Selected Comments
(Current Topic: Crucifixions, They're More Fun in the Philippines ...)

Name: HMS
City/State/Country: New York, NY
IP Address: 108.183.75.178

Comments

People express their faith in strange, even dangerous ways. Here in the States there are those snake handlers of the Pentecostal Church in West Virginia and Arkansas. Their members purposely hold and even put deadly rattlesnakes around their necks while they sing and dance in literal interpretation of the Bible. Remember the old Cursillo in the Philippines? I recall the cursillistas calling each other "Brod". I wonder whatever became of that movement? Then there are those faithful who approach the altar on their knees believing that prostrating themselves while petitioning God will somehow fast track their petitions. The Bishops? The only time you will hear from them is when the "take" is affected.

Name: GFJ
City/State/Country: California
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

They can't do it. Philippines Roman Catholic church hierarchy can't tell these penitents to stop these mockery of Christ' flogging/crucifixion for the iniquities of us all, because that would utterly destroy/void the necessity of the confessional box. That is why the church hierarchy's admonition is only a mild; "the church is against it." The church hierarchy could easily tell these penitents to "stop it, this is a mockery of the crucifixion of Christ Jesus!" But the CBCP will not stop this practice for the reason given.

Name: Phil Researcher
City/State/Country: LA County, CA USA
IP Address: 71.165.114.106

Comments

Re Crucifixion In PI. The first time I saw this on TV was over 10 years ago , I believe it was either in Antipolo, Taytay or some towns nearby and it was on CNN. the problem is they (self flagellants and others) have made this into some kind of carnival or spectacle for them to be seen on TV or You tube. Are they really repenting for their sins? We wont know but the Catholic church does not approve of this kind of spectacle..I believe there is no law against it.. after all we have freedom of religion. In a democracy people are free to be stupid.

Name: HMS
City/State/Country: New York, NY
IP Address: 108.183.75.178

Comments

I suggested that the Penitent be nailed to the cross between two thieves - Gloria and Mike Arroyo. I should add that if the Arroyos are not available for whatever reason, then replace them with a Congressman and a Senator.

Name: JRH
City/State/Country: Montreal, Canada
IP Address: 70.83.179.172

Comments

This distorted image of Christianity; mock-crucifixion, self-flagellation, & carrying of the cross..yearly ritual or common practice in the Phils will continue in spite of the church's disapproval. As long as tourists, spectators, & witnesses go see this exceptional tradition, it will continue to be popular. No other country in the world does this strange & extreme form of sacrifice for the atonement of sins & bloody penance for forgiveness of bad deeds. A 52 year old man was crucified 27th times & as far as the record show nobody has died yet in this annual event. So, on with the show or circus as PNL mentioned.

Name: ASTIG AKHO
City/State/Country: EMPIRE STATE
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

Comments

Emulating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ by some Filipinos, is going beyond the extreme of religious fanaticism. We could show our love for JC by serving the poor and manifesting compassion. The world has become so materialistic which makes temporal gratification more eminent than spiritual enrichment. Those who are in power would love to remain in that position forever. Those who have the money would crave for more. Even priests want to become monsignors; monsignors want to become 'his eminence.' Tell me of a cardinal who refuses to become a pope?

Name: WDC
City/State/Country: California
IP Address: 75.38.74.20

Comments

Bunch of nuts! We need to change our corrupt culture then our sins will be forgiven. These people who try to hurt themselves are just as stupid as those who watch them. Get a job!

Name: GFJ
City/State/Country: California
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

Imitation Filipino penitent crucifixions is mildly rebuked by church officials with a simple, "We are against it." We won't ever hear the Roman Catholic church of the Philippines say to these misguided penitents, "Stop already the imitation mockery of Christ' true crucifixion for the forgiveness of all our sins." It's the same as, "There is no need to confess our sins because all our sins are already forgiven by Christ' crucifixion." It would render most church rituals obsolete. Without rituals, the church loses authority. It's these rituals that give the church its trans-like power over its members. Hence the church will never preach Christ total salvation of sins, and all we need do is accept and believe. That is also too easy and simplistic for most.

Name: GFJ
City/State/Country: California
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

On the theatrical side, annual crucifixion is coveted by so called penitents for needed attention and notoriety. It's a free crowd magnet, for many wanting to show their various reactions covered by media. Hopefully, their image will appear on a newsprint/tabloid or flashed on TV.

Name: Myrna
City/State/Country: Canada
IP Address: 99.242.61.85

Comments

We can rise after stumbling for a decade is better than saying Celebrating Holy Week is more fun in Philippines.

Name: blumntrit
City/State/Country: It hurts but fun
IP Address: 68.197.152.111

Comments

I'd like seeing more of those penitents in a parade whipping their bloodied backs in unison like before. Looks to me less and less people are on to it nowadays. Why don't those Quiapo fanatics and perhaps some pdo priest join 'em.

Name: HMS
City/State/Country: New York, NY
IP Address: 108.183.75.178

Comments

To temper the negative image this spectacle may create Filipino businessmen should probably cash in on it, albeit tongue in cheek. They could set up small stores in the vicinity selling T-Shirts with depiction of the crucifixion with words like. "I was nailed!", Or shot glasses with blood like liquid in the false bottom, Or Key chains and other souvenir stuff. In Mexico there's the Day of the Dead where chocolate filled intestines of dead mannequins are laid out in a town plaza and people partake of the "intestines". In Italy in the 60s there was a town where every year the faithful lick the church steps as they go up until their tongues bleed. If it cannot be prohibited then turn it into something of a curiosity just like Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Name: Edward
City/State/Country: Angeles City
IP Address: 70.180.202.8

Comments

This editorial about "crucifixion", why even put something like this in print. It just makes you folks look foolish. Thank God that this silly practice only happens once a year. But remember it's only a few misguided men who get hung from the cross, but it's every last one of you pissing and spitting everywhere that really makes visitors to your country sick. Also stop eating with your hands, that's another nasty habit. Happy Easter.

Name: mockingmaya
City/State/Country: taft avenue, manila
IP Address: 67.182.75.243

Comments

A crucifixion on Good Friday in Pampanga province reminds me of a Western critic of the religious fanaticism of the people of South America: "The most ignorant, the most bigoted, the most superstitious of all the Roman Catholics in Christendom. Was it probable, was it possible, that a free government should be introduced among such people. It appeared to me more extravagant than similar plans would be to establish democracies among the birds, beasts & fishes."

Selected Comments
(Previous Topic: With a Simple and Humble New Pope, What Should Happen to the Philippine Catholic Hierarchy? ...)

Name: Sam "The Mercenary"
City/State/Country: San Diego California
IP Address: 66.27.52.158

Comments

I am really a big fan of Pope John Paul II. He is a Saint. Having said that, I really feel this new pope is also special and is going to create just as much impact or perhaps a more powerful one than the last two popes. It seems his wisdom and example has a lot to offer in the present and future generations of Catholics. He seems to emphasize simplicity and humility as a way of life and as way of expressing God's love and charity. Indeed God's mercy and generosity blessed mankind once again with a very capable, wise and just Pope.

Name: ASTIG AKHO
City/State/Country: EMPIRE STATE
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

Comments

I would not cross the line and call the bishops of CBCP as bastards. That word is too harsh. I would rather give due respect for the insitution these bishops represent. It is true that some clerics have lost their moral compass for they are no special humans immune from sin. Even Peter denied Christ thrice.

Name: ASTIG AKHO
City/State/Country: EMPIRE STATE
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

Comments

In the Catholic religious institutes, there are canon regulars who serve the Church or parishes; there are the monastic that reside in monasteries; the mendicants that live on alms; and there are the clerk regulars who take religious vows and lead an apostolic life. The issue in the the Philippines, is the perception that very few of the 7,000 Filipino priests in some 3,000 parishes have really led a truly apostolic life. Have they? I have serious doubts.

Name: ASTIG AKHO
City/State/Country: EMPIRE STATE
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

Comments

The main reason why Pope Gregory VII and Adrian IV had a humble beginning was because both were a product of Christian monasticism. Pope Francis was not a monk but a clerk regular who have taken the vow of celibacy, obedience and poverty. The bird may want to take this into account.

Other Comments

Name: Romeo
City/State/Country: Spartacus
IP Address: 79.32.152.196

Comments

Today is black Saturday. The cross represents the supreme love of God to each an everyone of us. Blaming a person is like Judas Iscariot. Accusing an innocent (blaming) person is an evil followers. Today I want to accuse all politicians who buy votes. I want to announce to all the Filipino people or even the whole world that change in our country will never happen with these kinds of politicians. Money plus all canned goods have their names asking for votes. This rampant vote buying must be condemned and those who accept money for their votes must be condemned also! I pray to punish those who buy for votes!!! Hope that there will be law to prohibit vote buying!!!Vote buying is an obvious corruption!!!

Name: CaptainBlum/ArchBlum Vet/AAA
City/State/Country: SomeoneSottomizing
IP Address: 68.197.152.111

Comments

New found friend of Dennis Rodman Kim Jong-un is as crazy as him. One or two missiles may able to escape the umbrella defense and may land on Kali's paradise or the tourist Empire of Astig. This korekong idiot wants to play ball, by the time his pass-ball missiles reach US, North Korea will be wiped out of the face of the earth cuz US subs are already in his backyard - Unless Obama's nukes fumble/conk-out HMS, Sam & Marns will also be out of luck.

Name: blumntritt "G"
City/State/Country: Georgetown
IP Address: 68.197.152.111

Comments

Someone (dats you Astigeorge) George Stephanopoulos, George Harrison, George Hamilton, George Clooney, George Strait, George Steinbrenner, George Bush, George Washington, Boy George - but George Orwell? Do the pnl readers need to know him as well? Wt heck my list is getting longer.

Name: mockingmaya
City/State/Country: taft avenue, manila
IP Address: 67.182.75.243

Comments

The fact remains that George Orwell didn't attend a university. And thank you for reminding me that Orwell won a scholarship at Wellingdon College & Eaton College. But the deeper dimension of Orwell's view of an intellectual is over your head. He is contemptuous of any self-imposed & arrogant scholars & intellectuals. He argues that "the more intelligent, the less sane."

Name: mockingmaya
City/State/Country: taft avenue, manila
IP Address: 67.182.75.243

Comments

The earliest Catholic clergy in America were the Jesuits. And Mother Seton is considered as America's first Catholic saint. But Roman Catholicism has encountered contradictions & problems in America: German Catholics were scornful of Irish Catholics, etc. One of my favorite greatest American scholars & statesmen, Jefferson, was a leading exponent of education & religious freedom (see a Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom, freeing education from church dominance).

Name: Sam "The Mercenary"
City/State/Country: San Diego California
IP Address: 66.27.52.158

Comments

I have to react on this statement by [someone] in the forum. The statement goes, "As I have practiced in the past, I minced no words in calling Mockingmaya a fraud by making outrageous comments that are factually wrong" My reply: But it is you who is actually creating the ridiculous here. "All Muslims look alike" remember that? You can't even interpret George Santayana's famous phrase for crying out loud lest even spell his name! George Santana? So before you judge others, look at the mirror first. There is nothing wrong with Mockingmaya. It is you for your dire need of attention and your reckless romance with controversies and conspiracies.

Name: Sam "The Mercenary"
City/State/Country: San Diego California
IP Address: 66.27.52.158

Comments

To [someone] who said, "It is time to drive these hypocrite bastards at CBCP, from corrupt priest, homophobic priest, Monsignor, bishops, archibishops, and cardinals.... to give up all their luxurious life." My reaction: I just hope you are not resorting to lynching by propanda. Magnifying the fault of the few to judge the whole group is hateful, malicious and manipulative. I just hope you are not associating prestige with luxury. Title is not with power alone but responsibility... Judging the Church by the mistakes of the few is usually born out of jealousy, malice and hate.

Name: HMS
City/State/Country: New York, NY
IP Address: 108.183.75.178

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To [someone] about the handling of Sabah: Your so-called solution is something a grade schooler could easily guess. The problem with people like you is that always think they know better when they do not. It's pointless to explain anything to you. You will just come up with another accusation. If Aquino mishandled the issue as you claim why is his approval rating so high? Why did it not go down like Enrile's ratings when Santiago exposed him?

Name: ASTIG AKHO
City/State/Country: EMPIRE STATE
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

Comments

Dissent is what makes the first amendment stronger and for journalism to flourish. I disagree with the PNL editors on the principle that civil discourse is preserved by hiding the name of the person to whom the criticism is being directed. Anynonimity is not the solution and to suggest that whose who disagree, to go blog somewhere is narrow-minded thinking. This is not the world of "yes man."

Unfortunately, we see rebuttals usually turn into ad hominem attacks on other commenters. Let's all remain civil and keep this forum from turning into a barroom brawl. - PNL

Name: ASTIG AKHO
City/State/Country: EMPIRE STATE
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

Comments

A flawed logic: "The name Ateneo sounds like a prestigious title in the Philippines, but it starts there and it ends there.. Not here in the U.S. where everyone starts from scratch and earns a fair day's pay from a fair day's work. " Not really. In the US, if you are a graduate of IVY league schools, you are likely to get hired easily upon graduation and paid handsomely. I could relate to that. My niece was a Princeton graduate who got hired immediately upon graduation by a research firm in NY. An alumnus of a great college has a clear edge over the rest.

Name: Phil Researcher
City/State/Country: LA County, CA USA
IP Address: 71.165.114.106

Comments

Re: Some Bloggers-- There are bloggers here, I don't want to name them as they will misinterpret that they are smart.. One blogger can't bring good arguments he resorts not only in name calling but likewise putting down the other blogger with ad hominem attacks..One common ploy is to belittle one who is a college graduate as some kind of product of elitist University. I avoided this blogger by ignoring his comments on my blogs.. I don't want to dignify his comments.. I prefer to ignore him.

Name: GFJ
City/State/Country: California
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

Had Kiram III's goons gone to Sabah unarmed, 10 dead Malaysian security police and 53 dead Kiram III goons would be alive today. 8 Kiram III goons would not have been arrested, who are now facing life imprisonment or death penalty. 123 suspected backers/supporters/in cahoots of the terrorists, would not have been detained. 5000 Filipinos that were living in Sabah would not have left & evacuated back to Mindanao. For all the death/chaos/destruction caused by these goons, Sabah will still remain part of Malaysia, and Kiram III may have forfeited the annual cede or token rental fund Malaysia was paying.

Name: GFJ
City/State/Country: California
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

Angry North Korea's curtailment of the armistice versus South Korea is nothing new. In fact this is the 7th time. This is the first it announced it is in a state of war with the south, and mobilizing its missiles supposedly to strike at US bases in the pacific and the US. Viewed globally as a face saving statement for domestic consumption. It's missile capability, much less accuracy is doubtful.

Name: As I See It
City/State/Country: Cebu City/SD,CA
IP Address: 68.7.248.64

Comments

To someone from Hawaii: Phre, even the word 'adoring' as in 'adoring belief' and the whole blog containing 'avenging angel' were dropped. What you say? I think I would just say thank you to PNL for this opportunity to express my thoughts here, to have chance to rebut, and repudiate especially those whom I am seeing as painting white as black and black as white. This is the kind of 'freedom' I have here. Or else I don't have it here in this forum. Sarap talaga ng mahimahi, phre!