Black Nazarene: What do you think?

Philippines
January 9, 2012 5:59pm CST
Have you been out there with those millions of devotees eager to touch/kiss the Black Nazarene statue? Why? A devotee said in an argument "Why don't you go there so that you'll know the answers?" For me, I wouldn't go because I know the answers There's a song by a certain T. Morgan, R Goudie "Heal Our Nation.." and that's also my prayer. Devotee or not, what do you think? Is this in accordance to the Bible, or God's will? Thanks in advance and have a nice day!
5 responses
Piloncitos
@Piloncitos (305)
• Philippines
10 Jan 12
The essence of God's will is the welfare of his people. If such activity promotes the well-being among peoples, then it shall be labeled as such that it is in accordance to the will of God.
neelia_lyn
@neelia_lyn (2003)
• Philippines
10 Jan 12
Well, I have to disagree. Doing things not for the glory of God is not in accordance to His will. But, Piloncitos, thanks for sharing your view
neelia_lyn
@neelia_lyn (2003)
• Philippines
12 Jan 12
Psalm 115:1-8, no harm in reading the Bible :)
Piloncitos
@Piloncitos (305)
• Philippines
11 Jan 12
Care to enumerate those which are for the glory of God? And please elaborate why you think that the devotion made to the Black Nazarene is not for the glory of God.
Rick1950
@Rick1950 (1573)
• Lima, Peru
13 Jan 12
I think this is a kind of devotion that the people can express. I couldn't say if this is in accordance with the Bible or God's will, but it appears that it could be, because these events are demonstration of religious feelings. I think these celebrations happen mainly in the countries where the Catholic Church had presence. Also in my country we have a procession named Lord of miracle, or the purple Christ. This event occurs every year on October and large crowds of people go there. Nazarenes were very devotees in ancient Israel who had a life with abstinence, like as they were monks. I think there are different ways to express your devotion and so in many countries too.
neelia_lyn
@neelia_lyn (2003)
• Philippines
13 Jan 12
Yes, you are right. There are many ways to express devotion but do you think we have to go through processions like that in order to pray to God or to please God? Well, every body is entitled to his own opinion. Anyway, Rick, I appreciate you sharing your views on this. Thanks!
Rick1950
@Rick1950 (1573)
• Lima, Peru
13 Jan 12
Procession - Procession of Lord of miracles, in Lima, Peru.
Here is a photo of the procession I was talking about.
luntian_grace
@luntian_grace (1373)
• Philippines
10 Jan 12
it's stupid! i think that it's not important to ouch or kiss a stone... like the priest always says it's just a stone but your faith to god is more important... i just hope that people will wake up one day and realize how stupid they look like just to kiss a stone... no offense but i am a roman catholic too... but i don't do those stuff like usual Catholics do... i don't want to kill myself just by touching or kissing a stone, in the other hand i don't even know what GOD really look like... so why do a frenzy over a stone... right?
neelia_lyn
@neelia_lyn (2003)
• Philippines
10 Jan 12
Good common sense there, coming from a roman catholic I wish that's how big their faith in God is! Anyway, thanks for this nice response.
Rogelio
@rog0322 (2828)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
12 Jan 12
devotion - The statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the annual fiesta surrounded by devotees.
Hi grace, I am also thinking hard about the whole phenomenon, myself a Jesuit-trained, Roman Catholic. It seem to border on fanaticism and desperation, with the stories of "miracles" fanned by prominent devotees themselves. Or maybe, there is really something present, unseen but perceived only those who are there. I always see it during the annual celebration of our patron saint in my hometown where people from all walks of life approach the statue and do all kind of weird stuff, from kissing to kneeling to wiping cloths to getting flowers and many other acts they believe could bring on some extraordinary things. Being a rational being, all I could is to smile and take pictures of them in action.
rebel_woman06
@SIMPLYD (90717)
• Philippines
11 Jan 12
For the past many years i have been watching those devotees, joining the Black Nazarene procession. I am always dumb founded seeing the difficulty of those devotees just so they could have a wipe at the Black Nazarene. Can't they do that when it's there at Quiapo church? I respect their beliefs, but for me it has gone overboard! You don't have to do that in order to get your reward or say you gratitude to God. You simply have to pray fervently and believe! You don't have to risk your life, by joining that procession.
neelia_lyn
@neelia_lyn (2003)
• Philippines
12 Jan 12
You are right. It just amazes me when people risk their lives just to touch an object, although I understand that most of them desperately needed a miracle, but God is up there and can hear us no matter where we are. No offense meant, but to those who have been there, you can freely share your experiences :) Thanks, simplyd!
cearn25
@cearn25 (3452)
• Philippines
11 Jan 12
I respect on how the devotees of the Black Nazarene show their faith to him. It is their "panatisisismo" already and we can't changed that easily. Let's just support them and also pray to Black Nazarene.
neelia_lyn
@neelia_lyn (2003)
• Philippines
12 Jan 12
And I respect your views on this. Yes, we can't change that easily but let's pray for them that they'll know that they can directly pray to God without doing that. Well, thanks cearn!