Philippines Abolished Death Penalty In 2006, Credit Catholic Religion's Advocacy For Life
Holy Doors
Manila Cathedral - May 05
photo: Scott McLean
By Scott McLean
Today is New Year's Day and people around the world are thinking about what will happen in 2007.
Will this year bring more good news than bad, or will the pain and suffering caused by war, natural disasters, disease and violence make more people wish they could turn back the hands of time?
Lately, commentators have been criticizing the many religions of the world, possibly because all that they take into consideration is the lack of tolerance by extremists, who take religious documents and teachings out of context to discriminate against people they don't like.
Terrorists are using their twisted versions of religious doctrines to harm people. That's just plain sick!
Now for the upside of religion, and I feel it's huge!
Before I begin, let me say this is not a blog about religion, nor do I write about it often. And I'm not a member of the Roman Catholic Church, although I do think the church plays an important role in the lives of people and in society.
Now for the sweet part. No matter what the mainstream media or commentators think, religion is essential in the world, that is when people quit being so selfish and think about others.
In the Philippines, the Catholic Church is a key part of the daily lives of most Filipinos. Not only is Catholicism the main religion but the religion runs through the culture and politics of this beautiful country.
As mentioned in the last article, the death penalty was abolished in the Philippines in 2006. That's marvelous!
The Catholic Church's advocacy for life, I feel, was a major reason the Philippines got rid of the death penalty. I'm going to add, "Thank you, God!"
Clearly, religion influences events in the world, often in a positive way.
Unlike critics of religion, who blame religions for wars and other problems in the world, I believe religions have accomplished many, many good things for people.
Human beings are capable of good, evil and just about every thought and action in between. If we followed the highest laws of God, and did not mix in our own selfish actions, there wouldn't be as much violence and turmoil in the world.
In conclusion, it's up to each one of us to do what we can to make the world a better place to live in 2007 and beyond.
posted by Scott McLean @ 1/01/2007
6 Comments:
It is not the religion its self that creates conflict, its the corrupted people that use it to their advantage that cause wars and conflict.
Oh, and thanks for you comment. I just transfered all my posts from an old blog and I look forward to being in a community that actually care about what they are writing.
hey, just pop in and say Happy New Year to you, wish you have a fruitful and blessed 2007.
with regard to your post, i thought it would be a perfect world if people do follow God's 10 Commandments where the bible says...
Hi everyone! I'm glad you visited my blog and commented here. Sorry it took me longer than expected to comment. I'll visit your sites again, too, and respond now to each of your nice comments. Thanks
Hi Jewell,
I agree with you. Some people, in my opinion, have used religion for their own purposes, not the good of humankind, and they do it with bad intentions.
It will be great to see your new blog. I'll visit it if I can find it. Have a great year!
Hi, Happy New Year to you! It's true that whether people believe in God or not, they should love and care about the world and other people.
Hi May! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a message. No, to my knowledge I don't have any relatives from the Philippines. I hope you have a great 2007! Take care.
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