Moving on... The other unfinished manuscript was an essay, and arguably less exciting than the draft novel. However, Rizal's insights in this writing are just as interesting. Those who recoil at the sight of crosses, rosaries, prayer booklets and scapulars (with the possible exception of vampires, hehehe!) may find it gratifying to have him on their side.

Rizal was what we can call a "practical Christian." He believed in God and goodness of heart. He did not believe in the images religion created to represent it. He made these assertions clear in Estado de Religiosidad de los Pueblos en Filipinas.

Hell-sent "God?"

In this essay, Rizal redefined the concept of God and sin. Whereas the friars depicted God as vindictive, Rizal saw him as a merciful Father. God to him was never harsh, capricious, irritable or unforgiving. While he concedes that God must be a Supreme Being, His superiority has not made Him uncaring and detached from His creation. He does not throw His weight around like politicians on a power trip.

The friars, though, fashioned God as someone sent from Hell. God would strike down sinners anytime He feels like it, and the only way to stop Him is to sponsor a Sunday Mass. God is like a VIP in a high rise suite; He is untouchable. He is too busy to attend to mankind's petty issues, so He hires secretaries-- the friars-- to screen His calls for Him.

Rizal's God is nothing like that. He is more of a friend, a confidant, someone you'd want to run to when you have a joke to tell or a heartbreak to nurse. God is someone you can approach directly without going through the red tape.

God is just as easily pleased with simple good deeds as with grand scale humanitarian projects. However, flattery does not sway Him. To quote Rizal in Collas' translation: "Will the Infinite Purity receive what a man of honor would scorn to touch?"

a la Chocolat

When it comes to the subject of sin, Rizal looked away from traditional salvation "merchandise." Perhaps this is why the friars hated him so much-- his views endangered their "livelihood."

Rizal discussed that sin is not something easily washed away by ten Hail Mary's and Glory Be's. Much like Noli's Don Rafael, he would rather face up to the charges and provide for the widow's family than confess to a priest.

Rizal's concept is like what was pointed out in the film, Chocolat (Lasse Hallstr�m, 2000). Being good is not in what you deprive or forbid yourself from doing; it is what you give of yourself to help others. There is nothing sinful in eating chocolate, or mingling with bohemians; but banishing a woman (and her child) because she challenges overly straight-laced beliefs is questionable at every angle.

allergic reactions

A growing number of Filipino youth have developed allergic reactions to even the remotest hint of religiosity. People will call you holy if you say you still go to church every Sunday. Say "Alleluiah" and they won't touch you with a ten foot pole. Tell them you intend to become a priest/nun, and hell! They might nominate you for sainthood (hurry! Offer good while Pope John Paul II lasts)!

Rizal had once attempted to expose the country's social cancer. He may have another shot at it again, if someone would just bother to pick up and adapt/revive his two unfinished manuscripts. Much of his thoughts would come in handy in these "faithless" times. §