does preach ministry and spreading the word of God, but it preaches doing so by example. Live your life as Jesus did, and others will follow organically.
In the end, Catholicism is a religion of acceptance, love and generosity. It is a religion that does not discriminate nor devaluate. It's a religion that preaches tolerance and denounces hatred. It is built on a foundation of service to others and peace for all. I am Catholic, and I'm proud to be 1 of the 1.1 billion.
