I've never heard of a "practicing Lutheran," a "practicing Mormon," a "practicing Presbyterian," or a "practicing ______________." (Fill in the denomination of your choice.) Apparently, the members of these denominations are ready for the Heavenly Olympics. Right now. Just like that. Everyone has heard of a "practicing Catholic." Ordinary people, the Catholics who go to Mass on Sundays, who make sure their children are baptized, confirmed, and enrolled in religious eduction classes are "practicing Catholics." They practice, practice, and practice, but they're never ready for the Heavenly Olympics. They must keep on practicing. Those who sleep late on Sundays while their children watch cartoons or play video games have given up practicing. They are out of shape and are no longer ready for the Heavenly Olympics.
The Old Baguette is confused. Never has she heard the Pope called a practicing Catholic. Never has she heard Cardinals called practicing Catholics. Or Archbishops. Or Bishops. Or Priests. Are they sleeping late on Sunday morning? Have they given up practicing? Are they out of shape, no longer ready for the Heavenly Olympics?
Interesting observations on the usage of practicing. It seemed to me that certain flavors of the Jewish faith may practice. Are there not "practicing Orthodox Jews"? Perhaps it has something to do with the depth of ritual involved in the given faith. The fact the doctors and lawyers practice gives one a moment of pause.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason this reminds me of a joke. A first grade teacher in a multicultural school, in hopes of drawing the class together, assigned the class to bring in an object from their family's religion for show and tell.
The next day, the children were to stand and explain their object.
The first child got up in front of the class. "My name Jeffery and I am Jewish. This is a prayer shall that we wear in the synagogue."
"My name is Ahmed and I am a Muslim. This is a prayer rug that we kneel on and pray to Allah."
"My name is Susie, and I am Catholic. This is a rosary."
"My name is John, and I am Presbyterian. This is a covered dish."
An alternate to above, told to me by an Episcopalian, "Hi my name Bob, and I am Episcopalian. This is a martini glass."