EDITORIAL - Quick to call out, quick to forgive

An incident that grabbed the attention of many recently was a singer-actress’ performance in a church. Participating in a concert intended to benefit the church itself, the singer performed songs considered inappropriate and wore a dress that was considered improper.

Of course, in mostly-Catholic and conservative Philippines, more than a few eyebrows were raised and many said that it was sacrilegious considering what she sang and what she wore.

Along with many, this newspaper agrees that it should not have been done. Some songs should not have been sung and that dress, while it was certainly proper for other venues, certainly didn’t belong in a church.

Yes, it is right to call her out for her repertoire of songs and what she was wearing. But as quick as we are to condemn or, rather, to call out an offense, we should also be as quick to forgive.

Because while some comments of netizens online are spot-on, justified, and rational, other comments are just dripping with self-righteousness and fanatic fervor, as if irreversible damage was done or that it was an act that cannot be forgiven.

Yes, there is nothing wrong with defending one’s faith, in fact, it is one’s duty to do so. But there are some of us who tend to go overboard regarding religious beliefs and feel as if their faith has been deliberately attacked even when it has not.

Of course, there are whose who have committed far worse acts against the Almighty but bristle with indignation and call attention to the acts of others while keeping theirs under wraps. That there is the height of hypocrisy.

Now that she has asked for forgiveness, we should all put this incident behind us. After all someone long ago did say you should forgive those who have wronged you 70 times seven.

Still feeling offended? Then let he or she who has no sin cast the first stone.