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.