Reflection Onreligion Essay

Running head: Reflections

Reflections, A look on religion

My religious beliefs from childhood were rooted in Catholicism; and in all actuality have touched on each of the eight elements. In essence, my religious beliefs undoubtedly have manifested the elements of community, central myths, rituals, ethical systems, emotional experiences, material expressions and sacredness. The influences of religion became the foundation of my beliefs passed down and displayed in front of me.

My family members generally held such honor and reverence for the image of the Virgin Mary and the baby. I cannot recall when it happened but I automatically believed that the baby was the son of God. I saw my family kneel before the image, kissed the cross, recited prayer, confess to the priest, baptized. Though nobody told me, subconsciously I understood that this was the way to be closer to God. If I did these things, I would not only be closer to God but I would go to heaven. As I grew older, I believed that one needed to do good things and be good to others. It was important to earn our way to heaven. If we did not do good deeds, confess to the priest, attend mass or were baptized we would most like be going to hell (Chatholicim.org, 2015).

Our community was made up of mostly practitioners of the Roman Catholic faith. Going to Sunday mass was quite the normal thing to do. We observed Lent also known as Ash Wednesday, a day in which practitioners would wear a cross of ashes on their forehead, an act of repentance and a memorial that we were made from dust only one day to return to it. There were obvious myths that the community collectively held onto; For instance, while sweeping, one should be careful not to sweep over the feet of someone who was not married, as this would cause them to remain single and unmarried. There was also the myth that if you prayed to the saints or wore jewelry that depicted them, they would protect and bring you good fortune. The...