An Interview with our Best of Issue Author, Esaias Cassidy
In an interview with Best of Issue author Esaias Cassidy, we explored his piece on faith, identity, and the writing process behind his piece “The Boy vs the One Above”:
Q: Tutu is one of the most memorable figures in the essay. How do you think her views on faith shaped the way you understood God growing up?
A: Tutu’s views on religion shaped my understanding of God by helping me recognize that faith is not always something with simple or absolute answers. Throughout life, we will encounter many questions, and some of them—if not most, may remain unanswered for a long time. I believe there is a God who watches over us and that, when our time comes, we will ultimately meet Him. However, I also recognize the complexities and contradictions that can exist within religion and belief. While Tutu may have viewed disbelief as a rejection of faith, I believe that individuals should not be forced into a belief system they do not genuinely hold. For me, faith is personal, and understanding God involves both belief and the willingness to question.
Q: The piece captures the way children often interpret religious ideas, as the narrator constantly tries to make sense of contradictions between what he's told and what he observes. Was there a particular moment that inspired you to write about those questions?
A: Those questions are real questions I would ask myself all the time. This essay really is an anecdote.
Q: Do you view "The Boy vs The One Above" as a critique of religion, an exploration of faith, or something else entirely?
A: I see this essay as more of a commentary on religion and the way people experience faith. Many children are introduced to religion at a young age, and sometimes they grow up feeling afraid to question or explore beliefs outside of what they were taught. I believe religion can be an incredible source of guidance, comfort, and meaning for many people. However, I also think it can become harmful when individuals are rejected simply for questioning their faith or realizing that a certain belief system may not be right for them. Religion should hold meaning because it is something a person chooses to embrace, not something they follow only because they feel forced to.
Q: How did your experiences as an Asian American shape the way you encountered religion and religious institutions?
A: As an Asian American living in Hawai‘i, I grew up in an environment where religion is deeply connected to the community and culture. Catholicism and Christianity have strong influences throughout the islands, so I was surrounded by conversations about Jesus and God from a young age. As reflected in the essay, I sometimes found certain aspects of religion overwhelming, especially when I was still trying to understand my own beliefs. However, many of the people I have grown up with hold a deep passion and commitment toward their faith, and I think that dedication is something meaningful and powerful to witness.
Q: You have published an anthology titled Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon. Congratulations! What is your favorite piece from that anthology? Do you have any advice for other young writers trying to get published?
A: My favorite piece from my anthology, Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon, is a story titled Fitz, which is currently being developed into a graphic novel series. It follows a data entry clerk who despises his job and is presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have his wishes granted through a violent act. The story explores the classic “be careful what you wish for” concept through the lens of a Faustian bargain, examining the consequences of desire, ambition, and the choices we make.
The single piece of advice I have for anyone who wants to write is… write! Write! Write! Write! You keep writing and draft your drafts and then start submitting and submitting, you’ll find what you really want. Never stop writing!
Temple Lit Mag is a magazine dedicated to publishing Asian American youth writers and their strong and powerful messages. Often times, the Asian American community and their struggles are overlooked. Temple Lit Mag serves as a place to bring these hardships to light so they are no longer ignored. Interested? Feel free submit to Issue 3!
