My great aunt was a fascinating woman. She was raised in Canadian by English parents, married and immigrated to the United States. She understood French and English and was fluent in several different languages. She attended services, in places of worship, all over. She chose to practice Christianity. She raised her six children in Christianity, but educated them in other religions to allow them the option of choice.
             My great aunt was the greatest influence in my desire to explore the different religions in my town. My parents understood this desire and did not suppress it. I wanted to know what else was out there. As I grew I discovered there were other religious beliefs not represented in our town. I needed to research these other areas to ensure I had found the true faith for me. A study of Catholicism, and Judaism, among others has led me to my increased appreciation and belief in my Christian faith.
             The term Christian comes from the belief in Jesus Christ of Nazareth and his teachings about God. Jesus was born about 5 BC and died at the age of 33. The Christian religion was not acknowledged until the year 311 by the Roman Emperor Constantine. The Christain practice remains largely Catholic in structure though some of the Catholic laws were abolished, including the allegiance to the pope. The differences between these religions, such as the worship of Mary and the Saints, confession, and the acceptance that has led to a lack of understanding during this time when faith is a presence and an option throughout the world.
             Concrete Experience When I was a young boy, my family moved to a small town in Michigan. This move isolated my family from friends and relatives. As a result of this isolation my family quickly befriended a neighboring family with a son close to my age. My neighbors treated us like family and invited us to all of their family functions, such as weddings, baptisms, first communions, confir...