I'm an American atheist who moved to a Catholic country almost nine years ago. Religion is much less toxic here than it was in the States. It's not nearly as politicized, nor does it try to intrude into the lives of unbelievers, and it doesn't scapegoat or persecute certain marginalized groups. Nobody's shouting "Sinner" or "Repent." I like it better.
Another thing I like about the Catholics is that back In the States, most liberal Christians I knew were Catholic.
Ritual and pageantry were mentioned, and this culture's religious celebrations are rich with that. Palm Sunday will upon us soon enough. On that day, there will be a re-enactment of Jesus' return to Jerusalem. Somebody gets to play Jesus and walk in a white robe down streets covered in alfalfa as a throng holding small palm fronds woven into shields and sword follow behind. My wife and I have participated just for the pageantry and ritual, and are welcome to do so.
Five days later, onn Good Friday, Jesus will drag a cross up the mountain passing various stations as Jesus is scorned and scourged, and two days later, on Easter, will be a passion play in the local Catholic church's courtyard, complete with Roman centurions and a crucifixion.
Contrast that with the alternative - Easter eggs and bunnies.
Christmas is the same. It's still a desert holiday here complete with camels, mangers and Magi, and each year, we see a re-enactment of Joseph and Mary looking for shelter to have the baby. Children playing the roles of adults knock from door-to-door, where they are turned away, until they arrive at a predesignated home, where at last they are welcomed in, and a celebration occurs in the streets - right outside our front door most years.
Contrast that with the North Pole holiday, which really has no Jesus at all in it, just Santa, Frosty, Rudolph, and the like - all iconography without the ritual or pageantry, unless you include the holiday shopping.
Five days later, onn Good Friday, Jesus will drag a cross up the mountain passing various stations as Jesus is scorned and scourged, and two days later, on Easter, will be a passion play in the local Catholic church's courtyard, complete with Roman centurions and a crucifixion.
Contrast that with the alternative - Easter eggs and bunnies.
Christmas is the same. It's still a desert holiday here complete with camels, mangers and Magi, and each year, we see a re-enactment of Joseph and Mary looking for shelter to have the baby. Children playing the roles of adults knock from door-to-door, where they are turned away, until they arrive at a predesignated home, where at last they are welcomed in, and a celebration occurs in the streets - right outside our front door most years.
Contrast that with the North Pole holiday, which really has no Jesus at all in it, just Santa, Frosty, Rudolph, and the like - all iconography without the ritual or pageantry, unless you include the holiday shopping.
