Beware of religious violence and intolerance

No less than Pope Benedict XVI is stunned by bloody violence and intolerance against Christians on universal scale. Without naming the heartless terrorists, obviously the pontiff could have alluded to extremely radical islamists, or religious fanatics.

In his balcony appearance during the last Epiphany celebration, the Pontiff exuded fear and solicitude over Christians of such violence and religious intolerance worldwide, like, against Catholics. He must have in mind the 68 lives snuffed out in the Baghdad basilica last fall, the bloodbath of Christian victims in Nigeria on Christmas day, no less, right here in the Philippines in Jolo, Sulu church where a bomb was exploded, sacrificing innocent churchgoers, and in Egypt church killing 21 victims on January 1.

In his epiphany homily, Rev. Fr. Rolyn Vics, the ever-amiable parish priest of San Roque Parish church in Subangdaku, Mandaue City, lucidly explained that Epiphany (literally, “revelation” of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles) is a commemoration of two spiritual events. With mankind’s immersion into the waters of River Jordan, they were baptized and cleansed from sins to renew their faith. Similarly, when Jesus Christ immersed into the water polluted by the mortal sins, it symbolized the acceptance by Jesus Christ of His mission to save man from sins. Thus, Epiphany is both a baptism of cleansing faith for man, and a revelation of Jesus’ acceptance of His mission of redemption.

The good parish priest also mentioned in passing the growing trend of violence and intolerance in various Catholic churches in the world. He also expressed fears that Christianity, particularly the Roman Catholic faith, seems to be waning in intensity and religious fervor and influence, like, in Portugal, France, and even in the Philippines. Some nigh years hence, he said, rabid islamists would inexorably outnumber the generally conservative religious flock of Christians, especially that the Islams can marry as many as four wives.

It’s wisely said, and a given forecast, that history repeats itself. Recalling World History in high school, there was that religious conflict and upheaval sometime in the 16th century in Europe, including England across the Channel. It was the tumultuous Reformation Movement characterized by bigotry at first, fired later by ultra prejudice in spiritual beliefs and practices, then worsening into rabid intolerance later, and now on crescendo into violence. In essence, the Reformation led to the establishment of Protestantism, arising from the sectarian schism.

History further tells us that the religious diaspora from England founded the so-called New World which is now the United States of America when Christopher Columbus landed in 1492 the ship Mayflower with the first English pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. These original Mayflower adventurers were escaping from religious intolerance and persecution then prevalent in the Old World.

 Now appears to be history on a recycle wherein violence and intense intolerance are getting into pandemic proportions. Human lives and properties seem to be cheaper, especially that the innocent victims fatally sacrificed are just that, the innocent worshippers, while attending religious rites or services in churches or places of worship.

Incidentally, while it is true that among the Christian followers in the Philippines, some 85% to 90% are Roman Catholics, it is equally true that there have been a marked proliferation of apparently several minor sects, aside from the Muslims. And while among the Catholics and the many other religious sects, there is yet no indication of open conflict, hatred, bigotry, intolerance or violent interactions, the Muslim fanatics – less those who are now educated and are moderate in spiritual beliefs – could be another story, like, the MILF, the Abu Sayyaf, and outright criminals.

Thus, to obviate worsening of sanguinary tensions arising from religious fanaticism or blind faith, it is incumbent upon religious leaders to be true to their faith and vows, whether Christians and their various sects, or Muslim and/or Islam believers.

(Erratum: The word “schemed” in the third paragraph of this column’s issue on December 21, 2010 should be “skimmed”. Sorry for the “typo” and TY to Badge Tony S for his eagle eyes).

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