Why stay in the Church?

On the first Sunday of Advent, churchgoers were asked to fill in a questionnaire to help the Church in Malta identify trends in Mass attendance. In my piece in The Times (07.XII.2017) I acknowledge that, at face value, there are many reasons why leaving the Church may seem like a good idea. However, I will also argue that, although the concerns are real, there is an equal number of reasons to remain in the Church:

“Setting one’s standards of belief is an oxymoron: 'A self-made faith would only vouch for and be able to say what I already am and know anyway; it could not go beyond the boundary of my ego.'

It is because humanity fails time and time again that an ecclesial faith is needed. Faith never allows people to remain isolated in their comfort zone. C.S. Lewis observed that if he wanted to be happy he’d get himself a bottle of Port rather than resort to religion. He added: 'If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity'.”

The full article may be read by clicking here.

Photo by Mark Zammit Cordina.