Religion in Irish Life
Religion is a specific fundamental set of beliefs or practices; however the definition is not an absolute one. Generally, when the topic of religion is brought up, the prevalent ones (i.e. Christianity, Buddhism, ect.) or perhaps even atheism are discussed. In Ireland today Roman Catholics have a significant majority, but in the nineteen hundreds, this was not the case. Within this time frame, there were status differences between the rich and the poor, and value differences between the Irish and the British. Each one of these groups had there own beliefs and values, therefore they maybe labeled or classified as a religion of there own. This statement, as well as religion in general, is quite controversial, however, I believe it is debatable.
Currently Ireland is split into two national jurisdictions Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In the film Michael Collins (1996) directed by Neil Jordan, this significant split was foreshadowed. Michael Collins in the film, led the IRA against the British rule and founded the Irish Free State, however, President Eamon de Valera was embittered with the fact that Michael Collins negotiated a divided Ireland and an Irish Free State, not a Republic. Eamon de Valera continued to protest against the Irish Free State, while persuading people to be apart of the Republic. It was foreseen that the country was going to be split. Today, Northern Ireland is dominantly Protestant , whereas, Republic of Ireland has a significant majority of Roman Catholics .
The Protestant religion is one of the three major branches of Christianity, along with Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy . Each branch of Christianity has different beliefs causing rivalry between the religions. In The Boxer (1997) directed by Jim Sheridan and Terry George, the controversy between the two groups was seen. They, keeping in mind that they did have similarities, acted as if they were black and white:...