Tagle to Catholics: Focus on pressing issues like rising prices
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Wednesday appealed to the country's Catholics to "be at peace" despite President Rodrigo Duterte's remarks against God.
The president earlier questioned the Bible's creation story and said that God was "stupid" for allowing temptation to corrupt his creation.
On Monday, Duterte clarified that his comment was directed to the God of his critics and not his own. Christians, including Catholics, believe there is only one God.
"What I said was your God is not my God because your God is stupid. Mine has a lot of common sense," Duterte said.
In a statement released Wednesday, Tagle reminded Catholics to respect non-Catholics and their religions, as well as those who do not believe in God.
"Be at peace. Be calm. Don't let things disturb your inner peace. Let us read the situation with the eyes of faith," Tagle said.
The archbishop added that questions about God and his ways have been asked throughout the history of the church.
"In my visits to colleges and universities, I have been asked similar questions by young people," he said, recalling a young girl who asked Pope Francis when he visited Manila why God allows children to suffer.
"As a constructive step, perhaps, we can invite our philosophers, scientists, theologians, Bible scholars, catechists and social workers to revisit these concerns and present responses appropriate to our contemporary sensibilities."
Focus on prices, jobs, other social issues
Tagle added that despite questions about the church, these should not distract Catholics from addressing other pressing concerns such as increasing prices of goods, job security, exploitation of women and children, violence in homes and neighborhoods and crimes.
"We need to come together and contribute to positive responses according to each one's capability. We cannot address these problems by just blaming someone," Tagle said.
"Those who believe in God must work faithfully and joyfully for the Lord. Those who do not believe in God must serve out of human decency, generosity and concern for neighbors," he added.
His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle's official statement to the clergy of RCAM regarding questions about religion and our Creator
— Cardinal Chito Tagle (@CardinalChito) June 27, 2018
/admin pic.twitter.com/XukhztZqE2
— Cardinal Chito Tagle (@CardinalChito) June 27, 2018
The president drew flak for calling God "stupid" and questioning the teachings of the Catholic church, which has been critical of his administration's human rights violations.
Christian group Intercessors for the Philippines said Duterte has "reached the highest limit of his arrogance and pride in thinking that he can curse God, blaspheme Him and get away with it."
Bro. Eddie Villanueva, founder of Jesus Is Lord, said that the president should apologize to God.
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