We aren’t trying to ridicule the beliefs of others, but when we are still stunned by what people do in the name of Dogma, we just can’t burry our heads in sand.
Our observation of the Easter lashings in the Philippines never ceases to amaze us.
PAMPANGA: Dozens of barefoot believers in the Philippines whipped themselves, some even nailed to large wooden crosses.
Others, using bamboo flails to hit their backs, which had been nicked with blades before the ritual. The groups stopped to pray at several places along their route, while women recited religious verses.
“It is difficult yet rewarding,” said sixteen-year-old Job Christian Ong, the youngest in his group of devotees, adding that he believed himself cleansed of sin after the event.
This Easter Tradition is to secure forgiveness for sins, cures for illness, or blessings.
“We always pray for strength, (good) health for our families, and thank God for blessings,” said Roger Aquino, a 59-year-old village official who was among the penitents.
“People should understand that what we do is a tradition (and they) should respect it.”
Even though the Catholic Church doesn’t encourage people to get nailed to a cross, the believers have been led to believe all the lashings and self punishment is what a God wants from them.
Dogma of any kind has a way of turning human beings into sheep.
They’re among the most effective tools of social conditioning.
They operate by eroding your trust in your own intellect, gradually convincing you to put your trust into some external entity.
By convincing you to give your power away to something outside yourself, you no longer are at the helm of your destiny.
The truth is that the Dogma experts don’t know any more about spirituality than you do.
But they know how to manipulate your fear and uncertainty and therefore keep followers imprisoned.
Our advice?
Trust in yourself, in your mistakes and accomplishments.
Learn all you can and gain wisdom while on your journey.
