Cultural Experience
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Southern New Hampshire University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
237
Subject
Religion
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by lnicolevalentin
Cultural diversity is the appreciation of cultural differences, the inclusion of diverse individuals, and recognizing those of varying cultures, beliefs, sexual orientations, etc. (Young Scot, 2019). A lack thereof has been the catalyst for the continuous perpetuation of stereotypes and civil unrest globally. One aspect of cultural diversity that has arguably aided in ostracism, persecution, and wars throughout history within many societies is religion. Many have lost their lives based on their religious practices and affiliations, others were forced to flee their countries of origin seeking asylum. It is presumed that most of the Catholic faith practitioners are of some European or Caucasian descent, however that is not the case. From a global perspective, Catholicism is practiced in many countries including Afghanistan, Laos, Martinique, Chad, and Panama (CHC, 2024). Catholicism has reshaped evangelical practices and beliefs across the globe, emphasizing principles such as studying Biblical text, building a personal relation with Jesus, worshipping through song, and imploring the assistance of the Virgin Mary and various saints (CHC, 2024). There are over one billion self-proclaimed Catholics worldwide (WorldData, 2024), nearly sixty-
seven million in the United States (Grammich, 2022), and of those in the U.S., approximately 3 million are African American (Pratt, 2022). The argument that there is one true religion or path to God rages, but why, when there appears to be an overlap regarding the beliefs and practices of
varying religions. As an individual who I identifies as an African American, Christian/Baptist, I recently attended another Christian faith service, a Catholic mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary. My experience attending a Catholic Mass was enlightening and eradicating my preconceptions of
this presumed secretive, guarded, diversity lacking religion; I chose this experience because my knowledge of Catholicism was formulated based on what I’ve heard in the media (somewhat negative), seen on television, or observed from afar. Distinctive beliefs and practices I
experienced/observed included rosary prayers prior to the service beginning, a procession into the sanctuary led by the pastor and or priest, biblical reading by assigned individuals (lecturers), pulpit assistants (altar boys/girls), the lighting of candles, a service dedicated to a particular saint or historically holy event, kneeling during prayers, songs of worship, passing of collection baskets for various offerings, and communion (drinking of wine and eating of bread). Similarities between the practice of my faith and those of a Catholic mass included opening and closing the service with a hymnal, the various Bible readings, songs throughout the service, having a themed sermon being given by the pastor or priest, praying for individuals present at the service and those absent, announce to of upcoming church activities and events, welcoming and introducing visitors, collecting monetary offerings, and having communion. Differences of this service from that of my own included the lighting of numerous candles, kneeling during prayers, recognition of little known holy events, praying to and acknowledgement of saints and the Virgin Mary, recitation of various creeds, the congregation going to the alter for communion and taking communion from the same cup, and demonstrating the sign of the cross ( In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) throughout the service.
My perception of how I was received by the congregation was very welcoming. The Parrish (church) I visited was very diverse, they have services in varying languages and events that commemorate the traditions of the diversity represented, and they all seemed genuinely happy and excited to see new faces amongst the congregants. My overall personal reaction was that all are welcome regardless of race or economic status, that Parrish engages in many civic activities both locally and abroad, the service itself was very stricter/scheduled (it was about an hour long), and the sense of community appeared to be the focus in every aspect of the service. If
invited, I would attend again in the future because it isn’t that much different from a Baptist service, none of the practices were too extreme, the service was easy to follow and clearly laid out in the program (each prayer and song) promoting inclusion, and it was beautiful experiences Asian, Hispanic, African, and Caribbean cultures under one roof.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help