The Importance Of Religion In Bless Me, Ultima

Islam and Christianity share similar ideas as the abstract religion in the coming of age novel “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya. Islam and magic each have stigmas connected to them from personal assumptions. Pagan beliefs in the novel and Christianity share the same concept of afterlife and symbolism.

Antonio thinks he is committing a sin when going to see the golden carp, but actually the fish ranks first in importance for the christian belief an Antonio is Catholic. The symbol was most likely suggested by the loaves

Bless Me, Ultima Spring Essay The golden carp “made me shiver . . . the roots of everything I had ever believed in seemed shaken. If the golden carp was a god, who was the man on the cross? The Virgen?”

In almost any person's life religion is always an internal struggle. Deciding which religion they want to chose and why they want to chose it. For some people it is more difficult than others to chose one, especially if you are already born into one. Anaya’s main character in Bless Me Ultima is going through many tough emotions to figure out what religion is right for him because he is already born into a very religious Christian family. In Rudolfo Anaya's post WWII Chicano novel Bless Me, Ultima Anaya uses the symbol of the Golden Carp to present an alternative from Christianity that Antonio feels he needs.

When you are young you are taught what is generally right or wrong. You are not given a chance to choose what you believe in since you are only a baby, and cannot fully comprehend the concept of religion. Once you are old enough, you are exposed to the variety of cultures that may fascinate you, and will help influence how you think. The majority of individuals tend to follow their own beliefs when they are well into their adult life, since they were taught to believe what their parents believed in. In Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya, Antonio a young Catholic is left to question his beliefs when a curandera named Ultima exposes him to her own beliefs. Thus introducing Antonio to Ultimas paganistic ways which are causing him to not only explore more of his beliefs, but Antonio is discovering many ideas that go against the Catholic

When growing up, one can second guess their beliefs and who they are. This usually happens when people are introduced to other ideas. This helps them create their own identity, and solidify who they are and their beliefs. This can lead to even more opinions in societies with more cultural syncretism which leads to clashing between religious and cultural ideals. In the novel “Bless me, Ultima”, Rudolfo Anaya uses the cultural and religious syncretism in the society of New Mexico to display juxtaposition between the Luna and Márez, as well as Catholicism and the Golden Carp, to help Antonio solidify and change his beliefs, displaying the consequences and results of cultural syncretism.

As he came out of the darkness of the pond and the sun caught his shiny scales and the light reflected orange and yellow and red. He swam very close to our feet. His body was round and smooth in the clear water. We watched in silence at the beauty and grandeur of the great fish" (120). When Antonio sees the Golden Carp the first time, he could not believe his eyes that he had saw a pagan god.

My thoughts have trapped me and made me flee from you!”(Pg.173). Antonio believes he has sinned as he questions God for punishing his brothers who in his eyes are great men of intentions as they’ve been through the war. His begging then represents his fear towards God showing that even questioning him may attract consequences. He becomes petrified that he would be punished and eventually fail his family because he wouldn’t fit the criteria being a coming selfish

Both Antonio and I were born into Catholic households but still question God and stray away from the Catholic faith. In the novel, Antonio starts to question his faith and loyalty to the Catholic religion at a surprisingly young age when Cico introduces him to the Golden carp. This is shown when Anaya writes, “‘You have to choose, Antonio,’ Cico said, ‘You have to choose between the god of the church, or the beauty that is here and now’”.(251) This shows how Cico is making Antonio choose between two religions causing him to question his faith in God. This is similar in my life, however I started straying away because I do not go to church as much as I did as when I was younger, causing me to start to lose some faith.

Juan, with numerous failed attempts in getting his family to safety, once lost his patience with God crying, “What’s wrong with You? I thought we had a deal!” (137). As the chapter progresses, Juan suddenly experiences religious inspiration, and “instead of feeling abandoned by God, he felt close to Him” (138) showing how frustration generates a stronger connection between man and God. In addition, Doña Margarita teaches Salvador to avoid frustration by using the power of God “for this is God’s great plan, that people rise up beyond their personal hatreds” (471).

As Antonio witnesses murders, he questions God. Asking questions like, “How could you let this happen?” or “Why do you allow evil to exist?”. Questioning his God creates an internal struggle for most of the novel which, just like like many other people who follow and question their religion, tears Antonio

Religion often times is depicted as a specific institution that follows the teaching of the Bible, Torah, or the Quran. People fail to realize that religion can stand as anything for any particular person depending on their values. These values bring about sacred symbols, object, or systems to

Religion–it is something that has been in existence since the beginning of time. It brings meaning to life and death. It creates a sense of belonging in the world. On the other hand, religion, or lack thereof, has also been, in many instances, the cause of oppression, warfare, and even terrorism. Sometimes religion is used to the advantage of one’s self.

Blissful Ignorance If I were to know what was inside Area 51, I would be most likely be dead. Despite Area 51’s infamous conspiracies, for instance, being a secret alien base, no one is fully aware of the location’s secrets. Perhaps for society’s sake, it is better to be remain unveiled to our knowledge in fear of the potential consequences. Similarly, there is certain information in this world that are better left unknown.

2. Religion 2.1. Definition of Religion Religion is a set of beliefs, morals, and values that people practice to guide their lives in a spiritual manner. Religion entails traditions, customs and cultures that influences people to live a life of morality and can be shared among communities and societies. It is a linkage to our inner beings and through the belief of God to dedicate our lives in helping others and in the pursuit of self happiness.