Welcome to Third Culture Catholic!

A space for candid takes on the US Catholic Church

Welcome to Third Culture Catholic, where perspectives on the American Catholic Church are given by a TCK — Third Culture Kid.

Disclaimer: I’m not a kid anymore, and not a TCK in the “traditional” sense — not the child of expats, of military parents, or of diplomats — yet still very much raised in the mileu of a mixed faith 1.5 Gen Chinese-Malaysian-Filipino family in the States. You can call me an honorary TCK if you’d like.

“They typically are exposed to a greater volume and variety of cultural influences than those who grow up in one particular cultural setting.”

And this exposure, I think, has been a key reason why I’ve found it so frustrating working in and for the Church here in America. Knowing what life could be and is like for many people not involved in Catholic America, I see time and time again how our infighting alienates so many from coming to know and love Jesus.

I don’t want this blog to turn into a bitter space where I simply air my grievances. So I’ll just say this at the get-go: so many people and families are dealing with problems bigger and more meaningful than what we as a Church are dedicating our energy to.

“Culture wars.”

“What-about-isms.”

“We’re being persecuted.”

“Racism doesn’t exist; you’re being racist by talking about race.”

“Masks are an affront to our freedom!”

It’s difficult to fight this cacophony because American Catholics are very good at being loud, exerting force and control. It’s easy to be steamrolled in this arena.

So that’s why I’m taking to Medium. I don’t think it’s a space co-opted by radicalized frenetic Catholics (yet), unlike Twitter, Facebook, or Wordpress. I just need space to breathe and share honest thoughts and musings on being a disciple of Jesus, as part of his Church.

And I’m hoping that this seed grows into something neat, encouraging, and healing for the Church at large.

-TLC

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