I once read a quote somewhere in the internet that says If you believe the separation of Church and State, you don’t know anything about religion. I think it was Thomas Aquinas who said that, anyway, maybe that’s why Philippine politics and the church go side by side. Before election, these politicians who are running for public office woo the church for the vote, especially those churches with reputation of a solid vote for supporters. We have a church here that when their supreme pontiff chose someone to support, the whole congregation will vote for that person. Now, that is a plus for voting numbers.

The Roman Catholic Church include in their mass special announcement on voting awareness. Sometimes the Catholic Church shows it favor a certain politician who supports their issues on birth control. (Remember Sen. Flavier’s issue on birth control?)

And who will not forget Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s attempt to run in public office or Ely Soriano’s bid for senatorial slate (that when down the drain when COMELEC announce that Soriano is a nuisance candidate.).

Now in the case of the running priest, Fr. Robert Reyes, all I can say is there is nothing wrong in engaging in public rallies about the government, it’s every Filipino’s right, but wearing a priest outfit on rallies? What are you trying to prove? Also, why carry a statue of the Virgin Mary, rosaries and the Bible or say that you are just doing a public prayer rally which was really a political rally. A public prayer with people shouting “Down with the Government”? Hmmmmm…I thought people in prayers shouts “halleluiahs”? Have you forgotten the very words of your founder when he said, “Give Caesar what is unto Caesar.”?

But who can blame these men of God who are entering Philippine politics. St. Ignatius Loyola said, “Whenever one’s business is not worth minding, one often minds other people’s business.” Priests and pastors are getting more exited these days in politics outside the church because matters inside the church are getting weary, repetitious, monotonous and utterly boring.

The American president Ulysses S. Grant has a good parting word that every Filipino should think. “Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church and the private schools, supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and the state forever separated.”

Maybe it’s a good time to start thinking.

Pinoy Atheist