Saturday, February 4, 2012

A Catholic Version of Wu Wei

My interpretation/translation of the Taoist concept of Wu Wei is somewhat simplified. In a nut shell, it is "action through inaction." Lately, I've come to think that many religions contain a distortion of this principle. Catholics are exceptionally good at it. Many religious believers seem to just go along with the Faith's hierarchy whether they agree at all. The Catholic clergy has continued its massive temper tantrum over insurance coverage of reproduction rights. In none of the mainstream articles and news segments have I heard even a passing acknowledgement that a large percentage of Catholics disagree with the Vatican's stance on reproductive rights, especially contraception.

Many Catholics claim they do not agree and do not support religious or government interference in such personal choices as using or not using contraception. Yet, no Catholics are publicly standing up to their own clergy. Personally, I see this as tacit acceptance. Catholics may not see themselves supporting repression but they are. Any consequences that come from a religions actions are the responsibility of those who make up the religion. If there were not so many Catholics who would actually give a shit what the Pope thinks?

To the Catholics and the various other believers who's Religion routinely interfere in our lives, the next time you hear about the horrors of forced pregnancies and unwanted children look in the mirror. You helped it happen. If you don't want that responsibility then speak up. Don't just shrug off the doctrines you disagree with, oppose them. At the very least ask yourself why you remain in a religion that does not support your personal beliefs.

In fairness, this principle applies equally to religious and non-religious alike. As citizens of a democracies we are all responsible for the actions of our government. When it comes to any number of US policies I am as guilty but at least I try to do something. Can you say the same? Try? I do not think that is too much to ask.

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