POLETEISMO

Recently, the Cultural Center of the Philippines was forced to close their exhibit entitled “Kulo”. This was due to the threats, vandalisms and claims of blasphemy that Mideo Cruz received regarding his artwork “Poleteismo”.

It included images of Jesus having: a red nose like that of Rudolph, ears of Mickey Mouse and an adjustable wooden penis.

In addition, a condom was placed near the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Here are some of the reactions of influential people:

-Arch Bishop Oscar Cruz called the artwork as a “consummate sacrilege”. He said that the exhibit was sick and sickening.

-Former First Lady Imelda Marcos described the work as “ugly” and “isn’t true”. She requested the exhibit to be closed

-Sen. Tito Sotto threatened CCP that its funding will be stopped if they will not close the exhibit.

-Sen. Jinggoy Estrada wanted the CCP board of officials to all resign.

I was really shocked when I saw the exhibit from the news. Maybe because it is something I don’t usually see and would not rather see. But suddenly I asked myself “What if Mideo Cruz is right” “What if I’m just afraid to accept the fact that nowadays, some of my fellow countrymen don’t worship God but worship money, fame and power instead?” One proof for this is the never- ending corruption in our country! Some politicians kill each other for power. People are getting poorer and poorer because of their greediness.

I understand the Church for being offended because the image of Christ was been destroyed. The faith of the Roman Catholics might be shaken by this very incident. But some say that the Church doesn’t have the right to close the exhibit while some agrees to what the Church did.

It is good to know that the Church and the government are helping each other on this issue. For me, this is the government’s way on fixing its cracked relationship with the Church- few months ago, the Senate accused the Bishops on using the SUV’s they requested for personal use. They felt disrespected and said that they will just return the SUV’s instead.

The point is we all have different perceptions in life. What might be beautiful for me might be ugly for you whereas what is beautiful for you might be ugly for me. We should not judge people easily because if we do so, we are only judging ourselves. We should know our similarities and respect our differences.

It is only an image of God and not God Himself. My faith will not be shaken by this single piece of artwork.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” - Anonymous