What happened to the Philippines: The only Christian nation in Asia that’s still deep in corruption, poverty, and increasing loose morals
In the 1950s, South Korea was the poorest country in Asia for over a decade. Singapore was a gang-ridden fetid slum in the 60s; Vietnam was highly impoverished, while the Philippines was the land of opportunities.
As the Philippines entered the Marcos years, we still enjoyed traces of prominence. However, our neighbors’ upheaval turned to silver, others to gold. We went from pearls to baubles.
Ironically, our SEA neighbors also had authoritarians—Lee Kwan Yu, Park Chung Hee, Trường Chinh celebrated by their people. In contrast, Filipinos still call for a revolution.
For almost four decades, the Yellow Revolution fought for a righteous government. But in 2022, the overwhelming support for the return of Marcos shows that Filipinos are tired of the same rhetoric and promises of the opposition.
Filipinos still call for a revolution.
Why not blame God for the country’s misery?
The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia, yet it’s deep in poverty, dissension, and the threat of Chinese intrusion. Despite countless prayer vigils and calls of the religious elite for change—we’re still in the wilderness.
The call to oust Duterte is so intense some professing Christians wished for his death. Religious groups constantly criticize the government. The result is more division.
CBCP, PCEC, UCCP, and NCCP united in “telling the government what to do.” These religious leaders compartmentalize the division of church and state, even if the apostles did the opposite. Ironically, Jesus surrendered His rights.
SEPARATION OF CHURCH & STATE IN THE PHILIPPINES.
How many more EDSA do we need?
We’ve had three EDSA revolutions, not counting the “mini-EDSAs.” Since 1986, the blame game has continued, and it’s pernicious. Will an EDSA IV work this time?
Yet those who you hope would lead the country to a moral and spiritual revival are the very people setting a bad example by mixing politics and religion—using the name of Jesus. God is sending a clear message.
Will an EDSA IV work this time?
Let’s face it—God is judging our nation!
In the Netherlands, the Ten Booms did their part in sharing the Gospel as Hitler murdered innocent millions. Was God helpless in protecting His own “chosen people“?
In the USA, despite efforts of church leaders to influence the government, abortion and same-sex marriage are legal, and prayers in public schools are banned. Did God not answer the clamor of His people?
When Jesus is Lord, the senior pastor ran thrice for public office and lost thrice. Was that from God as well? Instead of church leaders fighting the government, it must preach repentance and focus on what matters most.
Increasing loose morals
Most Filipinos remain religious and conservative, while the rest of the Christians in Europe and the USA are declining in numbers, with no signs of recovering.
Despite conservative tradition, values continue to disintegrate, evident in what we see on national television and social media. Biblical morals deteriorated as religious leaders and politicians are distracted by what mattered most.
If we want a better Philippines, we should help others mature in their spirituality—Only God can help our country
There’s always a villain in any institution; only the gospel can save the country. As Vico Sotto puts it, “We need leaders who fear, love God.” Only God can help us.
Unfortunately, more Catholic priests and evangelicals involve themselves into bipartisan politics that endangers the gospel they preach.
Real change happens when God changes the hearts of men. There is always hope in a society that repents.
Perhaps spiritual leaders meddling in politics should reflect on walking on the street of Manila with sackcloth and ashes on their foreheads, as the Kings of Israel did when God judged their nation.
Real change happens when God changes the hearts of men.
Bradlee Carr
Nothing will ever happen until Pinoys learn from history. Stop complaining and do more hard work. Stop blaming other people, that’s what’s happening in the US. You guys are doing the same thing.