HELLO WORLD. IT IS I, A CATHOLIC GIRL WHO IS NICE, OPEN-MINDED AND ENTIRELY UNHOMOPHOBIC. BELIEVE IT.

SO I'VE GOT A LOTTA COMPLAINTS TODAY.

Most importantly, I would like to cover the topic of religion. And I don't mean, I'm going to be like--guys, say your prayers, go to church, don't use the Lord's name in vain...NO. I'm angry about an entirely different situation and it's the assumption. When did it become okay to assume? It makes an ass out of you and me, but mostly just you.

I have a confession.

I am a Catholic.

Yes, Catholic. I can only imagine the terrible things you're thinking of me now, but this is when I explain myself. I believe in God. I believe in Heaven and Hell. I believe that every night someone listens to my prayers and that there is a path paved for me already. I believe that someone watches over me, keeping me safe. It makes me feel comfortable. It makes feel joy. I love going to church. I love praying. I love believing in something that is so extraordinary.

But I do not love the endless judgments that others pass on me daily.

But worse are the people who support this unfortunate judgment. Why is it that so many people take Catholicism as an excuse to judge others. I find it ironic. Being a Christian is 100% about being a good person and learning to love everyone. It has absolutely nothing to do with judgment. Why exactly does it make sense to exile others for their mistakes and, moreover, why don't we forgive? That's the whole point. Forgiveness, so that people can come to terms with their past knowing that there is someone, something watching and caring and listening.

So, I would like to propose that if you judge harshly, use the word 'hate' frequently, gossip about people you do not agree with, 'disagree with homosexuality' (which I never understood because it's not something one chooses), or just generally look through an eye clouded with unfair beliefs of others and STILL call yourself a Christian--think about about what you're saying. You're saying you believe to love everyone equally and forgive frequently, when you hardly do these things at all.

If you wish to do well for others, then you're a Christian. End of story. If you love all, regardless of the way they live their everyday lives, then you're a Christian. Why in the world would anyone straying from the path want to listen to someone who is mean and careless? I'm just sayin'.

I know a lot of others much like myself, but I also know a number of people who are like the people I'm describing.

And moreover, why the hell are so many Catholics focused on such SMALL aspects of life? I remember, a couple of years ago when Britney's single "If You Seek Amy" came out and my choir director was disgusted. Simply disgusted. Why the hell are we focused on pop culture? Why are we focused on stopping abortion at all costs? Why do we try to push our beliefs on others using violence and fear? Isn't that EXACTLY NOT what Christianity is about? What scared, unhappy woman who is considering abortion wants to listen to a group of angry, cold "Christians"?

Life is complicated enough as it is. We sure as hell do not need people trying to impose fear on others with violent, rash decisions. And what about all of the children in the world whose lives we CAN control? What are we doing about that? I know few TRUE Christians, but if there are any, they are the women who run the St. Charles Children's Home in Rochester, New Hampshire. People who help others using love, looking only forward to the future. Yes, abortion kinda sucks, but there are SO many other children in this world who need our attention.

The bottom line is, I have no idea why love isn't used in all situations. People are basically scared and anyone who is contemplating terrible decisions is not going to listen to anger--she or he might respond to love though.

Life is NOT black and white people and I'm fucking sick of people assuming it is. All Catholics are not bitchy, but there sure as hell aren't SOME bitchy ones. All I'm saying is, religion can be a good thing and I'm an example of where it works. And if more people--Christian, Jewish, Muslim, WHATEVER--reacted to problematic situations with love and not anger, then I think a lot more people would look at religion with a positive eye.

Thank you all for listening to this rant. Hope you aren't all too bored. :]