The Role of the Church in the Lives of the Poor
(People’s names have been changed to protect their privacy)
No one Prays Harder than the Poor
This past week I was overjoyed to visit my niece Leticia and other family in the Dominican Republic.[1] I had not seen Leticia since she was the ring bearer at my wedding in 1998. She was the cutest little girl one could imagine — the perfect reflection of childhood, life, innocence and beauty.
Leticia came from a desperately poor family. The chips were stacked against her from the beginning. Her story deserves to be told because is reflective of the story of millions of people across the Dominican Republic.
Several years after the wedding, Leticia’s mom Margarita died of AIDS. Struggling to put food on the table for her three children, Margarita found herself in debt to the local butcher Miguel Angel and colmadero Fausto.[2] She was coerced into sleeping with them in return for the sums unpaid. She contracted the virus. Leticia’s father Felix had never recognized her. He was nowhere to be found. Leticia’s stepfather Onu sent for her. She left the village of Pontoncito where she grew up and moved to El 27 de Febrero neighborhood. Onu’s intentions were good but unemployment and underemployment pushed him into selling marijuana. He found himself in prison. Leticia was again an orphan.
We tried to send for her from New York but bureaucracy showed little interest in the plight of the poor. Leticia had to go back to her village just outside of Navarrete, Santiago. She was raised by her uncle Juan Carlos who did everything in his power to give her the affection and instruction he gave to his own four children. She had another uncle Roberto who lived next door and was an alcoholic and known sexual predator. Sometime between the age of 8 and 9 she was tied down by Roberto and his wife and sexually abused. How many times was never clear but it was not a one time occurrence.
At 12 years of age she got married to a 14 year old motoconcho to escape the horror.[3] She was pregnant at 13. A child was left to raise a child. With her own self-esteem un-constructed and dismantled, how would she build up the self-image of her newborn baby Marlenis?
Reconnecting
Seventeen years later, the parishioners of her church led me to her doorstep for a visit. She had moved over 200 kilometers away to los Frailes II, a peripheral neighborhood of Santo Domingo. Her mouth was agape and tears surfaced in both of her eyes when she realized her uncle had tracked her down after so much time.
Here was Leticia before me, pregnant with her third child, renting a room with her husband who had been deported from New York City because of involvement with drugs. The petite little 6 year-old was now obscenely over weight. This cruel life had taken its toll on both her mind and body. Penniless, she still honored the tradition of offering a snack to her guests. She mustered up some change to offer my son Ernesto (her cousin) and I some grape soda and cookies. How could one decline given the sacrifice and pride it took to offer up the merienda?[1] She told me about her journey and of her recent turning to God.
Her two-year old son Morocho ran around naked, perilously close to a steep staircase with no rail. Out of the corner of her eye she saw her nine-year old Marlenis playfully chase a neighbor’s daughter around. Whack! She slapped her in the back of the neck, bestowed curses upon her and turned back to talk to me. She told me, as if entranced, that all of the tragedy and catastrophe we were seeing in the world had been predicted. “It is all explained in the bible. Ebola, the war in Jerusalem, the earthquake in China, the poverty in Africa.” She explained that this is what her pastor says.
I asked her about her husband and how their marriage was going. There had been a lot of violence and she lost a pregnancy from the force of some of his blows. She said his behavior has improved since they joined the local Evangelical church.
An afternoon onslaught of rain poured down. Left with no toys or space to play, Marlenis created fun out of nothing and ran around the two-room hovel. Again, a mother’s impatient hand struck down on Marlenis’ head, cursing “Mira maldita prieta!”[2] Like Leticia, Marlenis was the darkest-complexioned in the family. The harshest life sentences are always reserved for the darkest children. Taught to hate themselves, they hate that which most closely mirrors their own pain.
Finding a Purpose in a Purposeless World
With so many family members “finding” themselves in God, it is important to reflect on this all-too-true social reality. Every day the church distances more people from gaining control over their immediate surroundings. Across Latin America, families fall deeper into superstitious beliefs that an almighty being will make things better. A study published by Humanists UK shows that the poorest sections of the U.S. (the Appalachian mountains and the deep South) are also the most religious. From Santo Domingo to the Bronx, the popular creed is “Jesus is coming. Everything will be ok.”
The German poet Henrich Heine explained that religion for the poor is a comfort where there is no logical reason to feel comfort:
“Welcome be a religion that pours into the bitter chalice of the suffering human species some sweet, soporific drops of spiritual opium, some drops of love, hope and faith.”
When all people have known is tragedy, don’t they need something to believe in? Everyday more and more Evangelical churches pop up in our barrios and campos absorbing the time, energies and dreams of the most beaten-down social class.[3] The churches’ continued success is the continued failure of their alternative; fight-back organizations that can rechannel the energies of the dispossessed towards social transformation.
Revolutionaries have an iron-clad belief that another world is abloom. Diametrically opposed to spiritual idealism, this world view provides explanations for the most simple and complex social phenomena. If the revolutionary forces of the Dominican Republican were winning the war of faith, the multitude of barrio and campo inhabitants would line up to hear a different analysis of shifting world events; the displacement of the Palestinian people, the centuries-long underdevelopment of the African continent, the white-supremacist media’s obsession with disease, famine and Africa and the colonial earthquake that left Haiti vulnerable to a natural disaster.
Imagine if they were then positioned and empowered to throw off the restraints of poverty. Who could be against that goal?
The pastors and churches play a very important role in diverting the energies of the poor into the blind alley of surrendering power to “the almighty.” Forking over their destiny to the omniscient, they cease to be self-determining. This view is not synonymous with a blanket condemnation of all religions. Independent of one’s spiritual faith, one can be a fighter and defender of humanity. There needs to be unity with anyone that is willing to organize against the structures that oppress us. Latin America has given countless examples of fighters who emerged from the church: Oscar Romero, Ernesto Cardenal, Camilo Torres and so many other practitioners of Liberation Theology.
A resurgence of this type of socially-committed congregation could challenge the dominant church which intentionally foments social dissociation, disconnecting the causes from their effects.
The Institutionalization of Hopelessness
On every corner of an oppressed community, there is a church, a place to play the lottery and a liquor store. These three social institutions — parachuted down upon the poor — are three types of booze that disempower us. Lenin — reflecting in 1905 on the role of religion in the lives of the Russian peasantry — wrote:
“Religion is one of the forms of spiritual oppression which everywhere weighs down heavily upon the masses of the people, over burdened by their perpetual work for others, by want and isolation. Impotence of the exploited classes in their struggle against the exploiters just as inevitably gives rise to the belief in a better life after death as impotence of the savage in his battle with nature gives rise to belief in gods, devils, miracles, and the like. Those who toil and live in want all their lives are taught by religion to be submissive and patient while here on earth, and to take comfort in the hope of a heavenly reward. But those who live by the labour of others are taught by religion to practice charity while on earth, thus offering them a very cheap way of justifying their entire existence as exploiters and selling them at a moderate price tickets to well-being in heaven. Religion is opium for the people. Religion is a sort of spiritual booze, in which the slaves of capital drown their human image, their demand for a life more or less worthy of man.”[4]
Alienated by this concrete world, the oppressed search for and retreat into an imaginary world. “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions.”[1]
In Revolutionary Suicide, Huey P. Newton writes:
“My opinion is that the term “God” belongs to the realm of concepts, that it is dependent upon man for its existence. If God does not exist unless man exists, then man must be here to produce God. It logically follows, then, that man created God, and if the creator is greater than that which is created, then we must hold that man is the highest good.”
A people’s religious fanaticism is a direct measure of their social alienation. Dreams —stagnant and frustrated — remain stubborn and take off nonetheless, but into orbits alien to their own interests. “Serving God” becomes a raison d’etre for those who feel meek and disempowered by material reality. Huey P. Newton called this “the tyranny of the future” (179). The hope of heaven and fear of hell demobilize people. The “I am weak and though art mighty” mentality only helps those in power.
And here before us is a strange God indeed. Witnessing the triumph of greed and exploitation, wouldn’t God summon us up off of our knees towards action to free ourselves from this condition? “Less singing and more swinging” as Malcolm X put it. Imagine if Leticia and the majority of “the wretched of the earth” believed in one another and their capacity to organize together for change as fervently as they believe in the ever-after? How invincible would the toiling classes be before their oppressors?
The church’s existence and towering presence in the lives of the poor is no coincidence. As missionaries are lauded as heroes, revolutionaries are picked off and beheaded. Just in the “twelve years of terror” of dictator Joaquin Balaguer, 3,000 Dominican leftist leaders were assassinated for daring to defy dictatorship. Of the generation I came of age with in the anti-imperialist organization El Frente Amplio de Lucha Popular, dozens are dead, others paralyzed from the waist down, others in exile while others still languish in the La Victoria and El Rafey prisons. Those in power pretend to encourage activism and political engagement but when it challenges their stranglehold over power, they strike back with vengeance.
The Central Question before Us
If the world is awash with abundance — of water, of agriculture, of resources, of land and of life — why then do so many children suffer? This is the central question for any student of Dominican studies or any of the social sciences.
Our people have been left with no way of understanding the cruel machinations of power and inequality. Christianity and other organized religions explain this all away. Dominant reasoning is that humanity is collectively being punished for its lack of faith. Evangelical minister Pat Robertson’s went on a rant about how the earthquake in Haiti was a consequence of this people’s “godlessness.” His insistence that “we need to pray for them a great turning to God” reflects this racist mode of thinking. If Robertson had ever spent time in Haiti, he would know that Haiti is a country of great faith. Some ethnographic studies estimate that 80% of Haiti practices Christianity.[2] No one prays harder than the poor. If faith and praying were to earn a nation freedom from want, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Ireland and so many other “good Christian nations” would be paradises on earth.
A revolutionary then is a relentless atheist, looking deep into history and science in order to explain all social phenomena. This is not to say that they do not have our own private beliefs or faith. Everyone can cherish and depend on their own spirituality and connection to nature to endure the doldrums of everyday existence in the way that they define. But one’s world view cannot pivot on spiritual faith alone. If we don’t believe in ourselves and our people, we are doing ourselves a historical disservice.
To wrench power away from its thieves and restore it back to the Leticias, Margaritas and Marlenis — this is the mighty task of immeasurable faith that is before us. If your congregation fails to understand this, then who are you serving?
[1] Marx, K. 1976. Introduction to A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right. Collected Works, volume 3. New York.
[2] Farmer, Paul. The Uses of Haiti.
[1] The names of the survivors have been changed to protect their privacy. Only the names of the sexual predators remain unchanged.
[2] Owner of the local corner store where foodstuffs and toiletries are purchased.
[3] Motoconchos are motor-taxis.
[4] Light afternoon snack.
[5] Dominican term meaning good-for-nothing Black girl, all too often used against dark-skinned children.
[6] Novaya Zhizn No. 28, December 3, 1905. First legal newspaper of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party.
[7] Marx, K. 1976. Introduction to A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right. Collected Works, volume 3. New York.
[9] Farmer, Paul. The Uses of Haiti.
Danny this is so well written. Loved reading it.
To add… the problem with religion is that is that most denominations brow from the bible to supply and support their cause which is to make money. The bible says nothing about having to wait around and suffer until things get better. As a meter fact the bible speaks of the “great tribulation” which is where things get worse. The Bible also does not speak of a heavenly paradise for all people. So those of us poor folk that are following church doctrine are just listening to what some guy made up in his office. It is that guys way of keeping us under the impression that if we suffer, we are showing faith, if we wait patiently instead of fighting, we are shoeing faith and most of all if we give or to the to the church we are showing faith. Jesús says “I have not to bring peace but in fact a to bring a sword” meaning he is here to separate those who believe in church and those who believe in god. God says prayers without works is futile. Don’t just pray, work for what you want.
This was a very depressing story of a harsh reality that is strong among young, poor, dominican women. I found it inspiring, but at the same time a bit alarming that Leticia became such a religous person after the life she went through. It was nice that she found something to believe in that could keep her going, but simply following the words of another and accepting anything that they tell you as the truth and the only truth is a bit extreme. I find this to be one of the most recurrent themes in Dominican households where religion and God are held up so high that the people lose their own ideas and theories and become puppets in the name of God. Also, by Leticias seemingly constant abuse of her daughter Marlenis, even though her son Morocho was by far doing something more dangerous to his own health, it shows how the racism she felt aimed towards herself as she was growing up has been embedded into her brain so that she unconciously dislikes her darker skinned daughter as opposed to her other children. The idea of darker skinned people being less in the Dominican Republic is so common that it is nearly impossible to find a Dominican born in the Dominican Republic that is not even remotely racist. I myself have gotten frustrated during my visits due to racist comments from my family members that were completely uncalled for and unprovoked. In the end the Dominican people have to open their own minds if they seek a revolution and realize that the government and the church are two of the most influential powers that will not aid them and skin color is just being used a a phycological barrier between one group of people.
Very interesting. It’s disappointing that society and our own families continue to pit us against each other based on our skin complexion. No doubt it will take years to undo the brainwashing inflicted on us by those that colonized our countries but I believe that our generation can start to unravel the tightly dirty knots. Beauty comes in all colors! As far as religion, well I’m not quote on quote religious but I’m spiritual & tho many aspects of religion seem to be contradictory overall I do believe that it aids children morally. One of the 10 commandments states that we should love our neighbor, but my Catholic white neighbor hates me because “my people moving in to the neighborhood are causing her properties to depreciate in value ” total hypocrisy.
I completely agree with this article. I don’t think that society should believe that if you don’t praise a type of religion or have faith in a God, you will be punished. Nor do I think that people who are in a certain type of situation where they can’t handle it themselves should just sit around and pray for things to get better instead of getting up and dealing with their problems. The problem with all this is that all these churches and pastors are brainwashing people into believing that if you don’t have enought faith or if you don’t pray enough, things in life will never get better. People need to understand that nothing in life will ever be easy and sitting around waiting with no actions, will just lead to no results.
I must admit that this article takes me back to my homeland, the Dominican Republic. I do agree how religion plays a role in oppressed poor countries and many see it as a way to settle or accept the situation. However, I do think believe in a higher being. I am not the most religious but do believe in god and live by a certain code of ethics. Also the different type of religions that exist seems to contradict one another which raises an eyebrow on my face. My father is Pentecostal and my mother a Roman Catholic, they fight everyday about who is going to the heavens. I found it funny and ironic at the same time. No one have been in heavens or hell and come back to talk about( the people that claimed they saw the light at the end of the tunnel, I don’t believe it) but we all should life live by a certain code and be good.
The bible is one, if not the only oldest book in existence and has survived not by coincidence. To say that is tied to a certain social class is socially wrong. Many people, like Leticia, who have gone through many challenges seek conformity within the local church, who ceases to the psychological pain within herself from her turbulent past. It’s more of a way to suppress with FAITH present, the troubles she endeared growing up. It’s motivation when everyone involved is leaning on one another for support.
-LR
I do believe that there are people that take what’s in the bible and put it in a way that would make people believe in what they are preaching even more. But the reality of it is that especially when it comes to poor people the believe in religion and hope that things will get better is all they got.
Danny Shaw once again has asked critical questions about inequality and injustice in the face of political elites and congregation: Why do the majority of humans starve to death while a handful of elites enjoy the luxuries of the world? Why is it that we live under such insurmountable indifference toward humanity? It is very important to ask such questions, for it differentiates a living being from dead ones.
My heart shattered into a million pieces upon reading Leticia’s story. And I ask myself why such beautiful, innocent soul had to face grotesque reality of the world? “At 12 years of age she got married to a 14 year old motoconcho to escape the horror.” I imagine myself in her shoes and I cannot even bring myself to approximate the pain Leticia had gone through. I truly admire her strength and perseverance despite all the hardships. I believe, in many ways, women are stronger than men. And we have seen the role of her man, for instance. While he physically abused her and found himself selling drugs, Leticia, on the other hand, modestly raised her children and held her life together. I truly admire Shaw’s writings.
Leticia’s story was very sad and it is shocking to know that it is what so many Dominicans are dealing with to this day. Her circumstances from young made her a woman of stifled potential. The destructive cycle that millions in D.R. endure seems to be a systematic method of oppression. Not only was Leticia oppressed by her poverty but she showed signs of internalized racism as well that she seemed to be passing on to her children. Some may say that religion may make us complacent, but I believe that after the trauma of her past, Leticia was dealing with her reality in the best way she knew how. However, I think that gaining faith is only half the battle, it’s what your faith inspires you to do in order to bring about change that makes a difference.
Berger speaks of the sociological location and how an individuals location will determine his or her outcome. This can’t bode anymore truth in similar scenarios, such as the one you experienced first hand, which plays much across our latin american spectrum. We are all born into a specific caste, which determines our success and outcome. Sadly, in Leticia’s situation she is not a part of the upper echelon and thus she is confined to a life of poverty, misfortunes and at the wrath of those who prey on the weak. Given the dire circumstances that the poor are subjected to, it is easy to see how turning to religion can seem as a salvation. In my opinion, established religion institutions don’t amount to anything more than late night infomercials on get rich quick schemes. Which is to say they prey on individuals with shattered ideologies and faith, giving them renewed sense of hope while using convincing word play to amalgamate the bible with the human plight. I don’t think we have the time or energy left to fight these forces, which have intertwined themselves thicker than steel cable and so survival rather than bringing about true social justice and equality remains the verse of the day.
It is always funny to see how when people become desperate they become religious. If turning to religion is what helps them get through their difficult times then that is fantastic. By gaining faith it encourages change. Finding a religion that suits you and gives you hope is a temporary solution to the issue not a permanent one. It is extremely hard for a person to give up their ideals in such a short amount of time. By finding God so late in her life it makes me question if there was ever really any morals or values instilled in her that. It is easier for her to turn to religion as a sense of relief because religion is organized. Religions take advantage of those suffering and who are questioning their ideals and take the little money they have to make money and fast.
It was very hard for me to see the difficulty she had with having a darker skinned daughter. How could a mother allow racism in regards to their own child. By teaching this her daughter from the beginning she will never be accepted because of the color of her skin you are destroying her confidence before it even had the chance to be built up.
Religion tends to be a major part of life for someone who went through hardships in their life. Its an outlet for that person any many cases. when you are faced with the ills and disadvantages of society at large religion is an escape. it helps to form a new person and its used in many cases as a way to justify what is going on within ones life.
In Leticias case I believe she needed religion to give her strength to move forward in life. Her disadvantages started from a young age. when a person goes through so much before even reaching their teenage years they need for lack of better words a reason to live. Religion gave her a reason to believe a reason to keep pushing and that was a blessing for her.
In my personal opinion religion is a business. that business is making a person believe in a higher good an to somewhat control the way you live your daily life. faith can come in many forms but its easy to get caught up within a religion because it is a belief which is trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something. or an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists. its just accepting something whether that is real or not. I say believe in what you believe in live how you want to live and love how you want to love just make sure its real to you and that’s what your heart desires.
The story was very shocking and overwhelming to hear. It open my eyes to some of the things a female in the dominican republic may have to go through each and everyday to make through life. I think it is very common in the dominican republic that when things are getting really tough or they may be going through something to go out of their way looking for God. But in some cases people may take it a little too far because it may shut out their opinions on life and only have the ideas of follow their religion to an extreme point.
For example my aunt, she lived in the Dominican Republic and was going through a difficult time so she started looking for God but I believe she lost herself in it because her life revolves around not the other way around it. I feel like in poor countries that religion plays a big role in having faith and much more. That when the world is against them they have someone to turn too and will always be there. That the religion will help the better understand the situation they are or issues they are having.
This was beyond well said professor. First off, Leticia’s story was very sad. She seemed to have lived a very hard life and it isn’t fair that certain people are dealt such poor cards. The way she treated her daughter showed the insecurities and issues she seemed to have had with herself and I hope by now she is treating her better. Leticia suffered in ways that I can only imagine, but treating her daughter that way will only repeat the cycle in that is not needed in this world because it already happens to often.
The whole concept of religion being fed to the poor is absolutely true. I am Catholic and I very much so believe in god. However what does bother me is that people start praying and just sitting back and waiting for god to fix all of their problems. Doing this isn’t solving anything, and perhaps may even be making matters worst then what they already are. We need to do less of all this waiting and go out their and make a change in our communities. Why is it true that their are churches, liquor stores and a place to play the lottery? The answer is that they know people rather waste away on booze and drink their sorrows away, pray to someone to do their work for them or simply depend on luck to help them out. Its sad, but its the world we seem to be living in.
This story is very heart breaking but it is also common. There are a lot of people who have been through this and fortunately for her she was able to find comfort somewhere. There have been many store where people have gone through almost the same thing and took a turn for the worst. She was able to turn to God so that her life would turn out better. Since the Dominican Republic has gone though a lot of hardships people need something to put their faith in. If a person’s faith in something greater is broken they will not get better.
I agree whole heartly that religion plays a huge part in the life of hispanic people. People turn to religion because it is something that they know and that feels comforting to them. In the bible it says that God is watching over you and for people who have been through a lot of hardships it is comforting to know that there is someone watching over you. As a hispanic you are taught not to question God and his abilities. So putting your faith in Gods hands secures your future with him. You know that by putting all of your faith in God he will help you to get what you need and who you want to be.
I want to respond to this article not in any particular order but just with what is going through my mind right now as I am typing this response. After reading this article and reading the comments I not only am confused but I am also appalled. As a Dominican woman I have my own viewpoints on the topics brought up in this article & comments. It is unfortunate that when people think of the Dominican Republic the top thoughts that come up to mind are racism, machismo, and poverty. Though these things are prevalent they are not everything. Reading this article I can’t help but just think about the negative connotation us Dominicans have. I have yet to hear or read about something positive about the Dominican Republic and its people. When I was younger none of these negative thoughts ever surfaced it was not until high school that I started to learn and see how people viewed me because of me being Dominican. “You don’t act Dominican” , like what is that supposed to mean? I have yet to have a conversation with someone that does not involve me being racist because of the situation between D.R and Haiti. I think it is very easy to judge a group of people as outsider looking in but when you’re a part of the group being judged it is completely different. We are more than just these negative things. Dominicans are a diverse people. I am not trying to say that there isn’t some type of self hatred in the D.R due to skin tone but I feel like that is something that happens everywhere were colonization took place and shouldn’t be exclusively directed towards D.R.
This article touches on one of the most sensitive subjects in out world. Religion. It shows the less attractive side of it. The side where when people instead of keeping the fight, and striving for a better life, rely on some being to handle all of their problems for them. At one point i think it helps them survive, because they probably think that whatever is happening is all part of god’s plan, and that they must overcome it by just going with it. But it gives people delusions. Thoughts, that everything is going to be alright if god makes it so. What people don’t realize is that by leaving everything up to “fate” is possibly the same as giving up completely. They are letting the people who ravaged their land and ruined their lives go unpunished and to continue their unrighteous crusade unhindered.
To touch upon the story itself, it was a very sad one, but unfortunately not an unknown one. It interconnects with the question of religion, as the Professor pointed out. As an example His niece says that her husband beat her so bad that she had a miscarriage, but she said that things were better now that they started going to church. In my opinion, in this piece of writing, churches as well as faith are presented as a temporary fix. Something that detaches you from your problems, for a brief moment, but make no mistake, it does not help you solve those problems in any particular way.
This story was sad to read. Things like this has been happening for so long. For Leticia’s story, religious gave her hope to continue with her life that is giving her a hard time. She had a hard way of growing up, now being religious she understand more about what is going on. Being too religious might also cause them to know what she think is right. I know she had went through many hardships but, it was crazy to hear how she was treating her own daughter. It was hard to believe that this is actually happening. Religious is just like the person’s whole life.
Leticia story was very sad to read about. She been put through the so much at a very young age. I’m sure there are thousands of girls like Letcia that gone through the same thing and we don’t even know about it. At the end Leticia found hope that things would get better through her religion. A lot of people in the Hispanic community do the same. For instance my mother who is caltholic always tells me if I want something good to happen, you have to pray and God will help you. Which I do agree, praying does help when you going through a rough time. Many people who come from poor communities turn to God for help because they simply have no one left to turn too. However sometimes you can’t just sit around and wait for a miracle to happen. You have to go out and do something about it. Believing in God and praying is amazing because you have something to turn too, but at the same time you have to push yourself to get the things that you want.
Reading this article, I felt like I was at home. With the little kids running around naked, to the way you described the surroundings. Also the railless stairs which I’ve e seen a lot in DR. It was an interesting article though.
I feel like the way you expressed that poor people turn to religion as a last resort is some what true to a certain extent. But then again, you have to understand where they’re coming from. DR is not a country like the US where you have resources like welfare or housing. So it’s like, what else can you turn to if you have nothing more?
Reading this article, I feel the anger you must have had while listening to these horrible things that were happening to your niece. I would never imagine if this happened to a niece or even nephew of mine. Also, I noticed, and quickly related to how many people turn to God when they wish upon a miracle, or to be shown a different way how to deal with issues in ones life. This story hit home to me as my mother was abused by my father at my young age which lead to the loss of who would have been my sibling. At this moment in time, she was losing her mother to cancer, many things dropping on her all at once. As a result, she also turned to god for answers and reasoning as to why her world was coming to an ending, losing her best friend who always gave her advice her mother. She frequently attended church, and would pray every night which made her feel safer and helped her distract her mind from the sorrow and evil happening around her.different way or even a clue on how to surpass certain emotional situations.
Reading this reminds of the many people who find themselves hopeless and turn to religion as a sort of escape. While the church is able to help and inspire people, the people also need to do their own part. One cannot expect something to happen when one does not take action to get it achieved. However, I feel that it is through religion that we find so many people change for the good. As Leticia said, her husband was changing for the good since he started going to the evangelical church.
There is still a large question that is raised. Why is the world suffering if people turn to faith? I feel that this topic is so controversial and that one answer will never satisfy everyone. None the less, the question deserves more thought and research.
While reading this story I felt sad about the details of Leticia’s story. These events that she has gone through many know of them since it is not unheard of, but at the same time I found it hard to read thinking about how this could happen to a girl at such a young age. For Leticia’s, religion gave her the hope to carry on with her life even though it was hard for her. Even though her life growing up was very tragic, she has realized what goes on in the world to a certain extent. However, to rely on religion alone will give people misunderstandings about the real world. To think that all will be okay if god deems it so shows how they suffer from a delusion. In the end, by relying on fate alone leaves one vulnerable for the truth that may come to them.
This helped me earn a better understanding of how religion is questioned and seen in our society. At a very young age my parents have accustomed me to attending church every sunday which I gladly still do. Going to church I find it a place of peace where I get a chance to talk to God and thank him for all blessings I have. In my experiences I can say people mostly praise and talk about God rather than living by him. I find no point to this if a person goes to church to praise God then right after go out to either criticize,steal, or lie to others. Those who tend to call themselves very religious should try by helping others and giving examples of how one should live.They should be very caring and compassionate with others especially with those that less fortunate. Unfortunately this isn’t the situation since people are pushed into believing that life can’t improve unless you believe in God or pray as often as possible. They tend to believe that if your faith isn’t as strong you will suffer in life which isn’t right at all. Society is what makes things seem this way. This is why people tend to get the idea that if they do all that they are taught they will automatically be let into heaven when they die. In my opinion our actions is what determines who we truly are and what helps us realize what our true beliefs really are. Reading the story of leticia was very heart-rending to me. It is very unfortunate to read that a girl her age went through such horrific things. It also makes me realize that she isn’t the only girl that has gone through experience. It is very sad to say but also very realistic. It was great to see that she was still able to believe in something after all she experienced. Many do tend to seek help from others when they feel completely lost. They rely on churches who help you by building up your faith. It shows many people tend to turn to God when face difficulties in life. Not only does it build their faith but it helps people feel safer and have people to rely on the most. Religion does tend to play an important role in families especially that are very poor. They seem to turn to religion as their only option since they don’t have much but their faith. They rely on their faith as a source to keep them going.
This article is interesting because we see how unemployment, poverty and lack of resources in other countries are important sources to finding reliance and answers to our problems on religion. People start to belief the idea of god and that god will help them in their struggle. This story about your niece Leticia is very common in poor countries. Especially how girls get married at a very young age and get pregnant. It is bittersweet to see how Leticia lived a difficult childhood but although as she continued to grow things became less painful because she became very religious and used that as an escape to her hardships. On the contrary, it can also have an influence on people’s views and ideal unrealistic situations. They believe that there is a god who will protect them from the hardships and injustice they face in their everyday life. I agree on the belief that their is a god because I was born to a Catholic household. However, those people who believe deeply in god and pay much time and effort to the bible could also take that time to make a change in their community. They can use that energy to be engaged in changing the way they live. In addition, Ministers spend so much time commenting on the lack of religion other helpless countries aren’t practicing without actually knowing that they in fact are the most religious individuals. I’ve experienced situations when ministers comment on situations where the cause of their disaster is due to lack of being religious and being apart from god.
This story brings my attention to the very purpose of religion; it highlights why religion is such a popular activity. The article focuses on how religion is used to distract people from the tragedy in their lives and gives people a sliver of hope. For instance, when Marlenis was asked about her marriage she explains that “she lost a pregnancy from the force of some of his blows. She said his behavior has improved since they joined the local Evangelical church.” The physical abuse Marlenis endures is so malicious that it induced a miscarriage, yet despite the continuation of this abuse, the church alters her perception to believe that the domestic violence is not as harsh as it once was. The church gave Marlenis a false sense of optimism. She would rather allow her faith to control her life instead of putting things in her own hands and finding ways to escape the situation. Unfortunately, this mindset is common within the Christian community. Even Evangelical minister, Pat Robertson, would rather pray for the survivors of the Haitian earthquake than actually taking action. I admired the fact that this article brings awareness to the empty promises the church feeds to the people who desperately need the most help.
The experience that Leticia had as a young girl is horrific. The traumatic events that Leticia went through placed her in a position where she turned to religion. This allowed her to have hope and faith for her future. For many people such as Leticia who face challenges in their lives, God and religion becomes an important part of their lives because they might not have anything else to turned to. This allows them to escape the reality and conflicts in their lives. Although for some their perspective on the events that are taking place in the world is influenced by their religion. I consider that our beliefs about certain topics shouldn’t be completely based on the practice religion.
After reading this article I felt so bad for Leticia, and all the struggles she went through growing up. Not having parents is hard because the kid is on their own and they have to grow up even faster, and what breaks my heart is that her uncle and his wife was able to sexually abuse her. Than she got married and had kids at young age, and that her husband was being violent to her. It’s really hard for a person who has gone through all these things to recover from it. Than she found her self with God, I find it interesting that people use religion as an escape from their lives. Many people find themselves to be stronger when they have faith and they are with God. It’s crazy that so many different people can grow up and live in horrible conditions fighting for their life and still have faith that God will help them when it’s their time. I feel like religion does have a strong content in many people’s lives.
After reading this article, I was very sad and shocked about Leticia’s background story. At least I was happy that, she was able to move forward in her life due to a strong faith in her religion. I never thought I would encounter this depressing story at mid night, but it was very interesting story to me. I am not sure how other communities think about the religion, but I think the religion is the last place where people can at least escape from the reality. I know there are a lot of people, who are suffering from the reality, have a strong faiths in their religion. So, I assume that the religions were helping them to move forward in their lives. However, I was very curious what if they spoke to god for mercy or need a hand at least, but nothing happens. Are they going to keep praying god or blame the god for nothing happens. I am very curious. Nevertheless, I still think people who have a strong faith in religions are amazing. It is not something that can be happen easily. You need to put time in it everyday with strong believe in it.
The story of Leticia depicted in this article, shows as an example of how Hispanic communities, specifically those individuals who live in economic stress, turn to their faith as hope. While reading Leticia’s life, emotions of anger developed inside of me. I was filled with disappointment and rage because I could not withstand knowing the idea that this is the reality that we human beings live in. Furthermore, I could not understand that this was the reality that young children in poverty have go through because of their circumstances. When Leticia grew up, she and her family turned toward their faith as a sense of hope that everything would get better. To the citizens who live in poverty and face economic struggles, religion is their hope and their motivation that their circumstances will turn for the better and that all their conflicts would be solved. For instance, Leticia stated that ever since their family turned toward God, her husband had left his ways of violence, which showed how faith can have this impact on individuals. I am a believer that religion does have the potential to inspire individuals in leaving their old criminal, violence ways into a better individual who can now distinguish from right and wrong. Although I may be Catholic and believe in Saints, I do agree with what the article described. The article argued that individuals who turn to their faith, enforce their concept of what is right from wrong on what the bible states, or from what the preach tells them. I as a Catholic do have a great faith in my religion. However I do not always agree when the people who do want peace and have great faith, talk negatively based on modern issues like violence toward the LGBT community. As mentioned in the story, if Leticia and her social class could enforce their selves to create change with the same devotion they had on faith, then their circumstances could change. Faith can be as a sense of hope and inspiration, yet individuals should use faith as motivation to change and not become blind with the idea that change will come to them as it is.
All the vivid pictures that are flowing through my head are unbelievable and there is no exact word to explain what Leticia went through. As we know most Hispanic countries have interacted and have gain hope from religious cause. Leticia grew up with nobody to look after her, after her mother died Leticia’s walls closed up on her and had no hope on being able to survive on her own. These are the kind of situations where people seek for drugs and death as they start to believe that there is no resolution to their problems. But after everything her uncle Juan Carlos took her in as his own daughter and tried his best to give her the same love and privileges as his other four children.The nightmare she was going through was just getting started, her other uncle and his wife sexually abused her which brought her to finding marriage to escape these horrors and getting pregnant at a very young age. Turning to God was her only option and it is what everybody does as their last savior, they start to pray to him and sit and hope for a miracle to occur to them. Religion has had a huge Impact in people’s lives as we witness Leticia has gone from believing in him to also believing that the earthquakes and poverty situations are occurring because they are written to happen as a sequence in the bible. Not everybody believes in the same god but we do know that everybody that believes in one acquires hope.
We all believe in different things. That’s what makes everyone unique. We all have to respect others point of view about life but that doesn’t mean that we must agree. I also believe that people should use their energy on helping and contributing for themselves and others. We all have different missions in life. Some religions are very extreme and people in desperate need have their believes. My religion Islam, is not only about hope and fear but also to help anyone around us. To make the community better. Although some don’t practice it they way they should be we can’t judge a religion by minorities. Your niece went through things a child should never go through or witness. That is the sad reality that happens on the regular. This caused her to change mentally and physically. She was traumatized and left alone without any parent to lead her the way in life. He faith was supposed to make her a better woman, not someone that beats her child regularly and curses at her for her skin color. She is doing to her own daughter what was done to her. Understandable since she never was raised by a loving family so she doesn’t know the feeling of it. What a crucial world that we live in. That just proves that her religion is not bettering her as a person but just giving her hope in a place where it is hopeless. She is still not finding her inner peace because when she is not in Church she goes back to her mean attitude. The reason why most people suffer is because humans are selfish. We have a free will and we can make our decision but most of us choose to only help if it benefits us. Counties with more money decide to leave the rest poor. As you can see Saudi Arabia is supposed to be religious and so rich in abundant but they don’t help Palestine, which follows the same religious belief. We should judge a human as an individual and not the whole religion from that one person.
Religion may seem like an archaic institution used as a suppressant or scare factor to the masses, but it is unfair to say faith in a higher being is primitive. Religion and science both attempt to explain things that occur in our world. It is human nature for people to try to explain things the cannot understand, if not fear is cultivated. However, science is more supported by hard evidence, yet cannot explain every single thing about this world. For example, the common theory in science about the creation of the universe was that there was a “big bang”. In religion, God or whatever other variations of that Creator’s name, created the universe in a similar fashion. The human body itself is so complex and perfectly designed that it is hard to fathom that such a creation or even the wonders of nature just happened on coincidence. Religion gives many hope in the dark world we live in today, so whatever a person believes in to live another day and keep pushing forward with their lives is a legitimate enough belief for me. Yes, no one truly understands what happens to a person’s soul after death, but it is comforting to assume the good will be rewarded for their life’s works and the evil will receive their justice. I believe one should relinquish their religious practices that they adopted from their parents, and seek out their own spiritual journey so that they may decide that they believe in and what works for them. There are so many stories about how people’s faith have allowed them to overcome barriers in their life because it gave then hope and confidence in their abilities. The horrors in this world are purely man made. Poverty and inequality are a direct result of the racism and patriarchy that has been instilled into societies since the dawn of civilization. I also counter, why aren’t the people who don’t believe in a higher being, do more so that they may right the wrongs that God isn’t taking care of. At least churches send some of their tithes to the needy.
While reading this article my heart felt for Leticia, it was so sad to hear all the terrible things she experienced at such a young age. It was as if i could feel all the pain she endured throughout her young life. It was incredible to read that after everything she still had religion as something she could turn to in search of faith, faith that her life would get better.Leticia witnessed this her husband change, she stated how after they started going to the Evangelical church his abusive ways began to improve. This blog showed me how important religion can be to people and how it can actually change the life of someone.
This blog is a perfect example of the influence culture can have on religion. Sadly, as shown in the blog with your niece Letica’s story, it is very common for people, especially of the Hispanic race, to turn to God with each problem they have because they feel as if they have nothing else left to turn to. When things in life are not going so well financially and/or in relationships, people often find themselves turning to and solely relying on God to end all of their troubles. This becomes sort of an issue as they do not really do all that they can to take themselves out of the unfortunate situation they have been put in, as they believe that God has a plan for them and that whatever plan he has is the right one. The events that happened to your niece in her life were absolutely horrific and it is a very good thing that she found a way to get through it through her belief in God, but it is also unfortunate that not only her, but others, believe that that faith will fix everything.
There are various types of religions, beliefs, ideas of how many gods there are; the list goes on. The story you told was in many ways powerful, saddening and refreshing to read. this story showed me that Hispanic communities tend to always bring religion and their faith when they are struggling or are in need of hope. Leticia’s story was an example of this. Unfortunately, she got married extremely young age and I believe that this was the primary decision that changed her life. I for one, cannot imagine all the pain she went through with an abusive and drug dealing husband. Her strength is the only thing that helped her pull through and get away from this depressing life she had come to know. She came to be a religious individual, despite her struggles and I think it’s very admirable. as a single mother, she overcame the impossible. She found that light that everyone talks about, at the end of the tunnel, and discovered faith. I sincerely think that women are mentally stronger than men. Leticia experienced abuse in her own household and instead of losing herself completely, she found God. On the other hand, her husband, being the weakest part of their family, got lost in drugs.
This article tells a reality that many suffer in their everyday life: drugs, prostitution, aids, bereaucracy, abandoned, sexually abuse, child marriage and so many topics that people like Leticia had have to live.
in the United States we are blessed not to experience this but those in countries like the Dominican Republic and many others have no other choice.
Poverty is the primary driving force behind women becoming prostitutes. Prostitution is a repression of women and children, and utilizes the vulnerability of poverty to further exploit them. Throughout the world there are limited and extremely scarce opportunities for women who are uneducated and impoverished. This is the same population with the highest religious beliefs.
The poor tend to be more religious than other groups, People without a formal education and less opportunities are more likely to practice a faith. When life is tough or when it’s uncertain, people believe in miracles and hope.
This article is a perfect example of what goes on in Latin American Countries. Sadly, many of our kins are exposed to life threatening situations. People that go through these situations tend to look for spiritual guidance. I believe that a religion is to give people a sense of hope, but I do not believe that religion is the answer to all unanswered questions.
For the most part, when a hispanic goes through a tragic event they refuge themselves in the nearest catholic church. They start to believe that everything that has gone wrong in their life is part of their destiny to God. Religion is something that has been instilled in people from their families. It has now become part of their culture.
Many individuals going through a common crisis feel that their is not anything worth living for. People may have family and a selected few of friends but nothing compares to the loneliness they feel within themselves. They begin to turn to religion because it is something that can give them hope. The bible demonstrates strength to move forward despite the horrific tragedies in their surrounding. People clinch on to any possible hope. Families find themselves trying to survive using illegal tactics. While the methods may be temporarily effective, it can be permanently damaging. It’s really sad and upsetting to hear about Leticia because knowing that people are still struggling while many of us are here in America, taking for granted the resources we have, we do not acknowledge such events. This makes me wonder if I have family in other countries facing the same tragedy. Makes me appreciate my life so much more. Being sexually abused by relatives is traumatizing mentally and physically. Individuals believe that because the victims are young, it does not matter. Children do not understand what is happening to them or their bodies until they get older and realize that they have been victims of sexual abuse. I really feel for Leticia and hope this faith in a higher power does help her in every aspect of life. I do not believe that she beat her kid because of the color of their skin but rather with the impatience she has within herself. I got hit so many times for just being a kid when I was young, later I realized that it wasn’t because my mother didn’t love me but because she was a young single mother of 2 due to my father being incarcerated for drugs and while my sister was the calm one, my mother was struggling to make ends meet and I just was too hyper for her. I literally was all over the place. Stress of life and having an excessive hyper kid made my mother lose 100 pounds in 3 months! With poverty comes stress. My mother was never a religious person but my grandmother was. My mother fed off of the strength my grandmother gained from simply having faith in a higher power. It is what helps us strive through. Sometimes we lose our patience and just yell GOD GIVE ME PATIENCE PLEASEEE! I’ve caught myself doing so as well. it is because we like to believe that someone is out their rooting for us! Someone has a bigger plan for us than we do for ourselves. Faith.
Religion has never been a huge part of my life. When I was little girl from the ages of 7-10 my father would take me to a Pentecostal church on a weekly basis. I remember one time the pastor was calling everybody to the front of the church and he would lay his hand on their heads, automatically “the spirit of god” entered the person’s body he had touched. The person would start dancing and talking in a weird tongue. Some people would just fall to the grown. I got called over to the front and I closed my eyes and pretending to fall to the ground because I did not want to be the only one who did not feel the spirit of god lol. That’s the only anecdote I have regarding religion. At 10 years old I moved in with my mom and she wasn’t much of a religious person. Religion has not oppressed or freed my family.
Even though I’m not heavily religious I do consider myself to be a catholic that is the religion that my mother’s part of the family followed. I was never baptized as a child something that my grandmother held against my mother. A few years ago I did baptize both my sons in the catholic church. My partner is not religious at all, he actually considers himself an atheist, which is funny because he attended catholic school for his entire life. He does want his children to follow the traditions that his parents have. Both him and I are very open to whatever our children decide to believe in the future.
In Leticia’s mind religion is something positive that giver her hope and faith to be able to endure with cruel reality that is her life. In the other hand I do think that religion can be blocking her from doing more of herself and basically accepting life for what it is and then work on making it better. So religion is kind of blinding agent for her.
Religion has never been a major thing in my family or to put it in other terms my family and I are not that very religious even though we follow a religion and go to church but overall religion has not been a major thing in my family. But sometimes when my family gets stressed out of something including myself we tend to pray when we need to telling ourselves that everything is going to be ok but also we attend churches when we need to for certain events. In which that’s all there is to it with religion and my family but I would like to comment on certain things about religion is that one thing fro certain is that religion plays a huge role in society and people for instance religion plays huge role for people because its a sign of hope that people can believe in order to lift up there spirits but of course religion is not for everybody. Overall there’s a lot of religions in different parts of the world that affect people ad there society just like Leticia story but in the end religion is a complex topic to talk about and has led to many question’s.
If I have children the spiritual legacy that I would like to leave is for my children and my relatives to believe what they want to believe in and there should not be anyone to pressure you into following a religion. But to also tell them that religion is not something to be used as a weapon for it to be used as a sign a hope or encouragement in which these are the things that I would to give to the next generation which is my spiritual legacy. Overall I feel like everybody around the world should leave a spiritual legacy in a good way and for the people to have a better future but in the end In my opinion I feel like that all people should have a desire where they want to follow a religion or not.
Among reading the article In my opinion I feel like religion is a positive force for Leticia’s life because of the stuff she been through of the abuse, poverty, and rape so Leticia uses religion as a positive force because its a way of escape and for Leticia to pray for hope. In which Leticia’s has gotten married as such a young age and to have a child Leticia’s has not liven a life even as a child and also a teenager but to also see that Leticia’s is not alone many women has been through this and it needs to stop with not only prayer but to fight back. In which Leticia needs to pray for strength but to also take action and to change the course of her life but to also not to loose hope.
I remember when I was 10 years old I would go to church with my father, aunt and sister every single Sunday. Sometimes more members of the family would meet us there. As years went pass I remember how boring it was for me as a kid. It was so torturous that I would use my aunt a shield to protect me from the sight of my father so I can play my Game-boy as the hours passed. I knew that the time would come at some point where I needed to stand up and hug random people at the church but that didn’t stop me from playing when I was told to instead listen. At around 14 the visits to church had slowed down, some months we wouldn’t go at all. I could tell that my family were losing faith and I personally was glad. After that we would only go on special occasions and had moved on from that part of our lives. I asked him a couple weeks ago, why we stopped going and he said in Spanish, “I slowly lost faith and discovered that people in church even pastors themselves weren’t the greatest of people”.
As for my children, I will not pressure them in any religion unlike my family who desperately failed. I will let them discover and choose their own paths. They will be born into a different generation where technology is superior and religion becomes less of a priority.
Religion is a positive and negative in Leticia’s life because even though she has become blinded from reality, it has given her something to believe in and making her happy. . Even though she hits her daughter while calling her racial slurs since she believes in God, she believes she is good the right thing and at the end will go to heaven. This is a tough topic to discuss because religion can justify your actions.
I think religion is a form of suppressing the feelings of rebellion a population might have. In many countries religion has been used as a tool to hush and control. Religion is offered when the oppressors know the people need something to hold on to.Telling people countries lie Haiti had a earthquake because the country sinned is evil in it self. One should ask what kind of god punishes innocent people and children? If god is so good he surely cannot do that.
The legacy i will leave my kids is a legacy of self respect. when you respect your self you will respect others. I want my kids to feel free. There should be no form of oppression that they give power to in their lives and any one they come in contact with.
I think religion was positive to leticia but it subdues her. It controls her in a way where she feels happy with the very minimum. That can be a good thing but religion often teaches us to accept what god has given us in our life. that is hard for someone to accept if they were abused, it would make them feel like they deserved it and no one deserves anything bad if they try to be good.
1) Growing up, i was never forced to follow an exact religion. I grew up going to church in the Dominican Republic where i did my communion and was baptised. It has never been a force of opression for my family, it was rather a force of liberation because whenever something was needed, we would pray to God.
2) The spiritual legacy that i will leave for my family and future generations is freedom of religion. Although i believe in someone who is mighty and who is king, others may think on the contrary which can be much of the future generation. I will teach my kids to go to church and tell them that God is whom makes miracles and teach them there is more to life in a temple (church).
3)Yes religion is a positive force in Leticia’s life. This is because she had alot of negative aspects and she turned to the church for clarity and reassurance. For example, in the passage she explains how she was abused by her husband and how his behavior had improved ever since they joined the local evangelical church.
Leticia’s story is just another example of the lack of education, unemployment and poverty in society. it takes me back to my childhood in the Dominican Republic where many of my friends got married at a young age due to family issues as a way to escape from them, getting into toxic and abusive relationships and worst of all having children under extreme poverty circumstances. Now, it is true that religion definitely plays an important role in society but I do not think it is a source of oppression, like I mentioned before the lack of education and poverty are the main cause of an oppressed society.
As a religious person I can say that God has been a force of liberation for me and my family other than oppression. We faithfully believe that God always provide for us even in the most extreme circumstances, as long as we do our part and have faith. That is exactly what I want my children to believe in as well. not to see God as a refuge or someone to go to while in bad situations but as a center of their lives and to know that through God all things are possible.
I think religion had a positive impact on Leticia’s life because even having every reason to be buried in pain and regret, wishing her life was different, through God she found peace and learned how to embrace her past and present.
I have enjoyed reading the article it was well written and very touchy and sad. I believe I can understand what Leticia went through and of course things would have been different if Leticia and others wore to fight back against the oppressor but there is so little you can do at such society and age.
1) In my case Religion has always being a liberation, a form of inspiration for me to be my best self. To learn by studying on my own and learn rather than just believe what people tell you. In my family, it has being what keeps giving us strength, determination and an example of how to treat one another.
2) For my children I want to leave the same teachings my mother did teaching me using the Bible’s own verses on moral, attitudes, and respect. And as for future generations I would share the same idea of understanding I learned, no matter your believes I would still treat you with the same respect and comprehension I want to be treated.
3) From what I read it seems like religion has given her hopes that things could be better, but it also seems like she has become accepting of the lifestyle she is living now and is just waiting for everything to be change magically by God; which is a very common situation in which many Christians find themselves when looking for hope and misunderstand the word of God by assuming, or most popularly being told that God while sort out their life and that everything will go perfectly. Instead of understanding that what God asks us to do is to work hard and set goals for ourselves and that he will open doors for those goals to be achieve.
I agree that at times religions is used by some as way to escape the bad that is happening in our lives. But at one point it can makes us ignorant of what is happening in front of us. I became an atheist about 13 years ago as I realized that there wasn’t a god that would improve my life and that it was up to me to do so. I come from a family that really religious but my mom has come to accept by ideals as i’m still her son (she was shocked at first). If I do have kids I will leave it up to them in what they choose to belief which I will support as that was the opportunity that was given to me. For Leticia it seems that religion has been a forced of escapism for the bad in her life in which she was dealt a really bad hand in life.
1) In my family, religion isn’t really a big factor in their lives. I’d like to think that a majority of my family believes in God and also worship the saints, like Saint Michael or Altagracia. I also don’t think religion has been a force of oppression in my family because I wasn’t forced to follow a certain religion and wasn’t punished for having different religious views. The existence of God in my family was always omnipresent and my family would always pray to him for safety, hope, and guidance, but they never lived a strictly religious life. While many of my family members don’t attend church, they still have an idea about the presence of God. I, on the other hand, attend church regularly. While the idea of religion seems rather stifling, I have found it to be a force of liberation in my life.
2) I truly believe in the idea of freedom of religion. While I may be of Christian faith, I don’t want to force my children or any future generations to believe in something they haven’t experience for themselves. I do believe in God and I would tell my children about my beliefs but I wouldn’t impose for them to follow my religion or something I believe in against their own free will or because I have full authority over most of their life’s decision. I would just leave in God’s hands and allow for them to self discover what they believe in.
3) It is clear that Leticia has endured a long, not well lived, tumultuous life. The deck of cards she was dealt were nowhere near fair and being all alone in her life’s battle made it even worse. The death of her mother, her father’s abandonment, her own blood raping her, and becoming a young mother, were all egregious events that added fuel to her plight. Despite all these unfortunate events, Leticia clung to her religious views. She attended an evangelical church with her husband, and despite having a rocky relationship with him, she believed that the presence of God in their relationship would mend their broken marriage. She clung closely to religion and I think it was one of the most positive aspects of her life, aside from her children. Like stated in the article, many people who are poor or are suffering greatly usually cling to God’s existence. Like the article said, “For no one prays harder and more than the poor,” (Shaw, 2014). Poor people, like Leticia tend to grab on to a snippet of hope by constantly praying and having steady faith in God to get them through their tumultuous life.
I really enjoyed the reading , but religion plays a big part in my family although i don’t follow it myself that much but it has been playing a role of liberation for my family , they can never leave one anothers house without saying , “Que dios este con usted”. One part of me believes in god but another part i just believe in myself. My mom forces me to go to church but i never want to go because i find no interest in going because it wont help me in any way.
I am not sure what spritiual legacy i will leave for my children and future generation because i am undecided whether which to follow. I will let my children follow what they would want , i wont force them into anything and they deserve to follow what they want.
Religion is a positive force in Leticia’s life because it alleviates her and makes her happy and it shows how religion can help someone feel needed and relived in a place that comforts.
I wouldn’t say that religion has been forced in liberation because it’s up to you, religion and liberation both are a choice it’s either you want to be free from the horror or have a belief on god or anything. Religion wasn’t forced in my family but it’s a decision they thought what was best for them. Yes I was baptised and yes I believe in god but that doesn’t mean i wasn’t forced to be religious it was something i chose for myself to believe in, just because that I am religious doesn’t mean I have to go by my religion. My mother and grandmother are the ones who introduced me to their religious ways and I agreed with it so that I just go with whatever they do. People could be religious but they have their owns ways of beliefs. Sure babies get baptised but that doesn’t mean they’re willing to live their life like their family. Most people don’t believe in God because there different types of religion some people just look up to others. A Spiritual legacy I will leave my children and the future generations is to believe whatever is right to them and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It is said in the article that Leticia have been less violent since she join the church, so I would say that religion is a positive force to her because it opened here eyes a lot more when it comes life and made her a strong survivor after all the trauma she went through ever since she little.
I grew up in this part of the world where religion is seen not only as a shield, but also as a force of liberation. In my family, we believe that religion has the power to transform and to set us free. We also know that religion can be used as a force of oppression against people. Usually religion oppresses those who live in ignorance. The bible says “you will know the truth, and the truth will set free.” Some people have been experiencing religious oppression because they have met bad preachers, pastors or priests who inculcated in their minds “lies and garbage” regarding religion. This to say, as opposed to those who think that religion is a force of oppression, in my family religion has been a force of liberation through our faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, our faith in God has been everything for us.
The spiritual legacy that I will leave my children will be a legacy of strong faith in God the Creator, a legacy of faithfulness to Him, and religious freedom.
After reading this interesting article about Leticia, I realized that religion is a positive force in her life. She was victim of domestic violence. But since she joined a community church her life has changed a lot, particularly the life of her husband who stopped abusing her. Religious teaching was an “abuser-breaker”. It destroyed the negative behaviors of her husband, and as result of that, Leticia found peace.
I believe religion in my life has been a force of liberation. Being raised in a Catholic environment taught me some strict ways of belief that can be disagreed with but beyond the Catholic church and just independent faith in God has freedom in regards to spirituality. Your relationship with God is up to you to decide along with your communication through prayer. Nothing is oppressive or has rules on how to live out your faith.
For my children and future generations I will raise them similarly to how I was. To show them the ways of God and the way of prayer as well as right and wrong. Also to respect and be mindful of other religious views that are out there beyond what it taught in our household.
Religion is a positive force in Leticia’s life especially with much of the negativity that affects her deeply. Faith helps her to go about her days positively and to spread her faith throughout her family as well. Although in such hard times it helps with reassurance and hope.
1) Religion has been a force of liberation in my family’s life. My mom is catholic, attends church every Sunday, and prays daily. My mom prays to god for guidance if she or someone in our family is going through a dire situation. Religion has neither been a force of liberation or oppression in my life. I was raised Catholic but I never really connected with the religion. I remember I would hate having to go to church because mass was boring and it always felt like it lasted forever.
2) I won’t leave my children and future generations a spiritual legacy because I am not really spiritual myself. I am agnostic. I am going to raise my kids to the best of my ability. If my kids want to follow a path of religion or spirituality I will support them fully, but only if they truly believe in this path.
3) Religion is a positive force in Leticia’s life. Religion was something for her to believe in where there was nothing to believe in when she was growing up. Religion also helped her marriage because she said that her husband’s behavior improved once they joined the local Evangelical church.
1) Has religion been a force of liberation or oppression in you and your family’s life?
– I am liberated because when it comes to my parents they never forced me to believe in nothing. When I was little I would go to church but It was not a every day or week thing. They gave me the option to believe in whatever I wanted and have the choice to either keep going to church or not going. I believe in my family’s life they were liberated as well because from what I know my family is never really in churches or doing religious activities. The most some of them do is either pray at certain times or attend church whenever they feel like going.
2) What spiritual legacy will you leave your children and future generations?
-To be honest I do not think I would leave any spiritual legacy to my children and the future generation because I am not into all of that. I do have family members that are religious with their own beliefs so I would not mind them teaching them their beliefs. My children will probably learn from my family or other people but at the end is their decision to believe in what they want or believe in nothing at all.
3) Is religion a positive force in Leticia’s life? Why or why not
-Religion is a positive force in Leticia’s life because I know for sure God helps her to forget about her past. For her, God has to be the only one who answers her questions and leads her and her kids to a positive path in their lives. If it was not for God, Leticia would have probably done a bunch of mistakes like end her life, get involved with drugs, give away her kids or not treat them well etc.
1) Religion has been a force of liberation in my own, and family’s life. It has been liberating in a sense that it allows us to have faith and believe in others who have done us harm. In my opinion, religion has liberated us from people who mistreat us or anyone and having faith allows me and my family to have the feeling of relief and freedom from this.
2)
I plan to leave a strong spiritual legacy to my children this is because, from experience, I have felt the way faith has moved me into becoming a stronger woman and person in general. Faith will be a big part of this legacy because it allows people to have hope.
3)
Religion has been a positive force in Leticia’s life because as she said, her husband’s behavior has improved since being part of the religious community. Not only did it improve her husband’s life but hers as well. Leticia has learned to have faith and this community has provided her with strength and strong faith.
Religion has always been a part of my family for as long as I can remember. My mom came to this country when her sisters and her were only teenagers. I can imagine my grandma praying for them to be safe in this world that they are in. I would not say it has been liberating or oppression. It is just a part of life for most of my family. I never really understood religion and the whole idea of leaving your fate to a higher power. I was put into catholic school from second grade all the way to eighth grade so religion was in my face a lot. A lot of us kids did not really pay attention to the religion stuff because we did not see it as a vital part of our lives. Especially since we got graded and had a whole class reserved for religion. The way I saw and still see it is why would you grade us on something we might not even believe in 100% What religion did for us was produce many questions and not many answers. Once I got out middle high school I saw a dramatic decrease of religion in my life.
The spiritual legacy I will leave my kids. I do not even really know how to answer that. I guess I would let them find themselves the same way I did. I am not going to be that parent that drags their kids to church every sunday because I was never that person. But I would talk to them about religion. Let them read some things about it and let them decide if they want to follow a religion. I would be that down to earth parent because that is what I am now. Maybe I will change and maybe I won’t. As of right now I do not do any religious praying, I do not go to church, and I go through everyday without really thinking about religion. And I am baptized, and have gone to the extent of getting confirmation (catholic school set all this up) but I do not have faith. I do not see my life in the hands of a higher power. I haven’t for a while now.
In Leticia’s life, religion is probably the only beacon of light she has. From losing her mom to AIDS to getting raped by her uncle, she has not had an easy or joyous life. Her teenage years were basically given away with her young pregnancies. Like many poor people in her situation, serving God is the only purpose they can find in this world. I can see how someone in her situation would want her life in the hands of a higher power. But this is also where I feel some type of anger towards religion because it is built to seduce the poor into worship. I mean what else is there for a person in Leticia’s situation to do? She has two kids and one on the way. A lot of praying goes on I predict. I would say it is a positive in her life only because she said her husband’s domestic violence has calmed down since joining the church. Other than that I hope religion gives her what she is looking for.
1. Religion is a blend of liberation and oppression for me and loved ones. Growing up as Catholic, attending mass is essential. Our morals and traditions were pivoted on the Bible and its teachings. Yet, it became a source of oppression for me with time. Pastors would give lessons and, at times, persecute men or women who were different. The restrictive and its intolerance led for me to stop practicing Catholicism. On the other hand, mother reignited her relationship with God and attends mass at minimum once a week. There are moments where God and prayer are critical for me. Nonetheless, reinventing the relationship with God and being an inactive Catholic gave me a sense of liberation. Catholicism and its teachings are still influential, but it is not the singular source of building morals.
2. The spiritual legacy to be left for children and upcoming generations is straightforward: practice the religion of your choice that speaks to you. Children are taught and integrated into their parents’ religious traditions. With growth, a child should be given a choice of whether to continue practicing, exploration, or nothing at all. The 2nd essential lesson is for children to understand religion does not mean leading a particular life. Take into account, the Bible declares a person must regard their bodies as a temple; tattoos and piercings are branded as illicit. Hence, a child can feel ashamed about being interested in bodily modifications. What is great for children to grasp is that religion does not need to dictate what the idealistic life should be.
3. Religion, it seemed, is a positive force in Leticia’s life. Leticia encountered unfortunate and devastating events Reconnecting with God permitted her to gain a sense of what happened to her in her childhood. Religion gave her the strength to continue on, and become a woman for her children.
1] Religion has been a form of liberation for my family. A way to deflect the reasons the “bad stuff” happens and with hopes to go to a better place when their time comes. My family is neither rich nor poor, but they believe in their faith… for me personally, not so much. I agree with the quote in the article that says “And here before us is a strange God indeed. Witnessing the triumph of greed and exploitation, wouldn’t God summon us up off of our knees towards action to free ourselves from this condition?” If god is this almighty spirit of power, why let anything bad happen at all. I have been through some extremely difficult situations and never did I blame “god”. I feel that bad circumstances are just an effect of living. Faith for them is what they need so although I don’t practice it for their sake, I hope it is what they need or are looking for.
2] As for what I will be teaching my children, I am going to do what my family did for me. I will not deprive them of religion and I will not force them to be a part of something they do not wish to take part in. When I was younger I made the sacraments and although I do not practice religion If I wanted to get married in a church where my parents did, I have the option and I want my kids to have that option to.
3] I do not feel that religion is a positive force in Leticia’s life. I feel this way because she is relying on faith too much to change her ways. Her husband is abusing her and she believes that them going to church is going to get him to change his ways. I understand that she has faith and believes that things will change, but I am a firm believer that the only way something is going to change is if you change it! You cannot wait around and expect for life to be handed to you on a silver platter. It is foolish to believe that praying for something to stop is going to make it stop. Don’t get me wrong, I am glad she has her faith because I do believe it helps people have hope and desire especially in a situation you feel you have no control over. I also agree with a lot of the commandments the church requests from us, but mainly because as a good person you wouldn’t want to do those things anyway. But, I do not feel that praying alone isn’t going to get Leticia out of her bad situation and simply relying on that might eventually get her killed.
Being raised in a religious household, the effect that faith has on people is apparent but what was also clear was that an inquisitive mind isn’t really appreciated. Even as a child, if I asked a questioned any teachings/stories in the Bible, I was usually scolded. This showed a clear counter productivity in religion to me. “Believe everything we say and you’ll be okay. Question us, and you suffer.” While there are obvious positive morals and lessons to be learned in all religious practices one point where it usually becomes a problem is when people who don’t feel the need to subscribe to the same faith is chastised. (and should be punished, in some cases) Religion is a beautiful thing when it can be used and applied to one’s life in a practical sense. (i.e. Using the lessons learned in the stories as moral guidelines.) Growing up I’d often research other religions and it’s fascinating seeing the similarities they all share yet they still treat each other with such close mindedness that it leads to sparks ignorance between people. One person feels their god is the most righteous than the others’ and as a result, conflict is born. Anyways, this was a great read and echoes the sentiments of all the great philosophers that pondered the problem of evil & existence of an omnipotent being.
Leticia’s story is a tearjerker and unfortunately, one that’s been told time and time again but hers is also a case for religion being used for the better. Although her life has been a struggle to say the least, she still has hope and hasn’t lost whatever it is that gets her out of bed everyday.
As for me, when I have my children I personally will refrain from imposing religion unto them the way it was to me. I’ll teach them the important things I’ve learned in life and pass down as many lessons as I can to make their go at life just a bit easier then mine.
I follow no religion. I am an agnostic atheist. My family is also not very religous. My parents never pushed me into religion as a kid. I’m not sure if religion was a source of liberation or oppression for them. Religion plays a minor role in their lives.
The spiritual legacy I would like to leave my children is the same one my parents taught me. They gave me freedom. Freedom to pick what I desired and to find my own spiritual path. Another thing I would like to pass down is a love for nature. Everything in this world is connected. Which is why we should take care of our planet.
I think religion was a source of liberation for Leticia. She had a rough life and needed peace. I think she found it in her chruch. I also think chruch has oppressed her as well. She explained how bad things occurred because god was punishing mankind. This mentality does not allow her to analyze the problems in our world and society. However, she found peace in the church. She also found a community and will not be alone anymore.
1) Religion has been a two way street in my household. My father attends church because it is a custom. My mother holds on to faith when life get’s stressful. During my cancer treatment she believed God was the one that had cured me. Her faith grew after she witnessed me improve and ultimately achieve a state of remission. Can we say she is biased? Had the outcome been different ?
2) I will allow my children to find their spirituality. My job will be to educate them and guide them in the right direction. Religious beliefs will be up to them to discover.
3) Religion is a sign of hope for Leticia. A life of anguish, despair and betrayal leaves little room for hope. A rape victim, battered house wife and poor woman needs a break. Religion has allowed for her relationship to improve and to grasp on to the idea that maybe a brighter future awaits.
War on Faith
Religion has always been apart of my life giving the fact that my parents are catholic. However my parents do not force religion onto me they have allowed me to figure out my own path and believe whatever I choose. I do have some family members who are very religious and try to force god on everything and everyone and these are the family members I distance myself from because they do not like that how I live my life they do not approve of the fact that my parents do not force me to go to church if I decide to go to church it is on my own free will. I have not been to church in years but I do believe in god. Personally I feel like you do not have to go to church every sunday and praise god as long as you believe in him you are perfectly fine.
I will allow my children to go down the same path that I went through if they want to go to church it is because they want to not because they have too. I am 19 years old and I have never done my communion and confirmation because I was not forced to do so by my parents. I will allow my child to do as they please if they want to do it like my mother then so be it.
I feel like religion was a positive force on Leticia life because it helped her with her pain. Professor Shaw said in the article that Leticia explained to him that her relationship with her husband was hard she was abused and lost her child but when she joined her local church it made things better. Giving people something to believe in whether it’s true or not is still important because it gives people hope for a better life.
I come from a Catholic family, however, I’m not religious at all. I believe that everything happens for a reason and we can chose our own faith. My family is the type to go to church every Sunday and they often prayed to God for guidance and forgiveness, unlike them don’t pray for forgiveness or anything, I believe that only you have the power to forgive and redeem yourself.
I don’t want to have kids but if for some reason I end up having kids I’ll let them believe in whatever they want, I will raised them to the best of my ability teaching them what’s wrong and right. If they wished to follow certain path I’ll be okay with it as longest it’s not something diabolic
Religion has done well to Leticia’s family, religion became a hand support for her and her family and it even improved her marriage since her husband used to act up, not anymore.
I don’t believe that religion has been a force of oppression or liberation in my family’s life. Over the years we haven’t really been a religious family. Instead, most of the issues we come across with, we tend to resolve with either logic or find reasoning in science. In fact, although my parents, mostly my father, were raised as members of the church. However, once life threw stones at them and God didn’t necessarily block them, they relied more on other powers. One of my uncles lost his job and even though he prayed for an opportunity, he became an atheist and detests mentions of god as a savior. My family does follow some Catholic traditions like Lent, Easter and Christmas, but other than that they aren’t necessarily oppressed nor liberated by the Catholic religion.
I don’t want my children and future generations to live off a belief that a God watches over them and condemns them for their sins or blesses for their devotions. I would want my children to feel free to choose what they are most comfortable with. I don’t agree with much of the bible but, would I implement my beliefs onto them? No. I want them to experience going to Church and just like I did, come up with their own ideas of what is right and wrong and what makes them successful in life. I want my children to be successful and believe in the power they have within them instead of an exterior ideal.
Religion is a positive force in Leticia’s life. Being that she grew up experiencing numerous unfortunate events and ended up marrying an abusive husband, it wasn’t until she turned to religion that her troubles began to go away. Their trips to the Evangelic Church eventually made the abuse to become less frequent.
I believe that while we grow up seeing religion as a form of liberation it is actually a form of oppression. We grow up looking at religion as a way to keep faith, and to have something to hold on to. Also we look at religion to tell us the kind of people we should be, and when we don’t comply those lines we are judged. Looking at Leticia, she was told by her pastors that all the hazardous things occurring had to happen because they are in the Bible. This probably caused Leticia to grow up believing everything in her life had to happen the way it did and that she had to suffer, because it was in the Bible. This probably also caused her to leave her faith to God and her religion and prohibit her from believing there was anything she could do to change her story. I don’t think there is anything wrong with seeing religion as a reason to have faith, but for my future children I’d like them to believe they were capable of controlling their own stories.
1) Throughout my life, religion has been a force of both liberation and oppression in me and my family’s life. My mother’s side of the family is a mixture of Catholic and Christian and my father’s side of the family is Evangelica, a stricter form of Christianity. I felt a sense of liberation in which I knew that God would be there for me and my family, no matter how intense or serious a situation was. Nonetheless, I also felt a sense of oppression where if I had done anything wrong, I would feel misjudged or unaccepted by those who had their own separate standards on what was right from wrong.
2) The spiritual legacy that I will leave my children and future generations with is the ideology that there is a God and that they are entitled to have or create their own private beliefs or faith. I would not impose or force my child or anyone else into a certain religion because I am no one to determine someone else’s destiny or purpose in life. I would not use religion or allow my children to use religion as a mask to hide behind whenever they are dishonest or unethical. I would teach my children the value of religion, but also give them the opportunity to create their own thoughts about it.
3) For Leticia, religion has had a positive and a negative force in her life. In a positive light, Leticia’s husband has changed for the better and has improved his behavior, therefore, avoiding any negative influences in their lives such as any involvement with drugs and the use of violence. Leticia returning to God demonstrates how far she has come as a mother and wife and how committed she is in continuing to adjust her life, for both her family and herself. However, Leticia has also had its downfalls. From slapping her child in the back of the neck and bestowing curses upon her, Leticia has forgotten the importance and discipline that religion plays in her life. Yet, it is understandable that these actions are all a part of the lifestyle and traditions that Leticia has encountered throughout her life before she has restored her faith in God.
Religion has affected a lot of people in good and bad ways. Personally speaking, I find religion to be both a force of liberation and oppression in my life and my family. The reason to why it has been a liberation is by speaking upon problems that have happened to me. When it comes to being a Catholic I have found peace and have been able to maintain a clear conscious. I am able to speak upon my sins and how I feel with being forgiven and told that things will prosper. Although, I have felt liberation within my religion there are times in which I feel oppressed. Not everyone in the catholic community see you the same. A lot of people judge you for things that you have committed. Being born into a catholic family it has made me believe in the religion and has made me stay in it. When it comes to my children, I will teach them the same legacy and routines that I have been taught since I was a child. However, I do think that if they ever decide to go a different path in religion and have different perspectives. I will fully support whatever they do decide to do and have an open mentality of their views. Religion is not something to be forced into but rather to learn from it and have a strong belief in it.
Through religion Leticia has found a positive force and has been able to maintain stability and not breakdown. Leticia believes in the bible and believes that everything that is currently happening in life or has happened the bible has predicted. She mentioned that her husband has improved his behavior too, this shows a positive impact on how religion has helped her. Also has proved that he has learned from the uses of drugs and no longer use them knowing the consequences. However I would also say that she treats her daughter in a harsh way and should use religion to treat her daughter how she wanted to be treated when she was younger. There has been many leaders that have taken religion and has actually made a change, so I do think Leticia has a hope in changing for the better and not holding on to the tough things in life.
1) I come from a very liberal family, where religion does play a role but it is never taken to the extreme. In my family we are all believers yet we do not performed many religious activities. In short, I was raised believing in God, however, I do not trust so much in the Church and religious groups.
2) I believe everyone have the right to believe in whatever they choose to believe. I was raised and taught that way and that’s the path I intend to keep on following and guide my children and future generations. To be aware that there’s a higher power, and that is good exists so does evil.
3) I believe religion became a vital aspect in Leticia’s life for it provided her peace of mind and courage. Religion definitely impacted her life in a positive way for it taught her to see the world different; more colorful.
Religion has been a force in a positive way in the liberation of my family’s life. It is at times when we are most frustrated and the most amount of spirituality that has been what to do to us through religion, that we become angry and the most frustrated within our family and almost turn against each other so although Legend is not always needed for spirituality and our family it helps our spirituality.
The spiritual Legacy then I will leave for my family and future Generations includes, but is not limited to the learning that I received from my parents. I will amplify the understanding and knowledge of God as I understand him and for me it comes through from the Bible which specific rules and regulations to follow to remain within God’s light and Grace. Unfortunately they were some things that I learned on my own that my mother did not teach me and those include a true understanding of My Religion as well as others.
Throughout Leticia’s life we understand and we can see the trajectory of negative influences. The understanding of God and true spirituality as well as true religion is what she held hope for especially for getting married. The fact is that according to many if not all religion, the dependent force within you for a positive outcome should always be on God reliance on God, and spirituality will lead you to the light. In Leticia’s case she depended on a human being a man who was at the time a child whom she sought after in order to escape the negativity and the stripe that she was going through in her life as opposed to relying on her spirituality.
1) Religion was both a force of liberation and oppression in my family’s life. All my siblings and I were raised in a catholic household, church every Sunday along with Sunday school before mass. We each had a baptism, communion, and the two oldest siblings had a confirmation. We then converted and became Pentecostal. Now my family doesn’t go to church anymore. I haven’t went to church in about thirteen years and honestly, I don’t feel as if I am missing out on anything or feel the need to go.
2) I wouldn’t force religion onto my children. However, I will be open-minded and if they are curious or want to go to church, then I will definitely support them and attend mass or a church service with them. I do believe that religion sets good morals, so I wouldn’t mind if my mother in law (who is big on religion) take my future children to church with her now and again. But only time will tell, maybe I’ll go back to church or maybe I won’t. My children will have the freedom to believe, worship, praise, follow, whoever and whatever they choose to.
3) I believe religion is a positive force in Leticia’s life. Growing up with so many challenging obstacles and hardships, Leticia turned to religion for guidance and faith. It keeps her moving forward, it gives her strength to raise her kids and work and continue to live her life no matter how disturbing or traumatizing her life was growing up.
Many people have different views about religion, however, religion has been a force of liberation in my family’s life. To my family God is a figure of higher authority, a divine force, that we look up to. Religion is the glue that keeps my family intact with sanity. While it is a controversial topic it has thought our family love and acceptance.
Having a religion is a good aspect for one to have and causes beneficial outcomes for oneself and the community. It is also, the primary reason for people to perform good deeds and the reason behind why people decide to strive above and beyond their limitations.
My spiritual legacy that I would leave with my children would be, is to believe in God and have faith in what you do. Another thing I would leave behind is to keep the family close together and continue the belief of our religion.
In the article about Leticia’s life, religion is a positive force in her life because it talks about how her life was and the ups and down she had to deal with and overcome in her life and to become a strong women.
1. Has religion been a force of liberation or oppression in you and your family’s life?
Well, I would say that it has been a portion of both. When I was younger, my parents forced me to follow the Catholic religion and complete the first three commandments. At the time, I wasn’t strong on religion and found no interest in what I was doing. For my family, they viewed religion as a form of liberation since they had someone who would always protect them. On the opposite side, there was me who found oppression in religion. I never saw reason in attending church if God was always supposed to be by your side. As I got older and began to venture out on my own, I slowly began grasping acceptance of my religion. After multiple unfortunate events, I seeked liberation in religion since there was nowhere else to look. Although I’m not strong on religion, I still share my moments with it.
2. What spiritual legacy will you leave your children and future generations?
I would do things differently compared to how I was raised. Instead of forcing my beliefs and religion upon them, I would let them explore and figure out what’s the best for them. When I see that they have reached a reasonable age where they are able to grasp what is going on around them, then I would introduce them to the religion and let them know that they are not bound to it, meaning that they don’t have to follow the bible word for word. If they want to follow another religion or not be a part of a religion, that it is completely fine. Another thing I would want to let them know is to be open minded and not be condescending of other’s beliefs or religion of practice.
3. Is religion a positive force in Leticia’s life? Why or why not.
I think religion plays a positive role in Leticia’s life, but I feel as if it were by force. After dealing with so many negative experiences growing up, she seeks help and peace of mind through religion. Although someone might say different, she mentions that all the world tragedies occurring in the world were mentioned in the bible at one point. Alongside this, she mentions that once she became part of the Evangelical church, that her life got slightly better, such as her husband no longer being as abusive as before. Although it may be a slight progress within her life, it’s noticeable that she is no longer looking at things in a negative manner. I think that through the church, she was able to look at things in a positive manner despite how horrible the situation may be.
this is a great story that reflect into the life of many people in this world. this is story is also on his book the Saint of Santo Domingo, where it can be found many other stories like this one
Religion for my family hasn’t been so black and white as oppression or liberation. For those that have commuted grave sins, or feel as though they’ve done something really bad, they free liberation because to them religion is a way to cleanse themselves of their wrongs. Yet for most of my family, religion is an oppression. Having to live by a very strict code that some follow more so than others. Those who feel “bad” for committing sins are sins because religion says it’s a sin. You try and follow the rules of your religion and at some point or another you fail, either very small or monumentally, and you’re told you’re going to pay gravely for it in the afterlife. You’re forced to live your life inside a box and are punished or made an outcast by those in the same box if you even think about looking over the edge. It’s only appified when you’re outside of the box.
As for my children and future generations, I want them to be happy so long as their safe and healthy. I don’t want to push my views on them. I want them to feel able to chose their own religious values and how important they are to them. When they are younger I will probably raise them around my views but explain to them as they grow the information about the different kinds of religion and raise there are. I want my children well informed about other people and their views so they don’t wrongfully judge or treat someone poorly because they may believe differently than you. I’m open minded and would like to share that with my children, so they are “raised right.”
Religion is a positive force in Leticia’s life in the sense of hope. It gives her something to look forward to in the afterlife, even though that hope is misplaced. Religion has also helped change her abusive husband’s behavior; he’s not hitting her as much. But mostly religion is a negative force. The quote used, “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions,” gives religion another light. As I stated before people run to religion to try to get “saved” but it’s truly unknown what will meet us after death. Why wait to make things better now than later. Leticia like may others just give faith blindly because they don’t think they can do much else or are suffering because they didn’t following god blindly before.
After reading this entre, views of religion, Christianity has changed greatly and I agree with the author. If we put the same effort we put into the church to stop the widespread oppression, there wouldn’t be any. My original opinion is a little more one sided now and thinking that religion is more a force of oppression in general not just to my family but to our nation as well.
I enjoyed reading this story, it opened my mind just a little bit more. I am happy to see that I am not the only one who thinks this ways, or has this same point of view. Coming from a Dominican household I totally understand everything in this sory, from start to finish. I also believe having such Hard beliefs in church and what the pastor or priest say is just numbing cream. Its just a cover up, like a band aid so you won’t feel as bad. Something to distract your mind from the pain, and at the same time give you hope. Its something thats there to maintain social order.
1. To me, religion has been both a liberation and oppression. My grandmother always attended the Roman Catholic Church. My mother worked a lot of weekends so we didn’t really go to church unless it was with my grandmother. As my mother stopped working on weekends she started going to church and started this deep connection there. She forced me and my siblings to attend with her. She forced us to complete sacraments given by the church. At some point, I was believing so deeply with what my church said and taught. As IK grew older, I started doubting and question if it was actually true. I feel like my mother forced the religion on me so much that she pushed me away from the Church. I do have times where I do believe in the catholic church’s teaching. But I do disagree with something that is taught although you’re not supposed to and that makes me feel forced and trapped.
2. For my children, I want them to believe that there is something out there bigger than them. I don’t want to force any religion on them because with my own experience it just pushed me away from the religion and my mother as well. I want my children and the other generation as well to explore and believe in whatever they want. I want them to be free to be who they are and not be embarrassed because in their religion it’s a sin or because they’re being oppressed for being different.
3.I want to say that it was a positive force in Leticia’s life, but also I feel like she didn’t have a choice. With everything that she had gone through, she was desperate to find something that would give her hope. I feel like she wanted something that would get her through the week with her circumstances. I see this as a good a bad thing. Good because she’s found something that gives her comfort and hopes to keep going on with life. I say bad because of the circumstances that led her to God; not really saying that it’s a bad thing because God is always there.
Religion is hope for those who have suffered in life. However, it can also prevent people from being open minded towards other things. In the wrong hands, it can be a means of controlling the masses. In the right hands, it can bring an age of prosperity and a civilization filled with morally just people. Everything in life has a good and a bad; life is all about balance.
The story of leticia was very captivating to see all that she has gone through. All the suffering that she eventually got through because of god and going to church. Many people have different perspectives of god and if he really helps in rough stuff ions such as leticia’s story. I’m not much of a religious person but going to church can help in a way Just to find a piece of mind. For example when Leticia’s husband hit her, she got really hurt and lost the baby. They eventfully got better by going to church and praying to God.
To me, I always felt like people used religion as a form of an excuse to decline the facts because they were too fearful of the truth. They use a religion as an enabler for their problems and issues in life, which justifies everything around them. It isn’t their fault either. They’re are led to believe this since birth. The people with nothing pray the hardest because sometimes that’s all they have. They feel stronger with religion. Materialism comes with education and living in I guess what you would call ‘modern day’ society. Idealism is a bit outdated, but the people of the DR use it as their salvation. If you take away hope from these people, then they will truly have nothing. And that might just be even worse.
Growing up, religion was a essential part of my family and we practiced it all the time. The first few years of my life I never felt oppressed by it but, once I learned what religion does to people I became a little more open about it. People have their own views about it and they may worship whatever best pleases them. For me religion isn’t a big deal but for others it is their whole life.
To me religion is seen as guidance for hope and faith , a reason to wake up everyday , a reason to live a respectful life and try to keep out of trouble when it comes to the law. Religion gives people a hope that their misery will soon come to an end. Unfortunately, the majority of the people that stay true to their religion are the ones that are suffering, the ones that have followed every moral act that they were told to follow. The ones that were told this will get them to the gates of heaven. Natural disasters happens , which is most intelligence out of our control, yet there are pastors that would tell you that the people that have experience theses events experienced it because the lack of faith they have in “their lord and savior ” , Religion can control people and put them into categories, many like minded individuals lack definitely
This article honestly made me miss the Dominican Republic. Hearing about it and seeing that picture of the banca really brought me back to the times I have gone to see my grandma and everything that is said in the article is true. If people in D.R. were to believe in each other and believe in making their situation a better one, together just as much as they believe in their religion then the country would indeed be paradise. Sometimes religion could be used as an excuse for the bad or the good things that happen to us or to the people we love and it’s important to not solely depend on religion for everything. Reading the story about Leticia made me think about the way people live in D.R. When I went I would see little girls at the age of 12,13,14 with either a huge belly or one or two kids of their own. It would be beautiful for these young ladies to focus on their lives and their education instead of having babies so early on in life and I honestly don’t know why things are this way in this country. Perhaps it is because of poverty and these children do not live in good conditions, their parents don’t supervise them to the fullest or maybe these young ladies feel like they have no other choice but to have a child. It truly breaks my heart and that’s why when I go I play with all the little kids no matter where theyre from or how they look or how much money they ask me for. I love being with those people because they really value things we take for granted so much. By the way this was a very well written article and I enjoyed it because these words were truly from you & your experiences, which I appreciate reading about. Thank you.
Dominicans are very Catholic or Christian. They believe praying everyday, in the morning, afternoon and night will allow God to know that they need his guidance. They try to empathize with their wordings, hoping that God would hear and help them. Religion has been brain washed into or brains since birth. As a Dominican who comes from a religious family, I have been forced to attend church every Sunday, have a ora Santa with the family after dinner and go to church at least once a weekday. The “older people” want to continue the “traditions” or the “culture” that they were thought and raised from, but what they do not view is that everything is changing everyday. Cultures, images, identities, nothing remains the same. Many parents try so hard to earn money for their children and make sure they are connected with God, but do not realize that their child needs attention because they could lead into danger once they are unattended.
Most Dominicans would shame their family members if they wear ripped jeans, or if they have tattoos (the sign of the devil), or if they have a child before marriage. They create these norms for their child and placing pressure on them, wanting them to be their perfect child for the Dominican society. I spoke to my grandfather once about getting a tattoo and piercing. My grandfather looked at me and told me “Aquí en la República Dominicana, las mujeres que tienen tatuajes o aretes en ombligos, son cueros. Y tú mi hija no eres un cuero. Pero si un día tú decides de tener una o la otra, te voy arrancar los aretes y cortarte el tatuaje con un cuchillo.” When my grandfather told me that I told him that was all in the past, this is a new century, with new generations. My grandfather responded, “Eso no fue los que Dios quieres que tú haces.”
Religion has been part of my family’s life for so many years that , I have never asked myself or them how they were made to believe in something that was forced upon all Latin Americans, perhaps they are unaware of the historical events and how the Europeans brought diseases, religion which I personally considerer as the worst cancer ever created by human beings, we’ve seen wars based on who can force one type of religion over the other one, people killing other because they do not share the same God or simply because they have a different perspective of life, there are people who really wanted to make a changes in the world and whose convictions somehow were inspired from some kind of religious perspective; however, most of the time religion is used to control the masses and to put one human being against each other, which eventually proliferate hate, intolerance, violence. It is a paradox because according to a universal definition religion should ne synonymous of peace or something related to living in an united community
It is unfortunate that Leticia had to endure such a difficult life, and was essentially robbed of her own childhood. After living the life she has, I am not surprised that she regards the Bible as an explanation for tragedies that have occurred in her home country and around the world. Every variation of Christianity interprets the Bible in a different way to provide answers to questions scientific responses don’t satisfy. I understand your point that religion weakens the masses from embracing a more take-charge approach over their own lives, and I think that is a flaw of its practice. People should be encouraged to fight for themselves, seek out answers from other sources as best they can, and try to be, in general, well-informed citizens of their respective society. But I don’t think religion of any form is particularly bad or wrong because it provides people with a spiritual sustenance they can’t gain anywhere else. Perhaps it would be better if religious institutions were more “socially committed” as you suggest, but I think religion can actually empower people and inspire them to strive towards accomplishing goals they may not have been inclined to try to reach otherwise. There is a difference between being religious, and being a religious fanatic, and I think the aforementioned is the real issue at hand here. Religion is easily construed into fanaticism, and many people often mistake one for the other, when in reality they are quite different. I don’t think there’s a problem with a devout Christian, for example, but an individual who is a religious fanatic is one who basically uses religion as an excuse for why certain events occur and why “things are the way they are” — he better embodies the characteristics you take issue with.
Religion, for many, is seen as a form of escapism that provides us with a liberation similar to what we may feel when we go on a run, talk to a therapist or drink alcohol. It numbs the pain because it allows you to get away from reality and talk to a higher God who made the biggest sacrifice in giving up his life for us. For the masses of people who depend on a stronger force to guide them on what we should do day by day.
However, being that by the grace of God I am both Dominican and American which makes me super knowledgeable about both cultures, I am also in a agreement with a problem that is overcoming both nations. In the Dominican Republic, and in New York as well, we see mass groups of Latinos offering all types of support to the church. By all types I mean; emotional, financial, social and etc and while this is a great form of escapism, is this the best option for them?
By all means I am in great accordance with all types of coping methods, but I have been a witness to seeing how Churches will take advantage of the poor for lo poco que tienen, with the promises and guarantees that giving to the Church, they are going to have a better life. Is this really what the church is about? Because this is just second degree robbery and I’m not for that at all. Why doesnt the church gather the masses and fight about whats important in society? Take advantage of this secure sharing space and work on making the world a better place for everyone, not just the Cristians.
It is very sad and unfortunate what Leticia has been thru. There are scars, fear and pain that will probably follow her forever. But her finding her way on God to me personally is something to be happy about. Her childhood was painful and probably her adulthood not the best one. And there is no one on earth that can erase those moments and those scars left in her memories. She found the one and only who can heal and give her hope. I am a devout Christian. My family was Catholic for the most part, and when I came to New York my mother brought me to a pentecostal church she was invited to. I was 14, and ever since I have served God. I find peace in my faith, I have God to turn to every time I need and I know he is there, thats my faith . I have seen miracles. I have seen God’s hands where no doctor could help save someones lives. I have seen transformations of lives. I have hope. And I would like to everyone have that same hope. Many of us have done work to help others, is not only by faith but also works. God does not want us to suffer. Who kills us, who oppresses us? if not man? I find in my faith liberation. It makes me a better person, a heartfelt one, one wanting to help others, respect others peoples life’s and believes. And I’m glad Leticia found God, and that she is not perfect, but has chosen to believe that there is hope for her, in a world that is hopeless.
Religion has really blinded the poor people of Dominican Republic. The belief of an after life is stifling all of them to fight for everything they need. They become satisfied with everything they have now, which is nothing, just because in the afterlife they’ll have everything. In Leticia’s case, the only good thing that religion did for her was to change her husband’s behavior but in reality, that’s not what she actually needs.
Well. After I read this well put article of Faith an religion, I’ve come to the conclusion that these world need more of God than ever lol.. yet I understand some points of what the professor try to explain and it has logical and truth of what he wrote.. the problem here is that unfortunately people have divided believes on God.. and that’s a real problem people had divided God and had created their own theory of what God is.. think about this.. there are a lot of Christianity countries that believe in on Christ but in our community there are Christians that devide Christianity and that one Christ becomes a lot of different Christ and people that are not Christians end up of not believing in God and doesn’t want any part of the Christian religion. For example I’m not agree when some Christian say that disasters occurs because of God’s punishment to people that doesn’t believe in him. That is completely wrong thinking of God and so on… I wish to have the time to explain more on this matter but it will take a lot for me to clarify this thinking
Its so difficult to understand and to be in the shoes of Leticia. All the pain she had to go through at a young age. She has shown to be a strong woman besides all the obstacles and pain she has gone through in her childhood. Not even to add up the abuses she suffer from her own family members. I believe that getting married and being attached to faith was the only correct way she might have found at that time. However, in my experience of being part of a christian church I believe that churches just want to control the way you live, the way you dress, your money, and so on. But that doesn’t have to do nothing with the individual faith of a human being. Of course I believe in God but I don’t want people to be dictating the way I should live my life. Pastors are not suppose to be criticizing individuals and they are the first one to do so. By making yourself feel embarrass. I extremely agree with the professor Daniel Shaw, churches are trying to justify why the lowest class are being exploited by other members of society. In the Dominican Republic its sad to see how humans hold themselves in alcohol, lottery, and churches. It has shown that individuals in poor communities are desperate of faith.
The whole concept of religion being fed to the poor is absolutely true. I am Catholic and I very much so believe in god. However what does bother me is that people start praying and just sitting back and waiting for god to fix all of their problems. Doing this isn’t solving anything, and perhaps may even be making matters worst then what they already are. We need to do less of all this waiting and go out their and make a change in our communities. The truth is that there are churches, liquor stores and a place to play the lottery..Corporations know people rather waste away on booze and drink their sorrows away, pray to someone to do their work for them or simply depend on luck to help them out. Its sad, but its the world we seem to be living in.
As I become more conscious, I struggle with my own faith. I would not go as far to say I am an atheist, but I find myself labeling my beliefs as more spiritual than religious. I fully agree that religion is used to pacify the oppressed and justify the mistreatment of certain groups, however, I can not minimize or overlook the support religion offer its practitioners. For practitioners, religion offers a way to cope with their realities. Jame Baldwin wrote “to be . . . conscious . . is to be in a constant state of rage.” To awaken to the realities one’s oppression create a constant state of fear, anger, and pain. Pain that for some people is unbearable. For instance, in the book “Death without Weeping” anthropologist Nancy Scheper-Hughes reports that due to structural violence residents of a plantation town in Brazil have normalized the death of infants. To cope with poverty and the lack of proper health care, the residents constructed the ideology that their babies are dying because of some divine plan. My critique of religion is not to its practitioners, but its leaders ( the church, pastors etc). Religious institutions need to be more active in creating social change.
Reading this article, I kept reflecting on how the mind is a powerful source since religion relies on thought. Leticia’s life was a very unthinkable & hard way to grow up and live; yet she survived through it, and perhaps it was due to her newfound faith in God that abled her to seek hope and strength. While I wouldn’t call myself religious, I would say I am spiritual. I believe that there’s a ‘higher power’ that does protect, guide and bring love in however that manifests. However, I too agree with the writer’s sentiment that “dependent of one’s spiritual faith, one can be a fighter and defender of humanity. There needs to be unity with anyone that is willing to organize against the structures that oppress us.”
The life of leticia really touched me, with all the suffering that she had to endure at a young age, and the choices she had to me in order for her to survive blew my mind ! I do agree with the article that we are left with why there is so much suffering. My elder family members always told me since I was old enough to know who god us, always embedded in me that if I believe In god he will take away all the problem we have. The biggest question I still have, what the point of dealing with all this suffering if it dismantles, but no one till this day knows.
While reading this article it has made me think about that coming from a family who have enforced in me the catholic religion and beliefs, I still feel that it’s redundant to do that because we should believe in what we want to. Personally I still have beliefs in religion but to the extent where I do not like to be forced to. Many people believe that by reconnecting with their church their lives will change and for some it does and for others it just becomes forgotten.
One often hears about the great things religion has done to people. On occasion one might come across the news on how someone has been a drug addict before and because of Jesus saving him or her, this person has been able to get a new life. One might hear about the many prophecies preachers, pastors, and so called men and women of God, have made. Yet, not often one doesn’t hear about the cult like act ivies that are swept under the rug. when it comes to the many practices of Christianity. To be a good Christian is to give one’s power to the leader(s) of the church which leads to authoritarianism of the religion. And in n this article, Professor Danny Shaw is bring this to light.
I chose “The War of Faith in the Dominican Republic” because this is our sad reality. I was born and raised in Salcedo, Dominican Republic located to the North / Cibao region of the country. I was lucky enough to be blessed with the parents I had. As a child, I enjoyed my childhood. However, stories similar to Leticia’s are sadly still happening even now a days. Leticia and her mother had nothing but faith. She went through a rough childhood which she did not have the chance to choose. In addition, is not a mystery that in my country the humble usually have it tough, which launch them into taking poor decisions like Leticia’s mother because she did not have the resources to pay, as well as Leticia with her mates because she didn’t better.
A mere example is the story of a 16 years old girl, Emely Peguero that is viral lately on almost every social media and local news. This young girl came from a very humble family. She had a hard childhood and at the age of 12 she started dating an older guy called Marlon which is an US citizen and from a wealthy family back home. Unfortunately, the sense of need of her parents allowed this relationship with no prejudice even though she was a kid. At 16 Emely was five months pregnant and the media assure that her boyfriend and his mother coerced her to abort, kill her and buried her far away from their surroundings. It was not until August 31st that authorities because of the people’s pressure finally found her.
I related Emely’s sad story to Leticia’s because Emely’s family were loyal believers in God. They saw this cruel man as a light to improve their misery, not thinking about how detrimental this was going to be for their daughter. I feel sorrow for my land, because I consider that the poor pray for their well-being when government could make their lives a lot better. Yet, government only works for themselves forgetting about those in need. The need in Leticia’s mother as Emely’s parents made them take unintelligent decisions.
I grab my hand to God on every little thing that I do or will do. When I was growing up my parents always made me go to the Catholic church, and follow with all the thing like get baptized, the confirmation and all the thing you do at a Catholic Church, the funniest thing is that they never visited that church, did they make me go because other kids of my generation used to do the same things? I don’t know. Do not get me wrong but I do not believe in religions, I do believe in God. Why do people in church judge you for the things that are mundanas as they say, it is not god that is supposed to take everything that does not come from him to take them away? People in church that “don’t do those things” want to come to you and tell you, you are bad. I don’t believe in those pastor in witch most of them tells you what to do. I believe that the most important is to care for other, and help no matter who it is to the ones that need your help. Connecting to the documentary “School of the Americas” is that same as Leticia they had faith and believe that God will make everything look better and everything was going to be okay, and for this reason she, like the people from the documentary fought for their wellness.
1) I believe that religion is the only guidance that people have even at their worst time. Like in the documentary we watched in class even after hundreds of guards forced families out their homes to kill innocent women, men and even children the women found their selfs getting on their knees to pray in December 11, 1981. In the article after Leticia been through rough situations she still found it in her heart to believe in god after being sexually abused and having a domestic violence relationship. Religion is the only thing and the strongest faith poor people can turn to when they don’t have anyone else to turn to.
Religion has been a force of liberation for many people. In my family is an important element. My family is Catholic, since I have memory we go to church. My mother pray a lot, and over the years she has teach us this. I was raised in a Catholic family, and I had felt the connection. For Leticia, religion represent an important element.. At some point, it became something vital for her. This became like a refuge for her, to escape to deal with her pain and problems. It gives her the peace and the courage she need in her life. In my opinion, this is something positive in her life, something that can cause a change in her life. This can be a guide and faith. This would gives her the strength she needs to overcome the problems in her life.
There is a quote in the article that sums up what religion is for unfortunate people. That quote is, “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions.” To me it means that when people see, touch, smell, and taste blackness and emptiness, religion is the light that saves them. Religion is what helps them find some sort of purpose in life. For example, the massacre of the small town, El Mozote in El Salvador, most were assassinated and those who survived, probably looked to God and religion to be able to continue living. How can someone continue to live after witnessing an entire town killed? I do not think that even God can be able to help a person after an incident like that but yet those people continued living and I think it was because they turned to religion.
Growing up in a Muslim family , prayer was our only way . Not that we were poor or very rich , we were the middle class In our community. Everybody have their own belief wether Christian or Jews . Poor people turn to God because that’s the only person that can comfort them . When someone is poor you you become hopeless . You will have so many question to ask why this is happening to you . For example the video we watch show how the poor become ravage in the name of the poor leadership in their country . They fight not because they want do it but they fight to have equality and to have opportunities.
Religion has been most definitely forced in my family, i mean once i was born i was already baptized. My grandmother was the main person in my family to be in the religion stronger than anyone else. I was raised in a Catholic household, where it was mandatory to confess before taking the eucharist. It is a very strict religion, that is just hard to “forget about” or to just not care, especially when you were raised as a child to follow that belief. I believe religion plays a really strong role in a person’s life. I also feel like it’s good to have something or someone to believe in. It gives you motivation to keep going when things are getting rough in life. It gives you that peace and positive vibe to keep your head up and to show you that everything will eventually be okay!
In this article, Professor Shaw brings truth into this article. Ive been Christian for a little over 7 years now, some fine religion as a vessel or become an extremist. I feel like there is some sort of dictatorship within the religion nowadays, people do have specific beliefs that don’t comply within the religion. i.e, gay marriage, not forgiving people, holding grudges etc. To say there is dictatorship within religion, I would use the video I saw in class. The school of Americas, some of its alumni ended up becoming dictators in many Central America countries. Sometimes Religion can cause destruction, just like some of the graduates from the school of Americas were seeking. Professor Shaw is out here, making impact and showing us the truth.
After reading this article, i think that the way people rely on God and they want him to help them to be a better or to live a better life, it is the same case that Central Americas countries rely on the U.S to help them to develop and train their army to protect their country and civilians, but we are seeing the opposite because instead of protect their country and civilian they are killing them. in religion poor pray and work hard, and living in the miserable condition, while preacher and pastor are living as king, The U.S by forming and training Central American countries can manipulate them for their own interest, in religion people are sometimes manipulate by their preacher or pastor.
Being Dominican I understand the importance of religion and how true my people are to Christianity. The belief that Jesus Christ is our one true savior and will help us through all our trouble is believed hardcore throughout the country. Not to say there’s anything wrong with the belief , as one has the right to worship whoever and whatever they please ; but what if those who struggle throughout the world band together to over cease the poverty their in and take control and matters into their own hands to make a change. While watching the documentary on “Schools in America ” you see the frustration in Latin countries like El Salvador , Nicaragua , The Dominican Republic etc , towards America for the dictatorship they have put in their countries in the past . Why should it be that we have control on foreign countries and not expect them to fight back . The documentary should be a guidance more a motivation to make moves into making ones living situation better with the help of others in the same position. If those living in poverty just wait on their faith in their god they should ask for strength as well to take their country back
Religion has always been a very tricky topic to speak about for me. When discussing religion you have to realize you don’t necessarily have to agree with anyone else’s point of view but you do have to respect it. I agree with professor Shaw when he mentions that religion is a form of oppression, its a way of keeping people under control. I was baptized under the catholic religion but I don’t necessarily follow everything the religion dictates, in places like Santo Domingo, where things are rougher for people sometimes religion is their only ray of hope. In class when we watched the documentary “School of the Americas” it made me realize the struggle that a lot of these countries go through and that when Bishop Romero tried to use his words to plead that all the killing stopped he was assassinated the next day. If more people unite and use their religion to get strength to fight back the fight against these corrupt governments may be a little easier.
First and foremost this is certainly a very devastating article, the things your niece experienced was extremely painful for her life. But what can i see these are common stories in the Dominican Republic, which are sad but true. Life was so hard on her she had to grow up too early without an option. To me innocence is only temporary in places like the Dominican Republic. But these are tough experiences and lesson that only made her the person she is today. Religion, what I can say about religion is that this is something integrated in a person’s mind by society. I have nothing against religion because I grew in a relgious family, growing up that’s all I heard and saw. But as I grew older on my own I realized that I never believed in religion it was never in my mind. I believe in reality and I think religion is not part of reality. I agree in the things you said about religious and christianized people, if it were true that it could help than the world would be a different place. So much cruelty and inequality would not be happening in the world since we have millions or billions of people around the world that believe in Christianity and pray everyday for better lives. Its true poor people are mainly integrated in religions because they think that by praying things in the world and society would change. The struggles around the world of people in poverty has not been helped because of prayers. I believe that if people would act to make a change instead of waiting for god to make a change the world would be a better place. “If we dont believe in ourselves and our people, we are doing ourselves a historical disservice” this is exactly what I meant when I said if people dont do for themselves and others religions will not do it. This is a common issue in the world, people being blind to reality. People setting their beliefs in other things or god just to escape from reality and not have to face the real truth. A person rather focus on how the world can change by religious beliefs rather than go out to the real world and fight it for themselves.
This is such an undiscussed topic, that should be addressed more. Being Dominican and being brought up in this kind of environment makes me understand what is said in this article. It’s a topic that I often find myself discussing with friends and family. For many Dominicans being poor is just a way of life, and as it’s pointed many don’t do anything to try and better their situation but just emerge in their faith. Ever since I can remember my family has being of christian beliefs, in Puerto Rico we would visit our local church every sunday and it was a very open church, were you felt as if no one judge you and gave so much information on different aspects of life. Switching over to a church in DR after we moved was a shock, as in my opinion many churches have fanatics instead of believers. I remember them suggesting I miss work and school just to attend a gathering. This can tell you how they want you to fully emerge in the church and try to separate you from the outside world which in the end is your reality, the moment you step foot outside church you become an equal to everybody else, having to work to pay their bills and support their families. “Institutionalization of Hopelessness” is a frase that perfectly describes the situation. Same as your niece Leticia I’ve witnessed such terrible situations in which someone lives under extreme poverty and are so okay with it. I believe there needs to be a change, churches should encourage people to strive for better things instead of telling them that as long as they pray God will answer, and don’t get me wrong, God does answer to prayers but at the end of the day if all you do is sit down at home or at church and pray how can you expect a change. Being poor should not be something to settle for. It’s sad how what happened to Leticia is so normal, you’ll see 13-16 year old girls getting pregnant just to get with a man that in their mind will help them get out the situation they’re in. In this manner I believe that teens are also lacking information on planned parenthood which is not discuss as it’s viewed as something inmoral that shouldn’t be taught in schools. To conclude, there is a war of faith as many have to deal with either being a part of a church or being a part of society.
Religious Bankruptcy: A Review of “The War of Faith in the Dominican Republic”
For so many, religion can be a relief or an escape from the negatives of their lives. People of low economic positions are particularly prone to utilizing religion to drown out the stress they might feel. The appeal is that, in a better world, your strife and suffering will be repaid so long as you are “faithful” and “pious.” In other words, do not rock the boat, do not question the injustices and atrocities committed against you and others like you. That your suffering is due to godlessness or some other vague concept of immorality. “God” will save you, in this life or the next (insert eye roll here).
Here one can read about Leticia, a young Dominican mother and relative of professor Shaw, who suffers immeasurably at the hands of fate or life or cruelty (often not mutually exclusive). She then turns to religion as a form of escape or guidance through her difficult situation. Difficulties that span years and other various causes, such as low income and a violent home life. Despite her religiousness, her suffering endures.
Religion is unfortunately becoming more of a crutch for the people of our communities. Where people once used it as a way of finding fortitude to face the impending obstacles, it has since become a form of complacency. Showing up to a religious institute of their choosing and dumping their “problems” at “God’s” doorstep, hoping for some kind of salvation is unrealistic and incredibly detrimental to the growth of the individuals psyche and makes them unwilling to fight for their needs.
The church is the guilty party in all of this. They peddle “salvation” through prayer and allowing “god” to walk you through every obstacle by placing your life in his hands. The religious institutions only want to create more sheep. More people unaware of what they are going through and who is truly to blame. They use dogma to dull the senses of their followers and make their minds more malleable, easily suggestable, that they might use that to grow the gaps in inequality and higher learning. If people do not open their eyes soon, it will be too late when they finally do. The words “God helps those who help themselves” come to mind. Incorrectly used by those in power or who refer it to poor people, it should be made clearer to the people this is often used to refer to, that it means we help ourselves because the oppressors surely will not.
I was born in a Christian family my whole life evolve around religion and it’s beliefs. From the decision I make the path I followed all have to reflect on my Christian life. I was thought from a younger age that everything I do God he’s taking that into accountability, so therefore I must do good and obeyed God’s words. I promise to follow Christ and to bring more people to Christ. As I started to become older I started asking more question on my religion; how we called ourselves Christian but yet has cause so many problems around the world the hypocrisy is that missionary went to Africa, Latin America and others continent killed in the name of Christ. destroyed people’s country and culture because they did not want to accept Christ. Not once in a bible it stated that killed whoever who do not want to be Christian instead it tells how to persuade someone peacefully and give them the option to choose whether to follow Christ. Also people are often to see back and wait for God to answer their prayer instead of helping themselves. Churches encourage these habits they tell people God will provide and to leave all matter in he’s hands; yes at some point everyone has a higher power they go too in times of need but that does not mean stay put and wait for the answer to fall from the sky. From experiences I’ve seen people died for that very same beliefs that God will do such and such and end up disappointed. People should learn how to separate religion and their reality it’s acceptable for everyone to believe in something and pray to whoever the worship but when it comes to radical thinking and things we deal with in life people should know how deal with it instead letting religion to influence their decision. Religion should not discriminate or judge a person based on their character, all religion should be acceptable of who we are as a person and helps to get closer to God instead of dividing people taking away people’s rights and destroying the individuals.
Faith in Dominican Republic
This topic should be discussed more so we can fully address it. This article is very devastating in regards to your niece. She went through so much horror. From losing her mother to AIDS and being sexually abused at such a very young age. To getting pregnant and getting married at the age of 13. She went through the life of a person that nobody will ever want to come across. But this lifestyle is very common in Dominican Republic. A lot of the area in D.R are low income, poor neighborhoods. It’s coming to a point that people come to New York to find an opportunity in life and to escape the horror that lies in D.R. During this time religion comes into play. In your niece case religion helped her and it can also help the millions who are broken and sinners. But again I feel religion is a touchy topic. I am a Christian and I am a perfect example and can easily be compared to your niece. My past isn’t the prettiest one, I’ve dealt with so much pain and didn’t know who to turn to. Instead I turned to alcohol and drugs because I didn’t have no guidance. So then I met my wife and she took me to a Christian church. I can honestly say that changed my life in so many ways. Going there made me feel more positive and open my mind and help others. I was truly blessed to have went to church because it gave me life and it made my life so much better. I was a doubter and going to church made me a believer again. So I agree about what you say about religion and Christians. That it can help people and if it helped millions than this world would be a better place. We need more positivity in this world instead of sociality dividing us. I mean yes religions tell you to pray and God will answer but people also need to keep in mind that in addition to praying you need to show action and make changes for the better. . People fail to realize that second part. To conclude we need to gather more people and teach them the word of God but also need to help them and make each individuals life a better one.
I grew up with parents that believe in god but never heavily enforced religion in my upbringing. There were times when I asked my grandmother if I can go with her to church but this was because I was bored and didn’t have anything to do at home on Sundays. Only when I got to church I just slept and kept on asking when we could go home. As me and my sister grew older, we formed our own beliefs or rather questioned god and religion. Of course, coming from a black family people looked at me and my sister as if we were crazy for not being religious. I believe that religion should be left for you the individual to decide rather than being forced on you at birth.
I also noticed that there has been scientific evidence to refute religion which religious people are so opposed to. I think of religion as the lottery. It is a system to keep the poor, poor. Religion keeps the poor clinging on to something that is likely to not come. Similar to playing the lottery. When religious people loose a family member unexpectedly the first thing that they ask is “why did god take my friend/brother/lover away?” And I ask the same thing if there is such a god out there. Poor people have the strongest faith but the worst lives. I wonder why their god is punishing them. I used to believe that god was the reason for miraculous events. If I got an A on an assignment that I completely b.s’d then maybe it was god. If I got in trouble at school but somehow my dad didn’t find out then it must have been god. I have only ever prayed when times were really rough and I had no other resort. Things ended up going my way but could it have been luck and karma?
To be technical, religion and gods started as a way to explain natural disasters and weather. When it rained, back in the common era time, the people thought that it was because the gods were dissatisfied. After the ice age hit during the Paleolithic era, people thought that sacrifices and other rituals to please higher forces outside of their control would prevent bad weather and bring plentiful food supply. Does that sound like a mind game ? I think that it is too easy to accept anything without thinking. But if you question your faith then you are not a true believer. But to not question is to remain in compliance. If we were taught at birth that the sky is really black, should we not question the obvious ?
As a child i grew up in a catholic raised house hold I went to church every Sunday and went to bible classes. As time passed and I got older I started to make my own reflection and questions on the church and God. My father never went to church he always said his home was his church, he didn’t need to go to a building named Church to praise God, and it was only until then when I felt like my dad made sense. Today I hold no religion, I don’t associate myself with being catholic, christian ect. I deeply feel that religion is a form of separation, it make us judge one another on a personal level. I believe in the lord and his power, however I don’t believe in picking a side to run with. My children were presented to the lord as babies and as they get older they can decided whether they want to follow a religion or not.
Religion is a very significant topic for those that genuinely have an intimate relationship with
God. In my case I was born and raised in a Catholic home. Growing up I was always told that
there was a God that created the heavens and earth. Now that I am older I no longer
congregate myself in a Catholic church, I converted into Christianity and it has been
the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I respect everyone’s point of view and
understand that society has utilized the word of God to seek their own advantages, and that’s
wrong. I can honestly testify that God is real and can change the lives of those that seek His
goodness and walk according to His will. I am a living testimony and I thank God everyday
for His unconditional love.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life”. John 3:16
What always confused me as a child was that I would see my sister suffer from her mental illness and think she would be healed by reading the word of god. She would always try to get me to read with with her but I always feel asleep with one eye open scared because at any point in between verses she was going to flip out on me. My mother would always tell me to pray even though I never saw her pray a day in my life. My father was big on religion , went to church every Sunday but barely came to visit me one day out of his week. At that point I knew religion was hopeless. I was sent to this church session that was held in the buildings community room. Wasn’t there for the “ good word “ but enjoyed it because they gave out cake , cookies , and ice cream to the children. That wasn’t coming out of my kitchen.
Like many young kids who grew up wanting more for them selfs and refrained from being a product of their environment frequently questioned that “ if got existed , then why isn’t he stopping the killings in our neighborhood?” And other questions spawned from there. At a point in life I dated a Haitian girl for 5 years who was a 7th day Adventist . For 5 years she tried to get me to attend a creole speaking church like that was going to help. Our relationship diminished when I realized who she was trying to turn me into and me realizing that I was never going to be that person.
As I got more educated, I read how Christainity was introduced to Africans through slavery. Why would a slave master do all that’s in his power to break his slaves down , then give them one day out of the week to build back up. But it wasn’t to building them up independently and give them knowledge, it was to control them by giving them a new identity and something to consciously fear. As I notice in my neighborhood, there are churches , liquor stores , and places to play lotto I’m poor neighborhood mostly. But almost none of those things exist in the more wealthier neighborhoods. They don’t need hope, they have the funds to make it happen while poor people are being sold false dreams of heaven and a better earth. How is it possible that the rich has their heaven on earth , but the heaven for poor people is after death.
I honestly do not know what to believe when it comes to being religious. Growing up, my mother worshipped saints and statues. She was involved with Santeria and she visited her padrino who gave her beads that were blessed. I believe she also did some voodoo. My father was familiar with that belief and practices but I did not see him involved in it. I remember going to churches that preached in Spanish and they would separate the children according to their age and have us in a room with an adult. They gave us pictures of a person they called Jesus to color and taught us songs. There was also times where I would go to church with my friends families where they spoke English but they did the same things; preach, sing, color etc. To me, all religion is the same they just express them in different ways and have some different names for people as well as different rules or codes they live by.
I agree with the quote “the harshest life sentences are always reserved for the darkest children”. I am the darkest out of my siblings and I have lived through being called negrita or getting teased because I am the darkest. I have also been through some harsh times in my life and can relate to Leticia’s life. I feel that her up bringing affected the way she raises her children with her unconscious lashing out and beating her kid for silly things. I also agree that religion was introduced to control people. they think that some almighty powerful thing will fix every wrong in the world yet why did the powerful being let the bad happen in the first place? l
The church has been corrupting in the mind of the poor and minority since slavery era. Slaves were kidnapped and brought to the U.S. against their wish . they were tortured and punish and where force by the White man to accept Christianity. But the pain of slavery drove many of them to look for meaning and hope in the Bible. Most people use religion as a relief or an escape from the negative problems of their lives. People with low economic standards are praticulatly prone to utilize your legion to prone out of tge stress they might be feeling. But this is a big mistake At their end.
In this article Laticia who is the main character was a young Dominican mother And the niece of the writer. She suffers immeasurably in the hands of fates all life . She turns to religion as a form of escape through a difficult situation. She believes that everything that is happening in the world right now was destined to happen. This is how the church works, they brainwashes you into believe that every situation that you are in today was meant to happen to you, and only Christ can Save you. But if that is so, then why must we do good and go to church if we are destined to go to hell. Why should we give charity, and help other people, if at the end we will be going to hell. I think morality does not depend on religion.
The church is the guilty party in all of this. They paddle “salvation” through Prayers and allow God to walk you through every obstacle by placing your life in his hand. All the religion institution want is to creates more shape for the shepherd. Since now almost all the churches are into business making rather than serving Christ. The same bible is the one that agreed with slavery. For instance, scriptural passages from the Old Testament books of exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy which appear to denounce slavery actually condemn enslavement in certain circumstances rather than slavery in general.
I agree with the Professor Shaw saying religion is a form of oppression because if you look at how long the church was around this didn’t change because people prayed. Things changed because people didn’t just sit there and take it anymore. They rose up and fought back and forced the old ways of life to change. The tragedy’s that take place in these foreign countries are not going to change until something is done. I believe the church is a false hope that is put in place to sustain society and stop people from fighting back. We could go back to when Martin Luther King was alive and Malcolm X. Peaceful protests didn’t impact change like the violent ones did. In no was is violence the answer but violence is understood in all languages.
I’m very impressed to see a school wants to play with someone suffering. I am sorry to hear this sad story that hurts me because no one want to be a drug addicted or have a drug addicted in his family it’s so painful