Is the Catholic Church Still Relevant?

It is not for the reason that I refuse to conform to a certain religious conviction that I find other people’s spiritual practices as out rightly absurd. I may be short of a strong belief in Christianity but it is not a reason for me to go astray, away from what Christians call as the right way. I do have a respect for all religions, and much more for humanity, and I do not plan to sway you away from your current beliefs. There is, nevertheless, a difference between meddling with people’s affairs just for the pleasure of criticizing them and getting concerned with their affairs as to help them think about things. Between the two of these, I think that I’m absolutely considering the latter.

Every day on my way to school, I normally would pass by four catholic churches. And because I would be passing by the same road home, I would see those four churches twice. I certainly do not find it worth mentioning to pass by these churches, but I do find something remarkable about other commuters whenever the jeepney would pass by a church. Most of them would do the sign of the cross, and others would utter a little prayer shortly after. I always watch people do this thing, and I find it amusing at times when they would all do it in unison, much like a choreographed act. However, later I realized that maybe that choreographed catholic ritual might be worth something more than an amusing scenario. Perhaps, it is an indicator of a social situation that most people do not think much of as a dilemma.

The Filipino society’s strong Catholic foundation has sustained a long list of conservative rituals and practices across a hundred years. These traditions, along with the habitual sign-of-the-cross-as you-pass-by the-house-of-god, are rooted in our history. However, looking back on the account of the colonial era and considering how the Spanish friars utilized the Catholic Church to their advantage over the innocent natives of our land, one may wonder if the church that our people put so much of their trust on is really true to the values and morals that it preaches. Over the years and up to the current times, the Catholic Church has been an active player in the society’s more important decisions. Analyzing this situation from a secular point of view, the Catholic Church’s active intervention in the state’s legal processes impedes the nation’s progress and development towards the relevant times.

Fast-forward to the present and we now have the issue of the Reproductive Health Bill introduced by Representative Edcel Lagman. The church insists that the house bill is out rightly anti-life and pro-abortion. It is rather confusing how this church does not understand the very essence of reproductive health at this time. They are persistent on advancing their pro-life stand, arguing that the bill is moving towards abortion issues, even if it is clearly stated under Sec. 6 of bill that the Council will implement several functions including the “prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications”. How can they advance a pro-life stand without considering the circumstances that govern the nation at these times? Do you think that life is sustainable in a poverty-stricken and overpopulated nation where the conception of children whom their parents can barely support is rapidly increasing? Political issues aside, if this church undeniably stands for life, then it must identify the need for an apt population control measure that might promote a better life for our citizens in the long term.

This Church enjoys its influence over their followers and over the majority of the state, much like any other institution. It seems that the separation of the church and state implies other functions aside from the tolerance of religious organizations. Religious affiliation is just a part of our lives, and thus we must not let take it over.

This is not an issue of religion. This is about whether a religious institution, be it the Catholic Church or any other religious organization, considers first the circumstances that surround an issue before taking a stand on such important matters. I have nothing against the Catholic Church as an institution. Nevertheless, we are now living the contemporary times and perhaps, it is now the time for this institution to question their relevance. Is the church outdated, and moreover, is it still relevant?

Of Chinese Food and Revealing Stories

At one point, I’d have to say that it was a childish conversation between two good friends. Over bowls of Chinese food, we started to talk about friendship, high school batch mates, and college acquaintances. It was not emotional, but it was rather poignant. I must admit that I was not used to talking with him this way, but I find the conversation engaging.

I must have started the serious part of our conversation. Soon enough, we were talking, not of nostalgic experiences anymore, but of personal insights on things that I must say are somewhat significant to our lives. I think that it is something of an accomplishment. Being able to share personal bits and pieces without the potion of alcohol was remarkable for us. Haha.

So there it was. We found ourselves disturbed by the recent events in our lives that might change our ways. I felt uncomfortable at first, but sensing that he was fairly at ease with such conversation, I gave in. He told stories that I find amusing, yet confusing at times. He would say something, and then I would reflect on it. After doing such for a while, he suggested that I might want to pursue a career in psychology for I could decipher people. Perhaps, it was because we share the same perspective on some matters and have similar opinions on issues. Over those stories, I was able to a catch a glimpse of his personal life, his struggles, his strengths, and weaknesses. At some point in that conversation, I thought he was someone that I barely knew.

Of course, the details are confidential. No spills for this post. I value the experience.

It was raining hard that evening. And it was an unplanned dinner. The bowls were long empty of rice and noodles, and after a couple of hours, I have established a much personal relationship with somebody I have known of for a couple of years yet knew little about his life. Maybe it really was not much of a childish conversation after all. And perhaps, Chinese food could be an alternative to booze.