Quote:
Originally Posted by amicus_curiae
DD,
Just a brief observation in re religions (as we’re discussing philosophies I’m hoping that small theologies won’t be banned).
Possible trigger:
Broken system and thinking of paedophilic: I was never abused, but from my near-decade as an alter-server (um, alter-boy back then!) I knew that there were some oddities. And, for 4-5 decades later, I was aware of the nature of these irregularities. I did not know the extent, though (no reason that I should not have spoken of the few abuses that I thought that I knew of). As I’ve said, I’ve had an on-again-off-again love-affair with nihilism since younger but I left the Church, principally, because I felt complicit and culpable in my continued participation in an institution that seeks to (or, even, sought to) engage in protecting the abuser rather than the children.
I love ritual, as well. I was a stickler for exacting orders of Rites.
Now that I’ve no guiding/guided liturgy, I’ve given in to the fruitful chaos of existence, maybe. I still dream of ringing the bells at elevation but, when awake, I ring my single bell only for the joy of the tingle-tingles.
I’m over ritual, now. I ceded my spots on diocesan liturgical committees decades ago! |
My brothers, all alter boys, admitted to sipping the wine in the sacristy while preparing it for the service but nothing weird or strange happened to any of them, I don't think. They were all schooled in Catholic schools for 12 years (come to think of it, they all went to Catholic colleges, too) including an all-boys prep school. I was also schooled for 12 years in Catholic schools and for 4 years went to an all-girls convent school where we had priests, nuns, and lay people as instructors. In all this time I never once had even an inkling of anything strange or not right. I daresay I really enjoyed my education. So be it. I then went on to a very liberal "hippie" college which was the exact opposite. No rules, organized orgies on the weekends, a wild and wooly purging of regimented spirituality. Doors and windows thrown wide open and tons of fresh air streaming in...what a wonderful era!
You are right in saying...we cannot stay within these toxic systems just because of a sincere wish for belongingness (I am speaking of myself) -- and I don't mean just religious systems, but also political or socio-economic systems, too. For instance, the fact that I live in a town that is 98% white American has an effect on my reality. Not good, either. A homogenized reality. A bubble. A twisted reality.
I have had an obsession with the opposite of nihilism. I have described myself as an eternalist. If I have any mental illness label it would be adjustment disorder. I am surprised by change. I am trying to change that.
Thank you for all your interesting comments.
Even though much of this thread is going over my head I have to say this is by far the most interesting thread I am ever come across on Psych Central. I just want it to go on forever!