Thus, Lent is a perfect time for my latest Banter. Yes, it deals with issues of a religious/spiritual nature, so if you really aren't interested in what I have to say here, you have my permission to head back to the main page, and stick with the comics.
For the half-dozen or so of you who've stayed, I'll start by saying I'm one who constantly thinks about my own spiritual beliefs, which these days seem to be in something of a state of flux. Folks, I do not have all the answers, so if you're seeking them here, forget it! I almost envy those who do think they have all the answers. It must be nice to be so sure about everyrthing... :-/ Anyway, though I was raised in the Catholic faith, I must admit, I've grown quite apart from much of what the church has to offer, while still retaining the seeds of the belief it sowed in me.
Of what I have retained, this I do know: none of what I now believe limits me, in any possible way that I can figure out. I've thought long and hard about this, and can not come up with any way my (decidedly liberal) Christian beliefs are holding me back. I'm sorry, but I no longer believe in any God or Creator who would not want me (or anyone else) to enjoy life to its fullest. The idea that we should limit ourselves is one of the greatest problems non-believers (and probably many believers as well) have with our traditional religions. If our more rigid faiths do not seriously address this issue, they may eventually find themselves of no use to anyone, not just non-believers. All I can say to anyone reading this is, if you feel you are honestly being limited by whatever it is you believe, perhaps it is time to re-evaluate your beliefs. Why not give up your limits for Lent, and see how you like it? :-)
This is not, however, a suggestion to overindulge, either. Enjoying life to its fullest does not mean being irresponsible, or diving head first into the Seven Deadly Sins. Overindulgence in anything can be as limiting as rigid self-denial (and with greater risks to your health, no doubt), as can the avoidance or giving up of responsibility. Both extremes are of neither use to me, though I must admit, I'm not as responsible as I feel I should be. But I'm working on it. I'll also admit that I may be limited by other aspects of my life, but not by my spiritual beliefs. Perhaps that's a topic for another Banter some day.
Apologies for the more
serious tone of this Banter. Honestly, I wish I could be more of
a smart-ass like Scott (Dilbert) Adams when it comes to writing
essays, but my mind often turns to these heavy topics. Anyway, as
for the idea of self-denial for Lent, I'm cool with it, for the most part.
As I said earlier, the denial is symbolic, and usually involves something
we don't need, and may even be slightly harmful to us. There is so
much crap in our lives, that avoiding some of it for a couple of weeks
can't hurt us, and can probably only help us. For those into Lent,
have fun, but don't overdo it.