An answer to a Ms Universe question appears to generate ecumenical discussions!

Whoever thought an answer to a Ms Universe question would make Pinoys ask about what they think of their religious beliefs and to what extent will they give them up?

Ms Philippines, Shamcey Supsup's answer to juror Viveca Fox's question

"If I had to change my religious beliefs, I would not marry the person that I love because the first person that I love is God who created me and I have my faith and my principles and this is what makes
me who I am. And if that person loves me, he should love my God too."

Anyway, at least on Facebook or Twitter, Pinoys have as expected, discussed what this answer is all about. Some consider the answer to have shot down Shamcey's chances of winning the crown (she got the 3rd Runner up plaudit), which fell on Ms Angola, another woman who would not change what she was for something else! ABS-CBN was the first to start the trend by asking Shamcey's dad what he thought about his daughter's answer. Dad replied that he raised his daughter to stick to what she believed in.

Nonetheless, we have to laud Shamcey for her honesty and sticking to her core beliefs. Her answer is truly ecumenical. In any relationship, there should not be any compulsion to change beliefs but to respect beliefs whether they differ from yours or not.

Also her answer should pour cold water on the elitist Freethinkers and secularists in the Philippines. Religious belief is a core value of the Pinoy. Most Pinoys respect religious choices if these were made freely. Any compromise of religious beliefs short of sincere and heavenly choice is often met with scepticism

Perhaps we should aim to be a more ecumenical people where there is no compulsion to accept a belief, change it or impose it.

Comments

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