‘Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain’

Although sinners like me sometimes take liberties with the Third Commandment, I submit that politicians are the worst offenders. I am annoyed by the wanton and reckless manner some candidates render campaign language in religious undertones. Many of them claim that their decisions to seek public office were finalized only after having sought and discerned divine guidance. This posture, calculated to win the sympathy of the religious flock, is initially burdened by a credibility issue, especially if one knows the reputations of the candidates. Worse, the implication is that these leaders are the anointed ones and therefore deserve the people’s support.

To be sure, politicians are not the only ones guilty of this. Once in a while I hear flippant remarks on piety uttered off the cuff and in poor taste by beauty contestants, basketball stars, and showbiz upstarts. When asked about their chances in competition they reply very casually and without any sense of reverence or piety, “bahala na si God.” They think the language is fashionable and cute but, in my opinion, it is licentious and disturbing.

The latest political personality to use the Lord’s name in vain is no less than the President himself who said he is leaving to God the decision on whether he should run for vice president. Really? Is this the same person now imploring spiritual direction from someone he once called a stupid God? Going by previous careless metaphors, it’s hard to tell if this is a joke or plain hypocrisy.

Time and again the President got away with obscene jokes and blasphemy. It’s disgusting to see the Palace town crier and contortionist again foisting the same kind of propaganda. We’ve been had before. I hope we have become wiser. As a popular quote goes, “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.”

JOSE B. MAROMA JR.
[email protected]