*** UPDATED x1 *** Question of the day
Wednesday, Mar 13, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From the Tribune…
White smoke is pouring out of the chimney from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, signaling the Roman Catholic Church now has a new pope.
Vatican officials say that man will be introduced on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in less than an hour. The bells of the basilica also have begun to toll.
* The Question: What is your religion?
*** UPDATE *** From CBS News…
- Colossus - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:18 pm:
Pastafarian. With a strong grounding in Lutheran tradition.
This is the first place I heard this news. Quick check, and Rich beat HuffPo and SJ-R, but the other national outlets had small blurbs already. That’s fast work.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:18 pm:
Lutheran Church Missori Synod (more denomnation but you get the idea)
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:19 pm:
Converted Catholic, slightly lapsed. Hoping for a lot from the new guy.
- Belle - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:20 pm:
Educated as a Catholic. Was nothing and didn’t care for many decades and currently exploring Buddhism.
- Peter - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:20 pm:
After following Illinois politics for the past decade I’ve become convinced there is no god.
But seriously: Roman Catholic, attend weekly.
- Mason born - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:21 pm:
LCMS as well.
- I'm Just Saying - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:21 pm:
Fallen Away Catholic….
- RonOglesby - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:24 pm:
Grew up as a baptist, now agnostic.
- robin the retriever - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:24 pm:
LCMS
- tubbfan - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:25 pm:
Christian, United Methodist
- Colossus - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:26 pm:
OneMan - MoSos and ELCAs are entirely different churches, I think you were spot on.
- Anon - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:27 pm:
Atheist
- train111 - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:28 pm:
Raised Lutheran. (ELCA–the liberal one) Spent 20+ years in fundy Christian Churches and have found that after all these years, in my heart, I am much closer to Lutheranism than ever. Sometimes it takes years to wind up right back where you started. Go figure.
train111
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:29 pm:
Agnostic.
- Mason born - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:31 pm:
alcoholism should have read alcohol
- Stuff happens - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:32 pm:
Uneasy Catholic, eyeing Episcopalianism.
- Michelle Flaherty - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:32 pm:
LCMS.
sheesh, we get too many more and we’ll be able to start a reformation.
- username - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:32 pm:
Jewish
- Cincinnatus - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:33 pm:
Lapsed Catholic.
- Anyone Remember? - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:35 pm:
United Methodist, raised (Three Martini) Episcopal.
- C-U Kev - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:35 pm:
Chicago Cubs. Less embarrassing than being a Catholic these days.
- Mouthy - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:37 pm:
United Methodist
- Spliff - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:38 pm:
Athiest with a strong grounding as a Presbyterian and in Methodism (John and Charles Wesley).
- Norseman - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:38 pm:
Lutheran
- bam - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:38 pm:
Episcopal.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:40 pm:
Catholic.
Hey - C-U Kev -, can you be more tasteless?
Rich asked our religion, not how we feel about ours or others.
Bad form.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:41 pm:
Not really a religion, but I’m Agnostic. Don’t know if there is or isn’t a God, but remain unconvinced without proof.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:42 pm:
Lutheran, ELCA. Baptized and confirmed (with paperwork). According to my confirmation classes, that guarantees me a good table at The Eternal Banquet, as long as I’m sorry for my sins.
Which I am.
So I’ve got that going for me.
- OneMan - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:42 pm:
Colossus
Actually was a delegate to the last two conventions (got to love Houston in July)
- Because I said so... - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:42 pm:
Another lapsed Catholic but I kept the guilt.
- Served - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:44 pm:
Raised Mennonite.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:45 pm:
Lol, word.
AA never knew the Vatican had an anthem.
- estubborn - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:46 pm:
former catholic
- Fire Anita Alvarez - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:46 pm:
Roman Catholic. Church of the Poison Mind on Tuesdays.
- PublicServant - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:47 pm:
@demoralized - Here’s the way I look at it:
If there is a god and you believe, then you’re going to heaven.
If there is a god and you don’t believe, then you’re going to hell.
If there isn’t a god and you believe, then you wasted a little time.
If there isn’t a god and you don’t believe, well then, how efficient of you.
Bottom line: If you’re not sure, believing is your best bet.
Amen.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:47 pm:
===AA never knew the Vatican had an anthem.===
Vatican City is a “country” itself.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:47 pm:
Catholic!
- Capitol View - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:48 pm:
are you asking me, or the next Pope?
(And remember that the first few popes or apostles were Jewish)
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:48 pm:
None
- frustrated GOP - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:50 pm:
I’m thinking about bring back the roman gods. More to pick from.
- BehindTheScenes - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:50 pm:
Raised, baptized and confirmed in the E & R (Evangelical and Reformed)church, then United Church of Christ (UCC) after the merger, and for the last 12 years Presbyterian. Which, I learned shortly after Benedict’s resignation, qualified me to be Pope (any baptized male, catholic or not, I was told). Didn’t get the job…
- Midwest Mom - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:52 pm:
Raised Methodist, would like to believe but my engineering and scientific background get the better of me these days. So agnostic leaning toward atheist.
- anon now - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:53 pm:
Raised Methodist until Mom remarried, then changed to Presbyterian. Christian at heart.
- Demoralized - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:54 pm:
@PublicServant:
I have deep seeded reasons for my belief, as all do for their belief systems. I would love to discuss them but this isn’t the appropriate blog to do that. I thank you, though, for your thoughts. I’ve been told that many, many times.
- Nearly Normal - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:57 pm:
Catholic
- Jake From Elwood - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:58 pm:
Catholic. But let’s just say I have some concerns with the business model.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 12:59 pm:
Dudeism. http://dudeism.com/
- Samurai - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:04 pm:
Zen-Lutheran,but Roman Catholic by marriage.
- carbaby - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:05 pm:
Raised and baptized Catholic but as an adult have off and on attended a Presbyterian Church. Acccording to my mother it is a mortal sin to attend any other church demonination. I’ll add that to the many sins I’ve committed and hopefully all will be forgiven.
- PM31 - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:07 pm:
Ordained non-denominational minister.
Raised Catholic, married LCMS, now Wiccan.
- Diogenes in DuPage - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:08 pm:
Recovering Catholic; now Congregational
- jake - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:08 pm:
Scientific humanism
- Give Me. A Break - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:08 pm:
Baptist, American not Southern.
- dupage dan - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:09 pm:
Raised Presbyterian, spent serious time as a “Jesus Freak” in the 70s. Learned of my hidden (by my grandmother) Jewish heritage - but have not practiced.
I consider myself a Deist.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:10 pm:
Willy, I knew that part of course, just never thought about the anthem.
I’m sure there are some “Domers” out there that would tell you that their fight song is that anthem, lol.
Most of the teevee talking heads right now are clearly non-Catholics. Gosh.
- Ray Midge - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:11 pm:
God speaks through the music of the Rolling Stones.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:11 pm:
Roman Catholic.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:14 pm:
- AA -,
I hope you took it as just informational, not questioning your knowledge.
Pope Francis …
- Kasich Walker, Jr. - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:14 pm:
Raised Missouri Synod Lutheran, left, went back, went ECLA for a while, now a humanist attempting to be ethical, even when unable to define it.
Ever hear the one about the bats in the church bell tower?
Couldn’t get rid of ‘em.
Tried shooting guns, poison, and traps. Finally a Synod leader stopped by and suggested baptizing the bats then sending them to confirmation.
Within a few weeks of confirmation they were gone for good.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:15 pm:
Dutch Reform Calvinist, but without a local brand in these parts, switched to United Methodist.
- SirLankselot - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:18 pm:
Evangelical Free. My church is fundamental while allowing consumption of alcohol.
- Cornerfield - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:19 pm:
United Methodist
- Jabes - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:19 pm:
Ex-mormon, now atheist.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:21 pm:
Willy, absolutely. AA is always learning.
Sounds like our leaders made a wise choice.
- nobody - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:23 pm:
Cafeteria Catholic
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:26 pm:
- AA -
Agreed.
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:34 pm:
Wow - not too many of my Tribe here.
- Sweetness - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:34 pm:
I’m an evangelical agnostic now.
- dupage dan - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:34 pm:
VM - do you still read the Banner?
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:36 pm:
==Scientific humanism==
I would say this for myself also.
Congratulations to Catholics, particularly Latin American Catholics, for the selection of a pope.
- Irishpirate - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:37 pm:
Lapsed Catholic with a bad moon rising.
Cultural Catholic so to speak.
- ArchiesmomSusan - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:38 pm:
Roman Cathlolic, grew up in Irish NY neighborhood. Now a Taoist. Really.
- OK, No - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:39 pm:
None, and not looking for any.
- Highland, Il - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:39 pm:
Catholic, and not just a C&E Catholic.
Don’t tell the bishop, but I don’t believe SSM threatens my marriage.
- Endangered Moderate Species - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:42 pm:
Raised a United Methodist, but am agnostic.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:44 pm:
Protestant
- Irish - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:45 pm:
I believe in God.
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:46 pm:
C&E Catholic? I assume that’s Christmas and Easter. Kind of like a high holiday Jew - Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
- Yossarian Lives - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:48 pm:
Religion = Christian
Denomination = Presbyterian
I call myself evangelical but am not sure anymore that most evangelicals would agree.
- Waldi - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:49 pm:
Born and raised Catholic. Now agnostic leaning strongly toward atheist.
- Darienite - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 1:54 pm:
Catholic - Don’t know if I’d remain if I were in a different parish.
- East Central Illinois - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:00 pm:
Protestant. Baptist.
- bored now - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:00 pm:
united methodist. my grandfather was a methodist minister in michigan and my brother is a methodist minister in florida. couldn’t escape it if i tried…
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:01 pm:
,- AA -
===I’m sure there are some “Domers” out there that would tell you that their fight song is that anthem, lol.===
I have quite a few friends who went to Boston College (BC), and they cringe at the mere talk of that Fight Song, let alone “ND”.
Francis I, a Jesuit. I am sure all the Loyola Jusuits there, (University and High Shool) are quite proud.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:03 pm:
Raised & educated Roman Catholic through college. For a lot of years, lapsed Catholic. For some time & currently attend Southern Baptist with the Mrs.
- South of I-80 - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:04 pm:
Roman Catholic
- Left of Central IL - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:04 pm:
Runaway Catholic, became a Guilt-ridden Agnostic
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:08 pm:
Catholic
- Lakefront Lib - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:09 pm:
Chanukkah and Passover Jew.
- Leave a Light on George - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:13 pm:
“Hey who is that up there with Harry?”
- RNUG - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:13 pm:
As I often joke with a Jewish friend, for all of you that still feel a bit guilty, just remember … the Jews (or was that Jewish mothers?) invented guilt and the Catholics perfected it.
- Cardinal fan - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:15 pm:
My Mom won and I was raised Ukrainian Orthodox but Dad is Catholic so I celebrate 2 Christmas’ and 2 Easters.
- Northsider - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:27 pm:
Jewish.
But also a strong culinarian, and orthodox (Mountain) Dewvian.
- Abe Froman - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:30 pm:
Lutheran (ELCA)
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:36 pm:
Roman Catholic (although a Divorced Catholic)
- Jaded - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:38 pm:
Christian. At the end of the day, the denomination really doesn’t mean that much.
- Just The Way It Is One - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:38 pm:
Christian first. Most of my life, Catholic-Christian. More recently, Lutheran-Christian (Missouri Synod). And now that many of us have revealed our faith (or non-faith) to you, Rich Miller, we know from that recent post of your Dad holding you by the car as a baby, before, your Dad posted, you were on your way to your Baptism that you have at least been baptized. So now we’re all interested to know your OWN answer to this question…?
- democrat Grrrl - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:40 pm:
Raised Southern Baptist, now an Episcopalian.
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:44 pm:
Jewish and I don’t bowl on Shabbos!
(politicing on Shabbos, only towards the end).
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:44 pm:
End of an election. Ahhh Internet Explorer.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:44 pm:
I’m a Friday fish frying, Pope Soap on a rope, Roman Catholic.
- Enemy of the State - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:50 pm:
Catholic.
- downstate commissioner - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:54 pm:
Raised Lutheran ELCA. Didn’t stick, but usually attend X-mas eve service. Don’t consider myself a Christian, but not a true atheist, either…
Want to have prayers in school? Sure, go ahead, can’t hurt, might help. Want to come to a hospital room and offer a prayer for my kids or g-kids? Same answer, I’ll even bow my head and say “Amen”. Just don’t push ME about my religion.
- Njardar - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:58 pm:
Baptized Episcopalian, raised Missouri Synod Lutheran (past congregation Elder), now a Buddhist. What a ride!
- Earnest - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 2:58 pm:
I’m not a believer. I have been a member of Unitarian Universalist congregations when I’ve lived near one. I was raised Catholic.
- Chitownhv - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 3:05 pm:
Raised Catholic, baptized Christian in my 30’s, now atheist.
- Cross and flame - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 3:14 pm:
United Methodist
- WhoKnew - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 3:16 pm:
Southern Baptist — Not American!
- Cross and flame - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 3:17 pm:
That is a member of a Reconciling Congregation of the United Methodist Church, pressing our denomination to welcome all, especially when it comes to marriage equality.
- olddog - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 3:23 pm:
Lutheran (ELCA)
Another way to get rid of the bats (the way I heard it): Baptize them and give them pledge cards - you’ll never see them again.
- ??? - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 3:29 pm:
Presbyterian
- 32nd Ward Roscoe Village - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 3:29 pm:
“raised (Three Martini) Episcopal”
Raised (Irish teetotaler) Catholic, married spawn of “party Catholics”. Seriously, when I told my mother whose son I was marrying, she said, in all seriousness, “Oh, yes, we never really socialized, they were “the party Catholics.”"
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 3:40 pm:
Willy, I don’t have BC friends but I hear the rivalry is intense.
Today at the Princesses’ Catholic High School, the wonderful but slightly spacy Sister Principal came on the PA and announced, “We have white smoke.” About half the kids thought it was a fire drill.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 3:42 pm:
–”We have white smoke.” About half the kids thought it was a fire drill.–
At my old high school, we would have thought she was selling something in the parking lot.
- soccermom - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 3:43 pm:
I am a Democrat. In my spare time, I am an Episcopalian.
- susiejones - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 4:13 pm:
Christian; member of the United Methodist Church
- it'smyopinion - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 4:25 pm:
Not religious..but you’ll often hear me saying WWJD because I wish that’s how religious people thought/acted more often. Admittedly though I’m one of those no athiest in a foxhole types. If someone in my family were to get sick, I bet I would suddenly become prayerful. So I guess that means I’m not an atheist.
- it'smyopinion - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 4:26 pm:
Love your answer,soccermom!
- Muffin Man - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 4:35 pm:
Raised a Methodist but try not to be blinded by strict adherence to any one church’s doctrine. I try to listen and learn from all religious beliefs. For me–One size does not fit all.
- John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 4:44 pm:
Dentist.
- lil' redhead - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 5:03 pm:
Baptized & raised a Catholic by Irish Catholic parents. Lapsed now but still identify myself as a Roman Catholic.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 5:34 pm:
–Not religious..but you’ll often hear me saying WWJD because I wish that’s how religious people thought/acted more often–
A self-proclaimed man of The Enlightenment, Jefferson edited the New Testament, removing all the miracles and supernatural occurrences, for use as a guide on ethics.
He called it the “The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth. It’s also referred to as the “Jefferson Bible.”
Of course, that dude was a slaveholder, and probably allowed his own children to live as slaves. Not that you’ll find any admonitions against slavery in The Bible.
But the Adams’ boys, father, and especially son, certainly were influenced by the spirit of The Gospels to lay the foundations for abolition.
- Just The Way It Is One - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 6:17 pm:
…We’re still WAITing, Rich…???
- Etown - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 6:33 pm:
Franciis!!
- Reggaeman - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 6:52 pm:
Pedestrian
- FormerParatrooper - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 7:03 pm:
Raised Baptist. Still Baptist, but wondering about the books that were not included in the scripture.
- Mama - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 8:03 pm:
In Ireland we were called “black Irish,” this label has nothing to do with race or color. For the record, I am not black. The “black Irish” label has to do with religion. Now you know what my religion is.
- Capitol View - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 8:08 pm:
I just heard that Karl Rove is telling everyone to ignore the white smoke, and that he claims that not all the votes have been counted…
- Liberty_First - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 8:54 pm:
Do you mean: what is your religion of choice to disagree with?
Former Paratrooper - you might read em to find out but your not missing much.
- Bemused - Wednesday, Mar 13, 13 @ 9:46 pm:
Raised Southern Baptist.
Very uptight bunch.
Listening to George Carlin changed things. He said Dr. Timothy Leary’s brother ( Really Leary) started a religion that teaches when you die your soul goes to a garage in Buffalo. Works for me.
- Skeeter - Thursday, Mar 14, 13 @ 5:56 am:
Raised Irish Catholic. Left a few years ago when Cardinal George when off the deep end. Really miss Cardinal Bernardin. Thought I would return to Mass when George leaves, but I just don’t see it happening. The Catholic Church’s views on some pretty basic issues are just too far from my own.
Married into the Greek Orthodox faith.
Attend Greek Orthodox Mass when required by spouse but would be perfectly content if that never occurred.
- Excessively Rabid - Thursday, Mar 14, 13 @ 6:55 am:
Presbyterian, with a lot of Eastern influence. Predestination is single-use karma.
- 62401 - Thursday, Mar 14, 13 @ 5:55 pm:
I liked the term someone used earlier…Cultural Catholic. But more and more I think of the words of Puddinhead Wilson, “Faith is believing what you know ain’t so” and the older I get the harder that task is.