Atelophobia – the fear of imperfection

Franciscan spirituality is known for simplicity, joyful living and humility. The essence of Franciscan spirituality is the love of God. That love is central to gospel living; acceptance for those who are different and focused on service rather than selfishness. Francis and his followers lived a 'gospel life'. Gospel living sounds simple; in reality, it can be a challenge. The love of God is central in issues of Social Justice; Pope Francis talks about mercy. Franciscans are also known for their care of creation, sun and moon are as much part of the creation as the animals and all people for that matter.

I am a Secular Franciscan who struggles with some of the Church's teachings. God created the world and saw that it was good. God created every human being in their own image. And it was GOOD. However, as part of the liturgy, we - the people of God- have to say: "I am not worthy..."; This doesn't make sense to me.

Listening to others and reading articles, I am intrigued by the sense of guilt in the Christian faith. I suppose it all stems from the theology of 'Original Sin' (I am bad without doing anything wrong). Whatever happened to 'Original Blessing'? How many doctrines are human-made convenience for power and control? The history of the Church is not without greed and power struggles, and those struggles are not dissimilar to the times of the Early Church. The Church consists of people like you and I. With their own insecurities and weaknesses as well as their egos.

I wonder if the concept of Original Sin lies at the foundation of our general Atelophobia - the fear of imperfection. Of not being 'enough' - smart enough, worthy enough, holy enough... I am not saying we have to be self-sufficient, or self-reliant, not at all.  It is about how we see ourselves in our community. Is this fear of 'not-enough' something we tell ourselves, is it imposed by the Church, workplace or even something we picked up in childhood? Or is 'guilt' and 'not good enough' a human condition?

The not 'good enough' is also fed by the consumer mentality. From what we are supposed to look like as successful people, to the car we drive to be 'cool', how we spent our holidays, etc. etc.

The question is, "How can we build a society where people are accepted as they are"? And when will the Church proclaim love and inclusiveness rather than the 'we are in - you are out' mentality.

Prayer, meditation, mindful awareness and spending time in nature may help us to foster a more realistic image of what it means to be a human-being created in the Divine Image.

 Peace  comes from within. Do not seek it without. - Gautama Buddha