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The focus of my research is to explore how the figure of the devil is used in Mexican Catholic teachings to instill fear, shaping belief systems and family dynamics across generations. By examining how these narratives influence behavior, particularly through fear-based control methods aimed at children, I aim to understand the long-term psychological and social effects of growing up with these teachings. This topic is relevant because it sheds light on the ways fear is woven into cultural and religious traditions, affecting how individuals relate to their faith, their family, and their moral decisions. Understanding these influences can reveal the deep-rooted impact of religious teachings on personal identity and family relationships.

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1.How have portrayals of the devil in Mexican Catholicism changed across generations, and what effects have these changes had on family beliefs?

2.How does Catholicism influence societal norms and shape individual actions and lifestyles?

3.How is fear of the devil used to scare children into obedience, and what are the long-term effects of this?

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Wilson’s Research is Ceremony focuses on the idea of relationality, which is about understanding and honoring the connections between myself, the story of the devil, the people it affects, and the culture it comes from. This approach helps me make my research thoughtful and respectful. To follow this method, I will first look at the history of how the devil has been shown in Mexican Catholicism and how these ideas have changed over time by using stories from my family, historical accounts, and other sources. Then, I will connect these ideas to my own experiences, exploring how fear has been used as a way to guide behavior and beliefs. Using Cultural Rhetorics, I will examine and challenge the common ideas that erase or simplify the role of fear in religious teachings. By doing this, I hope to connect my personal story with history, culture, and other perspectives in a way that is respectful and meaningful.

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To gather information for my research, I plan to use a combination of personal reflections, academic readings on Mexican Catholicism and religious narratives, and possibly informal interviews with family members to understand their perspectives on how the devil’s figure was presented to them. These sources will help me capture a range of viewpoints on how fear-based teachings around the devil have evolved across generations. For analysis, I’ll look for recurring themes or patterns, such as the role of the devil in teaching obedience, generational differences in religious practice, and the psychological effects of fear-based narratives. By comparing my own experiences with those of older family members, I aim to identify shifts in how religious fear is used as a tool for control and moral guidance. This analysis will help me draw meaningful conclusions about the impact of these teachings on personal beliefs and family relationships.

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Growing up in a religious household, the fear of the devil was a key element in shaping my moral beliefs and actions. My grandmother, who adhered strongly to Catholic teachings, used the threat of the devil as a means of control, warning that if I deviated from what was considered right, the devil would come after me. This tactic mirrors the analysis of religious fear in Christopher Marlowe’s The Jew of Malta, where fear of the devil is employed to critique societal and religious hypocrisy. In the play, Barabas represents greed and manipulation, symbolizing how fear can be used to expose the moral failings of society. Similarly, in my upbringing, the devil was used as a means to enforce moral behavior, suggesting that fear—whether used in literature or religious teachings—serves as a tool to maintain societal order and define what is considered moral.

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Paragraph 2: The Role of Fear in Religious Upbringing

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Paragraph 2: The Role of Fear in Religious Upbringing

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This approach to religious upbringing is not unique to my family; it reflects a broader cultural pattern in many traditional Catholic households where fear has been used to guide children’s behavior and ensure obedience. In Beatriz Reyes-Foster’s analysis in The Devil Made Her Do It, she highlights how Mexican Catholicism combines Indigenous beliefs with Catholic teachings, intensifying reverence for God while instilling a pervasive fear of the devil. This fear is embedded in everyday phrases like “no le demos derecho al Diablo” (“let us not give the Devil the right”), which suggest that human actions directly empower the devil. Such beliefs create a constant state of vigilance, where the “triumph” of the devil is seen as a real threat. In my family, similar language was used to reinforce this fear, maintaining a moral path through a combination of reverence for God and fear of the devil. This fear, passed down through generations, continues to haunt individuals within this cultural context, shaping their behaviors, beliefs, and perceptions of morality. It becomes a psychological burden that lingers long after childhood, influencing self-perception and actions throughout life.

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Historically, the Catholic Church has utilized fear as a mechanism to reinforce faith and maintain obedience among its followers. This approach to fear has been particularly evident in Mexican Catholicism, where the religious teachings merge with local traditions and supernatural elements, making the devil a more immediate and present force. According to Beatriz Reyes-Foster’s analysis, this blend of Indigenous beliefs with Catholicism reinforces a sense of constant vigilance, where the devil is an ever-present threat to be avoided through moral behavior. Over generations, these fear-based teachings have become ingrained in family and community values, shaping individuals' perceptions of morality and spiritual responsibility. Richard Wightman Fox, in his work Speak of the Devil: Popular Religion in American Culture, argues that the language of the devil—terms like "Satan" or "Lucifer"—is deeply tied to concepts of sin, evil, and personal responsibility. This connection shows how the fear of the devil isn't merely about supernatural forces, but about reinforcing societal norms and holding individuals accountable for their actions. As such, fear of the devil becomes a way to regulate behavior and maintain moral order within religious communities, creating a powerful tool for both spiritual and cultural control.

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Paragraph 4 The Power and Implications of Fear in Religious Narratives

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Paragraph 4 The Power and Implications of Fear in Religious Narratives

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Reflecting on my experiences within the cultural context of fear-based religious teachings, I see how this method influences not only personal beliefs but also shapes dynamics within families and communities. The fear of the devil, for example, has deeply influenced my understanding of morality, guiding my decisions while simultaneously limiting my sense of autonomy. This fear acts as both a protective force and a restrictive one: it defines the boundaries I was taught to respect but also discourages questioning and personal exploration of faith. Upon critical reflection, I am left wondering why fear is still widely used as a tool within religious frameworks and how this dynamic continues to affect relationships with faith, family, and cultural identity, particularly as these teachings are passed down across generations.

The use of fear in religious contexts has long served to enforce conformity and maintain social order. As noted by scholars like Richard Wightman Fox, the fear of evil or the devil becomes not just about a spiritual or supernatural threat, but a means of instilling personal accountability, reinforcing societal norms, and controlling behavior. However, when the perceived danger (such as the devil) is exaggerated or presented in disproportionate terms, the emotional and psychological effects can be harmful. Fear becomes a tool of control rather than a protective force, leading to long-term psychological consequences, particularly when it is internalized. This is particularly evident in Catholic communities where moral teachings are intertwined with a fear-driven narrative about the devil, as highlighted in Beatriz Reyes-Foster’s research on Mexican Catholicism. Her analysis shows how the blending of Catholic and Indigenous traditions amplifies the power of this fear, which shapes community practices and family dynamics, often at the cost of personal freedom and emotional well-being.

In this context, the story exists as a reflection of how fear can persist across generations, shaping cultural identities and maintaining religious norms. The implications of such teachings are profound, as they not only influence personal morality but also create a shared cultural experience that can become difficult to untangle as it’s passed down. The challenge lies in reconciling the moral lessons taught through fear with the emotional and psychological toll such teachings often leave behind.

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The story I will be exploring for this project is about the evolving figure of the devil in religious narratives and how fear plays a central role in these portrayals. Being raised with strong Catholic values, my experiences have shaped how I view the world. Over time my parents became less devout, but for my grandparents it remained constant. This story is rooted from my personal experience of being raised with the belief that the devil is a constant presence. My parents were not as strict about religion as my grandparents, especially my grandmother, I was still taught that the devil was after me if I ever strayed from what was considered “right.” I grew up with this fear instilled in me. I was so scared as a child that the word “devil” would send shivers down my spine. Now that I’m grown and my beliefs have changed from what they were when I was a child, I still reflect on the fears I grew up with. Through this project explores how the evolving portrayal of the devil in religious teachings, particularly within Catholicism, uses fear to reinforce belief systems and shape moral behavior. By analyzing personal experiences and generational narratives, it demonstrates how fear remains a powerful tool for maintaining faith and control.

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More Fear than Love of God in Catholicism, Author N/a Reddit Story

This Reddit story reflects an individual's inner conflict about their faith, particularly the story it tells about their relationship with Catholicism and their portrayal of god. It contrasts the emphasis on fear of God's punishment in Catholic doctrine with the love of God highlighted in Protestant traditions. The narrator expresses feelings of anxiety, it’s something that haunts them. The story highlights the tension between justice and mercy within Catholicism, showcasing how the focus on divine punishment can impact an individual's spiritual and emotional state. This narrative reflects broader themes of how fear is used in religious systems to instill discipline and shape moral behavior.:This story underscores the emotional and psychological consequences of fear-based religious teachings. It showcases how a focus on divine punishment can create anxiety and strain an individual's relationship with their faith. The narrator’s longing for a more love-centered faith system highlights the emotional burden of living under fear. This teaches us about the dual nature of religious teachings, while fear can enforce it can also cause a drift from their fate. This tension is evident through the comparison of catholicism and Protestantism. This personal story shows us how culture impacts us, it aligns with the patterns in catholicism where it overshadows mercy, shaping not only moral behavior but also emotional well-being. This reinforces the thesis that fear is a powerful tool in maintaining faith and control but comes at a psychological cost.

The story underscores the enduring psychological impact of fear-based religious teachings. It highlights how fear functions as both a motivator for belief and a source of anxiety, even for those who question or leave their faith.This narrative sheds light on the emotional burden imposed by rigid religious frameworks, particularly on young minds. It also reveals the complexities of navigating fear, belief, and freedom in adulthood.It being a Reddit story the responses to this story were often offering advice, or giving similar stories, which creates a support network for people grappling with similar fears. This emphasizes the communal aspect of shared experiences in navigating religious trauma.

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Story 1 : More Fear than Love of God in Catholicism

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Story 1 : More Fear than Love of God in Catholicism

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Story 2: How Catholic Guilt Shaped My Life

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Story 2: How Catholic Guilt Shaped My Life

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I was inducted into the Catholic faith pretty much straight out of the womb, starting off at this Catholic primary school in Mexico when I was just six years old. I was pure Play-Doh back then, ready to be shaped and molded. There I was, learning the Holy Bible like it was basic arithmetic or the ABCs.

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Story 2 How Catholic Guilt Shaped My Life by Natalia Saláis

This personal story delves into Natalia's experience with Catholic guilt, tracing her journey from childhood immersion in Catholicism to a disconnection with the church. As a child, weekly confessions forced her to identify "sins" she often couldn't recognize, embedding a sense of guilt from an early age. During her teenage years, this guilt intensified as she navigated typical adolescent experiences, constantly fearing divine punishment.

The story highlights how religious expectations shaped Natalia's self-image and relationships. Cultural ideals like marianismo—emphasizing purity, submissiveness, and self-sacrifice—placed undue pressure on women to uphold family and community honor. This dynamic reinforced traditional gender roles and created feelings of inadequacy when unattainable moral standards weren't met. Natalia’s struggles with self-worth and relationships underscore the lasting psychological toll of these teachings.The significance of this story lies in its exploration of how Catholic guilt, deeply intertwined with cultural norms, influences individual identity and mental health. Practices like weekly confession and fear-based instruction fostered anxiety and self-doubt, particularly when internalized during childhood. Natalia’s recognition of Catholic guilt as a shared experience opens pathways for healing and challenges harmful narratives about morality and self-sacrifice.

Ultimately, what haunts her is the enduring impact of these teachings. Even after distancing herself from the Church, their legacy continues to affect her mental health, self-perception, and relationships. The story powerfully illustrates how fear-based religious practices, combined with cultural pressures, can create lasting challenges for personal growth and autonomy.

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Story 3  My son is petrified of the devil

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Story 3  My son is petrified of the devil

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By Reddit user CheesyRomantic

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My son is petrified of the devil By Reddit user CheesyRomantic

The Reddit story "My son is petrified of the devil" shares the experience of a mother whose 9-year-old son is deeply afraid of the devil due to his religious teachings. The boy's fear has become so intense that he regularly asks his mother if the devil might emerge from under his bed to harm him, and even fears that the devil might impersonate her to deceive him. Despite the mother's reassurances, the child's fear persists, leading to nightmares. This story highlights the emotional toll that fear-based religious teachings can have on children, as well as the difficulty in alleviating such fears once they become internalized. I found this story especially impactful because, as a child, it’s often harder to forget things that traumatize you. For this boy, the fear of the devil has become an inescapable part of his thoughts.

The quote from the story reveals the depth and complexity of the child’s fear. The use of vivid imagery, such as "creeps out from under the bed" and "impersonate me," adds a sense of danger that is both immediate and psychologically disturbing. The repetition of these fears shows how deeply religious teachings can become ingrained in a child’s mind, affecting their daily life and emotional well-being. This story serves as a powerful example of how teachings rooted in fear of the devil can lead to emotional distress, confusion, and a breakdown of trust in loved ones. Through the mother's words, the reader is invited to reflect on the impact of fear-based education on mental health, especially for children who are just beginning to understand complex moral concepts. Ultimately, the story illustrates the enduring psychological toll of such teachings, even when they are intended to guide or protect

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I grew up in a religious household where the concept of the devil played a significant role in shaping my childhood fears. My connection to this story stems from the influence of my grandma. I grew up going to church every sunday , I did everything I was baptized, I did my communion and confirmation and I even went to church camp. I was instilled with religious beliefs all my life. My grandma used the devil as a figure to keep me behaving. The devil was a reminder to me that if I misbehaved or did something bad that he was coming. This narrative deeply affected me through my childhood, I was told that if I strayed from what was deemed right, the devil was "after me”. I was told if I didnt make my bed that the devil would sleep in it, as I’ve grown I don’t fear his name or the actual being of the devil is. Although I’m not scared of the word “devil” anymore and I’m not deeply terrified as I was before from when I was a kid it still stuck with me. This story is connected to my home in the sense that it was a part of my daily life, particularly shaped by the generational differences in how religion was practiced and enforced. My grandmother’s overbearing religious teachings created a home environment where fear and faith were inseparable.

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This paper explored how fear-driven religious teachings, particularly within Catholic and Indigenous contexts, form a cultural haunting that shapes both individual and collective beliefs. The stories I discussed highlight how the fear of the devil influences moral behavior and family dynamics, often with lasting psychological effects. These stories are cultural hauntings because they continue to affect individuals and communities across generations, embedding fear into religious practices and identity. Despite the similarities in the themes of fear and control, each community’s interpretation of these teachings differs based on historical and cultural contexts, such as the blending of Catholic and Indigenous traditions. This allows the continuous adaptation of these fear-based narratives, strengthening their hold within families and society. These varied interpretations demonstrate the complex relationship between culture, religion, and individual agency, showing how fear can both guide and restrict.

The implications of these findings suggest that cultural hauntings are not just about the stories themselves, but the ongoing impact they have on communities. These stories force us to confront uncomfortable truths about how fear has been used to control behavior, yet they also hold the potential for healing by offering a pathway to understanding and breaking the cycle of fear. By examining the cultural significance of these teachings, we begin to understand how they can be revisited and reevaluated, allowing for growth and transformation within families and societies. However, these stories remain unfinished, as they continue to evolve and shape future generations. A more complete history of these narratives could offer insights into how communities can challenge and reshape harmful belief systems, ultimately promoting emotional healing and personal freedom. This process is essential not only for personal growth but also for collective healing, ensuring that these cultural hauntings no longer limit potential but instead become a source of empowerment.

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sources unfinished stories-Karla Montoya Robles