The Way

     The Way has inspired me to be open to everyone. As I move on to college, I think it will be important to keep an open mind as I meet other people from all over the world. The way that Tom, Yoast, Sarah, and Jack came together throughout the movie really moved me as the movie panned out. The bond that developed over the time they spent together was amazing to me. The concept of the pilgrimage definitely appeals to me. I like the idea of being able to let go of something throughout your journey. Also, I think that if someone decides to go on the Camino de Santiego then there is a special reason why he/she chose to do so. Therefore, I agree with the entire concept of the pilgrimage. Although Tom's main purpose remained the same for his journey, there were slight changes as the movie continued. For example when Tom met Ishmael, he suggested that Tom take the rest of his son's ashes to the coast. Also as Tom began to get to know the stories of Sarah, Yoast, and Jack, his attitude and purpose of the Camino was changed. He began his journey for his son and ended it with a sense of healing, and reason to participate in other pilgrimages.

Mixed Messages

     Based on Emily Reimer-Barry’s interview, the Church send positive messages to young women by allowing them to be lectors, cantors, and altar servers. Women also can participate in the Church by heading different religious groups and projects. Also positive messages are given in issues such as sexual consent in relationships and the honor of women. The Church teaches that the dignity of all people is equal and it should not matter whether one is male or female. In my Catholic school environment, I have been taught that women are equal to men when we discuss moral issues. However when learning about the bible stories, everything revolves around men. In this case I have definitely received mixed messages in what I have been taught. The bible revolves around men, their role in society, and how they have contributed to our religious history. However, I am also taught that women are just as important as men and they are equals. In a way, this is very contradictive because I think how can women be just as important as men if men are usually the focus of our faith.  

Abortion

     Abortion in other countries differs from abortion in the US widely. In the US, many trained physicians perform the abortion procedure. However in other countries, this fact does not hold true. There are under trained physicians committing abortion, which is due to many deaths of women who sought out abortion. Also in the US, many women who get an abortion do not face the risk of death. Some potential/better solutions that may help decrease the abortion rate in some of these developing countries are investment in contraception. If these countries make contraception widely available then the chance of a woman getting pregnant may decline rapidly. Another solution may be making abortion illegal in these countries. Although that may be a difficult task, I think that if it could be done, it will decrease the rate of abortion as well.

IVF

     After learning more about IVF, and reading the US Catholic article, I would say the cons are creating a mentality that children are a commodity, the destruction of left over fertilized eggs, and the potential strain IVF could have on a husband and wife. However, I believe that the pros out weigh the cons. The pros are bringing a child into the world that may not have been here without IVF, giving hope to parents who otherwise would be childless, and creating lives that are as normal as any other child who was conceived traditionally. My opinion about IVF is that I do not oppose it. I think that it is a wonder of modern technology that gives hope to many childless couples. The Church’s teaching about IVF informs my opinion by helping me realize that if women’s eggs are not frozen, then they will be disposed of, which destroys some embryos or chances for those eggs to be fertilized. Also, I can see how some people would begin to view children as a commodity instead of a blessing; however, I believe that it is a rare case that someone would only be seeking the use of IVF for the easy access of it. Most of the time, couples are using IVF because it may be their last option for the wife to carry their own child. I think that the Church should not completely oppose IVF because of their teaching that child bearing is a blessing—sometimes that blessing needs some help to be created. The financial cost of IVF does not affect my opinion on the morality of the practice. Going to be part of the medical field in a few years, I have already begun to realize that many major medical procedures require funding. Using IVF is not as simple as going to the doctor to get a flu shot. It is a process that requires patience, modern medical equipment, and doctors who know what they are doing. I think that because IVF is rather modern, and becoming more and more advanced, the cost would be high. Therefore, the cost of IVF is part of my expectation and does not surprise me nor affect my opinion on the morality of the practice.

 

He's Just Not That Into You Reflection

In He’s Just Not That Into You, Alex plays a character that reminds me of our “hook up culture” discussion. When he gives Gigi advice and tips on how guys think, he explains how guys really think about women. Most of his advice revolves around how guys think about relationships and women. Also, Alex reveals that he does not attach himself to the girls with whom he kind of gets involved. However, Alex and Gigi’s relationship turn out demonstrates that not all relationships are negative. When my classmates and I interviewed happily married couples, we realized that relationships do not always have negative affects.

Beth and Neil’s relationship also reminds me of our love story project as well as our discussion of love and relationships. Even though they cohabitate, which is another topic we discussed, they have such an awesome connections and love for each other. Beth says that Neil is more of a husband despite the fact that they are not married than the husbands of women who are married. I think that if a relationship is so powerful and strong in that way, cohabitating is not necessarily a bad thing. Although Neil did not want to get married in the beginning of the film, he demonstrates that his love for Beth is stronger than his wants. When Neil proposes he says that he needs to make Beth happy in order for him to be happy. A love like Beth and Neil’s is a great example of the positive aspects of love and relationships. 

The Changing Face of Marriage

My experience of the ‘domestic church’ has been very prominent in my life. Although I have attended Catholic school for all of my years of education so far, my parents were originally the people who introduced me to the faith. My parents taught me right from wrong, love, forgiveness, and many other values and morals that I will have for the rest of my life. Therefore, some pros of the changing structure and composition of marriage and family from ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ are love and loyalty. Gigi works so hard to find someone to love, and does not give up on it because she has hope that someone out there will love her too. Neil demonstrates love and loyalty because he stays faithful and committed to Beth even though they are not married. Also when Beth was facing a difficult time, Neil came to her side even though they were not together at that point. However, there are some cons presented in the film as well. When Alex degrades real love or the possibility of it, he does not exhibit hope for a relationship to develop ever. Also when Neil denies the possibility of marriage, but promotes cohabitation without an official commitment, is a con of the film.

            I think that if a study says having a college degree will decrease my chances of divorce and multiple marriages then my chances will be decreased. However, just because I am getting a college degree does not mean that those who do not have one will suffer. I think that a marriage can work if two people are really committed to each other and will try their best to pull through the difficult times. I do feel compelled to someday establish the domestic church in my home because that is what I am used to. Also, the domestic church in my home has taught me so much about myself and helped me develop who I am today. I hope to raise my children with confidence the same way I was. 

Dating and 'Hooking Up'

     My reaction to the "anti-daters" argument is that although some may believe dating is simply a practice for divorce, I believe that dating is a practice to eliminate divorce as a possibility in one's future. If people do not date, how will they know whether or not marrying someone is the right thing to do. By dating, you can get to know someone and grow together in love. If someone decides to just marry without dating, then he/she will not get to know and love his/her spouse until the couple is officially committed to each other forever. I believe that without dating, marriages can lead to more divorces if the couple did not experience the dating period to get to know and understand one another. The "anti-dater" argument compares with my peers and contemporaries by the way people date today. Many relationships today are seen as "just for fun" as well as hook ups in colleges and universities today. People hook up or date only for a short time and then forget about each other, which compares to the "anti-dater" mentality: dating only prepares us for divorce. However, not all relationships or hook ups result in break ups, disappoint, or even take place without commitment.