I’ve decided to start something new. As I’ve mentioned, in addition to being an aspiring author and (aspiring) atheist “activist”, I’m also a professional programmer. However, programming is but one of the many crafts I enjoy doing. I also put together jigsaw puzzles, make small clay animals, and put together jewelry. I’ve even tried felting, and plan to do more in the future. This is the first post in a new category where I will highlight things I’ve made.
Today, I’m going to show you my rosaries. (Note: in case you don’t know what those are, they are essentially prayer beads to help Catholics meditate on various events in the life of Jesus. Here’s a source for more info.)
It may seem odd for an atheist to have made a collection of rosaries, but you must remember that I have only recently left Catholicism. Most of these were made about the time I began to have doubts, and I was trying to find a way back into faith. My friends and family were mostly Catholic, and rosaries made great gifts, as well as a possible source of income (that never really panned out). Also, the beads are super shiny. Just look how pretty these things are! (Sorry for the poor quality – my phone has a pretty decent camera, but I am not a great photographer.)
I have not yet figured out what to do with these things. I can’t give them to my family; that would give the false impression that I still believe. I don’t really have Catholic friends left, and even if I did, there would be the same dilemma. I’m somewhat willing to sell them, but I don’t know how or where to market them effectively, and am unwilling to put much time into it. After all, I very much disagree with Catholicism; I want it to go away so it can’t hurt anyone else. Can it really be ethical for me to profit from it?
When I showed these to a Catholic who did not know me until this year, he said that Mary would not let me go after I’ve done all this work for her. I found myself unable to voice the thought, but I could not help but feel it: she already has.
The Complete History of the Universe: A Personal Journey 