Religion

Religion is very important to me. Reflecting on the past, I can clearly see evidence on how my religious moral values have influenced me as a child and stayed with me throughout my life. I have grown to truly value religion because I appreciate the effects it produces in others. I believe religion promotes people to change their lives for the better, giving them hope for the future. I personally feel religion promotes in me a desire to change my life for the better and gives me hope for the future. Religion has a deep influence on culture especially the Spanish culture. For example, when Spanish speaking individuals speak of the future, they use the expression if God willing denoting their belief in a Higher Power. Nicaraguan religion is a blend of fascinating expressions and traditions (XL Inc.). The Republic of Nicaragua endorses no religion (Wood & Berman, 2010).  Freedom of religion is provided by the Nicaraguan Constitution which States that no one shall be obligated by coercive measures to declare their ideology or beliefs (XL Inc.).  However, Roman Catholic is one religion that has influenced the Nicaragua culture in its development.  During the 16^th century, Spanish conqueror brought Catholicism in the country with them (XL Inc.) Nowadays, usually when the Nicaraguans speak of “the church” they mean the Roman Catholic Church. Presently, there are 73% followers of Roman Catholic religion. (XL Inc.) Urbanites, women and members of the upper and middle classes are most likely to be practicing Roman Catholics. (Merrill, 1993) The whole country of Nicaragua isn’t Catholic and it’s not the only popular religion. During the 19^th Century, Protestantism and Buddhism came to Nicaragua (XL Inc.).  Over a century Protestantism has really gained large followings in the western half of the country (XL Inc.).  There are a tiny percentage of civilians that identifies themselves as Jewish but there is not real practicing community (Wood & Berman, 2010). There are other religious groups in Nicaragua namely the Mormons, Mennoite and the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The rest of the minority group consists of Bahai, Muslims, Buddhists and the Jewish.

Merrill, T. (1993). Nicaragua: A country study. Retrieved from http://countrystudies.us/nicaragua/

Wood, R., & Berman, J. (2010). Religion. Moon Nicaragua, Retrieved from http://www.moon.com/destinations/nicaragua/background/culture-conduct-and-customs/religion

XL Inc., M. (n.d.). Nicaragua religion. Retrieved from http://www.mapsofworld.com/nicaragua/society-and-culture/religion.html