Which Church do you go to?

I get asked this question on average almost every 6 weeks. The gravity with which it is asked never ceases to amaze me. Usually, the question is asked almost as if one was interested in knowing which suburb you lived in. One of those questions meant for idle chit-chat, a mere formality. The inquirers are usually inquisitive grandmothers, aunts and an assortment of random old ladies that typically frequent a family get-together.

Usually, my answer is the name of the closest Anglican CSI church I can recall - St. Mark's, St. John's or something along those lines. Never mind that I don't actually know what the inside of the church looks like. You see, one has to be politically correct when talking about religion. As a person of rather convoluted religious making, I've learned that its not alright to ruffle feathers. Although I was baptized a Methodist, I was confirmed in the Church of South India, therefore requiring me forevermore to declare allegiance to the Anglican realm of Christianity.

When I choose to answer that question in the non-affirmative, the conversation usually takes on an interesting dimension. Recently, I started declaring that "I haven't found the right Church as yet." This answer is usually met with the questioner rattling off the names of churches in the vicinity. A sort of audio version of Google Local. I then appropriately "umm" and "aah" and ask polite questions about the service timings, and exact location, before declaring my intention to "try it out." This then results in great joy for the questioner. "I lead the lost sheep back into the fold," they secretly mumble. The conversation quickly dissolves into more pleasant chit-chat such as the wonderful Chennai weather, or the state of the Metro construction across 100 Feet Road.

Last weekend I was asked the exact same question twice in the same evening. Having grown tired of the constant prodding into my personal life, I decided to declare with as much nonchalance as I could muster, "I don't go to church right now" This of course was met with tiny gasps across the room. In other circumstances, this would have probably been met with several questions, a summary judgment on my moral character. Not to mention a quick damning report being swiftly forwarded to all who might be deemed concerned. But this, gladly, is not one of those circumstances. And here's why....

1. I'm 26
2. I live on my own, I earn my own money
3. I am unmarried (and therefore no young minds to influence)

Now although these conditions are by themselves not guaranteed to ward off similar situations in the future for myself or for anyone else, it does have a significant degree of influence over the situation. And so, on this occasion, barring the one aunt who not let things lie for the next ten minute, the situation passed with relative ease.

I find it hard to imagine why someone so distant from my everyday life would be so concerned about how I spent my Sunday mornings. Perhaps its the general inquisitiveness that is so genetic to our culture. Perhaps its just a familial concern to make sure every conceivable need is taken care of.

I'm the sort of person who has what I would call a pretty "live and let live" attitude, when it comes to religion. You do what you want, I do what I want, and all is peachy, unless you come cross over into my territory. I don't discuss my beliefs openly with people, but that is not to say I don't have any. That's not to say I'm opposed to going to Church. I wish though, that organized religion, would lend itself to the needs of a younger, vastly different generation.

My grandmother, who for her age is rather liberal, once said it was alright to "shop" for a Church. After all, she argues, you need to find a place you like going back to every week. Perhaps its time to go shopping. I wonder if there's a 7-11 close by? Now that would make things very easy.