Social Anaylsis of the Catholic Church

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             A sea of change in cultural studies has eroded once-dominated conceptions of truth and objectivity. Such terms as objectivity, neutrality, and impartiality refer to subject positions once endowed with great institutional authority, but they are arguably neither more nor less valid than those of more engaged, yet equally perceptive, knowledgeable social actor (Rosaldo 1986).
             In this quote, Rosaldo reveals the prevalence of subjectivity in current social analysis. After being exposed to particular customs for a long period of time, it seems that it would be difficult for one to be open to new ideas and beliefs of a completely different culture. This being so, it may be that ethnographers intend to be objective while conducting social analysis, yet unnaturally exhibit subjectivity, thus explaining its prevalence. .
             In order to test Rosaldo's ideas of social analysis, I conducted my own analysis. For my analysis I decided to attend a religious ceremony outside of my own personal and family traditions (Baptist Religion). I decided to attend a Catholic mass. My objective was to conduct an analysis of the mass in which I could describe and "analyze" the ceremony to those who are unfamiliar to it.
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             The Catholic Mass is a very structured ceremony. The ceremony begins with a hymnal selection. While standing, this selection is sung by those in attendance. At this time the clergy members, those who will officiate the mass, enter into the sanctuary. This appears to confirm the beginning of the ceremony. The song is sung until each member has arrived at there designated location within the sanctuary. At this point, the priest greets the audience by saying "In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." In response to the greeting, the audience replies by saying "Amen." As the audience remains standing, the priest appears to positively acknowledge their presence and devotion to the Church by saying "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.