tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988041872314051984.post5325418514665332678..comments2013-03-25T09:44:43.514-07:00Comments on ¡Vivalano!: An Unexpected Journey (& A Commentary on Religious Freedom in the U.S.)Ethanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18066261641919198748noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988041872314051984.post-64724128744663092802012-10-28T14:57:38.774-07:002012-10-28T14:57:38.774-07:00Ethan! Your pictures from the procession are absol...Ethan! Your pictures from the procession are absolutely beautiful! Makes me want to start planning our future pilgrimage together. I'm so freakin' excited for it!<br /><br />You have been blessed with an incredible gift to speak the truth in a very loving way. It's what we are called to do as Catholics and you not only seem to understand that, but you're trying to really live out that call to discipleship. Always looking up to you brother! Love you and hopefully will talk with you soon!Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10253165300983334430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988041872314051984.post-15039334118023740412012-10-28T14:33:21.402-07:002012-10-28T14:33:21.402-07:00Dearest Teddy V.,
First of all, thank you for all ...Dearest Teddy V.,<br />First of all, thank you for all your comments on the blog! I'm glad to know you enjoy my writing, and your comments always make me think harder or chuckle, of course depending on the context of the blog. I think you make some good points on this one, especially about the baggage piece. This is embarrassing, but I was thinking in the present and ignoring the religious/political history of the past which has indeed created the pickle we're in as far as discussing these topics goes (and I call myself a history major . . .) As far as your statement about the way people view organized religion now, I couldn't agree more. I think the perception exists more in a "mob mentality" sense. When a TV personality, author, or political commentator expresses the notion of religion as an outdated method, others jump on the bandwagon in supporting them through comments on YouTube, Facebook, and other modern media. However, it makes me wonder what people think about religion on an individual level. When you look at societies that have attempted to oust religion (USSR, China, etc), the results are horrific. Thus I think it's fairly safe to say the benefits of religion actively participating in society far outweigh the cons. Ethanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18066261641919198748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988041872314051984.post-17112521048685821212012-10-27T18:07:17.513-07:002012-10-27T18:07:17.513-07:00You are getting into some heavy stuff, dude. I com...You are getting into some heavy stuff, dude. I commend you for having the patience to actually present some of these questions in an informed way. I actually don't think religion and politics are very different in terms of tolerance. I think both areas reflect deeply held beliefs of a person and, when those beliefs are questioned, the person feels attacked, even if the questioning is very respectful. Thus, people usually would just rather not talk about it.<br /><br />Also talking about organized religion is tough because it can carry a lot of baggage with it. People can see religion as rigid, old fashioned, intolerant (because it doesn't teach that everyone can live any way they like), closed minded, etc. People view it as something that society tried for centuries but now we've gotten smarter, moved on and do not need anymore. At least this has been my experience. Anyway, I feel "intolerant" just by writing this. Pretty lame. Like your sister says, you have excellent writing skills. Thanks for keeping this blog up. Teddy V.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09705685785474786420noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4988041872314051984.post-83450396754594761082012-10-23T22:17:37.287-07:002012-10-23T22:17:37.287-07:00Ethan, I continue to be amazed by your excellent w...Ethan, I continue to be amazed by your excellent writing skills and your descriptive accounts of your Spanish adventures! Glad your lack of bus money allowed you to enjoy some amazing sights! Looking forward to your next post! Love you! ~Claire & JamesAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439871751558278453noreply@blogger.com