FEEDBACK: FAITH-BASED POLITICS

By Elsa Bayani

"Panlilio declares CANDIDACY: A living hope that redeems, unites, builds, and carries on."

This is a perfect example of Faith-Based Politics which should not be used in political campaigns.

Thus, I say once again, we are not to engage in this kind of politics.
FAITH is not easy to acquire but once acquired, it is not verifiable and is not backed up by knowledge why PANLILIO IS A LIVING HOPE THAT REDEEMS (what has he or does he redeem?), UNITES (what ??), BUILDS (again what does he build?) and CARRIES ON!! These are vague and unproven claims without basis.

We are Asians. Our cultural and living space have been analyzed. In more ways than one, the findings conclude that we are not westernized and will never be. We can only be industrialized based upon changing our mindset on how we approach our social, economic and political cicumstances.

Our social problems, example GRAFT and CORRUPTION springs from our belief but contrary to Confucian theory that every individual is inherently good. But legal thinkers believe that human nature is essentially selfish and that it is necessary to have a strong legal framework that controls human behavior and prevent government authority from abuse of power. Do we have that legal framework?

I am disillusioned with this - the mention of God and prayers should not be used to advance one's political ambitions. Just remember, our faiths and beliefs in the UNSEEN and OMNIPOTENT is very personal and the degree to which we live by it depends on our interpretation of what happens to us - good or bad we accept it. Whether it be reward or punishment, it can be justified as God's will!

WE "WILL" SOMETHING TO ANOTHER WITHOUT THE PERSON KNOWING IT. ANOTHER PERSON (OR PERSONS) DETERMINE OUR FATES. BUT WE FAIL TO RECOGNIZE IT THAT WAY. WE ATTRIBUTE IT TO GOD, HENCE, AGAIN GOD'S WILL.
You know there are people who do not believe in God. And there are many who do but they make no excuse as "God's will" the things that they do - , CRIME, CORRUPTION AND GRAFT. Are they exempted? They believe in God, but THEY STEAL, THEY KILL, THEY MAKE NO AMENDS FOR ALL THEIR WRONGS - IS THIS STILL GOD'S WILL?

IF PANLILIO WINS OR LOSES, IT IS THE MOST CONVENIENT EXCUSE - GOD'S WILL!!Where does it put you as his supporter (for a cause you'd either win or lose)?