Should we come to the defence of God? Dealing with an alleged case of blasphemy in predominantly Catholic Philippines

Bibliographic Data

ID15557285
AuthorsLeo-Martin Angelo R Ocampo (0000-0003-4006-1249, University of Santo Tomas, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume17
Issue3
Pages225-236
Publication date2024-03-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePractical Theology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1756-073X • E-ISSN: 1756-0748
PublisherRoutledge (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1756073x.2024.2332032
OpenAlexW4393318724
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited10

On 10 July 2023, Amadeus Fernando Pagente, also known as Pura Luka Vega, posted a video of his drag performance on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the controversial clip, he is seen dancing with revellers to a remix of the 'Our Father', a prayer attributed to Christ himself, while wearing a gold and maroon outfit with metallic accessories evocative of the vestments of the Black Nazarene, a popular religious icon among Catholics in the Philippines. The post quickly became viral, drew public criticism, and eventually led to Pagente's arrest on 4 October 2023. Through a survey and analysis of related doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church, from Scriptures to current times, and their application to the case in question, this paper re-examines the ethical issue of blasphemy and the question of defending God, proposing Christ's patience as an alternative model of response towards the pursuit of peace in an increasingly plural and secular world

Blasphemy · Political science · Theology · Asian Studies and History · Law · Marriage and Sexual Relationships · Philosophy · Religion, Society, and Development

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