Expressing Religiosity in Public

[everbecoming2007]

I am not one of those people who thinks that religion is a purely private affair and that it's rude to express religiosity in public. There are certainly some public expressions of religiosity that make me uncomfortable. Fundamentalist demonstrations come to mind. But it doesn't make me uncomfortable for someone to mention God in public or wear a cross.

On the other hand, I am very private about my religiosity, and if I had to take a guess, I'd say many other Episcopalians and Anglicans are this way, too. Unless I'm at church for example -- where I'm proclaiming my faith in community anyway -- I almost always wear my crucifix under my clothes.

It's not that I'm ashamed of being Episcopalian. I just don't advertise it. Most people would never know unless they asked me. That doesn't mean that my faith doesn't affect how I live in public. It doesn't mean that it doesn't affect my politics, either. I don't see religion as a closed off purely private domain, although I do have a strong private element in my prayer life.

I am not sure how many other Christians would feel about this, but I don't try to convert people, either. I try to live a decent life and spread kindness. If someone shows an interest in religion or particularly Jesus I am happy to tell them about my own faith, the sacraments, and Anglicanism. But I don't actively proselytize or try to convert people.

What about you? Are you private about your religiosity or do you tend to express it publicly outside of church settings? How do you feel about converting people and proselytizing? Do you think that's a part of our duty to spread the gospel?

 

[seeking.IAM]

Matthew 10:32-33 Whoever confesses me before men, him I will confess before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will deny before my father who is in heaven.

In this increasingly secular age, Christianity can use a little self-promotion. My car wears the Episcopal shield in its back window, the first and only sticker I have ever displayed. I sometimes wear a shield lapel pin, which can be a conversation starter. The cross I wear is for me, not others but I don't fret if it falls outside my shirt. I suppose there is a fine line between being prideful in public and proclaiming your faith. Attitude probably matters.

 

[Paidiske]

I don't believe we can convert people. That's the work of the Holy Spirit.

I do think that "proclaiming the good news" is part of the mission of the Church, and that means all of us. But each of us needs to find the way to do that, that's right for us.

It's different for me now that I'm ordained. I wasn't big into visual statements of my faith before I was ordained, but now I find the collar useful in various ways. It does mean people approach me at random, ask questions, ask for prayer. I think being visible is part of making myself available, so I do it more than I might otherwise.

When I was a lay person... people, for example in my workplace, knew I was Christian, knew I went to church. I wasn't inhibited about talking about it. But not because of what I wore.

 

[Isocoma]

I agree to Paidiske

 

[gordonhooker]

Preach the Gospel always and everywhere, sometimes use words.

St. Francis of Assisi

I believe actions speak louder than words and I believe that is what Francis meant.

 

[cseargent]

I have an Angelus app on my phone complete with bells that chimes at 6AM, noon and 6PM. I just want the courage to stop whatever I am doing, wherever I happen to be, and pray the Angelus. Honestly I’m afraid people will think I’m looney.

Also where I live there are thousands of Chasidic Jews. They unabashedly pray in public! Everywhere! I want to be like them!

 

[gordonhooker]

Personally I think there is a time and a place for everything.

As an example - I wear my Franciscan Profession Cross everyday, when I am at work I wear it under my vest or shirt not because I am ashamed but simply because it is not appropriate in a mixed work place.

 

[seeking.IAM]

We should not be proud, nor should we be ashamed.