This is for you, Signor Bruno

Some men, resembling the dim-eyed mole, who the moment he feels upon him the open air of heaven, rushes to hide himself back again into the ground, desire to remain in their native darkness... But those who are born to see the sun, being full of thanksgiving when they come to the end of the loathsome night, dispose themselves to receive in the very center of their eyes' crystal globe their long expected rays of the glorious sun, and with unaccustomed gladness in their hearts, they lift up hands and voices to adore the east.

- Giordano Bruno, De la Causa, Principio, et Uno

One of my most influential figures in my mystical life is Giordano Bruno, 16th century Hermeticist, Kabbalist, philosopher and freethinking martyr. Bruno was relentlessly persecuted by the Church until his death by being burned at the stake for his beliefs. The passage I've just cited refers to those who refused illumination and preferred to stay in the darkness. It's no wonder the Church tormented him.


Honestly, I'm still far from my own ideal of a spiritual freedom fighter but I am doing my best to emulate Giordano Bruno. Fortunately for people like me, the Church doesn't burn people who don't agree with their doctrines. However, even after Vatican 2, the Church still "desires to remain in their native darkness". Here in the Philippines, the Catholic influence is still strong. Unfortunately, they are not better than the dim-eyed moles Bruno wrote about.


I feel that it is my duty and right to fight against the fundamental darkness especially within the religious sector. The Philippines may be a democratic country but there's still a streak of theocracy alive and well since the time when the Spaniards were our masters. For instances, Lito Atienza's ban of contraceptives in Manila back when he was mayor, the Comelec's rejection of the gay partylist Ang Ladlad and the CBCP's endless meddling in Philippine politics since Day One. This has to stop.


I'll be honest. There were times when I doubt my courage. I used to think that challenging and criticizing the Church will bring nothing but ruination to me. Back then, I was still struggling to free myself from Catholic influence. Now I realize that I'll be damned if I let them get away with it. I will not tolerate any lies and other tomfoolery from the religious right. In the name of the Sage of Nola, I will fight them.


Thank you, Signor Bruno, for inspiring me.