Why I am “Culturally” Catholic

Religious affiliation is strongly related to political ideology and views on a variety of social and public policy issues among Latinos according to a report on religion and Latinos conducted by the Pew Center in 2007. The findings were not surprising to me or anyone reading this blog. Recently a friend of mine who is Chicana and very catholic told me that she is a Republican. I had no idea and she likened it to “coming out” (albeit jokingly) because she has so many queer and liberal friends. She notes that she encounters hostility and angry questions that turn her off to discussing politics or answering their angry questions. While I choose not to judge her, I did choose to ask tough questions tactfully while trying and refute the logic, but never disrespectfully. After all I do not hate those that deny others their rights. Instead, I try to understand them and their arguments while starting a discourse with them instead.

It’s not surprising that many of the recent blog posts by queer latin@s on this new blog are about religion. Christmas has whispered at our ear and its clear that religion is integral to many Latinos as part of their identity and upbringing. When asked about my own religion, I say I am “Culturally Catholic”. It’s been a joke, but recently I have been thinking about what it really means.

“Cultural Catholicism” is not a religion but is something that is tied to my identity and my participation as an observer, as a Mexican American. This is not an ideology or a “cafeteria” catholicism. Instead, I focus on going to posadas, putting up a nacimiento, preparing a day of the dead altar and being sensitive to the Mexican cultural roots in religion and enjoying the associated social, cultural and artistic, etc. aspects of it all. I believe in nothing more than making a contribution to society and following a moral code of fairness and justice. I still go to church with my family, but they know I deny not only ingesting the white, chalky wafers, but also the religion, yet I participate quietly. The kind of nourishment I seek comes from helping others, it helps me sow the manna of compassion and humanity.

I make a choice to not seek religion to guide me or my politics despite the fact that as a young adult I was a catechism teacher and “hung” out with the nuns at my church. I choose to use my time and energy to fight for those that are less fortunate by focusing on tangible ways I can help. The Roman Catholic Church and other religious institutions have many resources and a lot of influence over their flocks. That influence should be used to put Catholics to serve their fellow man instead of trying to carve out a policy agenda for gay marriage; where does the bible mention that commandment?
My thoughts on Catholicism are not new or groundbreaking. My upbringing helps me empathize and understand why people feel the way they do. My cousin is a priest currently serving at the Vatican. I email him and choose to have a relationship where I can ask questions and learn why people feel the way they do so I may connect with others in a better way.

Its important that I foster these relationships with Catholic or Republican Latin@s, as I consider myself an ‘insider’, infiltrating their subconscious by bridging the gap with discussion and respect. I can then ask, “If this country is founded on the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, why is my liberty impinged upon?” The separation of church and state was something we were all learned about in the 6th grade. It is the crux of the foundation of our country. I like hearing the logic and explanation as to why religion is actively corroding the rights of many families, which at its core, is what religion teaches us not to do.

This entry was submitted by Erica Lopez the female co-chair of Unid@s. *The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Unid@s*

Works cited:
http://pewhispanic.org/files/reports/75.pdf