THANKS to the Internet, you don’t only get to read and react to articles in papers abroad, you also get to be read and reacted on. Recently, an American reader emailed me his commentary on my article on the religious views of Obama.
I’d like to share his views with my readers, since I think they poignantly illustrate the situation of those now living in the Ground Zero of this religious anomaly, of which Obama is now the icon. What I say more out of philosophy and theology, he says them with the warm blood of experience. Here it goes:
Kumusta ka, Father Cimagala;
“I read your opinion piece entitled "Obama's views on religion." I would like to make the following comments:
“First, my name is Tom Diebold and I live in Shelby, Michigan in the United States. Many Americans have been aware of Mr. Obama's personal views of religion, with the emphasis on the word "personal." Attempts were made during the recent presidential campaign to publicly discuss Mr. Obama's approach to religion, but the mainstream media in the US cut-off any discussion, in effect protecting Mr. Obama from any detailed scrutiny by the electorate. It worked.
“Mr. Obama's approach to religious faith and belief is a very common situation in the Western World today, particularly in Europe and the United States. I believe that it is not a favorable situation for the future of the Western World.
“You are right, Man has an inherent pull toward religious belief. In his heart, Man knows that God exists, that there is a transcendent explanation for existence. But modern Man has been taught, and has convinced himself for many complex reasons, that the ultimate understanding, the source of "enlightenment" is internal to Man's rational mind. So God, the eternal presence, becomes an internal manifestation of Man's rational thought. This is quite convenient, as the views, beliefs and acceptable practices around religion are then open to Man's imagination. This is one reason for this phenomenon. Man does not want to be restricted by an external, absolute, transcendent source of morality; he wants the ability, the power, to make up the rules for himself. Internalizing God is the sure way to do this.
“It is the Garden of Eden, the tree of knowledge passage from Genesis, in a modern context.
“Obama's beliefs manifest this tendency with remarkable clarity. Every belief is tailored to the personal, the preferential, very little to personal sacrifice or anything that is personally difficult to accept according to each individual. There is no community of believers, everyone makes it up for themselves, to suit their own needs. "Whatever feels good, do it," that old mantra from the 1960s, has become the prominent cultural attitude, with disastrous consequences.
“It is a testament to his popularity that he can so openly display this tendency and be so widely applauded. To hold orthodox religious views today in the US is seen as quite backward, even dangerous -- close-minded and unintelligent. You get called a "fundamentalist" and the discussion is over. The current belief is that only the weak-minded would rely on an external, absolute belief system. You would be amazed at the number of times, in discussions with friends and acquaintances, that I have been told, "Anyone who believes in an external, absolute morality is not in touch with their own feelings or emotionally developed as an autonomous, independent person," or words to that effect. It is as if having a traditional view of morality makes you some kind of mindless robot. People actually believe this.
“What this means is that people make up their own moral system for themselves. Whatever is personally comfortable is therefore moral. Whatever is personally uncomfortable is immoral. This may or may not comply with traditional views of morality. This is why Western culture has grown so decadent. It is as if an immature, adolescent view of reality has become dominant among the Western adult population.”
Succeeding emails revealed this American knew more Visayan words, so I asked him how he learned these words. He said that he was in Davao for three weeks last year to meet a girl he got to know through the Internet.
He has very nice words for the Filipino people, without ignoring what he thought were also our cultural weaknesses.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Soul of the economy
ONE precious lesson learned in the current global financial crisis is that business and the economy just cannot be handled as if they are soulless institutions and practices governed by purely economic laws without any regard to morality.
This anomaly was evident in the heady housing boom in the US generated by the notorious subprime housing loans which were and still are at the eye of the present economic typhoon.
They were a reckless way of doing business, driven by false socio-economic principles and greed. It was as if our Lord’s words were completely forgotten: “It’s not by bread alone that man lives, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
We have to understand that unless we recognize the soul of the economy, going beyond its purely technical aspects, and act accordingly, we would be not only going nowhere but also exposing ourselves to tremendous dangers.
Now, the US economy, and together with it, that of the whole world, notably Europe, are paying dearly for these mistakes. Top businessmen and investors, like Warren Buffet, are claiming that the American economy will be “in shambles” in 2009 and probably well beyond. Imagine ours!
This crisis should remind us of the need to imbue our economic activities with a keen sense of justice and solidarity, as well as temperance, prudence and an abiding concern for the common good.
It might be good to download the relevant social teachings of the Church and upload them in our society so as to be better known by everyone, especially those who are active participants in the business-and-economic arena.
In the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, we have the following points that can shed light on the nature and purpose of the economic activities. They can serve as guiding principles in doing business:
- “Goods, even when legitimately owned, always have a universal destination; any type of improper accumulation is immoral, because it openly contradicts the universal destination assigned to all goods by the Creator.” (328)
We have to know what improper accumulation of goods means. For this and other pertinent concerns, everyone, of course, should be involved. But the greater responsibility falls on our leaders, especially our spiritual leaders who have to give prompt and effective guidance to the faithful.
- “Riches fulfill their function of service to man when they are destined to produce benefits for others and for society.” (329)
We have to help everyone develop this mentality of continually attuning his pursuit of wealth with the needs of the others.
- “The relation between morality and economics is necessary, indeed intrinsic: economic activity and moral behavior are intimately joined one to the other. The necessary distinction between morality and the economy does not entail the separation of these two spheres but, on the contrary, an important reciprocity.” (331)
- “The economy has as its object the development of wealth and its progressive increase, not only in quantity but also in quality; this is morally correct if it is directed to man’s overall development in solidarity and to that of the society in which people live and work.” (334)
Let’s hope that these points at least get well known and assimilated by all, because even at these times of supposedly high level of development, there is still a lot of ignorance and confusion regarding these basic economy-and-morality principles.
An ongoing social and cultural formation driven by a genuine spiritual stimulus, of course, has to be undertaken to infuse these vital moral values into the mentality and practices of everyone.
Besides, we need to develop the proper mechanisms where these ethical and moral requirements get protected and upheld juridically as far as possible.
Insofar as the clergy is concerned, it’s truly a big challenge for the bishops and priests to be updated with the developments so we can put our preaching and guidance in proper context.
Lastly, my favorite point of social doctrine is the following, which I think explains much of our problems these days:
- “A financial economy that is an end unto itself is destined to contradict its goals, since it is no longer in touch with its roots and has lost sight of its constitutive purpose.” (369)
We have to be most wary when we make our business and economic activities to serve only our own self-interests. That’s the sure way to perdition.
This anomaly was evident in the heady housing boom in the US generated by the notorious subprime housing loans which were and still are at the eye of the present economic typhoon.
They were a reckless way of doing business, driven by false socio-economic principles and greed. It was as if our Lord’s words were completely forgotten: “It’s not by bread alone that man lives, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
We have to understand that unless we recognize the soul of the economy, going beyond its purely technical aspects, and act accordingly, we would be not only going nowhere but also exposing ourselves to tremendous dangers.
Now, the US economy, and together with it, that of the whole world, notably Europe, are paying dearly for these mistakes. Top businessmen and investors, like Warren Buffet, are claiming that the American economy will be “in shambles” in 2009 and probably well beyond. Imagine ours!
This crisis should remind us of the need to imbue our economic activities with a keen sense of justice and solidarity, as well as temperance, prudence and an abiding concern for the common good.
It might be good to download the relevant social teachings of the Church and upload them in our society so as to be better known by everyone, especially those who are active participants in the business-and-economic arena.
In the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, we have the following points that can shed light on the nature and purpose of the economic activities. They can serve as guiding principles in doing business:
- “Goods, even when legitimately owned, always have a universal destination; any type of improper accumulation is immoral, because it openly contradicts the universal destination assigned to all goods by the Creator.” (328)
We have to know what improper accumulation of goods means. For this and other pertinent concerns, everyone, of course, should be involved. But the greater responsibility falls on our leaders, especially our spiritual leaders who have to give prompt and effective guidance to the faithful.
- “Riches fulfill their function of service to man when they are destined to produce benefits for others and for society.” (329)
We have to help everyone develop this mentality of continually attuning his pursuit of wealth with the needs of the others.
- “The relation between morality and economics is necessary, indeed intrinsic: economic activity and moral behavior are intimately joined one to the other. The necessary distinction between morality and the economy does not entail the separation of these two spheres but, on the contrary, an important reciprocity.” (331)
- “The economy has as its object the development of wealth and its progressive increase, not only in quantity but also in quality; this is morally correct if it is directed to man’s overall development in solidarity and to that of the society in which people live and work.” (334)
Let’s hope that these points at least get well known and assimilated by all, because even at these times of supposedly high level of development, there is still a lot of ignorance and confusion regarding these basic economy-and-morality principles.
An ongoing social and cultural formation driven by a genuine spiritual stimulus, of course, has to be undertaken to infuse these vital moral values into the mentality and practices of everyone.
Besides, we need to develop the proper mechanisms where these ethical and moral requirements get protected and upheld juridically as far as possible.
Insofar as the clergy is concerned, it’s truly a big challenge for the bishops and priests to be updated with the developments so we can put our preaching and guidance in proper context.
Lastly, my favorite point of social doctrine is the following, which I think explains much of our problems these days:
- “A financial economy that is an end unto itself is destined to contradict its goals, since it is no longer in touch with its roots and has lost sight of its constitutive purpose.” (369)
We have to be most wary when we make our business and economic activities to serve only our own self-interests. That’s the sure way to perdition.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Thinking big and peripherally
I’M afraid this is something we have to learn to do, and learn it quick and fast. Before some burning issues, especially those asking for legalization, we just should not look at what is explicitly said. We have to be more wary of the implications and the consequences.
These controversial issues do have a moving spirit behind them, and we just have to discern what kind of spirit it is. They are no inert, abstract concepts that hardly have any impact on our lives as individuals and societies. They are alive and are meant to influence our thoughts and behavior.
In short, they have a prominently moral impact on us. They just cannot and should not be treated as mere technical items that should be judged only in terms of the convenience and practical advantages they give.
They touch the very core of our being, and our true relationship with God and among ourselves. They can question fundamental things like who and what we are, what our purpose is, etc.
They certainly have to be assessed slowly and thoroughly. We have to read between the lines, look into their inspiration and motives, know the ideologies behind those advocating them, etc. This is not paranoia. This is prudence, foresight and even common sense.
In short, we cannot be naïve and accept things at face value. Times are now so very complicated we have to be watchful and cautious in sorting and identifying things—factors, elements, circumstances, etc.—giving each its proper value.
Perhaps, the underlying crisis that gives rise to this complication is the crisis of values. There are signs many of us are confused about what values should truly govern us. Giving proper value judgment to things seems to be missing in action these days.
We have to be wary of how things are framed and presented, the beautiful language used that’s cleverly attuned to what may be considered at the moment as being politically or socially correct. Intense and covert maneuverings are done, you can be sure of it.
Tricks are already done in this level, tricks that count on a massive support structure in terms of ideology, finances and linkage network. Besides, they can count on many prominent social and political leaders, and yes, some significant following.
There will be attempts to limit the discussion and debate within the field of economics, for example, or of social pragmatism, making any consideration of faith and morals, of religion, as taboo, or as uncalled for.
Polls and surveys are conducted to show how the people are supposed to favor certain positions. But we all know that there are things that cannot be determined by polls and popularity.
We have to be careful when these gimmicks are resorted to. They are clever ruses that take advantage of people’s current problems and difficulties to make a general rule about how we ought to behave.
We have to go into the real essence of things, plunging deep into their nature, passing beyond the made-up or even made-over appearances and their cultural and social conditionings.
To do this, we have to realize that our ultimate source of knowledge and guidance cannot be just what we see and understand. We have to go into the sphere of faith and beliefs.
We have to go past the sciences, especially the so-called social sciences that often give fluid and inconclusive findings. We even have to go past ideologies which are man-made and often biased attempts to have a world-view of things. Many of them are downright questionable and rotten.
These can be materialism that denies the existence of the spirit, liberalism that corrupts freedom, Marxism and socialism that tramples on rights of persons, unrestrained capitalism that usually spawns greed and individualistic culture.
The gospel has warned us to be clever as serpents even as we ought to be simple as doves. We have to know the hidden agenda of many activists who tend to ram their positions on all of us.
As much as possible, we should nip in the bud any attempt of these ideologies to take a foothold in our legal system, our culture and our society. We need to think big and peripherally when we discuss issues like the Reproductive Health Bill and the Magna Carta of Women now pending in Congress.
These controversial issues do have a moving spirit behind them, and we just have to discern what kind of spirit it is. They are no inert, abstract concepts that hardly have any impact on our lives as individuals and societies. They are alive and are meant to influence our thoughts and behavior.
In short, they have a prominently moral impact on us. They just cannot and should not be treated as mere technical items that should be judged only in terms of the convenience and practical advantages they give.
They touch the very core of our being, and our true relationship with God and among ourselves. They can question fundamental things like who and what we are, what our purpose is, etc.
They certainly have to be assessed slowly and thoroughly. We have to read between the lines, look into their inspiration and motives, know the ideologies behind those advocating them, etc. This is not paranoia. This is prudence, foresight and even common sense.
In short, we cannot be naïve and accept things at face value. Times are now so very complicated we have to be watchful and cautious in sorting and identifying things—factors, elements, circumstances, etc.—giving each its proper value.
Perhaps, the underlying crisis that gives rise to this complication is the crisis of values. There are signs many of us are confused about what values should truly govern us. Giving proper value judgment to things seems to be missing in action these days.
We have to be wary of how things are framed and presented, the beautiful language used that’s cleverly attuned to what may be considered at the moment as being politically or socially correct. Intense and covert maneuverings are done, you can be sure of it.
Tricks are already done in this level, tricks that count on a massive support structure in terms of ideology, finances and linkage network. Besides, they can count on many prominent social and political leaders, and yes, some significant following.
There will be attempts to limit the discussion and debate within the field of economics, for example, or of social pragmatism, making any consideration of faith and morals, of religion, as taboo, or as uncalled for.
Polls and surveys are conducted to show how the people are supposed to favor certain positions. But we all know that there are things that cannot be determined by polls and popularity.
We have to be careful when these gimmicks are resorted to. They are clever ruses that take advantage of people’s current problems and difficulties to make a general rule about how we ought to behave.
We have to go into the real essence of things, plunging deep into their nature, passing beyond the made-up or even made-over appearances and their cultural and social conditionings.
To do this, we have to realize that our ultimate source of knowledge and guidance cannot be just what we see and understand. We have to go into the sphere of faith and beliefs.
We have to go past the sciences, especially the so-called social sciences that often give fluid and inconclusive findings. We even have to go past ideologies which are man-made and often biased attempts to have a world-view of things. Many of them are downright questionable and rotten.
These can be materialism that denies the existence of the spirit, liberalism that corrupts freedom, Marxism and socialism that tramples on rights of persons, unrestrained capitalism that usually spawns greed and individualistic culture.
The gospel has warned us to be clever as serpents even as we ought to be simple as doves. We have to know the hidden agenda of many activists who tend to ram their positions on all of us.
As much as possible, we should nip in the bud any attempt of these ideologies to take a foothold in our legal system, our culture and our society. We need to think big and peripherally when we discuss issues like the Reproductive Health Bill and the Magna Carta of Women now pending in Congress.
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