The Way

The Way was a truly inspiring film that I enjoyed immensely. Each pilgrim changed as the story went on all because of the amazing trek they took along El Camino The most inspiring part was the love Tom felt for his son Daniel and the transformation he went through from the beginning of the story to the end. . I think the idea of a pilgrimage is excellent. I had never heard of this trail before the movie, but I would love to walk it someday. Being away from distractions and focusing on the here and now is important and I think a pilgrimage like El Camino is a perfect place to do that. My favorite character Yoast, from Denmark, started walking the trail to loose weight, but by the end he realized that he has to be confident with the way he is if he wants his wife to love him. I think that is a great message because it is relatable and it was the most relatable story out of all four pilgrims to myself.

Mixed Messages

Even though Emily Reimer-Barry says that the Church sends negative messages there are some positive ones too. Such as that a women's body is scared and should be treated with respect and that the education of women is important, hence all catholic girls schools. At the Mount  have been taught that women should be strong and independent and that we are intelligent. To be a women means that you are a leader and you respect yourself and others. All though all the positive messages are true I agree with Emily Reimer-Barry when she says there are mixed messages as well. She says, "But women are more than mothers, and some women are not mothers at all. We need to find a language that is empowering and constructive for all women" which is true. The church puts women in a box of virgins or mothers and their is little else left. If the Church could change some of its language the problem could solve itself. 

Nigeria

Word took so long to get out because of the media. Also information on how many girls and who was responsible was fuzzy until recently and whether or not that was due to media coverage or not it delayed a response. The media covers the stories they think will get ratings. There was barely any coverage of the events in the Ukraine yet that was a major issue. News has become about ratings not about informing people. Since the response was three weeks after the crisis it may be to late to find all of the scattered girls. If it had been US citizens the response would have been quicker because the US has a responsibility to protect its citizens. Unfortunately the US cannot be the world's policemen and many countries may have to pitch in if their is any hope in finding they girls.

IVF

A pro of IVF is that a couple who is having trouble conniving a child can have a baby that is biologically theirs. A con is that several embryos are created and the ones that are not used are destroyed or frozen and if life begins at the moment of conception then this is wrong. I do not agree with the Church's teaching and although they are right about the destroying of embryos I think IVF can be a wonderful thing as well. If a couple wants a baby it is a great thing that science has come far enough to allow them a chance. But even if it does not work couples can always adopt. I think the cost of IVF seems a little high and it because a rich peoples advantage which seems wrong. Although adoption is also expensive which seems wrong is well. Of course everyone is not fit to be a parent, but making it a matter of finance seems wrong.

The Changing Face of Marriage

In my life the domestic church is very prominent in my life. I have been brought up on Catholic teachings and values my entire life directly and indirectly. Ever since I can remember I have been attending Church with my family every Sunday. Additionally my parents put me in Catholic School from the age of 5 until the age of 18. Also my parents try and set a good example of faith and Catholic values every day. In He's Just Not That Into You the pro of changing marriage is that couples can fully share in love and love the other person instead of the marriage only being about having children. However, marriage is also viewed as unnecessary and pointless which is bad because it is a wonderful thing to enjoin a man and a woman in matrimony.
I am attending college so I am happy to hear I will be less likely to get divorced. At this time in my life I am unsure of whether or not I want to establish a domestic church in my home. I would love to one day get married, but I feel like my faith has to be strengthened before I can teach my children and set a good catholic example for my children. Perhaps as I grow older I will feel more strongly one way or the other.

Dating

If dating is done correctly, it does not have to be a practice for divorce. It can be a learning experience of how to be committed and in a loving relationship. If it is a relationship to use the other person for a prom date or to gain status then it is not a positive thing. However there can be positive relationships. Maybe one likes spending time with other person, maybe they even love them. If romantic relationships are used properly they can be very beneficial whether they end in marriage or not. Not all relationships are going to work out, even friendships end, but that should not mean we do away with them all together. The are an essential part of human life.
The hook up culture however does not help my argument because that is the real "practice for divorce." The idea of instant gratification makes people seem less like people, so how can one learn to form real relationships if they are diminished into something much more superficial. The hook up culture and the idea of no relationships are at too extremes. One calls for too many relationships and the other not enough. With all things if a middle ground is found romantic relationships can be wonderful and beautiful things.

Love Story

This love story has shown me that people can meet in anyway and in the long run it will not affect their relationship. I have never really met anyone who meet their life partner online, but it seems that Bryan and Stef are really happy together and love one another. If its meant to be I guess it just works out even if its different than meeting face to face. The only film I can think of where a couple meets online is You've Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. This movie is a little different, but it calls to mind the idea that online dating can eventually lead to happiness (As long as no one is getting "catfished"). Of course sometimes the media paints the idea of online dating in a negative light, but it can be a useful tool in finding a life partner.
A love song that makes me think of Bryan and Stef is "Mirrors" by Justin Timberlake. "It's like you're my mirror, my mirror staring back at me. I couldn't get any bigger with anyone else beside of me. And now it's clear as this promise that we're making two reflections into one. 'Cause it's like you're my mirror, my mirror staring back at me, staring back at me." This lyric makes me think of Bryan and Stef because they are very similar. They are sarastic, witty, like t eat helthy work out, and have other similar interests. In a relationship similarities are important and I think it is why they work so well together.