Analyzing expressions of Catholicism

Writing Assignment 1 Analyzing expressions of Catholicism The purpose of this assignment is to practice connecting basic elements of Christianity, as discussed in class, to concrete and contextual expressions of Catholicism and analyzing these expressions using Sisons threefold hermeneutics of suspicion, appreciation, and serendipity. It will focus on examples from Latin America that are discussed in class. This assignment helps you build your skills in careful reading, critical thinking, and clear academic writing. Choose one from the following examples in Latin America: Liberation theology Marian Devotion and the role and significance of Mary (consider specific examples of this devotion discussed in the readings) Symbols and practices in Catholicism identified in the reading on Theological Anthropology Latina/mente Due date: February 27, Friday, 11:59 pm Details: This is a three-part writing assignment. Each part should be 1 to 112 pages long and will be worth 10 points. The total points for this essay are 30. It will be 3 to 412 pages long in total. Each of the three essays should include at least one quote from a class reading. At least 75% of your essay should be your own words, not quotes from the readings. Be sure to provide specific citations. In-text parenthetical citations with only the last name and page number(s) will suffice. For example: (Gutierrez, 21) or (Doyle, chap. 2). Please use Times New Roman, Cambria, or Calibri, 12-pt. font, double-space, and 1-inch margins. Submission will be done through Canvas. Use doc or docx format. Part I. Choose an expression of Catholicism in Latin America discussed in class. Discuss how it engages one or two basic elements of the Christian life. Here are some options: The Bible (particularly its interpretation) Church doctrine Sacramental consciousness or the sacraments Theme/s from the Catholic social teachings Part II. Apply the hermeneutics of suspicion or appreciation to the expression of Catholicism that you chose for Part I by writing an essay that responds to some of the questions asked in applying this hermeneutics. Notice how Sisons threefold hermeneutics has resonances with our discussions on the double truth of colonial mission and inculturation. Refer to any of the readings from the following authors for your analysis: Daniel Pilario, Peter Phan, and Antonio Sison. Part III. Identify and discuss how your response to parts I and II of this assignment relates to one or more of the responses in your horizon analysis. For example: Does it illustrate something you wrote? Is it consistent with one of your responses? Does it expand or introduce complexity into something you wrote in your horizon analysis? Does it offer an alternative to something in your horizon analysis? Does it perhaps challenge something you wrote? You can refer to your horizon analysis responses in this part of the writing assignment, but please do not reproduce those responses in this paper. Hermeneutics of suspicion 1. What are systems of power in the historical context of this expression of Catholicism? 2. How do we see social sin or structures of sin present in this historical context? 3. What are religious beliefs (about God/Jesus Christ/Mary/the Church/Christian values/spirituality) or practices that promote or justify oppressive situations or unjust relationships? 4. Whose interests are being served in this cultural or religious expression? 5. Whose voices are absent or marginalized in this expression of Catholicism? 6. Are there any inconsistencies within this expression of Catholicism, or is it contrary to or in conflict with any Catholic doctrine or moral teaching? Hermeneutics of appreciation 1. What indigenous values, symbols, or narratives are being affirmed here? 2. How does this cultural form express the Gospel in a way that resonates deeply with the local experience? 3. How is this expression of Catholicism reflecting the agency (creativity, resilience, and strength) of indigenous peoples or those marginalized? 4. How does this expression embody or promote hope, resistance, or solidarity? 5. How is this expression of Catholicism reflecting effective love or effective faith, that is, responsive and relevant to a historical context? 6. In what ways does this expression enrich the universal Church? Criteria used for grading Clarity and organization in writing Accurate and in-depth understanding of key concepts from the readings and discussions o These concepts refer not only to those coming from the readings referring to the expression of Catholicism but also to concepts that the hermeneutics are referring to (e.g., social sin, inculturation). Adequate and appropriate use of citations from the readings, while also using your own words for the majority of the essay Comparison and dialogue between ones chosen expression of Catholicism and ones own views of Catholicism reflects a capacity for recognizing nuances and depth of insight