"SIGE ka, masusunog ka sa impyerno," were a few of the words said to me as a child. It daunted me that even as a child, the smallest mistakes were enough to condemn me to hell. What more now, as adults, how many points have we accumulated? And does it count when we choose ourselves?  

     As society progresses, new challenges arise that demand contemporary solutions. While many people seek guidance in ancient religious texts like the Bible, they often interpret these texts in ways that align with their personal beliefs or preferences. Then, people would argue that there are lessons and rules set by the Bible that should and should not be understood literally, but somehow, the ones convenient to them are interpreted figuratively.

    As of press time, House Bill 147, or the Dissolution of Marriage Act, has passed its final reading in the House of Representatives, but remains to be seen what will happen in the Senate. Mixed reactions arose from the citizens from the mere mention of its proposal, especially on social media. They say it wipes away the sanctity of marriage and the existence of God's love between the couple, but is there any love left at all when abuse has buried its claws deep down the other party? Abuse not only includes physical abuse but also mental and emotional abuse that also affects the children. The abused party would not feel safe as long as they are tied to their abuser, and who are we to deny them of their freedom? Supporting the legalization of divorce is not rooted in any insecurity about my parents' relationship but because it ends misery and offers another opportunity for others to start anew. If you don't need it, that's good for you, but others do. 

     In the Vatican, Roman Catholic priests, at their discretion, may administer blessings to same-sex couples but are still not allowed to get married. This is a big step to consider, especially in the Vatican, the Holy See, the existence of God in these relationships. The LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual) community consists of people whose sexual orientation or gender identity is not heterosexual. They once again say that it goes against the teachings of God and what is in the Bible. But what wrong are they doing when they are celebrating love? Which is the foundation of a lot of God's message? The community is continuously harassed for simply breathing and existing. They are still at the receiver's end of insults and jokes that are uncalled for. Where is the sin in loving one's neighbor?  

     Another highly debated issue is abortion. Not everyone is financially, mentally, and physically ready to bear a child. More so in cases where the woman was raped or when the "parents" are too young. Bringing a child into the world is a significant responsibility, and individuals must decide if they are prepared to provide for that child. The lack of a choice, especially a woman's choice, to give up a large part of their life. This is also the root of child abuse and neglect, and the bottom line is that the child also did not choose this. And people would argue that they wanted this and should be held accountable for their mistakes. Yet, it is still another person's body they are dictating.  

     People continue to be prosecuted online and in person by choosing and protecting themselves, something that does not affect or involve a third person. They are simply living their lives while the people around them keep tabs and sentence them to hell. But they are still human beyond the boxes people encase them with insulting descriptions and labels. They are created in God's image and likeness.  

     This then begs the thought that maybe the problem is not the religion but how it's taught: to scare instead of nurture, to be viewed as an over-looming end instead of a fruitful beginning. How do we as a nation flourish if we keep on moving backward? Our country and society, deeply ingrained with our religious ties, hold on to principles no longer applicable to the modern era. Where do we draw the line between choosing self-preservation and respecting religion? Is it a conflict of man vs. God, or are some people playing god?