It's about time...

I realize it's been a while since my last post. I've had my old bathroom renovated by owner without much notice, subsequently moved (after a week living in the construction site, and then enjoying the new bathroom for 3 days), and been traveling several times, so needless to say, it's been busy. But, I've returned to fair NYC....

This post may be a bit rambling, but there are several ideas I've come across recently that I think are worth mentioning. First, I wish to contrast two different approaches to interfaith interactions. One involves strict rules excluding anyone not within the religion. Such policies may results in weddings that aren't what the couple really wanted, friendships falling apart, and difficulty communicating. A different model would be an open arms model, so to speak. Simply let those who wish to come do so, and welcome everyone. Be open to differences and embrace them as opportunities to learn more about yourself and the world around you.

Next, I ask what's in a label? Well, certainly words communicate, and communication is essential to community, and as I've argued community is essential to religion. As such, words, including labels, are very important in being sure the community can understand each other. But, at the same time, it is just a word - sometimes it may be necessary to see past the label and understand the meaning. For example, two people living together in a committed intimate relationship, sharing responsibility for each other's lives, is effectively the same as a marriage, even if called cohabitation, domestic partnership, or anything else. Let me say that I'm not trying to diminish the efforts by some to obtain the same label (I agree the recognition in the eyes of the law should be equal), but at the same time, from the community stand-point, and I hope from the religion one, too, it is all the same.

Thus I reach the final topic of today's post - how individualizable is religion? If you call yourself Catholic but engage in sexual intercourse outside of marriage, are you still Catholic? If you fail to light candles every Friday night, are you still Jewish? I could certainly go on, but I think my point of view is obvious - the label you choose communicates what you want it to, but what you are and who you are and what religion and/or culture you belong to may be distinct from the label. While life might be easier if everyone could be pigeonholed into neat little categories, it would also be boring. Variety is the spice of life, they say. They are smart - listen to them.