Anayas Bless Me, Ultima: A Psychological Critique of Religions Essay

Christianity, Judaism, Islam. These are only a few of the many holinesss in this world. How does one choose which religion to follow? Is it their background, nationality, belief, or because thats the only thing they have always known or come in contact with? The concept of religion is a complex one, a concept to be investigated and questioned. This is the journey that Antonio Marex Luna explores in Rudolfo Anayas (1972) Chicano novel Bless Me, Ultima.Throughout the novel, Antonio fights a psychological war in his attend about all the religions and faiths that surround him in his everyday routine. All his life he was raised to believe in God, and as a result he grew to be a devote Catholic. However, some of his beliefs alter when Ultima, a curandera, comes to live with his family. By witnessing her mysterious powers, Antonio begins to question his beliefs. For many years following Ultimas comer Antonio balanced the religions of both worlds, by praying to the Virgin Mary whil e his brothers were away at war, as well as helping Ultima pick and care for her many magical herbs. At first, he didnt compare the two faiths, but as time went on, he knew it was time to choose which path he valued to follow into his future.It was his mothers dream for Antonio to grow to be a priest and be considered a leader of the people and he deeply treasured to grant his mothers wish. Even at the young age of 6, he would act priestly by call forth those who were in most need. For example, he was there for Narcisos his last confession and performed the mans last rites as he lay on his deathbed. Antonio also put a blessing over his brothers so that they would be safe as they left home. Throughout the novel, Antonio suffered an excessive ... ...the carp, he witnessed something elemental, magical, and miraculous without much effort and continued to hear the stories told with capacious detail and logic.With further investigation he concludes that the legend of the Magic Ca rp could have very well taken place. With these two concepts of religion, Antonio battles and organizes his thoughts through questions and observation. At original points he believes that he will be sent to hell for believing in the stories of the King of the Fish. After all, the golden carp is a natural, pagan divinity fudge compared to the Christian God Antonio is used to worshipping. But in the end, that too is the teachings of Ultimas wisdom, Antonio realizes he must learn to live in a world in which Catholicism and the golden carp can coexist, and he must grow to impart knowledge and enlightenment from all the spiritual forces in his life.