This topic may have been digested by DR1 oldtimers in past threads, - i apologize if that's the case - but please allow me to raise some questions concerning something that I admit to be very naive about.
Traditionally the DR had been almost exclusively Roman Catholic for most of its colonial and republican life. Even immigrants from Arab lands were often already Christians or quickly converted upon becoming Dominicanized, as there are few Muslims in the country to this day. New U.S.A.-South-style evangelical movements are growing with certain momentum. The Cardinal has an opinion about everything! ....
Any of the more avid political observers out there care to comment on their views of the role of religion on Dominican public policy?
I must admit that that's one aspect of the Dominican national psyche that I have not fully explored. Just at a glance, it is clear that the Catholic leadership gets plenty of media coverage, but it is not very clear to me that this translates into popular support or government acquiescense.
Are social hierarchies related to church denomination?
What role do the non-Roman Christian Churches play? Is either group more conservative or more liberal in their social doctrines?
Is the country truly open to all religious creeds? Are any major political parties (Reformista Social Cristiano comes to mind) have actual direct relations with church figures?
Could an atheist candidate legally get elected to office?
I suspect that secular traditions are stronger in this day and age than religious activities, but I do have curiosity to hear how others in DR1 see it.
Please do not hijack this into scripture-quoting or theological divagations. Provocative thoughts are welcome, personal attacks are most unwelcome.
The focus is about the "on-the-street" social experience regarding religious identity in the Dominican Republic today.
thanks,
- Tordok
Traditionally the DR had been almost exclusively Roman Catholic for most of its colonial and republican life. Even immigrants from Arab lands were often already Christians or quickly converted upon becoming Dominicanized, as there are few Muslims in the country to this day. New U.S.A.-South-style evangelical movements are growing with certain momentum. The Cardinal has an opinion about everything! ....
Any of the more avid political observers out there care to comment on their views of the role of religion on Dominican public policy?
I must admit that that's one aspect of the Dominican national psyche that I have not fully explored. Just at a glance, it is clear that the Catholic leadership gets plenty of media coverage, but it is not very clear to me that this translates into popular support or government acquiescense.
Are social hierarchies related to church denomination?
What role do the non-Roman Christian Churches play? Is either group more conservative or more liberal in their social doctrines?
Is the country truly open to all religious creeds? Are any major political parties (Reformista Social Cristiano comes to mind) have actual direct relations with church figures?
Could an atheist candidate legally get elected to office?
I suspect that secular traditions are stronger in this day and age than religious activities, but I do have curiosity to hear how others in DR1 see it.
Please do not hijack this into scripture-quoting or theological divagations. Provocative thoughts are welcome, personal attacks are most unwelcome.
The focus is about the "on-the-street" social experience regarding religious identity in the Dominican Republic today.
thanks,
- Tordok