# Religion explained — To Cuba and Back

> Chapter companion for To Cuba and Back by Richard Henry Dana Jr..

## What happens

The chapter examines the state of religion in Cuba, focusing on the Roman Catholic Church's loss of power and wealth due to government sequestration of its property and control over clerical appointments. It discusses the historical corruption of the clergy, the rise of practical infidelity among the populace, and recent reforms in Havana led by the Jesuits. The chapter also highlights the church's struggles with enforcing Sabbath observance and the moral complications arising from racial marriage laws and slavery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Moral Hypocrisy

The chapter details the historical corruption of the clergy, the church's inability to enforce Sabbath observance, and the moral dilemmas posed by racial marriage laws, highlighting hypocrisy within religious institutions.

### Colonial Oppression and Despotism

The government's control over the church, including appointment of clergy and confiscation of property, illustrates the oppressive colonial system that subjugates religious authority to civil power.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator observes and analyzes the religious landscape of Cuba, noting the church's diminished authority and moral challenges.

### The Jesuits

Mentioned as instrumental in recent religious reforms in Havana, though their permanence is uncertain.

### Cubans

The general populace is described as having practical infidelity, especially among men, with little regard for religious obligations.

### Spaniards

Implied as the dominant nation that formerly wielded ecclesiastical power alongside civil and military authority.

## Key lines

> No religion is tolerated but the Roman Catholic.

Only Roman Catholicism is permitted in Cuba.

_Establishes the exclusive religious landscape._

> The most striking indication of the want of religious control, is the disregard of the Lord’s Day.

The lack of religious authority is most evident in the widespread failure to observe Sunday as a day of rest.

_Highlights the church's weak influence over daily life._

> The Church recognizes the unity of all races, and allows marriage between them. The civil law of Cuba, under the interpretations in force here, prohibits marriage between whites and persons who have any tinge of the black blood.

While the Church accepts interracial marriage, Cuban civil law forbids it, leading to widespread concubinage.

_Illustrates the conflict between religious doctrine and civil law._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters/religion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/to_cuba_and_back_se/chapters