Berkley Center

Until I came to Georgetown, for the most part my interactions with religious people were frustratingly stifled and unproductive. I am an agnostic—and at times swing atheist. Admittedly, I have strong opinions on how organized religion has poisoned certain aspects of world politics and our ability to find our "common humanity"; however, I am not an "angry" agnostic/atheist. You know, the stereotype of the pagan protesting the pledge of allegiance with vengeance? That's not me. I have always just wanted to talk about religion—to question. Perhaps it is just my small corner of the world. Perhaps it is just the people who happened to be born in 1986 in Massachusetts and were thrown into school with me. But, I found in-depth conversations on religion few and far between; in Georgetown, it has been an entirely different story. But, let's face it, Georgetown is a small, wonderful bubble of intellectual elitism.

I think we may have killed the conversation, or at least it is on life support. In the past week I have spent seven full hours talking about religion and the origin of life. This is not an estimation—but an actual calculated figure.

In one occasion a friend delayed his 45 minute drive home to stay in our apartment until 1:00 a.m. to continue the conversation. During another occasion, a group of Mexicans and I watched the sunrise in the midst of an all-night debate on religion. This is incredible to me. In Washington, D.C., during this time period someone would have probably needed to check their email, finish a paper, or go to the gym. Why is it different in Mexico? Of course perhaps it is just the group of Mexicans I am exposed to here in Guadalajara/Tepic. But, for the purposes of this letter, let's assume it is a nationally cultural phenomenon.

Perhaps it comes from the assumption of a common base of religious understanding in Christianity. Or, perhaps it comes from consistently considering, discussing, and debating notions of national and cultural identity.

I am no expert on Mexican history—and the more I learn the more I realize how much I still do not understand—but identity conflicts appear to be a tangible result of Mexico's history.

There is something very interesting in the points of intersection between the conquest of Mexico, indigenous history, and the church. I saw a painting last night at Nayarit's state fair. The painting was divided into two parts. The left-hand side depicted items generally associated with indigenous people. The right-hand side depicted items associated with Mexico. In the middle was the church. "The supposed point of unity," it was explained to me.

Identity is clearly a big issue for the Mexican populace. Close to everyone is a mixture of indigenous persons and Spanish invaders. The current society is a result of a conquered and religiously converted land. In this historical confusion of oppression and stress, how does a Mexican citizen define their own identity in the twenty-first century? And how does one's religion play into this? Does a person own the religion thrust on them generations before by invaders? Yes, it seems. Christianity has become uniquely Mexican. Christianity here is not like Christianity any place else. There are figures like the Lady of Guadalupe, a greater emphasis on the saints, and the list goes on.

Though apparently, some feel Mexican Christianity must change. My roommate is involved in a local Bible study, and one of her Mexican colleagues explained to her that many Mexicans "just do not have a good grasp of Christianity." He feels there is a lack of Christian education and awareness on the "true" ways of the religion. My roommate seemed to agree with him. I was frankly in shock: how can you tell someone they are less "close to God" just because their historical context has created a slightly different version of Christianity? If there is a god, would he really care so much what process you take to better understand him?

My boyfriend (born and raised in Tepic) was describing to me that a liberal wave is sweeping through Mexican youth. He feels that more and more youth are turning away from religion. I found this very interesting. Mexico is the first country I have visited where this is thought to be the case. In general, from what I can tell, the world is experiencing a socially conservative backlash. I had always just assumed it was due to global or national instability, but Mexican citizens certainly face instability in the international system. So, what is it?

Perhaps it comes back to identity again. Yes, the identity of a Mexican is conflicted. But, nonetheless, an identity exists—nationally and culturally. What is the American identity? Can we even name elements of it? Also, I think it is about community. There exists and flourishes true, tightly woven community here in Mexico. I cannot speak for other countries, but the community (and its value) is different. Is it easy to turn away from religion if you still have community and a clear sense of having an identity? Is there perhaps a socially conservative religious wave among youth in the United States because it is the easiest way they can find an instantaneous community and an identity extending beyond themselves?