A reflection for Holy Week

Amidst all the global crises on energy shortages and wars, we should take some time out to reflect on religion this coming Holy Week. This is a reminder that in this world of globalization, artificial intelligence and wars in different parts of the world, the perfect statement of the ideal human life can only be seen in the life and words of a man who lived more than 2,000 years ago, long before the invention of the airplane, the atomic bomb, the computer and the internet.

This is a period which should also serve as a reminder that by His sacrifice, Jesus Christ empowered His followers to live this ideal life.

During most of the past hundred years or so, there were many predictions that advances in scientific discoveries, the rise of consumer culture and other secular forces such as populism and authoritarianism would result in the marginalization or even the demise of religion.

However, since the 1970s, the world has seen the massive upsurge of religion and the rise of different forms of religious belief such as charismatic Christianity and Islamic fundamentalism.

The rise in Islamic fundamentalism has witnessed parallel growth in Christian and Hindu fundamentalism. In Europe, church attendance is supposed to be at an all-time low. But Europe now is the scene of violent religious incidents by Islamic fundamentalists, anti-Jewish sentiments and even conflicts between different forms of Christian beliefs.

Historians contend that there has always been a link between history and religion. The word “religion” is derived from the Latin word religare, meaning to tie together or bind. Historians believe that this suggests the unique relationship between history and religion. There have been many books written on this topic.

The contrasts between historical and religious perspectives are very interesting. For most of us, a religion or spiritual movement developed because it is God’s will that it should. For historians such as Linda Woodhead, historical records show that religions flourish when they are in alliance with earthly powers. Such power may be political, economic or military, or all three.

For example, historians explain that the key factor for the spread of early Christianity was its adoption as the official religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine.

Perhaps, earthly powers need to be allied with a religion because the secular has a need for the sacred. When Spain was at its peak as an imperial power, it sought to colonize the world and at the same time, convert its colonies to Catholicism. Thus, the Philippines, then a Spanish colony, became a Catholic nation.

When imperial Britain was at its height during the Victorian era, it experienced a period of intense Christianization and its missionaries went to far-flung areas like Africa, India and China.

Today, the United States is seeing a literal explosion of mega churches and religious fundamentalism which exerts tremendous political power in the Republican Party.

The remarkable success and expansion of Islam can be explained by its ability to become the state religion in various Islamic states like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Iran. Islam has also become stronger in the Middle East because it is perceived to be a defense and rallying point against the expanding influence of Western and Christian power, particularly Europe and the United States.

There was a time in world history which saw the rise of empires such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia and China. Religions became formalized and rulers were considered divine. But religions rose and fell together with the rise and fall of these empires. Starting around 2,500 to 2,000 years ago, the world saw the rise of universal religion which tried to appeal to all people, wherever they may live in the world and not limited to just one culture or location.

In the history of mankind, there are less than a dozen of these religions and only three have been truly successful. These are Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. However, the truth is these religions were founded not by the forces of history but by the work of three persons: Jesus Christ, Mohammad and Buddha.

Throughout its history, Christianity may have taken a diversity of forms but they all ultimately derive from the person, life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Today, Christianity continues to exist in a world full of conflicts and paradoxes. It is the church of the wealthy and at the same time, the church of the starving and the weak. In some countries, it is in recession but in other countries, especially in Africa and Asia, it is exploding with energy and fervor.

The message of Christianity remains constant and commemorated by all Christians, especially during the Holy Week. This was the message articulated by the Apostle Paul. Jesus is the divine Savior who gave up His life for all humankind and through faith in Him, one could share His life eternally.