“…If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar…” –Judges 6:31

As it is written in Proverbs 17:6, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children;” indeed, my parents, Melanio Pauco Mauricio, Sr. and Salvacion Haber Lazo Mauricio, were (and still are) the pride of their children and grandchildren. They represent everything their offspring and descendants needed, including love and care.

A couple of moderate income, they still managed to be generous and good providers and we request relatives, friends, and associates to read a Bible verse in dedication to their memory for their 62nd wedding anniversary, which was commemorated over the weekend, July 8. A short prayer is also requested for their forgiveness, the cleansing of their souls, and acceptance into paradise.

Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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There are two points in President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest tirade against the “God of the Catholic Church.”

First, Duterte believes every Christian should seriously rethink spiritual beliefs.

While he may have hurled an “impossible condition,” calling for a Christian to prove the existence of God, the president’s latest comments are another golden opportunity to ponder our knowledge about God; whether or not a Christian can defend God’s “god-ness.”

For a long time, Christians have assumed they know God and believe in Him; however, if we ask who is God or what is God or why do they believe in God, many will likely be unable to offer an explanation.

If we ask Christians if they know what the “will” of God is or about His commands, they also would be hard-pressed to offer a coherent answer.

Second, I recall the story of Gideon (Judges 6), who, in the dark of night, destroyed the altar of a god named Baal and, upon learning about the demolition, the people were furious and demanded to know who was the culprit.

When they found out it was Gideon, they demanded Joash, his father, to present his son to be stoned. Joash proceeded to say something similar to Duterte, questioning if Baal was real and, if so, “Let Baal contend with him.” The people then calmed down.

Afterwards, Gideon proceeded to lead his countrymen, which proved Baal was not the god he claimed to be.

There is a parallel with the president.

Since he has questioned the existence of the “God of the Catholic Church,” Catholics should respond as Joash did, “Let the God of the Catholic Church contend with him.” Let’s see what happens.

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FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, what we have discussed here, or to consult any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917-984-2468, email me at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!/WDJ