WAS ROBIN WILLIAMS RIGHT, ARE WE REALLY CATHOLIC LITE?
Robin Williams was one of the most popular comedians of the twentieth century. An outstanding stand-up comedian where his improvisational skills and impersonations were extraordinary. He also starred on TV, remember Mork and Mindy and his film credits include Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, Good Will Hunting and Patch Adams.
Williams was raised in a parish in suburban Detroit and being the person he was he was never timid about making fun of his WASP roots. During an interview he said “I’m an Episcopalian, It’s Catholic Lite—same rituals, half the guilt. He also came up with the “Top Ten Reasons to be an Episcopalian” that you might have seen on the back of a tee shirt.
Are we really Catholic Lite? Well, it is a good joke but it is also a very good description. The Episcopal Church is a descendant of the Church of England, whose roots are intertwined with the Roman Catholic Church. A little over 500 years ago the Church of England split from the Catholic Church over a variety of reasons and it is something that both churches have been working to heal. Many of our rituals, traditions and ways of believing in Christ come from our Catholic roots and for that we are indebted.
TOP TEN REASONS TO BE AN EPISCOPALIAN
10. NO SNAKE HANDLING
Well, maybe only during the “Blessing of the Animals” around the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4th) Just don’t tell Mother Barbara your bringing one, let it be a surprise!
9. YOU CAN BELIEVE IN DINOSAURS
Many Episcopalians hold to the idea that science and religion are not opposed to one another , but rather are complementary. In simple terms science tells us how, while religion tells us why.
8. MALE AND FEMALE GOD CREATED THEM; MALE AND FEMALE WE ORDAIN THEM
Some churches still don’t but aren’t you glad we do?
7. YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHECK YOUR BRAINS AT THE DOOR
The Episcopal Church isn’t easy, we want you to think, learn and ask questions.
6. PEW AEROBICS
Stand up, sit down, kneel, stand up, sit down, kneel after an hour of this who needs to go to the gym?
5. CHURCH YEAR IS COLOR-CODED
Easter, white ; Holy week, red ; Lent, purple ; Epiphany, green ; Christmas, white; Advent Purple or Blue ; Pentecost, green
4. FREE WINE ON SUNDAY
Just one of the many blessings.
3. ALL OF THE PAGEANTRY- NONE OF THE QUILT
You have to admit a large procession is awe inspiring.
2. YOU DON’T HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM TO GET BAPTIZED
A little water goes a long way. Water is a ancient symbol of cleansing and deliverance . The Lord uses it to wash away sins and make us new. Water itself can’t do it, but it is the tangible symbol of the invisible power of God’s forgiveness and acceptance.
AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON
1. NO MATTER WHAT YOU BELIEVE, THERE’S BOUND TO BE AT LEAST ONE OTHER EPISCOPALIAN WHO AGREES WITH YOU.