Nailing a Filipino at Eastertime

I don’t understand why some Christians feel the need to take part in Easter crucifixion rituals in the Philippines. Anyone who is unsure of what it is that I’m talking about, then watch this video and witness the macabre activities that a number of, what can only be described as, maniacally devout Catholics are willing to subject themselves to, all in the name of God and religion:

Every Good Friday, in towns across the Philippines, people atone for sins or give thanks for answered prayers by re-enacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in every gory detail, sometimes on makeshift Golgothas. One such person named Mamangon, who continues the practice after inheriting it from his father who had been nailed to the cross fifteen times in his own lifetime, has described what he felt after being crucified:

“I feel so refreshed, like all my sins are washed away”

Unhinged is a word that comes quickly to mind. Mamangon added that he “will continue this until my son Alex is cured.” He almost seems to be saying that his son’s illness has come about as a result of his own sinfulness and that until he has performed this act enough times his son won’t be cured. So, in some roundabout way, he blames himself for his son’s condition. To be emotionally caught up in such a pointless and painful ritual is very sad. Considering that the Saviour has supposedly already paid in full for the sins of the world, I can’t help but think what a misguided waste of time this all is. Do these filipinos not think that his sacrifice was enough?

And surely a person of faith could express any thankfulness that they inevitably feel, because of something they believe God has done, in acts of service – feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving drink to the thirsty, visiting with those who are sick or any other compassionate act. After all, it was Jesus who said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25: 40). The Bible suggests that it’s sufficient to honour Jesus’s commands, as in that way devotees will find themselves on the good side of God.

Because I was once ardently religious, I often find that I can comprehend, to some extent, the religious psyche, but flagellation and literally imitating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, complete with nails, is far, far removed from what I’m able to understand. I truly don’t get it.

Curmudgeonly

Sam Harris on religion

On conversation versus dogmatism

Curmudgeonly Yours

Potholer54’s “Made Easy” series #3

Here’s two more videos from Potholer54’s “Made Easy” series.

The first video traces humankind’s migration out of Africa and, using DNA evidence, explains how humans came to cover the earth.

And the second one asks: Could God have designed DNA?

If you’ve missed his other videos, don’t worry, they can be found here and here.

Curmudgeonly Yours

Potholer54’s “Made Easy” series #2

I previously posted a few videos from Potholer54’s “Made Easy” series and I commented that I might post more at some future date, so here they are. Whereas the other videos dealt with the origin of the universe and the age of the earth, these are to do with the origin of life and the theory of evolution. Enjoy.

The Origin of Life Made Easy

Natural Selection Made Easy

The Theory of Evolution Made Easy

Human Evolution Made Easy

Curmudgeonly Yours