Let’s be real politics in the Philippines is grabe (intense). Everywhere you look, people are arguing about who is right, who is corrupt, and which side to take. It feels like the air is always thick with tension. As Christians, we live in this society, and naturally, we have our own take on what’s happening in our government.
But lately, I’ve noticed a pattern in the feedback I receive on my social media posts. The irony is that most of the criticism doesn't come from outsiders, but from within our own FAP community. When I look closely, it’s clear this pushback isn't because I’m wrong or violating any biblical principle; it’s because my posts happen to touch a nerve regarding their own political pride. It triggers their loyalty to the specific candidate or partisan they voted for. We need to be honest with ourselves: when we criticize out of political defense rather than biblical conviction, that critique is subjective and politically motivatednot based on an objective, godly cause.
This is exactly why we need to clear the air about where FAP stands and how we should carry ourselves.
The FAP Stance: Neutrality vs. Personal Freedom
First off, let’s get this straight: FAP as an organization is non-partisan. We are not here to endorse a political candidate, a party, or a specific government policy. Our purpose is deeper than that. As the founder of FAP, I have never, and will never, use our gatherings, events, or official platforms to push a political agenda. I want our space to be safe for everyone, regardless of who you voted for or what you think of the current administration.
However, being part of FAP doesn’t mean you stop being a citizen of this country. You have every right to be informed, to be concerned, and to speak up. I believe in Christian freedom. Your personal social media profile is your space. You aren't required to stay silent just because someone else disagrees with your political stance. If you see injustice or dishonesty in the government, you have every right to call it out.
The "Silent War" vs. Respectful Diversity
Here is where it gets tricky. In some circles, they practice "forced silence" or "uniform voting" like what you see in cult-like organizations. We are not that. We don't control your vote, and we don't police your conscience.
But there is a boundary. When we enter our FAP community, we leave the political boxing ring at the door. If a fellow member posts a political opinion you disagree with, do not turn the comment section into a place for a debate or a heated argument. That is a sign of immaturity.
Our policy is simple:
- Freedom to express: You are free to post your views on your own timeline.
- Respectful engagement: If you disagree with a member's post, keep your comment to yourself. If you really want to show support or acknowledgment, use a "like" or "heart" emoji. That’s it.
- No public conflict: Confronting a brother or sister publicly creates division, "silent wars," and a toxic culture. It destroys the image of the organization. If you can’t handle a disagreement without causing heat, it’s a sign that your pride is getting in the way of our unity.
The True Test of Maturity
Let’s be honest: some people have left FAP or decided to stop being active because they couldn't stand that other members had different political views.
If your loyalty to a political personality is stronger than your commitment to the body of Christ, we need to talk. Walking away from fellowship just because of politics shows that for those individuals, politics has become their priority, perhaps even their idol over the teachings of Christ. They are essentially saying, "My political side is more important than my Christian family." If you think like that, you are free to leave, because you’re creating problems instead of solutions, and you're failing the test of faith. You love the world more than Christ.
True Christian maturity is being able to say, "I disagree with you on this policy, but I love you as my brother/sister in Christ." Unity in FAP is moved by love, not by political partisans.
The Role of Spiritual Leaders
I was reading some thoughts recently about the position of spiritual leaders, and I came across an insight that I really agree with. As one well-known writer noted:
"The ideal stance for a spiritual leader is to remain a moral guide and the 'conscience' of society, rather than taking sides with political parties or endorsing specific statements. Their primary duty is to teach principles of justice, truth, and love to guide their flock, without getting tangled up in the divisiveness that politics often brings."
This quote is not just compatible to what I'm saying here, it is a perfect match for FAP position. It captures the essence of the "neutral but principled" approach I've established for FAP.
Here is why that quote aligns so well with my views for FAP:
1. It validates my role as a "Conscience."
I believe I have both the right and the responsibility, as a citizen and a leader, to call out lies and injustice. This quote identifies the "ideal stance" for a leader as being the "conscience of society," which perfectly justifies my approach. I’m not here to fight for a political party; I’m fighting for truth and justice. This allows me to speak on moral issues without being branded as a partisan player.
2. It reinforces FAP’s institutional neutrality.
My stance has always been clear: FAP as an organization does not endorse candidates. The quote explicitly advises against "taking sides with political parties." Adopting this perspective gives me a clear, objective reason for why FAP stays out of the political fray it’s not out of indifference, but because my primary duty is to the principles of justice, truth, and love, rather than to politics.
3. It addresses the issue of divisiveness.
I have been very vocal about how political debates often create "silent wars," tampuhan, and division within the body of Christ. This quote acknowledges that politics brings unnecessary friction and argues that a leader should avoid getting "tangled up" in that mess. It perfectly supports my policy of keeping political debates out of our FAP gatherings and encouraging members to handle their differences with grace on their own personal social media pages, rather than turning our ministry into a battlefield.
4. It prioritizes the "flock" over the "party."
My core argument that our unity in Christ is far more important than our political differences is mirrored in this quote’s focus on the "primary duty" to "teach principles of justice, truth, and love." It shifts the focus from the who (which politician) to the what (the Christian principles of love and truth).
In short: Using this quote gives my position a strong, professional, and spiritual foundation. It proves that my stance isn't based on a personal whim, but on a balanced, time-tested understanding of what a spiritual leader’s role should be in society. It effectively shuts down the idea that I am "against" anyone it clarifies once and for all that I am simply for the truth.
This is the goal. When we focus on the Word, we don't get trapped in the tampuhan (sulking) or the division. We keep our eyes on Jesus, and we let Him be the center. Politics will pass; the Kingdom of God remains.
Real Talk Reflection
Bible Verse:
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19)
Call to Action: Before you hit "Post" or "Reply" on a political thread, pause and breathe. Ask yourself: "Is this post adding light to the situation, or just creating more noise?"
If you see a post from a fellow FAP member that really gets under your skin, don’t turn the comment section into a boxing ring. If you must talk, do it through a private message with humility and grace. Let’s remember that our bond as a family in Christ is way bigger than any political disagreement. We can be passionate about the truth without losing our kindness.
Pray for our country, pray for our leaders, and pray for each other. Things will settle down eventually let’s make sure we still have a family to come home to when they do.
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