The Philippines is known to be the biggest Christian practicing country in South East Asia. We are a people known for its friendliness, hospitality and God fearing Culture. Keeping this in mind, it is safe to assume that our government no matter how much they may deny it; is heavily influenced by the churches standings and teachings. Our law makers and leaders are no different. Moreover, I feel that it is only here in the Philippines where there is little or no separation from the state and the church. I believe it is our culture that strictly binds both state and church together.
Culture is something that is dominant in the Philippines. When one talks about culture, there will always be one common answer – and that is Religion. In a society driven by culture, is there a difference between the politics of the state and politics of the church? I say yes. The state is supposed to do whatever it can to help the nation grow. Help bring food to the mouths of its people to give them a happy and prosperous life. The church on the other hand, helps the people by offering them hope and faith, giving them a sense of purpose and strength when encountering obstacles in life. The main difference is that the state uses whatever tactics it can to help sustain a nation. Whether it may or may not be moral to the church’s teachings. But being a religious country, this is where the problem lies. Is there a concrete separation between church and the state in context to the Philippine setting? The answer is no.
In a nut shell, I believe that it is only here in the Philippines where there is little if not no separation of both state and church. One example of my claim is the RHB bill. Until now the bill has not yet been passed, it is living proof that the church’s grip on the government is very real. Other examples are the absence of abortion and divorce in this country compared to the others.
Culture is something that is dominant in the Philippines. When one talks about culture, there will always be one common answer – and that is Religion. In a society driven by culture, is there a difference between the politics of the state and politics of the church? I say yes. The state is supposed to do whatever it can to help the nation grow. Help bring food to the mouths of its people to give them a happy and prosperous life. The church on the other hand, helps the people by offering them hope and faith, giving them a sense of purpose and strength when encountering obstacles in life. The main difference is that the state uses whatever tactics it can to help sustain a nation. Whether it may or may not be moral to the church’s teachings. But being a religious country, this is where the problem lies. Is there a concrete separation between church and the state in context to the Philippine setting? The answer is no.
In a nut shell, I believe that it is only here in the Philippines where there is little if not no separation of both state and church. One example of my claim is the RHB bill. Until now the bill has not yet been passed, it is living proof that the church’s grip on the government is very real. Other examples are the absence of abortion and divorce in this country compared to the others.
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