Christianity making Philippines poor?
According to the United Nations Population Fund, the Philippines will remain poor unless we address our population growth. Following this argument, the church’s stronghold in influencing the state is stopping reproductive health issues to be addressed by the government. The church is against condoms, pills and a multitude of family planning methods (except for the “natural” process) and most moves to curb population have been harshly criticized by the church. So, with these arguments, is it alright to surmise that Christianity is keeping the Philippines poor?
Alright, I agree that may have been harsh but the underlying problem here is that religion has a strong influence in the state. Whenever the government takes a stand that departs against the “natural” process that the church has approved, everyone from the CBCP to the Archdiocese of Manila will have a ready made draft ready to be announced at Sunday mass.
Going back to the source of the problem, how do you believe we should address the population issues that the UNPF wants us to address? Sweeping changes to the government policies seem to be the solution but how do you appease the church?
Sources:
ABS-CBN News – UN: RP population may double in 25 years
They (the catholic church to be specific) aren’t only part of the poverty-population problem (just look at the underdeveloped church structures that have been standing for decades without the new technology/lifestyle finds — airconditioning, soft-cushion seats, proper sound system, etc. — like it’s still the middle ages), some of their rogue elements are even glorifying it by leading useless rallies and using the press to further their non-religious propaganda, playing up the masses’ poverty when their organization are operating on a tax-free basis and with substantial financial support from society’s dark elements.