Exposing Religion
By * Jeff Boucher
18 Apr 2008
A late evening of Emily's (my daughter) dance class had us driving through town around 9:30. Although I pass the same way on many evenings I found myself in a daydream thinking about the recent visit from the Pope. The beautiful white church stood mighty and bright with a black sky for a backdrop. Of course my daughters first reaction was "could you imagine the hand shadows I could make with that light!" Anyway, I decided to stop and shoot the building , and of course lettting my daughter get involved.
I have been struggling with organized religion for some time now and with the media coverage of the Pope I have yet been reminded of another obstacle in my life that needs attention. I was disgusted with the dollar figures the archdiocese of New York and Washington spent on the Papal visit. An estimated 1.5 million dollars per day was (wasted) spent protecting him on his journey to the U.S.A. Could the church find something else to spend 7.5 millon dollars on? The 2nd collection at Sundays Mass will now be paying for Secret Service instead of settleing abuse cases or revamping the church hall. I think a big part of my struggle is the fact that people are so dedicated and have so much emotion for one person. Ladies crying, people fainting at his sight? I don't think I will ever understand that feeling, as there has been no one single person that has affected me in this way. Maybe I am jealous that people find peace and hope in praying and holding someone in such high regard? So as I took my daughter on her first night shoot I reflected on my journey and kept an open mind hoping I would "See the light". I am keeping my eyes open, maybe someday my journey will be over.
1 response
-
Paige said (17 Jul 2009):
Jeff, you will "see the light" through Christ; not through organized religion. I am Christian and I follow the Bible. Plain and simple.
I have looked at 25 pages of your pictures so far and have been very touched by them, although I sometimes sense a certain sadness in them.
