I took these photographs last Sunday when in Co. Clare and have had them uploaded to the blog since Monday as a draft entry. Even now, five days later, I am not sure as to my thought and reaction.
Decades ago, I gave up Catholicism and became a confirmed agnostic – and have had no reason to change from that position since. I would have been anti-Catholic for a while but have mellowed in that point.
I do see the benefit of community spirit engendered by an organised
religion – especially with the sense of self-interest that appeared to me to
thrive in Celtic Tiger days. I think that I would like the Sunday Assembly that I read about a while back in The Guardian.
My attendance at religious services would be limited – substantially to give my seven year old an experience of different services. However, the common impression would be low numbers in attendance and a quiet congregation. This would be consistent with the attendance at Eucharistic Procession compared to the memory from my childhood.
Having deliberated for the few days, I think I was surprised that such a level of religious belief still exists among such a number to leave the extent of prayers and momentoes.
I suspect that I would be uncomfortable if such religious fervour were the norm but maybe it is the general lack of religious public expression that caused the level of awe and amazement that I experienced last Sunday.
Decades ago, I gave up Catholicism and became a confirmed agnostic – and have had no reason to change from that position since. I would have been anti-Catholic for a while but have mellowed in that point.
I do see the benefit of community spirit engendered by an organised
religion – especially with the sense of self-interest that appeared to me to
thrive in Celtic Tiger days. I think that I would like the Sunday Assembly that I read about a while back in The Guardian.
My attendance at religious services would be limited – substantially to give my seven year old an experience of different services. However, the common impression would be low numbers in attendance and a quiet congregation. This would be consistent with the attendance at Eucharistic Procession compared to the memory from my childhood.
Having deliberated for the few days, I think I was surprised that such a level of religious belief still exists among such a number to leave the extent of prayers and momentoes.
I suspect that I would be uncomfortable if such religious fervour were the norm but maybe it is the general lack of religious public expression that caused the level of awe and amazement that I experienced last Sunday.
Richard has a blog entry on Liminal Entwinings last February that has better photographs than mine. Other blog entries include Blather.
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