Unchristian

One subject I abhorred in College was Religious Education, more commonly known as Theology. I’m not an atheist, nor am I an agnostic, and yes, I do believe in God. I didn’t hate the subject per se; it was the teachers that I despised.

One of them even campaigned openly for his son who ran for president in the Student Council. Not surprisingly, her son won, and even managed to serve two terms. A friend who was one of her students mentioned that she even gave extra points to those who would vote for her son. Is bribery one of the virtues the Catholic Church teaches its flock?

Recently, someone I know who takes up nursing and studies at the same university told me about her ReEd class. She got into an argument with her teacher and was very concerned that she might fail. I said that when I was still studying, I got into many arguments with my teachers but none of them failed me. She countered that her ReEd teacher was known to fail students she disliked or those who argued with her. This teacher, she added, even asked for 1000 pesos from each student for a two-day recollection. If they refused, they would have to accompany her to hear mass every Sunday. I haven’t heard something as stupid as that in my entire life.

I believe that it’s unchristian to fail your student for the flimsy excuse that you don’t like her or because you had an argument with her. What if she gets good grades? Will you still fail her just because you have the power to do so? It’s unchristian to force your students to pay 1000 bucks for a recollection. In these hard times, 1000 pesos aren’t easy to come by. I thought these ReEd teachers practiced frugality? It’s unchristian to threaten your students with punishment should they refuse to give in to your extortions.

The Catholic Church should not be surprised that few people go to Sunday mass nowadays. They should be at the forefront of teaching their flock the right virtues. But how can they do that when the very people that are tasked to spread the word of God, are the ones acting against the teachings of the Bible?

Bribery, extortion, and intimidation. These are the traits you wouldn’t expect from a ReEd teacher, but from a hoodlum.

It’s a pity that students have to sit for three hours every week and listen to some people who are shamelessly using the word of God for their own selfish interests. It’s a shame that these people ply their trade in a Catholic institution that prides itself for being one of the best universities in the country.

I believe that there are still a lot of good ReEd or Theology teachers out there. Unfortunately, they are overshadowed by hypocrites.

I’m no religion expert, but I do know that Jesus absolutely detested hypocrites.