I first want to explain a few things about myself, more than just what you would read in a profile or something like that. I am more than just words on a screen. And I am more than what you can identify with certain passions, dislikes, and interests.
I am a Roman Catholic. I try my best to align my beliefs with that of the one, holy, apostolic, catholic church. In actuality, I am probably more orthodox than most and more zealous about those beliefs. I am not your typical lapse, "open-minded", or Republican in sheep's clothing sort of Catholic. My journey to this universal church has been struggle, but a joyful struggle. I at once was (by the upbringing of my parents) nearly an Evangelical Protestant. I attended Sunday Mass at a Catholic Church and a nondenominational Christian youth group. This sort of confusion and lack of any realm spiritual home left me distraught for something visible. I wanted to be apart of something bigger, but was scared at the possibilities this strange dichotomy presented. I was somewhat versed in Scripture (more so than your typical Catholic, but far less than a confident Protestant). I knew the name of Jesus had power, but in hindsight I did not realize how powerful that name really is. I eventually through the guidance of the Holy Spirit made my way to Rome in a much more fully manner. Through prayer, guidance, spiritual direction, and reading I crossed the river Tiber. My fundamental base for anything Catholic was Christ himself present in the Eucharist. From this I discovered the depths the True Faith has to offer. I can elaborate this further, but just in review I am not a cradle Catholic necessarily, but I am not a convert.
I am seminarian for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. In this discovery of the fullness of Christianity, I fell in love with the priesthood and its connection to the Holy Eucharist. I entered last fall and plan to continue to discern my possible call the Holy Priesthood.
Here's where the excellent dichotomy begins... I enjoy all sorts of music, most of which you would not expect an orthodox Catholic seminarian to enjoy. I try not to limit myself to genres, but to the untrained ear they resemble mostly rock. The Flaming Lips, mewithoutYou, Mastodon, ISIS, ZAO, Depeche Mode, Thrice, Wilco, Radiohead, TV on the Radio, Interpol, Sufjan Stevens, U2, Death From Above 1979, Justice, MSTRKRFT, Simian Mobile Disco, Pelican, Neutral Milk Hotel are just some of the bands/artists I enjoy on a daily basis. I am also an avid film connoisseur beginning with foreign films to anything abstract and obscure. With that, my faith does play a role in my tastes and for some obvious reasons Tinto Brass won't be on my viewing selection. I will more than likely have a movie review on here, as well as music and other things. I don't like the term hipster or artsy, because people connect that with so many other things including liberal... I read lots. I like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Chuck Palahniuk, James Joyce, G.K. Chesterton, Edgar Allen Poe, Flannery O'Connor, and various other authors who probe, entertain, and enlighten my mind. I have taste for wit and schmart jokes. I soak in random history facts. I also end things abruptly.
Currently Reading:
Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk
Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis
Films in the Tank:
One Flew Over the Cuckoos's Nest
Sunshine
The Science of Sleep
The Conversation
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Up Next: My Top Lists and reactions to the Papal trip to New York.
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