CHURCH SERVICE AFTER DARK

CHURCH SERVICE AFTER DARK

This photograph was taken outside of the Sacred Heart Church on a Saturday night. Sacred Heart Church is located at #21 Richmond Street, Port Of Spain. From the photograph we can see worshipers leaving the church which marks the end of the Mas, at around 6:45pm. It is clear that religious activities are not only subjected to the daytime but it also occurs at night. As such, there is a relationship between time, space and place, linking culture and the theory of religion together.

Historically, according to (Park 2004) "in later centuries the pattern of Christianity reflected hierarchical expansion diffusion and early congregations were largely confined to towns and cities while the countryside remained largely pagan." (Park 2004) states that "Roman Catholicism was introduced into Middle and South America by the Spanish, after they had invaded the continent in the mid sixteenth century." Religion was a means of control and power within that period. From the photograph, we can still see, even in the 21st century that religion is dominant within the city.

Within the photograph, we see spikes and the tall gates are locked after the Mas is over. As such, privatization is a means of security and a sense of safety within the city. It controls who enters and who does not and at what time the entry is permitted. Mas usually starts around 5:30pm and end at 6:30pm as such it controls our own behavior, since it is a tradition to attend church services. It may have been set at that time to accommodate individuals who may be working or busy running errands. Moreover, the time frame of the service is not too late at night due to safety purposes, since the city is known for criminal activity.

Moreover, religion is a part of our culture as it shapes the values people hold and it shapes the way of thinking and interacting with others. It may form the pillar of family life and it can dictate life choices made which is acceptable by society, for instance, murder is not promoted by Christianity, and it is looked down upon and is punishable by law.  

Subsequently, by looking at this photograph, it conjures up a sense of belonging and a sense of escape from the burdens of life and the hustle and bustle of the city, as it is a place of worship.

References:
Park, C. (2004) Religion and geography. Chapter 17 in Hinnells, J. (ed) Routledge                                       Companion to the Study of Religion. London: Routledge.