elections

Religion plays an enormous role in every aspect of Latin American life. From the time of birth Latin Americans are put through ritual at every important point in life. The magnificent history of religion can be seen by viewing the beautiful, well preserved churches that line the city streets in many Latin American countries. How does religion guide the development of Latin America and does it play a role in the governments the rule Latin American countries?

Religious identity is a big part of any person's life. It forms and shapes you as a person, good and bad. The power of religion over it's followers is a power unlike anything known to us. If there is a perceived threat against a person's faith there can be a backlash that is terrifying. We have all seen through current events the rage created when people feel their faith is under attack. Therefore it would be difficult to imagine peace in Latin America if say Roman Catholics felt persecuted. The positive role of religion in Latin America often leads, to the dismay of democracy advocates, to Socialist leanings in the elected officials of Latin America. The people realize that to truly embrace the teachings of their faith they must take care of each other and the least among them. This has led to the elections of less than desirable leaders like Hugo Chavez and Evo Morales. Less desirable by the US government standard that is. Hopefully the people will find the right balance between empowering themselves, religion and following the teachings of their spiritual leaders.

Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Latin American and there is no sign of that changing soon. The fear of some is the active program by Christians in the US to convert Latin Americans with the promise of increase prosperity will alter the very cultures of Latin America. Most of us realize that will not happen in our lifetimes but Protestants are on the rise inside Latin American with no end in sight. The best we can all hope for is that Latin American countries emphasize religious freedom and avoid the trappings of other poor countries which destroy each other over religious differences.

Currently, the role of religion in Latin America is just another piece of a diverse culture and a spiritual people that honor life, each other and want the best for the generations that follow them.