On Religion

Through centuries of human history, humans developed and had adopted different religions. It might be because religion has been a human need. Maybe humans turned to religion to explain the unknown, or to appease their fear of the afterlife or the supernatural, or to justify their practices, or to have a system of values, or just to have to believe in a Greater Power… whatever the case, religion has been an integral part of human life.

One should realize that religion is often a taboo topic. Any religious discussion often flare into bloody debates. People have different religions, religious interpretations, and religious beliefs. Moreover, people believe in different deity, or deities. Sure, many believe that that deity is God, but of course, there are also many different interpretations and beliefs of “God”.

Maybe the reason that people had different religions and sects is because they try to manipulate religion to suit their needs and beliefs. And since people’s opinions vary, religions also vary. Since religions and beliefs differ, debates arise. Points made and flaws pointed out are ignored by opposing parties in religious debates. Someone who zealously follows his or her religion is greatly biased. Nobody really wins religious debates.

Wars had been fought because of religion. Religion has been an instrument for bloodshed and domination – an example is the Crusades. Of course, religious zealots is prepared to fight to death for the cause of his religion, because they believe they fight for the right and when they die they will be rewarded in Heaven.
However, what if they’re wrong?

* * *

Religion has been used to obtain power and money. Religion has been manipulated by many so it can suit their own interests. Some people market religion, believing that they would make a lot of money from it. Often enough, they were right, they got rich through religion.

That’s why preachers has been often branded, by this judgmental world, with the likes of con-men, hustlers, social climbers, phonies and the sort because of this people who “sell” religion, or exploit their congregation. The good guys are judged quickly and included with the category of the bad guys. Worse, sometimes the bad guys are thought to be the “heroes”, and the good guys the “villains.”
And the bad guys laugh…

But didn’t the Good Book said, I think over in Matthew 6:20, that it is better “to store treasures in Heaven”?

* * *
Religion and politics are thought to be separate. Separation of Church and State, and all that jazz. But religion is political.  It has effect on secular matters and can push its weight around.

Religion greatly manipulates politics. Religion may deny it. The government may deny it, and even we, ourselves, may deny it. But it’s true; religion has great political power and influence. And ambitious people use religion as tool for political ends.

Religion meddles in many affairs, not only in the governance of the people and the state, but in other fields as well, like Science (ever heard of Galileo?). Throughout human history, religion is like that. But, hey, let us not look far in the past, we could clearly see it at work at modern times.

* * *

With all religion’s flaws, many are blind and ignorant of them. Many choose to be blind and ignorant – pretending they do not see the flaws. And still there are many who see the flaws, but deny the fact and force themselves to believe that there is nothing wrong. And there are also those who see the flaws and hypocrisy, but became atheists or agnostics – which is as bad as being too overly religious.

People settle to a religion because they grew up in it, their parents are of that religion, or because they are mandated, or because they were brainwashed. People begun to worship religion itself. People concentrated more in religious propaganda, traditions, church enrichment, dogma, and such. They forget the important things like God, grace, principles, love, peace, and goodwill with fellow men.

Which came first? The chicken or the egg? Religion corrupting people, or people corrupting religion? Whatever the answer, it is clear that religion is corrupt. Religion is imperfect. Religion is a mask. Religion is grotesque. Religion has been the cause of many pain and confusion. Religion – may I dare say it? – is evil.

* * *

Religion is an interesting and fascinating study, but per se, I don’t really like religion. Religion is complicated and distorted. But I will make it clear that I am a Christian.
Wait. Wait. You might say that Christianity is a religion, so how can I say that I am Christian if I don’t like religion. Well, maybe, Christianity is religion, but it is more than a religion. Of course, subject to religion’s flaws, Christianity is also infected by distortion, too. But these distortions are the fault of men (and the evil forces in this world) and not of Christ. Christianity’s meaning and essence is noble and beautiful – because it centers on Jesus Christ, and not religion.
I am not really a theology expert, but simple as I am, I find Christianity as good and true. It’s a way of life. An experience. A communion. It is difficult to explain. I admit that I don’t know many things about Christianity, but I appreciate its meaning and essence and message. Of the Savior, of grace, of the Holy Spirit, of God’s promises… If Christianity is a religion, I’m glad it’s my religion.

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Favorite Fiction Characters

Here’s the list of my favorite fictional characters:

Most Fave Literary Character – Sherlock Holmes.
Hands down. He is the most intelligent hero in fiction. Holmes excels in all areas of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Intelligence. And since he is cool (and cold) and immune to worthless emotions, he can think and act logically without the biases emotions can bring. He also possesses great skills and talents and knowledge in many areas, related or not to his profession. Truly, a genius this man, Sherlock Holmes.

Most Fave Comicbook Character - Spiderman
I was a Spidy fan since I was a small boy. I like him not only because of his cool powers and abilities, and not only because he is intelligent, witty and charismatic, but also because of his principles and outlook. True to his motto, “With great power comes great responsibility”, he strives to always use his powers to fight for what’s good, protect the weak, and help and save others, even if he is always bombard by many personal problems, and sometimes people don’t appreciate him and his sacrifices, even calling him a “menace.” Spider-Man, Peter Parker, is a true hero.

Most Fave Literature-to-Movie Character – James Bond
I love the James Bond character in the books and the movies – intelligent, confident, versatile and charming. Throw whatever mission or problems at Bond – no matter how “impossible” – Bond always find a way. In my opinion, the best spy hero in fiction.

Most Fave Heroine – Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Yes, it was a cool TV series. One of the main reason why Buffy is very cool is because of Sarah Michelle Gellar. Not only because Gellar is hot, but because she portrayed Buffy well, that many of us grew to love the vampire-butt kicking vampire slayer.

Most Fave Anime/Manga Character – Genjyo Sanzo
He’s just too cool, with his revolver, his costume and his Evil Sutra. His persona is very fascinating -cold but not coldhearted. His “Sanzo Party” is the coolest and most entertaining and most “invincible” foursome in fiction - and Sanzo is the coolest, most entertaining, and most “invincible” among them.

Most Fave Comic in Fiction – The Mask
The most entertaining antics belong to The Mask making him my most fave comic (second is Genie of Disney’s Alladin). I may also add that he might be also the most indestructible character there is, but of course his alter ego, Stanley Ipkiss is very fragile. I liked The Mask movie but I appreciated him more in the cartoon TV series. His trademark expressions “Smokin’!” and “Somebody stop me!” are very cool. And no matter how serious the situation is, he goes through them goofing, but getting the job done.

Most Fave Duo – The Hardy Boys
I was very fond of the Hardy Boys books when I was still young (and up to now). Teenage sleuths with the capability of solving mysteries, and getting the bad guys in dangerous adventures makes everybody admire them. Their intelligence, along with their other skills and know-how, makes them larger than life heroes. Imagine, they’re teenagers!

Most Fave Swordsman – Himura Kenshin
He’s the best swordsman from all the fiction I’m exposed to. Battosai the Slasher. But what makes me admire him is his conviction that he will never use his skill to kill anymore, by using a reversed-edge sword, and by avoiding conflicts, but not to run away from things that he knows that he can help into. But, to kill or not to kill, Kenshi rocks when he finally draws his sword…. Hiten Mitsurugi style!

Most Fave Criminal Genius – Artemis Fowl
I first read about him when we were in the same age – twelve years old. And I quickly grew fond of him, a boy criminal genius. I do love geniuses – not geeky geniuses like Dexter – but geniuses like Artemis Fowl. It is fun how Fowl develops flawless plans, can think under pressure, and manipulate effectively though he is still a young boy.

Most Fave Headhunter – Duncan MacLeod the Highlander
I hated the movie “Highlander: The Source”, but I liked the Highlander TV series and animation. A sword wielding immortal what walked through the centuries of history, cutting off heads of other immortals because “there can only be one” is so cool.

Most Fave Psycho Vigilante – Batman
The Dark Knight is the first in my list in this category (second is Punisher). He is the coolest character of DC Comics, and the movies and TV animate series of his I also loved and enjoyed. His costume design is good that it makes you forget how cheesy that “the underwear is above the pants” thing in superheroes. Plus, he has cool gadgets and he relies to his fighting skills, intelligence and cunning to survive in the business because he does not have any super power.

Most Fave Villain – Hades
No. Not the Hades in old Greek mythology. But the Hades in Disney’s Hercules. Coolest and most entertaining villain is this guy. The way he talks, his entire atmosphere, and “Vadabim Vadaboom!” Yeah, the best villain there is.

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LAUGHTER

Laughter is magic. Laughter is a statement. Laughter is a philosophy. Laughter is an instrument. Laughter, does not only breaks the ice, but breaks entire walls of glaciers. Laughter works miracles. And laughter is the best medicine.

I love to laugh and be happy, and make others laugh and happy, too. That’s why I read a lot of satire and humorous literatures. I am fond of jokes. I am “game” when it come to wholesome “trippings.” And I love comedy. Laughter is one of the good things in this world, and I meant to enjoy it. I indoctrinated laughter in my life - an important part of it.

“Laughter is the best medicine.” I agree with that statement. Of course, one should not always interpret it as true. Of course, laughter does not cure the diseases, but one can endure and forget the disease because of laughter. Laughter is a panacea in its own way.

There is a saying, “don’t cry over spilled milk.” True. Do not cry, but laugh instead. Not all human mistakes are horrible. It is good to laugh at our mistakes and troubles. If we just think about it, we start to realize, that sometimes our mistakes and troubles are not worth crying at, but rather, it is a laughing matter after all.

Life is funny. There are a lot of things we can find to laugh about in this life. A good sense of humor in looking at things is an optimistic point of view. Being serious once in a while is not bad, but being very serious and losing one’s sense of humor is bad indeed.

Sharing a laugh with someone is better that laughing alone. So, it is good to share a joke or a humorous anecdote or event. It is also worth reminding that, laughing with someone is good, but laughing at someone is not good – especially, if that someone don’t think it is funny.

Someone said to me, “laughter is not really the best medicine but rather the best disguise.” Mmmm, I don’t really agree with that. Sure, when you laugh it doesn’t always mean you are happy. When you fake laughter, it is not a true laughter since it lost the essence of a laughter – which is supposed to be with fun, humor and happiness. But still in times of troubles or loneliness, laughter don’t really mean you are in a great state of happiness and humor, but during the time you were sincerely laughing – a joke or other humorous realization – you are at least happy for five seconds or five minutes or the span of time the joke or humorous realization has effect on you. That is better than nothing.

A good sense of humor and laughter is a gift from God. And like all gifts from God, it is worth sharing and spreading. Go on, friend, spread laughter.

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Some Tastes

When asked, “What kinds of books are your favorites to read?” I answer, “All of them. I read all kinds (which is true).” Or, “What kinds of music do you listen to?” My reply: “All kinds of good music.” Or, “What kinds of food do you eat?” the answer is. “I’m not a pick eater.” This goes for movies, TV shows, games, etc. I have a wide area of interests, and so my answers to questions like that are not specific. Ask me what are my favorites… the list is long.

But okay let me be a bit specific on some of them…

I like to read best mystery, thriller, suspense, espionage and such (I grew up reading Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew that lead me to read Sherlock Holmes and James Bond later on). These kinds stimulate my mind most. But of course I like to read other genres, too, like classic, sc-fi and fantasy – but not romance. As for non-fiction, I prefer biographies, history and witty essays or reflections above other else. Michael Crichton, C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, Mark Twain and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are my favorite authors. As for comics, I grew up on Spider-Man and Marvel Comics, so I say Marvel is my fave. As for local, Pugad Baboy is the best!

For music… Rock is my favorite (I’m not much of a hip-hop fan, but I listen to some of them, too). I’m a kind of music lover who prefer Hillsong over Integrity, Bon Jovi over U2, Beethoven over Mozart, The Beatles over The Rolling Stones, Maroon 5 over Linkin Park, Rivermaya over Bamboo (Rico Blanco left the band? Pity. I guess Bamboo is now my fave local band, unless Rivermaya can make further impact without Blanco), Red Hot Chili Peppers over Limp Bizkit, Eagles over Led Zeppelin, The Corrs over Evanescence… I’m that kind of music lover (but of course I still think of Bamboo, Evanescence, Integrity, Led Zep, Mozart and others are great). In summary, I’m into good music… not worthless noise.

The movies I prefer most are action, suspense and comedy (that’s why I like Jackie Chan), and of course animation, too, and movies that entertains and makes the viewers think. Same with TV shows, I like animation, action, suspense and comedy. I really really love cartoons; even now that I’m not a child anymore (I love both American and Japanese cartoons [and comics]). I watch TV shows like “The Twilight Zone” (my fave), “The Simpsons”, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Angel”, “Smallville”, and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” to name some of them. I love Discovery Channel and National Geographic.  There are no local TV shows that made an “impact” to me. As for Asianovelas (as they are called), there’s “Gokusen”. Other than this, there are none that became a favorite. I liked the early part of “Meteor Garden” but it got too syrupy as the show progressed so I dropped it. And for Mexican telenovelas (that were amusingly dubbed), there are three (so far) that I can still remember that I liked, they were: “Maria Mercedes” (I was in Grade 1 then and it was the firs of its kind), “Alta Gracia” (Now this is my most fave TV show from Mexico ever. The mystery and plot was just too good! I even cut classes back then to watch episodes of it), and “Daniela” (it has a great theme song).  Between the two, I prefer soaps from Mexico than soaps from Asia (which most of them come from Korea).

And now for food… I love fish (though beef is my favorite), I grew up on them. I also love eggs. I do eat ampalaya (I like to cook them with egg, tomato, onion and garlic), my fave veggie next to potato. But, of course, shakes are my favorite drinks, pizza my all-time fave food, halo-halo my fave dessert, sisig my fave dish, and chocolates my fave sinful food. My diet very much also includes Lucky Me instant pancit canton, canned corned-beef and lots of bread and rice (very Filipino!)

Okay. Okay, I’ll include my taste on girls before I end this essay. Mmmm… I’m attracted to girls with beauty (but beauty with no character? Forget about it), inner beauty that equals her outer beauty, talented and intelligent… girls that make me say, “Wow. There’s something fascinating about her.” But don’t get me wrong… I like female friends, and not female flames.

Of course, all our tastes vary and these tastes can reflect on what we value, what we prioritize and what we are as a person.  And these some tastes I had mentioned should, somehow, give you a glimpse on what kind of person I am.   

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WALK THE TALK

A story goes like this:

“Now boys,” admonished the old minister, lecturing the Bible class, “you must strive always to keep calm and never lose your tempers. You should never swear or get angry or get excited.”

“But sometimes we cannot help it, sir,” said one.

“It is not hard,” declared the old fellow. “I never do it. Now for example, see that big fly on my nose?”

“Yes, sir,” chorused some.

“It is a bee,” whispered an experienced one.

“Now see this fly,” went the old minister. “Most wicked men would be excited and swear, but I just say, ‘Go away, fly’ and I – GOOD GOD! IT IS A BEE! DAMN IT TO HELL!”

* * *

It’s a funny story, but think about it, it would probably remind you of some “men of God” who preaches something, but that does not do what they preach. ‘Hypocrites!’ some exclaim.

This is not only true to the hypocrites of the clergy. But aren’t we all guilty of being hypocrites? We say, “I never do it” like the old minister, but when an unexpected circumstance caught us unaware – like the bee on the minister’s nose – we exactly do the opposite.

The minister should have not said, “It is not hard. I never do it.” He should have said, “Maybe it is hard, but pray to God to help you. Nothing is impossible in Him.”

Let us not make the mistake of the minister. Always declare that you cannot do anything without the Big Guy, to help or guide you.

Or you will end up being stung on the nose by a bee.

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Emotions

Love. Hate. Jealousy. Anxiety. Compassion. Envy. Irritation. Anger. Greed. Fear. Shock. Pride. Loneliness. Jubilance. Excitement. Despair. Anguish. Boredom. Enthusiasm. Ignorance. Arrogance. Pity. Disgust. Shame. And many more…

They are emotions. You and I experience them. Emotions make us humans.
But emotions can kill in both sense of the word – figuratively and literally.

Being too emotional is dangerous. When we allow our emotions to take over us, it will cloud our judgment and thinking. Emotional persons make bad decisions, are easily panicked, and are easily led to their destruction.

Take Anakin Skywalker for example. He was skillful, powerful, intelligent, and versatile. But those cannot make a great Jedi, Jedis should be able to keep their emotions at bay. But Anakin was very emotional, and this led him to fear, to anger, to hate – and finally – to the Dark Side. He was driven by hate when he avenged his mother. And his fear of losing his wife, Padme Amidala, led him to make bad choices, and even being a reason in his wife’s death.

Being too emotional will probably lead you to the Dark Side.

As for those who are able to not allow their emotions be master of them, like Genjyo Sanzo and Sherlock Holmes. They were able to make good decisions often, and think ways out of tight situations even when under pressure.

A good example of someone who never allowed his emotions to take over in times of crucial moments is Phileas Fogg, the hero of Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 days”. Being cold, but optimistic, he was able to win his bet. Though many obstacles and problems that seems impossible – in other’s and Passepertout’s eyes – to scale or solve, Fogg was always able to find a way through all those circumstances by shutting down his emotions and thinking out a good plan or decision.

You may say that “unemotional” and cold characters like Genjyo Sanzo, Sherlock Holmes, and Phileas Fogg are friendless, disliked, and miserable loners. Genjyo Sanzo friendless? His “Sanzo Army” respects and do everything for him… doesn’t it sound like friendship? Sherlock Holmes disliked? Only by criminals, but he is much loved by the Scotland Yard and his clients that he saved from grief, anxiety, or scandal. Phileas Fogg miserable? He won his bet, obtained happiness, and had Aoudam the love of his life. Friendless, miserable and dislike loners? Bah… I don’t think so.

Being cold does not always mean being inconsiderate, insensitive, uncompassionate and such. Being cold also means being able to control one’s emotions.

I’m not saying that emotions are bad. Being too emotional is. It is good to be compassionate, loving, and other show of emotion in some circumstances. Learn to control and hide emotions, but be able express them in right times.

All I am saying is that we should not allow our emotions to take control. Ever heard of the expression, “driven by emotion”, or in Filipino, “nadala lang ng emosyon”? it’s dangerous doing impulsive moves or choosing impulsive decisions just because “nadala lang ng emosyon.”

I, myself, am still learning to master how to effectively control and hide my emotion. Yes, it is hard, but learn to practice it – it is worthwhile to do so. When you feel your emotions getting the better of you, take deep breathes – it’ll help.

Always remember, people who can control their emotions are better than those who can’t. That’s why the Vulcans are better than the Romulans.

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Fantastic Felines

Since my childhood black cat, Blackie, and his pride of felines, cats had inhabited our front yard ever since. Years passes, and generations of cats that came from that first batch had come and gone. Must of them just disappear - either they got tired of the food we feed them or they became road kill - so the average cat population in the cat pride during each batch is about four or five (but there used to be a time when a batch has ten, more or less).

I don’t know what generation my current cats are, and there used to be four often, and I called them the ‘Fantastic Four’. ‘Mr. Fantastic’ is the smartest cat among them. I called another the ‘Thing’ because he’s the ugliest (maybe because he’s the oldest). The youngest cat is the ‘Human Torch’ for being a hotshot. And the only female in the group is ‘Invisible Woman’ (being the only female).

Mr. Fantastic, being the smartest, left the group one day, since he knew he will have an irrelevant life if he stays in our yard. He envisioned himself doing better than eating table scraps (probably to make a starship like his namesake). I don’t know if he is gone for good (dead? Or captured by Dr. Doom?). In the past, he was also absent for a very long period, but eventually he returned. But he has yet to return from this current absence of his (rumor is he’s alive in an alternate universe).

The Thing is the ugliest and oldest. He is even older than my own sister. What he does each day is sleep, run from the neighborhood cat bully, annoy my mother, and only says, “It’s clobberin’ time!” when it is time to eat.

Hotshot Human Torch is all talk (or meow). Before fights, he mews threateningly like he will tear his enemy into pieces, but sooner the fight commences, he goes “Flame on!” and flee.

Invisible Woman disappears quickly when approached. No different. Nuff’ said.

Well, these are my cats – the Fantastic Four cats. Like most household cats, mine are conceited, selfish dumb, and lazy. But I like cats anyway than the “loyal, smart, heroic, energetic, noble” dogs (sheeesh). Cats remind me - in some ways - of humans.

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