theology

it's totally freaky to be reading simultaneously in the news about all those FLDS kids and women who are so deeply indoctrinated by what seems to all to be a totally oppressive institution that they cannot function in non-church society, and about american "cafeteria" catholics, referenced frequently these days with the pope stateside. "cafeteria catholics" pick and choose what doctrines they will believe in and follow, while "picking and choosing" seems anathema to FLDS people. i would suppose that many of the same american catholics who report thinking that the pope is doing a good job and who simultaneously think that you don't have to go to mass regularly to be a good catholic (you do), also think that all those acres of pastel long-sleeved dresses and uncut hair visible on the news over the past couple of weeks are creepily conformist (they are).

one of the most hilarious things i have heard in the coverage of the pope's visit is a quote from a young american catholic woman, say 20 years old, who, when it was pointed out to her that her beliefs about some social issue differ significantly from what the pope says on the issue, said, "it's ok, he's entitled to his opinion." someone needs to tell this woman that the pope is entitled to A LOT more than just "his opinion," and that in fact it's NOT ok, but rather she is GOING TO HELL for not complying with the pope. 

i guess the lesson is that some people follow religion too much and others not enough.  more hard-hitting thought-provoking commentary from neither necessary nor sufficient.  deal with it!