The Church: Searching for Relevance?

[Lelouch]

I'd like to hear what the group's views are of the role of the Catholic Church in all of this. I for one firmly believe in the seperation of Church and State, but also acknowledge that religion is a large part of the life of many people in this county. And while there have been no moves toward any one member of the hierarchy to ensconce themselves in the role that Cardinal Sin left, that of political agitator, it is pretty obvious that the clergy are making their feelings known to their respective congregations.

Where should the Church be in this current struggle?

[Romany Sedona]

There is nothing wrong with the Philippine RC Church making its sentiments known. What I disagree with is when our leaders make their decisions based on pressure from the Philippine RC Church.

[Lelouch]

ah, but then wouldn't this be the logical course of action for a populist (which is characterizes possibly 98% of the people involved in politics in this country)? hence they play this game of influence, having a few priests in your pocket is not a bad idea (i hear it's also good for the soul apparently to have an intercessor of sorts with the powers that be in the afterlife. LOL!), then get said priests to play the politics within their ranks and make pronouncements the leaders will follow in "good conscience".

the clergy are not immune to the temptations of power, despite their motivations, whatever they may be. and of all the groups in this country right now it is the Church that has been in power the longest.

i definitely agree with the pronouncements you made in your blog when you declared the entire situation yet another power game. unfortunately, we are at best forecasters, and at worst, merely moving along with the tide.

[Romany Sedona]

why do you think politicians court religious groups? for the influence they wield, as you pointed out. but the worst that can be said for that is they have a huge advantage over other special interest groups. i believe in every man being responsible for his own actions, so if an elected official allows his acts to be dictated upon by the church - or any special interest group other than the Filipino people - i don't see that as the fault of the church (or the special interest group). I see that as the failure of the politician.

as for the rest of us, we don't have to be mere flotsam. politicians don't merely stumble upon their offices. we put them there. so it is up to voters to decide who to give power to. and i suppose those of us who write, in our own little spheres - our families, friends, and readers maybe - we contribute even just a teeny tiny bit, to the shaping of that decision.

[Lelouch]

in First World countries there are lobbyists. over here, we have the church. the thing is, we pay these guys a weekly fee, may be its time to demand services other than the "guaranteeing the safety of your immortal soul" one which they've been peddling for the past 2,000 years.

[carlos v. jugo]

I subscribe to DJB's view that the church is just another NGO and are therefore free to make their political views known.

Welcome to the Republic Lelouch!

[angela stuart-santiago]

good question. where should the church be in this current struggle. i think they should be on the side of good vs. evil. the problem is, the church, like the people, are confused about what's good and what's evil. going by their refusal to ask for gma's resignation and leaving it up to gma to fix the problem, the bishops are saying that she's the lesser evil, and people power the greater evil. the church is as messed up as the lower house of congress is, obviously because many of the bishops have vested interests in the status quo, or as bishop deogracias iniguez puts it, "utang na loob" sa gobyerno.

i really think that in this current struggle the people should stop counting on, or waiting for, the church to validate their actions. i've always said that while it was great that cardinal sin supported people power in edsa 86, it was not as if people power would not have happened without his support. people power has a mind and a life of its own.

[Lelouch]

i whole-heartedly agree. we as a nation should grow up, and every citizen should realize that part of this "growing up" requires that one think for themselves.

[Pedestrian Observer GB]

Yes, the church has been consistent in siding with the "establishment" since it was introduced in the country and they have failed miserably in ministering to their flock confused and blinded transformed themselves more as followers of Machiavelli than living up to their chosen vocation.

Religion indeed is the opiate of the people and they are not going to change while they are enjoying the manna from the plunderer since they have been perverted or now part of the perversion of society in seeing "good" and able to "rationalize" the "benefits" without getting bothered by their conscience.

Yes, the church is a lost cause and only an organized people can change the tide for a better Philippines.................

Pedestrian Observer GB

[Bracker Speaker]

The church is really one big group which if they take action could effect change to society. The thing is all the church leaders have done is to talk and be seen in the media. Biblical history shows us that religion ruled the country. It is an active religion that has nothing to do with empty politics. The religious leaders did not just talk political nonsense but called the people to action. The religious leaders were lawmakers, economists, political leaders, soldiers, farmers, fishermen name it. They were not just advisers but doers and they did well!

The problem with religious leaders of today is they are so absorbed with their spiritual job and lack practical application of what they teach or preach. They comment on political issues but not act on them. So it is not a matter of the State and the Clergy being separate...i find it rather impossible to separate them because all government official belongs to a religious group as well. It is a matter of understanding that each sector have a role to play. Politics is doing things together as much as church is doing life together.

The issue of Politicians deciding based on pressure made by religious groups shows just how weak our politicians are.