Pilgrims on the Journey

This course was slightly different from my expectations. As a class, we talked about social and religious issues in today's society. I learned about gender, the different levels of love, the "hook up" culture,and abortion. By watching videos and reading articles, I learned the different opinions on controversies as well as the pros and cons of practices such as cohabitation and IVF. I enjoyed discussing news topics like the different papal candidates and the Gosnell case. I probably never would have thought about these topics if it weren't for this class. Also, I liked hearing from college girls about hooking up. I plan on taking their advice to college with me in the fall.

I really enjoyed watching the film The Way and learning about the pilgrims along the Camino. I would love to do something similar to this journey in my future. I think that it is so interesting how the people walk for a large variety of reasons and how strangers, who are so different, become great friends. The relationships that were developed in the film were inspiring. Overall, in this course I learned a lot about controversial issues in today's society and I have developed a more open outlook on life.

IVF

The most important pro of IVF is that it allows infertile couples to have children of their own; however, along with that comes many cons. IVF may have negative effects on the health of the mother and child. Some women have allergic reactions to the medications given for IVF and are more susceptible to premature labor. The Catholic Church takes a strong stand against IVF. Catholic teaching states that human life begins at the moment of conception. In IVF, several embryos are often destroyed, which the Church considers the unnatural ending of human life. Paul VI issued a papal encyclical that condemned the birth control pill as a interruption of natural conception. Later, this belief was extended to IVF. Personally, I am not completely for or against IVF. It seems like a nice option for a couple who wants to have their own child, but I agree with the church that the process seems very unnatural. The high cost of IVF doesn't affect my opinion on the morality of IVF, but I believe that it probably affects some couples decisions to go through the process.

Abortion: Why isn't this a national outrage?

I was absolutely shocked and disgusted to hear about the actions of Kermit Gosnell. If it had not been for discussion of the topic in this class and Catholic Social Teaching, I would not have known anything about it. I watch sections of the news on TV and check online news websites and I have not seen or heard anything about Gosnell. I think that this story has been hidden from the news because abortion is such a touchy subject; however, I am amazed that Gosnell killed many unborn babies, seven living babies, and one woman without making national news. Perhaps this event has been overshadowed by the recent happenings in Boston and Texas, or maybe it is being covered up to save the reputation of Philadelphia. I think that if this had occurred on the Main Line or to white teenagers in higher class suburb, there would be much more media coverage. Unfortunately, many crimes occur every single day in Philadelphia, possibly making this seem like not a big deal.

The Changing Face of Marriage

I believe that the term 'domestic church' can have a broad range of meanings. It can mean that a family prays regularly together and practices forgiveness and trust in a spiritual environment, or it can mean that a family simply spends time together and gives thanks for each others company. For me, 'domestic church' takes on the second meaning. It would not be true to say that in my family we openly show our love, always forgive and trust. Growing up, my mom always emphasized the importance of having dinner together every night. To this day, even if my dad is running late from work, we still wait and eat dinner together. Every Sunday, my mom's side of the family all gather at my grandparents' house for a family dinner. My family also goes on our annual trip to Ocean City every summer, and take trips together. Through these ways, my family embodies Christ. We give thanks for each other and what we have. I hope that one day I will have a family of my own, and I can carry these same ideas into my home.

Dating: What's the Point?

I disagree with the view of some of the 'anti-daters' that dating is essentially practice for divorce. I believe that the practice of dating is essential in building the foundation of any romantic relationship. Dating gives two people the opportunity to really get to know each other. How can you devote your life to being with someone else without dating them before marriage? To me, hooking up is not related to dating. 'Hook ups'are between two people who don't really know each other and between two people who usually do not want a relationship. Hooking up is based purely on sexual attraction. Two people who are dating may be romantic and sexual, but it is not in the same way as two people who are hooking up. In contrast with the original statement, I believe that dating may even be used to prevent divorce. If two people get married without dating first, their relationship could end in a divorce, but if they were dating, it would only end up in a breakup. Overall, dating is vital in finding one's life partner.

Papal Conclave

What topics do you think are important for the next Pope to address in the Church and in the world?
I honestly am not very familiar with all of the duties of a pope. However, I am aware of the more recent issues that the Church is facing. The world is changing rapidly. I think that the next pope must be ready to sort of modernize the Church. Because equality between men and women is so prevalent, I think that women should be given more roles in the Church.

What do you imagine the future of the Church needs? What are some of the challenges the future pope might face?
I believe that today the Church is known more for what it opposes: abortion, same sex marriage, women's ordination. It is also now thought of negatively because of the sex abuse scandal. The future pope may face a challenge in reestablishing a good name for the Church.

What’s it like to be a woman in the Church? What do women in the Church need?
Women in the Church need to be recognized more. It is taught that men and women are equal in the eyes of God, so women should be given equal privileges. The opinion and advice of women would be extremely useful in the Church.

If you could change one thing in the Church, what would it be? Why?
I would probably change the role of women. Before my theology classes at The Mount, I was unaware of the little influence women have in the Church. Women offer a different point of view and could potentially help the church in reestablishing itself.

Is there room for democracy within the hierarchy of the Church in its current condition? Does/ How does the Holy Spirit work through the hierarchy?
Yes, I believe that there is room for democracy. With recent events, it is obvious that there is change needed within the Church. Democracy may help the Church modernize and deal with social and economic issues. The Holy Spirit inspires the hierarchy to make decisions that are beneficial to the Church and everyone in it.

Becoming Who You Are

I found the article "Let Your Life Speak" by Parker Palmer to be very interesting and informative. I agree with many of his points and, for the most part, share the same views with him on the topic of vocation. I agree that a vocation is a gift, and that everyone was born for some particular purpose.Each individual is given certain gifts to help his/her succeed in the world, although it may take some time for everyone to recognize their gifts. I think that everyone can relate to Palmer's experiences in struggling to find out who you are.
Palmer also comments on the fact that even though everyone is meant to do something, one must understand what they are doing in order to be successful. People who are ignorant, arrogant, and those who try to "override one's nature" will most likely always fail. Overall, I really enjoyed Palmer's article about vocation and I hope that I will soon find my calling in life.