Priests Without Religion

Author's Note- This is a response to The Power and the Glory. I wrote about all the scenes that show how religion has disappeared—or become a totally different thing—in Mexico.


In the novel, The Power and the Glory, religion is not a part of their civilization like it is of ours today. Religion was present, but the paradox of this supposedly sacred thing was conspicuous in the novel. People are still practicing their religions, but it is a crime to profess your faith publicly. Earlier in the novel the whiskey priest wouldn't have a confession service because he hadn't gotten enough sleep and was too tired. A priest who is committed to his convictions would have held this mass for others because it would be the right thing to do and it would benefit people that were ready to confess their sins to their Lord. This would be a significant time in anyone's life and would involve lots of courage.

When Padre Jose gave up his religious beliefs to protect himself from the government everyone in the town immediately lost all respect that they had for him. Even Padre Jose himself knew that he was a man with no values. "I'll call the police if you don't go. You know what sort of a man I am." (118) Padre Jose gave up with his beliefs right away when he was threatened. This is a major weakness that is shown in our world today. Many people collapse when someone doesn't agree with them--but in reality, if you are fighting for what you believe in, not everyone will be satisfied with what you are doing. Because their was no visible religion in Mexico, their world had become more and more corrupt every minute of every day.

Religion is such a vital part of our world today; if religion was banned in our society, there would be many disagreements. Some would choose to follow through with their faith, while others would give up on their beliefs, like Padre Jose. With religion not a part of everyday life in Mexico, many have lost what they were once fighting for.