CONTEMPORARY WORLD
Positive Effects of Media on Religion
Spread of Religious Instruction: Media outlets provide religious institutions with
the ability to disseminate instructions, sermons, and study materials to people all
over the world, thus making religious material more accessible.
Development of Online Faith Communities: Social media allows the formation of
virtual faith communities, whereby people are able to bond, exchange
experiences, and help one another in matters of religion.
Promotion of Interfaith Dialogue: Media is a platform for interfaith dialogue,
promoting understanding, tolerance, and cooperation between different religious
groups.
Mobilization for Social Causes: Religious communities use media to promote
social justice, humanitarian relief, and charitable causes, increasing their reach
and influence.
Access to Diverse Religious Perspectives: Media exposes people to different
religious beliefs and practices, enhancing religious literacy and inviting
exploration of other faith traditions.
Negative Effects of Media on Religion
Dissemination of Misinformation and Extremism: The quick spread of unverified
information may result in religious practices being misunderstood and, in certain
instances, enable the dissemination of extremist ideologies.
Erosion of Traditional Religious Authority: Democratization of information via
media can undermine traditional religious authorities since people may turn to
unverified online sources for spiritual guidance.
Commercialization of Religious Content: The commercialization of religious
media content has the potential to commodify religion, whereby sacred
messages become secondary to financial considerations.
Exposure to Contradictory Values: Media content that contradicts religious
doctrines may be detrimental to believers' faith and bring about moral conflicts.
Formation of Echo Chambers: Algorithmic content distribution has the potential
to form echo chambers, amplifying pre-existing beliefs and further contributing to
religious intolerance by reducing exposure to diverse views.
Reduced Affiliation with a Single Religion Tradition: Frequent use of social media
is linked with a higher chance of individuals feeling that it's okay to try other
religions, which may lead to reduced affiliation with a single religion tradition.
The role of individuals in promoting religious understanding in media
People have an important role to play in promoting religious tolerance through media
by engaging in respectful dialogue, countering misinformation, and inclusivity. The
following are eight important ways people can make a difference, backed by credible
sources:
1. Respectful Dialogue
People can promote religious tolerance by engaging in constructive dialogue on
social media, news outlets, and forums.
Promoting peaceful discourse assists in countering stereotypes and averting religious
conflicts.
Source: The National Council of Churches identifies media literacy as a means for
facilitating respectful religious discourse (National Council of Churches).
2. Disconfirming Misinformation and Stereotyping
Misinformation on religions disseminates easily on online media, generating
misinterpretations and bigotry.
We can make a difference by checking facts about religions and distributing them to
the world.
Source: MediaSmarts showcases the rootedness of religious stereotypes in the
media and how they require critical examination (MediaSmarts).
3. Fostering Interfaith Efforts
Promoting interfaith activities and discussions in the media facilitates harmony
among religious groups.
Emphasizing what is common among religions triggers respect among religions.
Reference: Pope Francis's initiative to foster interfaith solidarity while he was in his
tour of Asia demonstrates how media assist in interfaith discussions (Le Monde).
4. Using Social Media for Constructive Messaging
People utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to
post content that facilitates religious tolerance and cohesion.
Blogs, videos, and chats can inform the public about a range of religious traditions.
Source: Indian social media influencers utilize social media to promote religious
insight and harmony (The Times).
5. Promoting Ethical Journalism
Individuals should help promote media platforms that offer fair and balanced religious
reporting.
Championing ethical journalism prevents the use of sensationalized or one-sided
religious reports.
Source: A study in the Journal of Advertising emphasizes the importance of ethical
religious representation in media (Taylor & Francis).
6. Fostering Religious Literacy
People can learn and teach others about various religions via books, documentaries,
and trustworthy internet sites.
Greater religious literacy lowers prejudice and encourages intelligent discussion.
Source: Pew Research research indicates that having greater religious knowledge is
associated with higher tolerance and greater understanding (Pew Research).
7. Reporting Hate Speech and Religious Intolerance
People can act against hate speech on the internet by reporting discriminatory or
offensive content.
Facebook and Twitter have hate speech policies, and reports from users assist in
enforcing these rules.
Source: The United Nations emphasizes the individual's role in combating online
religious hate speech and fostering peace (United Nations).
8. Community and Media Outreach
Opinion writing, media appearances on podcasts, or collaborating with media outlets
can enable people to express their thoughts about religious harmony.
Media can be used by community leaders and activists to mobilize interfaith activities
and campaigns.
Source: The Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) exemplifies how media and communal
interventions can be used by people to advance religious understanding (IFYC).
Reference:
1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00913367.2021.1944936?
2. https://www.thetimes.com/world/asia/article/maha-kumb-mela-trend-influencers-
sadguru-jaya-kishori-2qq8qb8qm?utm_
3. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/09/03/pope-francis-begins-
asia-tour-with-hope-of-promoting-interfaith-understanding_6724606_4.html?utm_
4. https://mediasmarts.ca/diversity-media/religion/media-portrayals-religion-
overview?utm_
5. Nationalcouncilofchurches.us/common-witness/the-churches-role-in-media-
education-and-communication-advocacy/
LIFE AND WORKS OF RIZAL
INTRODUCTION
Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal Y Realonda or Populary known as Jose Rizal
An Opthalmologist by profession, Rizal became a writer and a key member of
the Filipino Propaganda Movement which advocated political reforms for the
colony under spain. He was executed by the spanish colonial government for the
crime of rebellion after anti-colonial revolution, inspired in part by his writing
broke out.
Reference: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/introduction-to-the-life-of-jose-
rizal/235257640
Background of Jose Rizal as a Writer and Reformer
While in Europe, José Rizal became part of the Propaganda Movement,
connecting with other Filipinos who wanted reform. He also wrote his first novel,
Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not/The Social Cancer)
(a work that detailed the dark aspects of Spain's colonial rule in the Philippines, with
particular focus on the role of Catholic friars.)
The book was banned in the Philippines, though copies were smuggled in.
Because of this novel (Rizal's return to the Philippines in 1887 was cut short
when he was targeted by police.)
Rizal returned to Europe and continued to write, releasing his follow-up novel, El
Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed) in 1891.
He also published articles in La Solidaridad, a paper aligned with the
Propaganda Movement.
(The reforms Rizal advocated for did not include independence—he called for equal
treatment of Filipinos, limiting the power of Spanish friars and representation for the
Philippines in the Spanish Cortes (Spain's parliament).
Rizal returned to the Philippines in 1892, feeling he needed to be in the country
to effect change.
The reform society he founded, the Liga Filipino (Philippine League), supported
non-violent action, Rizal was still exiled to Dapitan, on the island of Mindanao
(During the four years Rizal was in exile, he practiced medicine and took on
students.)
Reference: https://www.biography.com/political-figures/jos%C3%A9-rizal
Historical context of the Spanish Colonial Period in the Philippines
The late 19th century marked a crucial period in Philippine history, particularly during
the time of José Rizal (1861–1896). This era was characterized by Spanish
oppression, social inequality, and the emergence of Filipino nationalism, which
ultimately led to the Philippine Revolution.
1. Political Climate
During Rizal’s time, the Spanish colonial government ruled the Philippines with
repressive policies. The country was administered by the Governor-General, who
had absolute power over laws, taxation, and military control. The government was
heavily influenced by the friars (Spanish clergy), who held significant authority over
politics, education, and land ownership.
The Guardia Civil (Civil Guard), established to maintain peace and order, became
infamous for its abuses, harassing and oppressing the Filipino population, particularly
those who opposed Spanish rule.
2. Social Conditions
The social structure during this period was highly stratified:
Peninsulares – Spaniards born in Spain, occupying top government positions.
Insulares (Creoles) – Spaniards born in the Philippines, holding lower government
positions.
Mestizos – People of mixed Filipino-Spanish or Filipino-Chinese descent, who
became part of the educated middle class.
Indios – Native Filipinos, who were subjected to discrimination, forced labor (polo y
servicios), and high taxes.
The Catholic friars (Augustinians, Franciscans, Dominicans, and Jesuits) controlled
vast lands and were deeply involved in governance. Their power led to the
Frailocracy—a term describing the dominance of friars in both religious and secular
affairs.
3. Economic Situation
By the 19th century, the Philippines experienced economic changes due to:
The opening of Manila to international trade (1834) – This allowed foreign businesses
to invest in the Philippines.
Emergence of an educated middle class (Ilustrados) – Many Filipinos, including José
Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and Graciano López Jaena, studied abroad and were
exposed to Western liberal ideas.
Hacienda System – Spanish friars and officials controlled vast lands, leading to land
disputes and peasant revolts.
4. The Rise of Filipino Nationalism
With education spreading among Filipinos, many began to question Spanish rule.
The Ilustrados (educated Filipinos) pushed for reforms through the Propaganda
Movement (1880s–1890s). Rizal, Del Pilar, and López Jaena led this movement by
writing articles in La Solidaridad, a newspaper advocating for:
Equal rights for Filipinos
Representation in the Spanish Cortes (Parliament)
Expulsion of abusive friars
Freedom of speech and press
Rizal’s novels, Noli Me Tangere (1887) and El Filibusterismo (1891), exposed
Spanish injustices, particularly the cruelty of friars and the corruption of the colonial
government. These books were banned in the Philippines, and Rizal was later
arrested and exiled to Dapitan (1892–1896).
5. Resistance and the Philippine Revolution
Due to Spain’s refusal to implement reforms, the secret revolutionary group
Katipunan, founded by Andrés Bonifacio in 1892, started preparing for armed revolt.
In 1896, the revolution erupted, leading to Rizal’s arrest. Although Rizal was not
directly involved in the revolution, he was accused of instigating rebellion and was
executed on December 30, 1896.
Conclusion
The period of Rizal (1861–1896) was marked by political oppression, social
inequality, and economic changes, which fueled Filipino nationalism. Rizal’s
execution became a turning point, inspiring Filipinos to fight for independence,
ultimately leading to the Spanish-American War (1898) and the end of Spanish rule
in the Philippines.
References
1. Agoncillo, Teodoro A. History of the Filipino People. Garotech Publishing, 1990.
2. Schumacher, John N. The Propaganda Movement: 1880-1895. Ateneo de Manila
University Press, 1973.
3. Guerrero, Leon Ma. The First Filipino: A Biography of José Rizal. National
Historical Commission, 1963.
The purpose of writing Noli Me Tangere and El filibusterismo
(Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are significant works of literature for Filipinos,
both for their literary merit and their historical and cultural importance. These novels
are considered the most important literary works in Philippine literature and have
been studied and analyzed by scholars, writers, and students for over a century.
These novels were written by Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, during the late
19th century when the Philippines was a colony of Spain. Noli Me Tangere was
published in 1887, while El Filibusterismo was published in 1891. These novels were
written in the Spanish language, which was the official language of the Philippines
during that time.)
Rizal wrote these novels to expose the social, economic, and political injustices
and oppression that the Filipinos were experiencing under the Spanish colonial
government and the Catholic Church. The novels depict the lives of Filipinos
under colonial rule, their sufferings, and struggles to attain freedom, justice, and
equality. The novels criticized the Spanish colonial system, the abuses of the
friars, and the complacency of the wealthy and educated Filipinos who
collaborated with the Spanish colonizers.
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are significant for Filipinos as they have
contributed to the awakening of national consciousness and the emergence of
Philippine nationalism during the late 19th century. These novels inspired the
Philippine Revolution in 1896, which eventually led to the country's
independence from Spain in 1898.
Reference: https://www.wazzuppilipinas.com/2023/04/jose-rizals-noli-me-tangere-
and-el.html
