THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley


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Depends on who you ask

Do you practice religion? – Another personal question that I’m not really interested in, but will answer regardless.  

I have my beliefs. I was raised Catholic. I rarely go to church. I would not say I’m a practicing Catholic in the traditional sense, but I try to be one each day in the world. I have disagreements with the Catholic church which puts me at odds with other Catholics at times.

And I think the way they handled the abuse issue is disgusting. And they wonder why they lose parishioners.

I try my best each day. But a supposed very religious person once told me I’m going to hell. Kind of strange though, because I know his past transgressions are far more egregious and how we live and care for our fellow man today, I feel I also have an edge on him. So maybe I’ll have company.

I see a lot of religious people marching to their services but then behaving badly the rest of the week. Lots of people, even powerful leaders claim to be working for God but doing things counter to his teachings. Even those standing in pulpits of these mega churches apparently are far from who they pretend to be.

Personally, I’m trying to sort it out still. Just trying to do the right thing and make the right decisions.

Church in New Market Maryland. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Faith

Do you practice religion? – Wow this question from the Daily Writing prompt is getting into dangerous areas.

No not in the old traditional sense anymore. In my way, yes. I was raised Catholic but I’m no longer a regular practicing Catholic. I have too many issues with that church now.

Faith is an individual thing and I won’t judge others on theirs just as I hope others won’t judge me but unfortunately, that doesn’t always work out that way. I once had a close friend who told me I was going to hell because of the way I thought. He’s no longer a friend.

These televangelist preachers also make me sick. Money is all they are interested in. The same, with some big organized churches. They are businesses. I’m not criticizing the people in these organizations who do the good work of helping others. I’m focusing on greed and preaching one thing and living another life.

Top of the old church. St Louis Catholic in Clarksville. I went to school here from kindergarten through 5th grade. Photo by Mike Hartley