Jessica's Book Thoughts

Hell, and God, and Nuns with Rulers - John Collings  

Blurb on back of book:

The holy sacrament of Confirmation is considered Baptism for adults, a time when individuals proclaim their faith in God. So why does Tristan Adamson feel so much trepidation when his parents force him to take classes to be confirmed in the Catholic Church? Is it because he isn't sure if this is the right choice? Does he have more important concerns he needs to attend to, such as his grade in English class, or working at the Burger House? Or is it something much deeper that a chance encounter with someone at a party forces him to face? As Tristan sets out to answer these questions, he begins a journey of self-discovery that will force him to face the powers of Hell, and God, and nuns with rulers.

This book has  had me laughing so hard and I have only read 20some pages. I don't know where this book will go from here but the first chapter is great. It really got me thinking about my past.

I was raised in a Catholic home. I went to a Catholic school until sixth grade and remember the nuns with their rulers. They carried them around like weapons and used them repeatedly during lessons to loudly smack them on your desk when they thought you weren't paying attention. Was I ever assaulted with one? No, but they were scary and the possibility was always there. I remember being forced to attend Confirmation classes and remember the horror of sitting there and thinking, 'Oh shit! I am going to hell.'

I don't consider myself a Catholic and don't really know if I ever did. My big problem with the religion came when over 400 priests defrocked for either molesting children or trying to protect those that did. I was embarrassed to be a Catholic.

Are you still a Catholic or are you a Christian now?

It had been so long since smebody had asked me this ignorant question and about a week ago, it came from a girl I grew up with who is now a Sunday school teacher.

Me: Is the Pope a Christian?

Idiot: Oh, he is definitely a Christian.

Me: Actually, I heard that he has decided recently to become a Catholic.

ldiot: I have to make sure my preacher knows this.

Me: *jaw drops* In head I pray that she will pull out her cellphone right now and call him so I can hear this conversation.  I pray so hard that I promise to go to church on Sunday. Prayer answered. It was a wonderful conversation.

Enlightened idiot: Did you know that Catholics are Christians, just not the good kind?