Songsoptok
SONGSOPTOK: «Belief is simple acceptance that a proposition is true,
without regard to reason(s) while faith is the acceptance of a proposition
rather than an epistemological (evidence-based) reason.” Does this reflect your
understanding of the two words? If so, why? If not, then how would you
distinguish between the two?
ELIZABETH: I believe that “Belief” is what one is made to conform and
practice to by his/her familial connections and/or of society’s norms while
“Faith” can be developed overtime as the person grows older and wiser and may
choose not to let other’s opinions or views of things affect his/her decision
to hold on to it no matter what the circumstances are.
SONGSOPTOK: Each person can inherit, adopt or construct her own set of
beliefs and faiths, or it is a combination of the two. How would you qualify
your own personal set? Were your faiths and beliefs handed down to you by
someone? Who? Or were they acquired? If so, how?
ELIZABETH: Most of my beliefs and faith are influenced greatly by my
parents and elders, mainly religious beliefs since I was a child. There are
certain superstitious beliefs handed down from generation to generation by
society but I prefer to conform to modern living and often find myself
questioning what would be the “scientific explanation” to such old beliefs
which are just made up by man.
SONGSOPTOK: In your own personal sphere, do you consider worship as a religious
act involving rites, rituals or other types of practices? Or is it related to
something that transcends religion? Can you explain your position with some
examples?
ELIZABETH: Worshipping is considered as a religious act in my religion
which is Catholicism. Various rites, rituals, and ceremonies are observed and
practiced on certain occasions and are also deemed as holy handed down from
generation to generation which were brought by our Spanish descendants, the
Philippines being under Spanish rule for hundred years.
SONGSOPTOK: “Faith takes over where
reason leaves off” – do you agree? Can you explain your point of view?
ELIZABETH: Yes, I do believe in this quote for having faith in something
sometimes defy logical reasoning which leaves us into confusion – of whether to
continuously follow what we believe in after we have made some realization over
something or simply throw away or disregard what we have always made to believe
in or choose to follow all our lives.
SONGSOPTOK: Did you ever face a conflict between your beliefs, reason and
knowledge? How do you react to such situations?
ELIZABETH: There would be instances that conflicts between my beliefs and
knowledge which I have learned in school and in life experiences arise. During
these certain times, I get to be more open-minded and try to embrace the
differences between the two opposing sides.
Being a writer, my mind is set to embrace any perception which enables
me to think reasonably and logically not easily blinded by varied forces.
SONGSOPTOK: Are you a believer? What do you believe in?
ELIZABETH: Yes, I am a believer of God. I do believe that there is a
Supreme Holy Being who is the Great Creator of the Universe and beyond.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that it is essential to convince and convert others
to your own system of beliefs and faiths? Why? Can you please describe the
reasons for your answer?
ELIZABETH: I believe that it is not vital and proper to persuade or force
others to follow and practice what we believe in and even of our faith or
religion for that matter. Each one of us has human rights and these include our
freedom to choose what we want to believe in. Each person possesses the right
to choose among the many options available for him and he can even change his
mind if he also chooses at any given time.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that each individual has some form of faith or
belief, whether related to religion or not? If yes, then what do you think are
the main reasons?
ELIZABETH: Yes, I definitely do believe that each person has his own set
of beliefs or some form of faith he chooses whether about religious stuff or others.
Man cannot live not following some certain norms and traditions whether they be
inherently influenced by their familial connections or adapted from the society
they were born in. Having a set of beliefs and faith in something or someone is
likened to following a set of rules which give humans the direction in life and
helps them discover and/or develop their personalities and relationships with
other people.
SONGSOPTOK: “A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship
Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on
the walls of his cell.” said C.S. Lewis. Do you agree with this view? Or do you
think that some form of worship is indispensable for humans? Why?
ELIZABETH:: I believe that some
form of worship or belief in some Powerful Most High is truly indispensable for
us humans since this can be the foundation wherein we can follow not just some
universal law but natural law that Someone more superior over us reigns over
the earth. If we are not believers and just choose to follow and do our own set
of rules, we have no fear of doing evil things and of being hopeful and not
easily trampled down by adversities in life. Some form of belief also acts as a
strong element to discover our real purpose here on earth.
SONGSOPTOK: You may or may not choose to answer this – but nevertheless we
would like to know who do you worship? Why do you worship? How do you worship?
And above all, in what way does it help you in your everyday life?
ELIZABETH: I am a believer and I was born to a religious family having
Spanish ancestors for my great grandparents. I am a devout Catholic and I
worship only God. I need to worship Him for He is the Mighty Creator of all
things and I believe that I should give back to Him by praising Him while
singing songs in church when I attend mass not just every Sunday but any
ordinary day of the week.
Having a personal relationship with God makes me a better person
and gives direction to my life. I discovered my True Calling through God’s
words and listening intently to what He wants me to do in my life. I owe to God
what ever achievements I am reaping in my writing career right now as well as
in other areas of my life.
ELIZABETH ESGUERRA CASTILLO is a multi-awarded
contemporary and modern poet and author of two published international books,
“Seasons of Emotions” (UK), and “Inner Reflections of the Muse” ( USA) and a
co-author to more than 60 international anthologies in the USA, Canada, UK,
India, Romania, and Africa and a widely-published author/poet in different
international literary magazines. She is a member of the American Authors
Association (AAA) and PEN International.
We sincerely thank you
for your time and hope we shall have your continued support.
Aparajita
Sen
(Editor:
Songsoptok)
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