Faith and Spirituality, Not the Alvin Aragon-Style Religion (A Personal Reflection)

Habang binababasa ko 'yung mga hanash ng Kuya Alvin niyo, napa-reflect ako on my own faith and spirituality.

Unlike my hair and my personality, my faith and spirituality aren't loud or performative. It's slient prayers, lighting candles for intentions, remembering loved ones, and learning patience through ordinary days. Slowly shaped siya through discernment, experience, reflection, and by choosing to be kinder and love better, kahit mahirap.

Walang masama sa pagiging religious at pagkakaroon ng matibay na paniniwala. Paminsan-minsan humahanga ako sa mga taong kayang ipagsigawan ang kanilang pananampalataya. Pero kapag pinanakot na ang religion at nag-pataasan na ng moral ground, doon ako nagsa-struggle. Real faith doesn't weaponize God.

I struggle with faith that reduces people, especially LGBTQIA+, to labels such as "sin" without seeing their humanity. Kahit ano pa ang theological stand mo, we're talking about real people--may puso, may pinagdadaanan, at may dignidad.

Real faith doesn't rush to judge and condemn. It doesn't push people away. It accompanies.

I also don't resonate with beliefs that treat women as subordinates, excuse lack of self-control, or confuse leadership with dominance. For me, ang relasyon, kasal man o hindi, ay isang partnership. Love is mutual. Respect is mutual. Self-control is personal responsibility. Spirituality should help people grow--not make them smaller.

Yes, Scripture matters. But faith also needs discernment. Hindi lang ito basta copy-paste ng verses. We live in a plural society. Iba-iba ang paniniwala ng mga tao. Faith is personal. Hindi mo pwedeng ipagpilitan dahil sa tingin mo ikaw ang tama.

What keeps me grounded is that my faith leaves room for mystery, growth, and the signs of the times--mental health, identity, social pressures, and the real struggles people carry today. I am more at peace with a spirituality that allows questions. With reflection instead of absolutes. It doesn't pretend everything is simple. It walks with complexity.

My faith doesn't promise instant answers. It teaches me to be present. It doesn't promise instant holiness. It teaches gradual conversion. It doesn't demand perfection. It teaches compassion.

And honestly, I want a spirituality that makes me gentler, not harsher. More understanding, not louder. A faith that forms me quietly over time--not religion that needs certainty to feel powerful.

This way of believing keeps me human. It teaches me humility. It teaches me patience. It teaches me love--slowly, imperfectly, faithfully.

Yun na! Pak!