Lost in Translation

We were looking into car insurance this week, so I had to take our car to the shop for an in-depth review. The insurance agent, Cecilia, went with me, and we ended up talking about spiritual things for most of the hour we were at the shop.

She has many interesting views. She considers herself Catholic, but she doesn't agree with many of the teachings of the Catholic faith. What was very interesting was to hear her talk about an aunt who had converted to the Christian faith (interesting that in Spanish "Christian" and "Catholic" are not used interchangeably, whereas in English I think that most Catholics would consider themselves "Christians.")

She just shook her head and said, "I can't believe what she did. She gave up her identity. How can you be born a Catholic and not die a Catholic?" She was most upset by her niece's wedding. "It was just a normal guy with a normal suit and tie who officiated. It was held in a house, and there wasn't a fancy altar or anything. They should have just gone to the justice of the peace because that would have been just as meaningful. There was no one with authority. In contrast, in the Catholic church you have a real priest who has authority. He wears a special garment. He isn't just like all of the rest of us."

I tried to explain to her that it all depends on your authority. If the Bible is your authority, you will see things differently than if the "Church" is your authority. You will realize that the people are the church, not the building, and that the pastor actually does have an equal standing spiritually with any other person.

I tried to explain the Good News of God's grace, but I don't think that I got too far. It's difficult when someone has already heard the message, holds tightly to the traditions of their church, but has decided to believe only what makes sense to them.

At any rate, I learned some things during that conversation that will help me in the future.