My interest in Lino is on the surface a little odd, considering my general distaste for Catholicism. I think the supernatural element of all religions is despicable. But I hate Catholicism more perhaps because in my youth the majority of my peers were being raised Catholic and that majority probably offended me with its righteousness. The dictated morality minus thought doesn't work for me. And I have had too many conversations with adult Catholics who can't have a deep and open conversation about philosophy, because, they say, they "have their beliefs."
But Lino is not simple. I recently read his memoir, Sinner: The Catholic Guy's funny, feeble attempts to be a faithful Catholic. The title sums it up. He believes in the whole bundle of Catholic bullshit, but he is intelligent and has a glowing personality. His life story is interesting. And like me, he seeks depth and authenticity in his life. He happens to have latched onto a very clear system of spirituality that I just can't swallow.
As much as I can't handle Catholicism, I think Lino's attempt to live a spiritual life, with often unintentionally comedic results, is relevant to me. He's rooted in a way I'd like to be. I have just been thus far unable to find something to root me similarly, since all spiritual systems that appear potentially satisfying are full of supernaturalism that is at best unfalsafiable, or at worst, demonstrably false. Lino doesn't discuss doubt in his book, and this disappoints me. I feel that understand his personality to a great extent, but not his brain, if it lets the BS through unfiltered. Though I know by now, religious beliefs that are instilled in you before you have the mind to filter them often stay despite any careful thought or reckless rebellion in later years.
I can live in a world of Linos. A world where truly wonderful people entertain and inspire us despite our fundamental difference in worldview. That's the wonder of the pluralism of a liberal democracy. But the same kind of absolute belief in a religion leads to atrocity and misery in other circumstances. I suppose there must be limits. You can believe what you want as long as it doesn't weaken the rights and safety of others.
Lino, I like you and I am happy you are not strapping bombs to yourself.
