Religion and Politics

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…

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