Secularization of Hispanic Immigrants
This New York Times article about Hispanic immigration and secularism is misleading (as I see Keith Burgess Jackson points out). It claims to describe the phenomenon of Hispanic immigrants rejecting the religion of their country of origin. Hence the title: “For Some Hispanics, Coming to America Also Means Abandoning Religion.” Yet, the instances documented in the article imply that while Church membership and attendence may fall among immigrants, belief in God doesn’t. Consider a few of those interviewed.
As a child in Guatemala, Mr. Chilín attended Mass every Sunday. But after immigrating to the United States 25 years ago, he and his family lost the churchgoing habit. “We pray to God when we feel the need to,” he said, “but when we come here to America we don’t feel the need.”
…
“I need God in my life, but I told the pastor, I get sleepy,” [Ms. Lemus] said. “You have to stay in church from 1:30 to 5. I think if services were shorter, more entertaining.”
…
“You can feel very strongly about the Virgin of Guadalupe and believe your children ought to be baptized, and still not participate in the Catholic Church or make it a major factor in your life,” Mr. Suro said.
It sounds like this trend has more to do with cultural assimilation than religious belief. Perhaps, religious Hispanics are merely adapting to a more Americanized religion that emphasizes personal belief over affiliation.
anti-clericalism was solidly around before Marxism and, depending on the country of origin, is deeply ingrained. But self-conscious secularism seems strongest among european ethnics (different names for the classes depending on the country obviously), who have little reason for permanent immigration and weakest among campesinos, the majority of those who move. At least the experience of the Mexican part of mi familia.
Comment by pierre — April 18, 2007 @ 3:45 pm