Elections, Churches, INC: Vox Populi Vox Dei

By Reni M. Valenzuela

“Show of force.” But what force? I know of only two forces in this world: Forces of Heaven and forces of hell.

The state of our country’s electoral process and its loathsome results that seem to deliver us more bad leaders than good, one election after another, is a reflection of the sick condition of our churches, whether cultic, Catholic, protestant, evangelical, born-again, Muslim, etc.

Brace yourselves, dear countrymen, because the two chambers of Congress for one are soon to be composed of more drolls, dolls and dummies (with new, “comebacking” and “reelectionist” politicians), thereby transforming public service (even more) into primetime shows and entertainment, filled with tricks, antics and futility. Thank goodness, one has backed out.

Watch out for candidates who already have “thrown away” huge money in advertisements just to banner themselves even before (long before) the official campaign period begins, courtesy of a nasty Supreme Court ruling. Rest assured, these abnormally eager candidates have nothing but themselves, their families, clans, donors, colors, benefactors and vested agenda/business interests (again) to protect and serve once they get elected (and reelected).

Watch out too, dear voters, candidates and genuine public servants, for any “show of force” or display of political clout by politicizing false churches — to render once more a great disservice to our nation and people via their endorsements and diabolic block/black voting scheme. It’s election season once again, and it’s a season too for wolves in sheep’s clothing.

“… Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.” – Luke 17:21

To our religious leaders: Building up God’s Kingdom in your people reaches its peak and completion, and purpose — only upon playing your role as shepherds of souls, giving them the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and leading each one to the ways and heart of Jesus (Ezekiel 36:26, Matthew 11:29), beyond the “blessed” and “transformed” life (individually) via your teachings, sermons, sacraments, services, indoctrinations, “series,” festivities, worship, “prayers,” missions and programs.

You may contribute to the wellness of the nation’s body politic and good governance but only upon causing your parishioners to bolt out of their religious caves, I mean their own personal concerns, victories and miracles — for freedom and spiritual growth, and developing a Jesus compassion in them toward the poor and downtrodden, outcasts, forsaken, forgotten, needy and victims who are outside of the same “can afford” status they have.

Inclusivity, not exclusivity is what defines a true church, the church founded by Jesus Christ, not by mere religious, ambitious, vicious, theological “logo” men, neither it is by a “son of god” nor an “angel.” Nowhere in the New Testament can we find an “exclusive” Christian church.

Abutin naman po ninyo ang mga walang kaya sa buhay. Kaluluwa din po sila, silang mga unang inabot ni Kristo nang Siya’y bumaba sa lupa. But you won’t, because you yourselves are without a soul, perhaps, just perhaps. Prove your authenticity as a church of the biblical, resurrected, living Christ.

How many so-called Christians and pastors/ministers/priests/bishops/imams of these prodigal, prodigious religious groups had voted (and campaigned) for undesirable candidates in the past and had even prayed for and supported a murderous president? Countless of them, alas!

And, pathetic, based on statistics, over 90% of churches in the Philippines and elsewhere refuse (or neglect) to reach out to souls/sinners in prison camps and depressed areas because they have no means to give tithes and offerings, and donations. No wonder, the statistics of Christian conversion in the country ever remains the same since time immemorial. But they enjoy their “fellowships.” Who cares?

Where can we find these elitist “Christian” groups located? In posh villages, exclusive subdivisions, commercial/business centers, hotels, luxurious auditoriums, plenary halls and big malls.

Dear true servants of the one true Almighty God: Lead yourselves and your flocks in the path of righteousness (Psalm 4:11) so shall you make the dictum alive and effective as manifested in the result of every election, national and local: “Vox populi vox dei.” The voice of the people is the voice of God.

“Men have been found to resist the most powerful monarchs and to refuse to bow down before them, but few indeed have been found to resist the crowd, to stand up alone before misguided masses, to face their implacable frenzy without weapons.”  – Hannah Arendt, Jew philosopher/author (1906-1975)

Meanwhile, there should be a rule/law in metro manila that no political, religious, rebellious and any group be permitted to gather or conduct their rallies in public places with participants exceeding 5,000 people, including smaller gatherings that block the flow of road traffic and disrupt normal life, much less for people in the area. However, a divinely-inspired/led “people power” demonstration similar to the 1986 Edsa peaceful revolution is an exception.

Imagine, our president was “reasonably” forced to cancel school classes and government works just to give way to the recent Iglesia nI Cristo “Rally for Peace and Unity.” If you call that democracy, dear fellow Juan dela Cruz, what does democracy mean now? Insanity.

What peace and unity those 1.5 million religious people have achieved? Nothing. Nothing but more confusion, division, misdirection, controversy and imprisoned souls — and bad, “pious” politics.

Email: renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com