RELIGION AND POLITICS
by Antonio C. Antonio
December 12, 2014
I’ve often read this on social media… especially Facebook:
“Never talk about religion and/or politics if you want to gain friends and
influence people.” Do you agree? My take is… we all need to take a stand on
any issue, even religion and politics.
Religion and politics are two traditional systems that has
been part of the Filipino culture, history and way of life. Having said this, it really would not seem
normal if we consciously tried to skirt these subject matters. We all have our own beliefs and opinions…
it’s just a matter of increasing our level of tolerance, understanding and
respect for the “say” of others. As the
time-honored poem “Desiderata” states: “Even the dull and ignorant; they too
have their stories.”
Some of us choose to evangelize about spirituality… there’s
nothing wrong with that. People will
only start to feel violated when lines of comparison are drawn… therefore,
saying that one’s religion is superior over the other. Respect and acceptance of one’s chosen faith
is paramount. Afterall, “good” will
always be “good” by any religious definition and no one has an absolute
monopoly of righteousness.
Some of us also take special pleasure in talking about
politics; although politics is very divisive and partisan. It’s strange but Filipinos are very
passionate about politics and, quite often, friendships and kinships are tested
by politics. Let us understand that
politics is also personality-influenced and could only serve the personal
interest and agenda of politicians.
There really is no need to convince people about our chosen political
color because people are more informed now and, at the end of the day, will
always choose/vote for whoever their hearts dictate.
I must highlight, however, that religion and politics are
part and parcel of environmental science… and there is absolutely no way they
can be swept under the rug. Inevitably,
these too have to be discussed and factored-in to understand the
socio-political and religious landscape.
Again, religion and politics will most likely put
unnecessary stress on our goodwill and friendships. This is why, as a preference, I’ve chosen to
largely talk about the environment, environmental advocacy and activism or
environmentalism over religion and politics.
Just my little
thoughts…
(Please visit,
like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/.)
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