2008 Woodie Awards
Editor's Forum
Never bite the hand of the gatekeeper
By: Noraly Hernandez
Issue date: 3/18/04 Section: Opinion
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Born and raised Roman Catholic, a religion that seems to encourage self-sacrifice, there are many activities from which I hold back from participating.
This is not to say that I am not content with my life. However, I highly doubt that if I lacked a religious background I would follow some of the principles that at this time are essential to my life.
Last semester in my cultural anthropology class, I read a book in which the author attempted to explain the high rate of schizophrenia among rural Irish men by emphasizing their frustrated sexual lives. The author then argued that the firm religious belief in premarital celibacy had caused these men to have this mental disease.
I am not schizophrenic, but like those men, I also practice premarital celibacy. Nevertheless, class discussions regarding the importance of religion among this group of devout Catholics allowed me to realize that my behavior is directly affected by my fear of God, not necessarily the pureness of my heart.
Although I am not necessarily a devout Catholic, given I still have trouble reciting "Our Father," religion has influenced various aspects of my life.
I adhere to my curfew, even though I believe I am too old to even have one. I try to respect others, I honor my parents and make an effort to be an honest, law-abiding citizen.
True, I do falter sometimes, but I try really hard to follow the 10 Commandments, which I couldn't remember during a quiz in my Bible study class.
Growing up, I never realized that all those times I said "no" to questionable parties, drugs and sex, I did so because I feared that when I die, St. Peter would keep me from the gates of heaven.
As I look around, I realize that the motley crew I socialize with also seems to have more or less a healthy fear of God. However, I have encountered people throughout my life who do not necessarily believe in God or have any religious affiliation, but they have the same moral standards I do.
This is not to say that I am not content with my life. However, I highly doubt that if I lacked a religious background I would follow some of the principles that at this time are essential to my life.
Last semester in my cultural anthropology class, I read a book in which the author attempted to explain the high rate of schizophrenia among rural Irish men by emphasizing their frustrated sexual lives. The author then argued that the firm religious belief in premarital celibacy had caused these men to have this mental disease.
I am not schizophrenic, but like those men, I also practice premarital celibacy. Nevertheless, class discussions regarding the importance of religion among this group of devout Catholics allowed me to realize that my behavior is directly affected by my fear of God, not necessarily the pureness of my heart.
Although I am not necessarily a devout Catholic, given I still have trouble reciting "Our Father," religion has influenced various aspects of my life.
I adhere to my curfew, even though I believe I am too old to even have one. I try to respect others, I honor my parents and make an effort to be an honest, law-abiding citizen.
True, I do falter sometimes, but I try really hard to follow the 10 Commandments, which I couldn't remember during a quiz in my Bible study class.
Growing up, I never realized that all those times I said "no" to questionable parties, drugs and sex, I did so because I feared that when I die, St. Peter would keep me from the gates of heaven.
As I look around, I realize that the motley crew I socialize with also seems to have more or less a healthy fear of God. However, I have encountered people throughout my life who do not necessarily believe in God or have any religious affiliation, but they have the same moral standards I do.