Joe Hoffmann

Scuito Journal

Key Idea

            The most recent section which we studied was the section on faith.  We learned that faith is a free, human response.  Faith is the grace and virtue that god has given us.  We can choose to either accept or reject our faith.  Our faith is supported by our beliefs and ability to reason.  In the past few weeks we learned a lot about faith and what it means to be faithful.

 

In this section we read an article titled, “Inside the mind of an Iraqi Suicide Bomber.”  This article not only showed us what it was like to be a Suicide Bomber but it also showed us a great display of faith.  Through this article we see how dedicated these men are to their cause.  They are willing to give their lives for what they believe in, this is truly an act of great faith.  They have enough faith in their god and religion that they will give their lives in order to kill Americans.  They believe that we are unjustly occupying their country and are infringing upon their rights and freedom.  We learn that it is nearly impossible to win a war when fighting an enemy that is so passionate about their cause.

 

We have also spent many days during class watching “The Mission.”  The mission was not only a good history lesson but it showed us great examples of people of faith.  The Jesuits were perfect examples of men of faith.  In this movie they spent their lives trying to protect the native peoples of South America.  They fought with the Portuguese and Spanish governments over the matter of the freedom and rights of the Guaraní Indians.They were eventually told to leave the missions and return to Europe immediately or be excommunicated from the church.  These Jesuits believed in their cause so much they chose to stay and support the Indians even though they were to be excommunicated.  Their faith in God and the Mission eventually led to their death while helping defend the Guarani Indians.

 

            Before reading “Inside the Mind of an Iraqi Suicide Bomber” we listened to Louise Richardson’s thoughts on “What Terrorists want: Understanding the Enemy, Containing the Threat.”   Prior to becoming aware of terrorists and their situation in Iraq Louise had a very biased view on terrorists.  Her new view on terrorism is 180 degrees different from her old biased view of terrorism.  She currently sees terrorists with a better, more positive outlook than she used to.  Terrorists do what they do not just to kill people, but to defend their beliefs and themselves.  Their faith in what they are fighting for is much stronger than any faith the Americans have in what they are fighting for.  The terrorists do what they do because they believe it is justified by their god.

Suicide Bomber

 

Question:

How can I make my faith strong enough so it doesn’t falter when I am going through tough times.  I tend to loose faith in myself and god when I screw up, or something bad happens within my life.