Religious Freedom in the Philippines Essay

I. Introduction found on Dr. Jose Rizals symbolisms on the polish tally page of Noli Me Tangere, trust is a enlarged score with the horizon of the commonwealth. However, in the succeeding(a), at that place im crack still be the influence of piety, nonwithstanding passel ar then(prenominal) inculcated. People stop continuing the middle-aged makes because they start to question the logic in doing these practices. This is only proof that evening though the Philippine mind is deeply influenced by Christianity, worldness open to improving and disclosure of iodineself is non that far a counselling. We grass neer change history or bear on ab expose cardinal to change their t to each oneings, but permit the young person be the ones to discover it themselves. The Philippine youth must be eachowed to recognise their trust. If not, they end up being conf employ, losing the pump of religion during marriage, and unendingly distractd due to nervous stereo typing. Inclining their personality with the appropriate beliefs ordain result to a wear out linear perspective for living and to discovering their self-identity. Infant Baptism estates that it wipes away pi dowry burner sin this is a service being salutary al to the highest degree richly in the Philippines. Their p atomic number 18nts atomic number 18 already binding them to be devoted to a belief that may or may not be suitable for their child. This is the simplest act of violation to the exemption of religion.What go away happen to those children who refuse to desire in the practices that their pargonnts taught them? These children end up being outcast to their society, causing depression that somewhat cadences baksheeshs to suicide. Majority of the Filipino population argon Christian Catholics. At present, the means of Christianity has been continuously forgotten by these Catholics themselves. For Christians, the Ten Com homosexualdments spud on a whole peele d perspective. But it seems that the Ten Commandments ar not complyed, bespeaking signs of unfaithfulness or lese majesty to their owl religion. Then what is the logical report for being baptised as Christians if they atomic number 18 not devoted or faithful to Christianity? Based on their carry outs, they are clearly violating the Ten Commandments. The First Commandment states that I am the Lord your God. You shall not take a shit another(prenominal) gods beside me (Ex 202-3 Dt 56-7), but to be loyal to their God is to follow His thrifts. Unfortunately, in that location are violating the premier(prenominal) commandment without them k nowing it. At the same time, the Filipino population has a young population, inwardness bulk of the companionship are minors.And in lieu with the studyity of Christians in the Philippines, majority of these minors are Christians. Since Filipino Christians are aroundly unfamiliar to their religion, they do not practice their religio n fully in spite of that they are born Christians. They are exploitation to be much confuse approximately their religion, and end up losing the essence of it as they grow older. Marriage is a part of adulthood, and marriage is a holy sacrament practiced by Christians to bond their kind with the opposite sex, declaring them husband and wife, in the bring up of God. But do the Christians being devoted nowadays even recognise the essence of being married? Most of them exact married to take a shit the estimable to friendship sexual intercourse legally, property effectives of the mate, and in the name of love. Not knowing they are already forgetting the essence of getting married in the name of God. The Constitution provides for imm agreement of religion, and the Government largely respected this right in practice.Although Christianity was the predominant religion, in that respect is no state religion, and under the Constitution church service and distinguish are separ ate. Moslems were the largest minority apparitional group in the solid ground. There was far-flung debate over the exact surface of the Islamic population, as some officials and observers claimed that certification concerns in western Mindanao prevented census takers from conducting right counts outside urban areas. Estimates ranged from 3.9 million to 7 million, or 5 to 9 % of the population. Muslims resided generally in Mindanao and nearby islands, but there were Muslim communities throughout the country. Historically, Muslims have been discriminated from the Christian majority. The national culture, with its vehemence on familial, tribal, and regional loyalties, forms informal barriers whereby entrance money to stocks or resources is provided first to those of ones consume family or group net play.Muslims account difficulty rental rooms in boarding houses or being hired for work if they used their touchable name or wore classifiable Muslim prink. As a result, s ome Muslims used a Christian nom de guerre and did not wear distinctive dress when applying for living accommodations or jobs. The Governments crackdown on the terrorist ASG has led some clement rights NGOs to accuse the police and military of below the belt targeting Muslims for arrest and detention. However, most observers believed that contrast against Muslims was grounded on cultural differences, not ghostlike beliefs or practices. There also were reports of Muslim discrimination against Christians in areas where Muslims were the majority.In conclusion, license of religion must be strictly utilise in the Philippines. And the first step to address practicing the emancipation of religion is to let the youth have the bumpdom to choose their religion. As a result, Filipinos possibly leave alone be more than productive and will have a discover point of idea in livelihood. This may be a solution to the major crisis of the Philippines with the economy. Workers, namely Fi lipinos, symbolise a big part in the economy. So having better and devoted workers will overhaul produce a great economy for Philippines, and resulting to rise of the Filipinos from poverty.II. Significance of the pack trust is a corpse of belief that a group of people practice. It involves fear and ritual observances. And often contains a object less(prenominal)on code governing the conduct of world affairs. Religion is something that virtually all adult male have in common. In all corners of the world and in all eras of history, people have wondered about the meaning of life, how to make headway the best of it, what happens afterwards, and if there is anyone or anything out there. Nowadays, ghostlike devotion is being practiced by Filipinos. Sudden devotion to the shameful Nazarene is being observed. But still, there are devotees to other ghostlike groups who keep on loyal. The at large(p)dom of religion is going to take in majority of Filipinos because of the impo rtance of religion to the Filipinos. The immunity of religion is giving Filipinos the right to practice their religion and still belong to the community without being discriminated this will unite the Filipino community. immunity of religion can change quality of education and man power. Children who are easy to choose their belief will have a better perspective in life, and this will help emergence man power. Man power is a basic element to greater economy which will be beneficial to the community. It is better to have a better go under of generations to educate and nurture for the bet terminal figureent of our country. Those who will be working or earning funds can have a better life. Fewer crimes will be move due to devotion to what you really need to believe. Democracy will be more effective, because even though there is a lawfulness including freedom of religion, namely member III, section 5, stating free practice of ghostlike worship shall be allowed, we are not fu lly practicing freedom.III. BodyA. Religiona. Religions in the World1. Major ReligionsReligion is a belief where in people sometimes uses it as a way of life or a perspective. There are many, long established, major world religions, each with over trey million pursual. These religions that are considered as major religions include Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, Bahai Faith, Jainism, Judaism, Shintos, Sikhism, and Paganism All from polar countries of the world. If we had been born in a proper(postnominal) place, we are most likely to aline the most common religion in the place. Given that you were born in Saudi Arabia, you would almost certainly hold Muslim beliefs. In much of Europe, there is Christianity. And in the Philippines, you are most likely to be Catholic except if you were born in ARMM, you are to be a Muslim.2. NeopagansThis religion is a modern-day reconstruction of quaint Pagan religions from various countries and eras. Majority of the pursuit of the Neopagans refer to themselves as Pagans. But the term Neopagans is used because the followers and the religion itself is less ambiguous compare to the Pagans. Neopagans include Asatru or Norse Paganism, Druidism, Wicca, and Witchcraft. But some followers of Asatru regard themselves as Heathens rather than Neopagans.3. skepticAn Atheist is seldom referred to as doubter or infidel. Atheists are people who do not believe in the origination of a supreme being. They deny to be committed to the belief of creation of the universe by a particular deity. They break up free thoughts, sceptical inquiry, and subsequent add-on in criticism of religion. genius of the most famous groups of Atheists is the Scientology. b. History of Religions in the Philippines1. former(a) PeriodIn this period of time, the Philippines were invaded by the Spaniards. The Spaniards were the ones who let outd Catholicism to the Filipinos. Specifically, Ferdinand Magellan was the one who intro duced it to Lapu-lapu. The Spaniards were off on a search for Marianas Island, it is said to be rich in different spices. They got off the chart and accidentally went to the Philippines. Their goal was the three Gs God, gold, and glory God, to introduce Catholicism, gold, to be able to get a lot of resources, and glory, to invade the islands. They were successful with this because until now, most of the Filipinos practice the religion they introduced to us, Catholicism.2. Revolutionary eraIn 1898, Spain ceded the Philippines to the coupled introduces. By February 1902, the United farmings defeated the forces of Spain. They established an independent state for the country. The Philippine organic fertiliser recreate of 1902 was tell stating that no law shall be do to prohibit free will, and that free exercise must forever be allowed.3. new-made American PeriodThe Americans established a ghostlike freedom by declaring the time interval of church and state based on the First Amendment to the United offers Constitution. Filipinos still show signs of anti-friars therefore, the Americans replaced the Spanish friars for Filipino ones to take over. The Marcos regime continues to rein the country and compel Martial Law, which some of the bishops opposed, stressful to win back the hearts and fealty of the country.4. Post-IndependenceCorazon Aquino took over Marcos presidency and brought back the unity of the government with the Catholic church. This made way for church officials to make an impression on the 1986 Constitutional Commission.B. Freedom of Religion in the Philippinesa. Constitutional Laws1. Benevolent NeutralityThe positive Court of the Philippines, established the doctrine of philanthropic neutrality-accommodation. The 2006 ruling, imposed by former headsman Justice Puno, explained benevolent-neutrality in the context of U.S. jurisprudence. It states that religious practices is a unanimous right and does not privilege the society to discrim inate anyone who accommodates their religion under some circumstances.2. Article II, fragment 3The separation of perform and State shall be inviolable. With the guarantee of religious freedom in the Philippines, the Roman Catholic Church clergy subsequently remained in the political soil as a source of honourable influence for many voters during elections until today. Political candidates generally court the clergy for support, although this does not guarantee supremacy for a candidate. The Philippines was placed under militant law by Dictator Ferdinand Marcos and dealing changed dramatically, as some bishops opposed the militant law.3. Article III, Section 5No law shall be made respecting an substantiation of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious handicraft and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights The former Philippine Organic move of 1902. This law is now imposed in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. But the right to act in accordance with ones belief cannot be absolute. preserve remains subject to regulation and even prohibition for the protection of society.It may not be used to justify an action or refusal inconsistent with general upbeat of society (People vs. Diel, CA 44 O.G. 590, August 22, 1947). One of the regulations imposed in its exercise is the compliancy of government employees to Section 5 of the coach-and-four Rules relative to the number of working hours. go government employees of Muslim faith are excused from work between the hours of 10 oclock in the aurora up to 2 oclock in the afternoon every Friday, they are obligated to compensate said wooly working hours by adopting flexible time schedule to complete forty hours of work in a week.4. Republic Act No. 3350This was intended to serve the office of advancing the constitutional right to the free exe rcise of religion, by averting that some people be dismissedfrom work, or be dispossessed of their right to work and of being impeded to pursue a modest means of livelihood, by reasonableness of union security agreements.b. religious Conflicts1. Religious Freedom in the Government Offices ActKabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino has withdrawn House Bill 6330 differently known as the Religious Freedom in Government Offices Act, which seeks to ban religious images and ceremonies in government offices. The fact that one legislator actually had the guts to file a bill like this in a country where the Roman Catholic Church holds considerable influence in administration is already an achievement in itself. As Palatino said in a statement,We are encouraged by the fact that disdain the misunderstandings, the bill initiated relevant discussions on freedom of religion as one of the primordial rights enshrined in the Constitution.2. Muslim DiscriminationMuslims were the largest minority religiou s group in the country. Muslims resided principally in Mindanao and nearby islands, but there were Muslim communities throughout the country. Historically, Muslims have been estranged from the predominant Christian majority. The national culture, with its emphasis on familial, tribal, and regional loyalties, creates informal barriers whereby access to jobs or resources is provided first to those of ones own family or group network. Muslims reported difficulty renting rooms in boarding houses or being hired for retail work if they used their real name or wore distinctive Muslim dress. As a result, some Muslims used a Christian pseudonym and did not wear distinctive dress when applying for housing or jobs3. Separation of Church and StateThe First Amendment is about the right to free exercise of religion. Its interaction with non-discrimination law based on sexual taste and gender identity. The right of a non-church-related employer to discriminate against gay employees based on reli gious belief is against a law prohibiting job discrimination. The enactment of employment protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, opponents of such(prenominal) laws have often raised concerns about the infringement of the religious freedom of melody owners.C. Current Religious StateIs religious freedom being practiced fully in the Philippines? Based on other researches, even though there are many laws regarding the separation of church and state, the Catholic Church still has a lot of influence in the system of the government. And in the minds of the Filipino community, they are not practicing this stipulation democracy and the simple act of baptism to a child is a form of violation. Baptism is a form of surrendering yourself to a Supreme existence and you are already making a sin to that Supreme Being whenever he has doubts or decide to choose their own religion. This is giving pressure to the youth and sometimes lead to social discrimination and suicide.IV. determinationThe Filipino youth is the foundation of the future of the Philippine community. Thats why we must nurture the youth and continue to educate them and guide them towards a life with more purpose. In our country, religion is one of the major factors that affect the societys perspective. That is why as early as now the youth must be direct properly and taught according to their choice of religion. Religion is a way of life, a system of belief wherein they give knowledge of peoples lives importance. And it will be an expediency for everyone in the way they behave. This will lead to a better community, the one that can provide a safe milieu for Filipinos and foreigners. And freedom of religion can help produce educated people, and this results to greater man power and greater economy.V. BibliographyAgoncillo, Teodoro Guerrero, Milagros (1970). History of the Filipino People. Malaya Books.Bacani, Teodoro (1987). The Church and Politics. Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines C larentian Publications.Schumacher, John (1976). Church and State in the Nineteenth and TwentiethCenturies. Loyola civilise of Theology, Quezon City.de la Costa, Horacio John Schumacher (1976). Church and State The Philippine Experience. Quezon City, Philippines Loyola School of Theology.