Every nine weeks I visit a podiatrist associated with the Summit Medical Group. He takes care of ingrown nails and all of the other problems that afflict the feet. Francesco is a nice fellow in his early forties who laughingly mentioned that if his children remained in parochial schools, he would have to be working ‘til the age of 100. I believe that Francesco has five children and I can understand that the fees for attending a parochial school might mount up. But because Francesco and his wife seem to be ardent Catholics, I thought that paying the fees for parochial school was a mark of their spirituality. But that is not the case. The children have decided that they should attend public schools because that is where their friends are. And so it is that I assume that Brother Francesco can work only until the age of 85 or so before he quits rather than hold on until he approaches the century mark.
On my last visit to Francesco we were having a rational discussion of religious preferences. As he was counting his savings by having his children now attending public schools, he surprised me by asking what religion I observed. This was a surprise to me because most professionals never touch that subject, but we were talking about it. In my case, I am quite happy to discuss my religious preferences or non-preferences.
When I told Francesco that I was a non-believer, he pondered the question for an instant and then he said, “You mean you are an atheist?” Before I had a chance to reply, Francesco said something to the effect, “Oh, I see; you are a non-believer.” If I had been faster on my feet, I would have told him, “Yes, I am an atheist, an agnostic, and also an infidel.” This was to be said in the spirit of friendliness. I like Francesco. My mother used to jest that I was an infidel, with which I cheerfully agreed; she was right on the mark.
There have been occasions when I have been a patient in the hospital and preachers have come around to offer me “spiritual comfort.” When I told those preachers that I was a non-believer, they were, like Francesco, taken aback. And they usually left my room as quickly as possible.
Being a non-believer makes it possible for me to accept those who believe without prejudice. I do not believe that Jews are Christ-killers, and I also believe that the Holy Rollers are a source of great fun to me. What ever believers do when they worship is of no concern to me. I am happy in my atheistic, agnostic, and infidel ways. But the thing that astounds me is that when the questioner is informed that I am a non-believer, there is a period of great silence and disbelief.
My mother who claimed that she was not only saved but sanctified, has been dead for 50 years now. If she is in heaven, wherever that is, I am certain that she is lecturing the other angels on how tough her life has been, having an infidel son. I am perfectly willing to discuss a life of belief with anyone who wants to open the subject. But there are few takers. And as for Francesco, I hope that his children remain in the public schools so that he can retire at age 85. When he does retire, I hope that my ghost will bless him.
E. E. CARR
February 21, 2011
Essay 536
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Kevin’s commentary: …and we’re back! Been down for a while due to travel and work and other silly things but we’re going to continue rolling as normal.
My pacing is to remain at least one essay per “day” so despite the fact that this is actually being published on 4/2, it will go up as 3/15. Incidentally this is the furthest behind I’ve ever been on essays since the start of the site and I don’t like it one bit. Many more to come shortly as we delve into 2010 within the next few weeks.
In the meantime I am curious how the end of Francesco’s conversation went.