The sad release of skipping church

23 May 2017

By Ryan Suckling, Eureka Street

There came a time for me, as it does for many, when going to church was no longer obligatory. I suspect it’s most common in those middle years of adolescence, when parents feel the need to loosen their hold over you, but with the blanket of judgement ever fixed.

My wane in piety was not unforeseen. Each Sunday morning, as my family was getting ready, I’d linger by the bathroom still in my pyjamas, wondering what to do or say. The plan was always to tentatively make everyone aware that I wasn’t quite up for church-going that day. Of course, reactions varied.

On a good day, my mother would appear nonplussed, almost indifferent, preoccupied with attaching a dangly earring or putting on her makeup. She’d say, ‘That’s fine, you go back to bed and rest.’ My heart would leap for joy. Not only did I dodge the three hours spent swaying to an old piano in a sticky hall; but the whole house was mine, a veritable bounty for doing what I wanted where I wanted.

She’d be happy to go with my father and two sisters, and tell me about the sermon when they got home. Sometimes she was even glad for me. ‘Well it’s a good job you didn’t come today, they had that woman who shouts at the end of every sentence. I mean, I’d understand if she was shouting “hallelujah” or “amen”, but no, she just builds up and up to a shout every time. Makes my ears hurt.’

This story first appeared in Eureka Street, to continue reading the full article please click here.

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