Reactions towards different religions.

Discussion in 'Culture' started by irish_chick, Jan 10, 2005.

  1. iluvuma1

    iluvuma1 Well-Known Member

    I have an inquiry related to this topic. My husband is Czech and has stated that he is Catholic. In the years time that we have known each other, not once has he made a reference to God or remark concerning religion. Here in America- we have sayings like "Thank God or thank heavens for this or that." I haven't heard him say anything similar. When I say "thank God" he kind of just looks at me strangely. After reading these boards- I think there's a chance he might think I'm overzealous- when in fact I am rather quiet about my beliefs... Is it typical to NOT discuss or mention religion at home- Its perplexing to me that he has stated he's Catholic when he's never once mentioned God. Or could this aversion to speak about God be a byproduct of communist conditioning? In schools, is/was it stated taught there is NOT a higher power? How is science/evolution taught? Whereas here in America, there is just no acknowledgement one way or the other in public schools?
    At Christmas, he's mentioned the "bedlan" on his family's lawns- but thats really it.

    It seems as if in Czech culture it is rude or offputting even if you are religious to outwardly acknowledge it. Is this out of respect for atheists/agnostics?
     
  2. Sova

    Sova Well-Known Member

    Believe it or not, it's fairly common in the Czech Republic for a person to consider themselves a Catholic, while they are in fact atheist: i.e., they may be Catholic by baptism, but don't believe in God.
     
  3. idemtidem

    idemtidem Well-Known Member

    In fact, Czechs have lots of sayings that contain the words/names Jesus, Marie, or a god. I used to not even realize it that much when I said them. But then, in English I'm sensitive to the usage...meaning that I notice each use. I think it's because in Czech I just say it or hear it and don't think about the meaning. In English, I do think about the meaning and that's why it comes across as sounding really awkward (most of the time it doesn't make any sense at all!). Maybe this is the case for your husband as well?

    In schools, students are not taught whether or not there's a higher power. Also, students are told several versions of how the Earth and the universe were formed. As for evolution, no, it is not taught that something created humans. Students are taught about the development of human beings the way it happened as learned from archeological evidence. I find it rather amusing that in the US they are not.

    "bedlan"? I'm not quite sure what you mean by that. Is it "betlem"?
     
  4. iluvuma1

    iluvuma1 Well-Known Member

    Indeed it is betlam or nativity in English.... a misspelling on my part. Also, in American schools theory of evolution is taught, not otherwise. (At least in public schools- religious schools- I'm not so sure. They might not address it at all.)
     
  5. idemtidem

    idemtidem Well-Known Member

    Oh, I got you.

    What I meant is that students in the US are not being taught the way humans gradually evolved from other primats. At least my husband wasn't and he didn't go to a religious school.
     
  6. Karel

    Karel Well-Known Member

    Sonny, little knowledge is dangerous :!:
     
  7. Karel

    Karel Well-Known Member

    Hi Eva,

    If we were rigorous enough, we`d have to say that atheism is meaningless, just as god is.

    But it can be said with some point that atheism exists only in relation to some conception of deity, that the professed atheist can always reasonably be asked what God she denies.

    But what I was trying to do was to call attention that some Czechs are assertivaly dogmatic in their views and ipso facto religious. Unconciously. Mind boggles when your friend watches the weather forecast in order to find out what is expected for the next day,(because she knows sweet Fanny Adams about the future), but at the same time goes on to say that something is unfigurable in the course of your life.

    We`ll get an asnwer after we die. How do you know that we will? We either will or will not. Logically necessary.

    Karel
     
  8. Malnik

    Malnik Well-Known Member

    I think Souva is correct, lots state being Catholic but actually are atheists.
    My wife says she is a Catholic...but her actions certainly dont illustrate this and she says she doesnt think there is a God anyway. But ask her her religion and she is a Catholic.....
     
  9. Frank_pivo_4

    Frank_pivo_4 Well-Known Member

    ............
     
  10. Eva2

    Eva2 Well-Known Member

    To Karel:

    >We`ll get an asnwer after we die. How do you know that we will? We either will or will not.<

    That's exactly what I meant. Either way, trying to guess is futile.

    To Malnik:

    If your wife was christened as a baby, she is a Catholic even though she is non-practicing. This is the case of many Czechs who claim to be Catholics - their parents went through the rituals more by respect for tradition rather than as an act of faith.

    The decline of Catholicism is not confined to CR alone. For example in France, which considers itself as a Catholic country, only 7% of Catholics practice their faith.
     
  11. Frank_pivo_4

    Frank_pivo_4 Well-Known Member

    ............
     
  12. silverkinguk

    silverkinguk Well-Known Member

    Iluvama,
    You have a husband and a boyfriend?
    lol.

    :D
     
  13. iluvuma1

    iluvuma1 Well-Known Member

    Silverking, you devil! Perceptive one, aren't you?

    If I told the whole story, I don't think anyone would take my comments seriously on this forum. Its a great story, though.... Would make a great movie. Got lots of drama, comedy, and mystery as well.
     
  14. Eva2

    Eva2 Well-Known Member

    Is that so , Iluvuma? I happen to write screenplays and I'm always keen to hear a good story. If you are interested, send me a private message.
     

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