by Andro Ramirez
Since youth, it was impressed upon me to ask questions on things I do not understand. And if an answer is given me, to not just accept the response as an absolute truth. I was always challenged to dig deeper and to learn how to discern for myself and relay my findings. I can't say if it was unfortunate for me that I didn't have the benefit of having constant contact with kids my age to interact with during my formative years, except maybe in the Catholic school my parents enrolled me in. I was always with adults 20 to 40 years my senior and I found that I could relay my thoughts with ease with my older relatives and teachers than my classmates. I can't remember how, but an aunt found, and she still insists to this day, that I learned to read even before I learned to speak fluently. She says, my favorite books then were bible stories. My five favorite words were what, why, where, when, and how. Words that have an entirely different meaning during my teenage years when I also learned what "party" means, in a time when I realized what I might have been missing. Well, it was not much, but it was and still is, fun.
Growing up in a military family, it was my constant question to my relatives in the service the morality and justification of having to kill, if need be, for love of God and country. But didn't God say: Thou shalt not kill? Around this time, I learned the bible in itself contained records of atrocities that man committed against man in an era long past. Which lead to more questions and a search for more answers.
For some, religion provides a moral compass. For others, it provides spiritual uplifting. Whatever the reason, religion has, in a way, distorted the perception of what it truly means to live for the glory of a God. This has been going on since time past. Religion per se, have been dividing the people for centuries. In this time of crisis, and because of the blind submission to religion by the majority, I wouldn't be surprised if attendance in services increases while collection boxes dwindle.
Am I Catholic? Well, I was baptized to be one. Do I believe in God? Certainly I do. But the belief I have of God now is not the cookie cutter mold set out by men in flowing robes during my youth. They imposed that I needed to follow certain protocols just to be pleasing in the eyes of my God. How can I not be pleasing in His eyes? Him, the one being that is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent made us, didn't He? Well technically by virtue of having human parents, like their parents before them, and so on and so forth.
Where do these religious fanatics get all these? And who hands it down to them? Oh and please, don't give me that "it's all in the bible" diversion. I've lived with that all my life, and I've read several versions of the bible. I have also read the Koran and several others on Taoism, Buddhism, and the like. Have any of you wondered where the bible came from? Yes that consistent bestselling book favored by many Christians. Why are there several versions? And for those not in the know, the bible we know of today is actually composed of several different books. It has been translated and edited several times over time from the originals where they came from. I don't know with you, but there has to be something lost in translation in the existing versions. And while we are on the subject, please, can some "expert theologian" clarify for me the necessity and significance of Vatican II. In addition, because of the present political, social, economic, and technological changes, will there be a need for a Vatican III?
Faith "IN" religion is the biggest malady present in every religious organization these days. We need only to open our eyes. Accept that the supposed "truth" most of us grew up with, is not absolute. Like processed food, religion has been infused with so much additives and preservatives to make it more appealing and palatable. Forgetting the fact that food is there to sustain life but with so much artificial and synthetic substances added, it has been poisoning us figuratively and literally the more we consume. Religion, in my point of view, has lost its purity of form and genuine intent.
Answer me these: All religions preaches love, peace, charity, etc., etc. Now why do we still have wars? Why do we still have hungry people? If one follows all the edicts of their religious affiliation, does that make them better persons? If you say, yes to the last question, how so? Who set the qualifications, why, and what for? Where will all these lead? Puzzling isn't it? And there are still more questions that one must learn to ask. And one must learn to ask the right ones.
In times of war, assuming both leagues of combatants pray to the same God, which side does He choose? Does He really choose a side or does he decide to decimate both sides. Well, assuredly, the latter is the result. But does He choose it to be so? I say not. How arrogant of us to say or even think for God. What of our prayers then? Are we praying to a non-existing entity and pinning our hopes and faith in a God who doesn't care? After all, based on their teachings, we are all His creations and can be disposed of as He pleases. I'm not deeply religious but I say nay both instances.
What any church is forgetting is that we all, have been bestowed the power of FREE WILL. The right to choose for ourselves. That follows for whatever religion, sect, cult and what have you. We have the power to choose whether we want to be in the side of light or dark. I am not deeply religious like I said before, but tell me who would you rather believe? A gift given to you by a Creator or a set of laws made by men whose covert aim is to control your growth as a human being, if, and only if. Think and search within you, the answer is there.
We all have FREE WILL.
If you choose to be with the light, then be good for all its worth and share it. If you chose to be in the dark. Then do so because you also have the right to it. But please, do not involve good people in your affairs regardless of religion; much more never involve the young to wallow in your enterprise. And please no pretensions. It will seep out like a cracked rotten egg no matter how hard one tries to conceal it. Always remember that once caught, you still have to contend with punitive measures and legal edicts set by man. So why make your life complicated?
Guilt and conscience are two effective tools any organized religion uses to make their devotees fall in line. Which makes one with a clear mind think especially in these uncertain times: Are we really following the edicts of God or that of fallible men? In times of war, the one who incited the conflict shoulders the greatest sin. Case in point, from Lucifer the Light Bringer, to Satan Prince of Darkness. No need to cite examples in modern day terms. They are all around us. From the echelons of society to the halls of government, and even in our places of worship.
Truth does hurt especially for some whose belief structure, indoctrinated in them all their lives, has been allayed. It is therefore hard to accept to be faced with the fact that the truth we know is not absolute. All organized religion has flaws. We must learn to accept that. Saying otherwise would be foolish. It doesn't matter what group you belong to and it definitely doesn't make one a better person just to be associated with one. Well, not unless you choose to be a better person than the rest of the flock. And that goes to your credit as an individual, not to the religious organization you belong to.
But why dwell on religion alone? For the most part, life in itself is already complex, and religion only complicates matters even further. The realization of dealing with our mortal birth, life, and eventual death is already quite an imposing venture. Death however does not discriminate. Religions do.
Let me just clarify that I am referring to RELIGION and not FAITH.
Do not be confused with one for the other. My view is that they are entirely different. And saying that one is synonymous with the other would be highly irregular. One can have religion but not faith, and vice versa. All religions, however, claim that we are the vanguards of the earth. Fine, let's do that. Why not heed this and preserve this planet of ours so that future generations can enjoy living here much as we do now? Whatever is left of it from our daily abuse.
Religion has always been a delicate subject in any discussion. But if one looks at it from a different perspective, we need not concern ourselves with what our religious leaders say and the consequences that comes if we do not heed their words. I say, those are their words. Not the words of your God. The God you should have genuine FAITH in. Assuming of course, you dear reader, believe in the existence of a God.
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And while we are on the subject, please, can some "expert theologian" clarify for me the necessity and significance of Vatican II.
While I am no theologian, I think that Vatican II actually represented progress. Pope John XXIII was a real pioneer. The major changes included making the Church more one with the people, so it was allowed to be conducted in a language that the people could understand. The remoteness of God was no longer encouraged, but the concept a God who understood the least of his bretheren led to the removal of communion rails to signify that God was with His people.
I think the problem really lay in Vatican I, where a group of men decided on the celibacy of priests, the Virgin birth, the remoteness of God, and other such, uh, matters.
But thats just me.
the Philippines is poor because of the ROMAN CATHOLICS...
Pass the RH-BILL NOW!!!!
L.P. Leviste sez........
It's my birthday today so allow me to vent, the post by Andros should ALSO differentiate the feeling of religion or spiritualism in our lives.
Organized religion is exactly that, PUBLIC evangelism which is today's platform for confusing the ordinary believers to a state of fanaticism. LOUD, vindictive and whipping the crowds with the fury of GUILT or worse outright manipulation.
It is the opium of the masses.
Organized spiritualism ( which I tend to favor and converse with ) is exactly that, PRIVATE non-judgemental feelings. A direct line to GOD. It certainly comes from self-discovery, from the epiphany that comes after a life of inner struggle. You become totally at peace inside and then your conversations with GOD is everyday yet TRULY earth-shaking.
Religion favors MOB appeal, strength in LEMMING numbers, preachy with fire and brimstone.
Spiritualism expects inner silence, the defeat of SELF and introspection through meditation even YOGA.
Religion is focused on very strict commandments and rules.
Spiritualism embraces all faiths.
I do believe in GOD but I believe IT is a GOD of LOVE so if indeed we shall be JUDGED, we shall be judged by the LOVE we have shared, given and considered.
Because in the end, in ETERNITY, in the final analysis, ONLY LOVE will remain.
Did we love the enemies, the trials, the failures that met us along the JOURNEY called life. Did we respond with LOVE when we were cheated, abused and KILLED.
Did we KNOW that each trial was a step closer to our PERFECTION in our GOD'S LOVE.
That's why I believe in SAFE SECTS
Get it ?
Happy Birthday Larry!
Pope John Paul II is the very first Pope in history to actually fulfill this prophecy two fold. As you will soon see below, there are many 'names' to the office of Pope Each of these names do in fact have a numeric value simply because LATIN, the chosen language of Rome, is not only their ALPHABET, it is also their NUMERIC SYSTEM! To this day the Latin "Numeric System"is called, ROMAN NUMERALS. For example, in their alphabet, the letter "I" = 1, and the letter "C" = 100 in Latin.
Take a look at the name "JOHN PAUL II" in Latin...IOANES PAVLVS SECVNDO= 666
One of the Pope's titles is "Vicarius Filii Dei"-- The Vicar of the Son of the God.* This a blasphemous title. Christ does not need a vicar, and Heaven has not so designated any man. This title, "Vicarius Filii Dei" is etched in the Papal mitre which every pope wears.
The Catholic church in the Philippines only approves of natural family planning methods, which entail close observation of the woman’s temperature and menstrual cycles to determine when to have or avoid sex.
Former president Fidel Ramos, argues that high population growth rate needs to be curbed if the country is to tackle poverty.
Ramos pointed out that the attendance rate in schools has dropped in the past four years from 90 percent to 82 percent because a growing population has resulted in lack of access to limited facilities.
Ramos says "Since you have a growing number of people to take care of, shouldn’t it be logical and reasonable to include that factor in our national planning?"
the Philippines, where four out of five of the country's 91 million people are Roman Catholic, also stands out in Asia for its government's rejection of modern contraception as part of family planning. Acceding to Catholic doctrine, the government for the past five years has supported only what it calls "natural" family planning.
No national government funds can be used to buy contraceptives for the poor, although anyone who can afford them is permitted to buy them. Local governments can also buy and distribute contraceptives, but many lack the money.
It's time to SEPARATE the CHURCH from the STATE!!!!!
Death however does not discriminate. Religions do. ... agree!!!!
Philippines debates birth control measures - 11 Dec 08, from Al Jazeera (English), Marga Ortigas reports:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpGYmX5ehV0
Pinay interviewed says: "I did not plan to have so many children. But maybe it is what God wants."
Bill Maher says the tenets of Scientology are no crazier than Christianity.
Compares beliefs in scientology. Some of them sounds crazy. He says, the correct response to some beliefs is "Well, I guess, anything is possible."
04:03/05:56
"But to believe it is an unimpeachable truth... And the thing is we laugh at this because that is the new religion - Scientology, but that is not really weirder or crazier than Christianity, I hate to tell you. We're just used to that one. But if someone came to you today and told you that story and never heard that : "God had a son. He's a single parent. And He said to his son, Jesus I'm gonna send you to earth on a suicide mission. But, don't worry, they can't kill you because you are really me. But it is gonna hurt, for a hot minute. (gestures the crucifixion)I am not gonna lie about that. You are gonna hate me. But it is the best thing for you son. I mean, ME, it is the best thing for me! I am you, you are me. So here's the plan son - I, God the father, wink-wink, I'll go down to earth first, we'll split up the work. Because we are two people. Not really. And I'll see if I can find a Palestinian woman to impregnate, so she can give birth to you. I mean ME!"
It is just the silliest thing you've ever heard. And this is a monotheistic religion, you know.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=186755&title=bill-maher-pt.-1
08:40/12:26 - a recent survey found almost 70 percent of ordinary Filipinos believe the government should be required by law to distribute contraceptives. So is government policy being dictated by the church rather than the will of the ordinary citizens?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3LvVCZvtqE
mechvill81: "Ginawa lang nilang excuses yong religion para di sila makagastos ng malaki para sa contraceptives. ibulsa nalang nila yong pera,grabe talaga ang corupt ng gobyerno natin."
ellosojos: "I wish that people will wake-up and think why would they let their religion interfere to their reproduction rights. More and more children are sufferings due to this belief These children are innocent and not guilty of any wrongdoings - why punish them? Why bring them out to this world to suffer?"
Religion is our creation and religion will be our damnation.
One of the most frustrating that anyone can say is
"ang dios nalang ang bahala sa kanila!"
my mother said it as we were having a discussion over what to do regarding the land grab one of our relatives initiated with fake titles and Will nobody even knew existed. my grandma died about 10+ years ago.
to me thats giving up because god and the religious dogma embedded in my mothers being is extremely difficult to get through.
Great article Andros!!!!!
The Catholic church makes me ill to the deep pit of my stomach.
I smell the putrid stench of God/religion fatigue everywhere I look. France has it right for sure!
I'm so tired of religion and how so much evil actually comes from it.
Religion= evil as far as I'm concerned.
What a joke being played on us all.
It's too much garbage to make sense of now. People are walking away from religion in DROVES because of the sickening hypocrisy. People are tired of being used and abused by religion.
Religion has/is destroyed the world.
The basic fundamentals of humanity have been blanched tasteless because of religion.
What a fucking joke it is.
People murder for religion.
Muslims chop off heads for religion.
Catholics forbid divorce which I think is SICK.
HOW can you force a woman to stay with a pig/man who beats her?
Forbid condoms.
Sure , lets have millions of babies with no food or warm place to sleep. Keep pumping out those little Catholics, regardless how poor they are. Safety in numbers as far as the church is concerned.
The message has been twisted and torn into a million bits and pieces.
I know for a fact that MANY of my Pinoy readers are sick and tired of their religion. I read the letters. THEY KNOW it is fucked up, and responsible for so many of Philippines problems.
Let's face it.
Blind leading the blind in so many cases.
Just a bunch a crap most of the time.
The Catholic church is the worst though.
It has billions and billions of dollars worth of art and diamonds.
WHY!
WHY does the Catholic church need BILLIONS of dollars worth of art hidden away.
WHY does the catholic church have billions of dollars when so many babies are dying from Aids.
The catholic church discriminates against HIV/AIDS.
It's the whole ass fucking thing I think. They hate the gays,,,, who go to hell by the way.
So if all you Pinoy faggots are happy that you are going to hell..keep praying and well good for you.
I AM NOT HAPPY catholics thnk we are going to hell!!!
It's ironic as so many priests are exactly that. GAY GAY GAY.
Catholic church LOVES money and homosexuality and long as they're not caught with penis in their mouths or their hand in the coffers.
Greediest church in the world.
It truly makes me sick.
What a fucking joke for them to suggest they are Gods messengers.
I spoke to God this morning, and he's pissed too!
The German Pope is so pathetic with his jewel encrusted hats and his stupid fucking 8000 dollars gold threaded slippers.
He is just sickening how he preaches in a 100,000 dollars ruby covered dress/gown/flowing cassock.
The Catholic church is destroying the Philippines slow but surely.
It really is.
Lemmings will always follow it and so as they are told.
Because they have NOTHING else.
And the church LOVES that.
in the Philippines... CHURCH and STATE MUST be separated.
It's the entire crux of the issue.
Catholicism is destroying the Philippines if it already hasn't.
Fuck religion I say.
It's fucking you!
"Catholicism is destroying the Philippines if it already hasn't."
Agree with Brian!
"What if we chose the wrong religion? Each week we just make God madder and madder." - Matt Groening
After two years and almost two months, could this be considered as what I wrote about Vatican III?
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/pope-announces-a-third-vatican-council