Dear Editor,
I wish to send you my reaction to Miss Patricia Evangelista's article "God save the king" (posted on May 1, 2011 at the Inquirer.net website: http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110501-333945/God-save-the-king).
Miss Evangelista's article made the concept of excommunication appear as an unfairly harsh and unevenly applied penalty imposed by vacillating and hypocritical pastors. Indeed, it intrigued me to google-search the term and find-out for myself what the World-Wide-Web could provide.
Miss Evangelista is quite correct in calling excommunication a penalty imposed by authorities of the Catholic Church to offenses committed by some of its members. The Catholic Church as a society of persons, just like the Philippine nation-state, is entitled to impose such sanctions on its offending members. "Every society has the right to exclude and deprive of their rights and social advantages its unworthy or grievously culpable members, either temporarily or permanently. This right is necessary to every society in order that it may be well administered and survive." (New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia, URL:http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05678a.htm)
In principle, this penalty - being the most serious penalty that the Catholic Church could inflict - is meant to be medicinal. It seeks to remind the offender of the gravity of the offense, to correct, and to bring him or her back to the path of righteousness. It may appear vindictive but it should be properly viewed as medicinal. It is a great good for us, human beings, who easily commit or do things that, in the final reckoning, will be self-destructive to ourselves.
By analogy, I would liken "the penalty of excommunication" to the "nauseating odor" of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) or methane gas. Pure methane gas is odor-less. However, companies that sell LPG deliberately mix such odor in order that a leak could easily be detected! Like the nauseating odor, excommunication is a reminder of a possible destructive damage one could impose on one's spiritual life.
The seeming vacillation of the pastors is, in my opinion, a reassurance that they are still human beings. It is an indicator that they self-correct themselves when they realize they are deviating from the calling of charity: condemn the sin, not the sinner.
Miss Evangelista is quite accurate in assuming that "automatic excommunication occurs on a quarterly basis at a Manila clinic" if indeed abortion is done at such frequency. But let it be viewed as a calling to reform, not a damnation. Because only God has the ultimate right to judge.
Thank you for allowing your readers to send feedback. More power to PDI!
Author's Note:
This letter was sent by website feedback webform on May 4, 2011 (Manila time).
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Monday, May 02, 2011
Feedback to "A war of religions" of Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J.
Dear Editor,
I am very grateful for stumbling-upon the article of Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J., "A war of religions" (posted May 2, 2011, URL: http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110502-334122/A_war_of_religions) for two (2) reasons.
The first reason is that Fr. Bernas enumerated some of the changes RH Bill proponents have made to the draft bill to allegedly make it acceptable to those opposing it. The enumerated changes are as follows:
1) Local government units will "help implement this Act", instead of "give priority to family planning work". (in Section 13 of HB4244)
2) "Parents shall have the option of not allowing their minor children to attend classes pertaining to Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education." (in Section 16 of HB4244)
3) Deletion of the section on employers' responsibility on reproductive health. (Section 21 of HB4244)
4) Deletion of the specific enumeration of allowable contraceptive devices and methods. It will be replaced with the proposal for the allowance of contraceptive methods that are in general safe and legal.
These changes, I believe, are still to be declared and incorporated to the draft bill during the second-reading sessions at the House of Representatives.
I agree with Fr. Bernas that these changes are not enough to stop the opposition of the bishops of the Catholic Church to the bill. The bishops have been insisting from the very beginning that the bill is an attempt to legalize the use of artificial contraception. The bishops have been exhorting the faithful, and the nation at large, that artificial contraception is contrary to the moral law as declared by Pope Paul VI in 'Humanae Vitae'. The bishops have been reminding the nation that something immoral, or against the Ten-Commandments, cannot be legalized or be established in human laws. The bill despite the latest changes still contains provisions that promote artificial contraception and there is no way for the bishops to agree with it.
The second reason for being grateful to Fr. Bernas is his attempt to encourage both sides of the debate to view the issue in the light of religious freedom and respect for human dignity as enunciated in the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCPII), the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church and 'Dignitatis-Humanae'.
In my opinion, the only way for both sides to respect each other's freedom and dignity is for RH Bill not to be enacted into law at all, given that artificial contraception is immoral! It is timely to remind ourselves of the exhortation in 'Dignitatis Humanae' to political authorities that "government is also to help create conditions favorable to the fostering of religious life, in order that the people may be truly enabled to exercise their religious rights and to fulfill their religious duties, and also in order that society itself may profit by the moral qualities of justice and peace which have their origin in men's faithfulness to God and to His holy will." (Dignitatis Humanae, 6)
There are other options available for the government to reduce maternal mortality other than legalizing artificial contraception.
Though I am grateful to Fr. Bernas for his article, I am also disappointed by the vagueness of his position on the RH Bill. He could be of great service to the ordinary faithful if he will be more categorical and direct in his position.
During World War II when ordinary foot-soldiers were in the midst of a gun-battle and artillery barrage, these soldiers (who were mostly young, uneducated, rural boys) greatly appreciated and were extremely grateful for the concrete, simple, and direct tactical directions of their front-line commanding officers.
I believe, we are in a great spiritual battle in this RH bill debate. The more concrete, simple, and direct our declared position in this issue, the better we can serve the simple flock we are shepherding.
Thank you for this chance to write. Should you decide to publish this letter, please show only my email address. Thank you and more power to PDI!
Author's Note:
This letter was submitted by website feedback form on May 3, 2011 (Manila time).
I am very grateful for stumbling-upon the article of Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, S.J., "A war of religions" (posted May 2, 2011, URL: http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110502-334122/A_war_of_religions) for two (2) reasons.
The first reason is that Fr. Bernas enumerated some of the changes RH Bill proponents have made to the draft bill to allegedly make it acceptable to those opposing it. The enumerated changes are as follows:
1) Local government units will "help implement this Act", instead of "give priority to family planning work". (in Section 13 of HB4244)
2) "Parents shall have the option of not allowing their minor children to attend classes pertaining to Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education." (in Section 16 of HB4244)
3) Deletion of the section on employers' responsibility on reproductive health. (Section 21 of HB4244)
4) Deletion of the specific enumeration of allowable contraceptive devices and methods. It will be replaced with the proposal for the allowance of contraceptive methods that are in general safe and legal.
These changes, I believe, are still to be declared and incorporated to the draft bill during the second-reading sessions at the House of Representatives.
I agree with Fr. Bernas that these changes are not enough to stop the opposition of the bishops of the Catholic Church to the bill. The bishops have been insisting from the very beginning that the bill is an attempt to legalize the use of artificial contraception. The bishops have been exhorting the faithful, and the nation at large, that artificial contraception is contrary to the moral law as declared by Pope Paul VI in 'Humanae Vitae'. The bishops have been reminding the nation that something immoral, or against the Ten-Commandments, cannot be legalized or be established in human laws. The bill despite the latest changes still contains provisions that promote artificial contraception and there is no way for the bishops to agree with it.
The second reason for being grateful to Fr. Bernas is his attempt to encourage both sides of the debate to view the issue in the light of religious freedom and respect for human dignity as enunciated in the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCPII), the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church and 'Dignitatis-Humanae'.
In my opinion, the only way for both sides to respect each other's freedom and dignity is for RH Bill not to be enacted into law at all, given that artificial contraception is immoral! It is timely to remind ourselves of the exhortation in 'Dignitatis Humanae' to political authorities that "government is also to help create conditions favorable to the fostering of religious life, in order that the people may be truly enabled to exercise their religious rights and to fulfill their religious duties, and also in order that society itself may profit by the moral qualities of justice and peace which have their origin in men's faithfulness to God and to His holy will." (Dignitatis Humanae, 6)
There are other options available for the government to reduce maternal mortality other than legalizing artificial contraception.
Though I am grateful to Fr. Bernas for his article, I am also disappointed by the vagueness of his position on the RH Bill. He could be of great service to the ordinary faithful if he will be more categorical and direct in his position.
During World War II when ordinary foot-soldiers were in the midst of a gun-battle and artillery barrage, these soldiers (who were mostly young, uneducated, rural boys) greatly appreciated and were extremely grateful for the concrete, simple, and direct tactical directions of their front-line commanding officers.
I believe, we are in a great spiritual battle in this RH bill debate. The more concrete, simple, and direct our declared position in this issue, the better we can serve the simple flock we are shepherding.
Thank you for this chance to write. Should you decide to publish this letter, please show only my email address. Thank you and more power to PDI!
Author's Note:
This letter was submitted by website feedback form on May 3, 2011 (Manila time).
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Another Feedback on Miss Patricia Evangelista's "The Montalvan morality"
Dear Editor,
This letter is a reaction to Miss Patricia Evangelista's latest article in her Method to Madness column, "The Montalvan morality"(PDI, Sunday, October 16, 2010, page A15). I understand her article is a reaction to Antonio J. Montalvan II's October 11, 2010 column-article.
Owing to Miss Evangelista's rhetorical expertise and writing prowess, I fear that her readers would easily come to a rash judgment and thinking: It is necessary and inevitable to employ contraception to manage the population.
A question came to my mind: Is it possible to manage the population without resorting to or employing contraception? I pondered on this question for some time and have come to the conclusion that Yes, it is possible!
In order to manage population, specifically the Philippine population, without using contraception as a public policy, I believe, the following conditions should be present:
1. PEOPLE ARE RESOURCES, NOT BURDENS. Our political leaders and policy-makers ought to view people as potential resources, not just short-term burdens. Instead of looking at people as consumers of resources and producers of wastes, they should be looked upon as potential producers of ideas and problem-solvers of the many mysteries plaguing humanity's existence. Instead of seeing mouths to be fed, they should be seen as pairs of hands that could produce products and services, people with cash-laden wallets that would fill shopping malls after shopping malls. Of course, in order for people to be the country's assets, they should be harnessed through well-crafted public education curricula and well-trained, well-paid teachers. Public funds should channeled to improving public education infrastructures and programs. Let us fight corruption in the public offices so that tax-payers' money are not funneled to unscrupulous individuals but to public education!
Objectors to this idea might counteract that there is not enough public funds for the current and fast-growing population size, population should be reduced to a manageable level. To this objection I will respond:
It is not the size of the population that should be the issue, there are countries who have populations bigger than the Philippines who are able to provide enough public goods and services. Instead, our leaders should wrack their brains to come up with policy strategies that would attract more and increasing foreign direct investments to the country, increase tax collection and implement a more equitable distribution of material wealth.
2. NATURE AND MEANING OF HUMAN SEXUALITY. Our political leaders and policy-makers should foster the true, the correct, the sustainable understanding of the nature and meaning of human sexuality. Through public education and mass-media, the following thinking should be made normal and common: "An individual views and enters into a sexual relationship because she or he is consciously willing to become a parent".
It is true that sex should be viewed as beyond procreation; that there is another meaning to sex. That other meaning is personal unity, partnership, communion. But for this other meaning to really exist and to be unmistakably experienced, the intimate connection of sex to procreation must not be artificially, synthetically cut. Only then, when the possibility of procreation is willingly accepted, that the other meaning of sex will be a reality.
3. INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY IS A PUBLIC MENACE. Before the advent of Internet technology, indulgence to pornography was confined to a few. Now, it is accessible to almost anyone, regardless of age, status, financial capacity, etc! Looking at pornography ought to be viewed as a debilitating addiction, similar to drug addiction. If our public leaders are deeply concerned for the widespread access to dangerous drugs, they also ought to include easy access to Internet pornography as one of the public menace.
Studies have shown that boys and men are more susceptible to be hooked to Internet pornography than girls and women. Our leaders should concede to the proposition that Internet pornography could cook the minds of the male half of the population and come to see the female half of the population as just objects, toys, tools for sexual pleasure. In order to minimize the objectification of girls and women, there ought to be policies that curb the availability of printed pornography in public places and Internet.
4. WOMEN SHOULD REIN MEN, NOT SPOIL THEM. Girls and women ought to be aware that they are a very important influence in guiding boys and men towards chivalry and responsible fatherhood. Our public leaders, specially our women political leaders, should foster the mentality that modesty is better than exhibitionism. Through modesty, ladies could attract gentlemen, willing to respect them as persons with dignity. Through showing too much skin, ladies could attract brutes, filled with the thought: 'girls are just toys'.
Moreover, our leaders ought to foster the concept: women ought to realize that they can keep a true and honest man, as a life-partner, if they do not give-in to the low and perverted cravings of men. Women should not give-in to the lustful desires of their men and resort to the use of artificial contraception to provide an apparent protection from unwanted consequences. Through the actual use of contraception, women, without them being aware of it, willingly turn themselves into willing toys and objects of pleasure for their partners. Women's dignity as a person is not protected by contraception, rather, they are automatically turned into objects and turn their partners into brutes without reason.
To conclude, these are the four (4) suggested conditions, I believe, should be present in Philippine society, in order to manage population without resorting to contraception. I must concede that these are very, very tall orders! These are, indeed, unattainable ideals. But as long as there is an honest-to-goodness effort-exerted and resources-employed, on the part of our political leaders and policy-makers, to move towards achieving these conditions, contraception-free population management will produce effective, long-lasting and sustainable results.
In lieu of population policies dependent on contraception, strategies such as improving all forms of public transportation to encourage people to upgrade existing urban centers or build more urban centers in the country-side will gain public attention, acceptability and feasibility. This could decongest current urban centers like Metro Manila and Cebu. A strategy of population redistribution will be more possible.
Author's Note:
This feedback was sent as letter to the editor and is awaiting Philippine Daily Inquirer's (PDI) response. PDI has the prerogative to publish or not to publish this feedback in printed form. The author respects whatever will be PDI's decision.
This letter is a reaction to Miss Patricia Evangelista's latest article in her Method to Madness column, "The Montalvan morality"(PDI, Sunday, October 16, 2010, page A15). I understand her article is a reaction to Antonio J. Montalvan II's October 11, 2010 column-article.
Owing to Miss Evangelista's rhetorical expertise and writing prowess, I fear that her readers would easily come to a rash judgment and thinking: It is necessary and inevitable to employ contraception to manage the population.
A question came to my mind: Is it possible to manage the population without resorting to or employing contraception? I pondered on this question for some time and have come to the conclusion that Yes, it is possible!
In order to manage population, specifically the Philippine population, without using contraception as a public policy, I believe, the following conditions should be present:
1. PEOPLE ARE RESOURCES, NOT BURDENS. Our political leaders and policy-makers ought to view people as potential resources, not just short-term burdens. Instead of looking at people as consumers of resources and producers of wastes, they should be looked upon as potential producers of ideas and problem-solvers of the many mysteries plaguing humanity's existence. Instead of seeing mouths to be fed, they should be seen as pairs of hands that could produce products and services, people with cash-laden wallets that would fill shopping malls after shopping malls. Of course, in order for people to be the country's assets, they should be harnessed through well-crafted public education curricula and well-trained, well-paid teachers. Public funds should channeled to improving public education infrastructures and programs. Let us fight corruption in the public offices so that tax-payers' money are not funneled to unscrupulous individuals but to public education!
Objectors to this idea might counteract that there is not enough public funds for the current and fast-growing population size, population should be reduced to a manageable level. To this objection I will respond:
It is not the size of the population that should be the issue, there are countries who have populations bigger than the Philippines who are able to provide enough public goods and services. Instead, our leaders should wrack their brains to come up with policy strategies that would attract more and increasing foreign direct investments to the country, increase tax collection and implement a more equitable distribution of material wealth.
2. NATURE AND MEANING OF HUMAN SEXUALITY. Our political leaders and policy-makers should foster the true, the correct, the sustainable understanding of the nature and meaning of human sexuality. Through public education and mass-media, the following thinking should be made normal and common: "An individual views and enters into a sexual relationship because she or he is consciously willing to become a parent".
It is true that sex should be viewed as beyond procreation; that there is another meaning to sex. That other meaning is personal unity, partnership, communion. But for this other meaning to really exist and to be unmistakably experienced, the intimate connection of sex to procreation must not be artificially, synthetically cut. Only then, when the possibility of procreation is willingly accepted, that the other meaning of sex will be a reality.
3. INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY IS A PUBLIC MENACE. Before the advent of Internet technology, indulgence to pornography was confined to a few. Now, it is accessible to almost anyone, regardless of age, status, financial capacity, etc! Looking at pornography ought to be viewed as a debilitating addiction, similar to drug addiction. If our public leaders are deeply concerned for the widespread access to dangerous drugs, they also ought to include easy access to Internet pornography as one of the public menace.
Studies have shown that boys and men are more susceptible to be hooked to Internet pornography than girls and women. Our leaders should concede to the proposition that Internet pornography could cook the minds of the male half of the population and come to see the female half of the population as just objects, toys, tools for sexual pleasure. In order to minimize the objectification of girls and women, there ought to be policies that curb the availability of printed pornography in public places and Internet.
4. WOMEN SHOULD REIN MEN, NOT SPOIL THEM. Girls and women ought to be aware that they are a very important influence in guiding boys and men towards chivalry and responsible fatherhood. Our public leaders, specially our women political leaders, should foster the mentality that modesty is better than exhibitionism. Through modesty, ladies could attract gentlemen, willing to respect them as persons with dignity. Through showing too much skin, ladies could attract brutes, filled with the thought: 'girls are just toys'.
Moreover, our leaders ought to foster the concept: women ought to realize that they can keep a true and honest man, as a life-partner, if they do not give-in to the low and perverted cravings of men. Women should not give-in to the lustful desires of their men and resort to the use of artificial contraception to provide an apparent protection from unwanted consequences. Through the actual use of contraception, women, without them being aware of it, willingly turn themselves into willing toys and objects of pleasure for their partners. Women's dignity as a person is not protected by contraception, rather, they are automatically turned into objects and turn their partners into brutes without reason.
To conclude, these are the four (4) suggested conditions, I believe, should be present in Philippine society, in order to manage population without resorting to contraception. I must concede that these are very, very tall orders! These are, indeed, unattainable ideals. But as long as there is an honest-to-goodness effort-exerted and resources-employed, on the part of our political leaders and policy-makers, to move towards achieving these conditions, contraception-free population management will produce effective, long-lasting and sustainable results.
In lieu of population policies dependent on contraception, strategies such as improving all forms of public transportation to encourage people to upgrade existing urban centers or build more urban centers in the country-side will gain public attention, acceptability and feasibility. This could decongest current urban centers like Metro Manila and Cebu. A strategy of population redistribution will be more possible.
Author's Note:
This feedback was sent as letter to the editor and is awaiting Philippine Daily Inquirer's (PDI) response. PDI has the prerogative to publish or not to publish this feedback in printed form. The author respects whatever will be PDI's decision.
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