Integrating community life and formal theological education
A Forum on Women and Religion: Critical Voices in Time of Tyranny By Alvin Jimenez
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enuel launched #UTAKAPANUEL on March 26, 2019. This was in conjunction with the celebration of the International Women’s month. #UTAKAPENUEL is one of the school’s platforms for conversations, an open space for collective discourse and critical reflection.
struggle.
#UTAKAPENUEL is one of the school’s platforms for conversations, an open space for collective discourse and critical reflection.
Penuel was privileged to have three resource speakers who themselves are actively involved in standing with the victims’ families, loved ones, friends, communities etc. in their fight for justice – journeying with them towards recovery from unfathomable pain and trauma caused by the never-ending state sponsored killings.
In a society where the highest government authority rules with tyranny that violently kills mostly the poor for its victims, an appropriate Christian ethical response is never an open support nor political quietism. To be silent is to give approval to this blatant abuse of power. Hence, Penuel invited to its platform women and other advocates and critical of the current situation for a forum. The said forum entitled “Women and Religion: Critical Voices in Time of Tyranny” focused on the intersection of faith and womanhood in social and political
Miss Inday Varona-Espina, a respected woman journalist both in local and international field, presented her interviews and viewpoints of various women who come from different religious (Roman Catholic, Protestant, Islam, and non-religious) and
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political spectrum. She pointed out that with the current Philippine President, who is a proud misogynist and whose speeches incite violence against women and the poor, it is impossible for these women to live “business as usual.” Moreover, she emphasized that differences in religious affiliations did not hinder these women to ‘unite’ and voice out their disgust and protest against killings and abuses of women by authorities who are protected with impunity.
of his parishioners who themselves are the victims’ families and loved ones particularly the widows and children. Amidst their struggle, the road to recovery is not constant and simple, but marked with inconsistencies and complexities Father Danny explained. However, he underlined these children and widows have their own way of handling their traumatic situations and “there lies hope.” Last but not the least of course, Miss Lea Marasigan, a Sociology instructor from U.P. Los Banos did a synthesis of the two presentations. She highlighted the importance of lettingthe victims tell their stories themselves since they are the ones who truly understand the condition they are forced to live in. What is needed for advocates, religious and non-religious, is not to underminethe first step of advocacy work – Listen!
Father Danny Pilario, a Roman Catholic theologian and an advocate who does his parish work in Payatas, Quezon City where extra judicial killings is almost an everyday reality narrated the stories
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A Night of Love and Resistance By: Chuck Baclagon
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Lea Laña, a student of Penuel school of Theology shares her talent on the event Ä Night of Love & Resistance.
ften we rightfully equate love as a reflection that not only to edify one anotherbut also sentimental feeling that we feel towards to empower members of our community to hold something, (or better yet) someone who steadfast in our collective struggle for a socially just, makes us feel special. For many years Valentine’s ecologically sustainable and spiritually fulfilling Day has been used to manifest this feeling through future. gestures that we give to our loved ones on that special day. But we also need to remember that love is first and foremost the singular articulation of intellect, will and action directed towards others – which finds actuality in the life exemplified by Christ. That is why the Penuel community chose to organize a solidarity night of music and poetry to remember and celebrate love that is manifested in acts of resistance against forces that undermines life and dignity. Performers include students, faculty and friends of the Penuel community pitching in and sharing their creativity to weave a patchwork of solidarity, fellowship and Chuck Baclagon, Penuel faculty member shares his talent on the same event.
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My Seven Years Worth By:Rolante A. Santos
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isdom and knowledge is one of the greatest achievements in the life of one’s person. Just like my parents who always said, “ang may tinapos sa pag-aaral at nagtamong karunungan ay hindi mawawala, kayamanan na hindi mananakaw ninuman”. These areremarkable words that oftentimes came to my mind and every time when I was passing through EDSA, Kamuning, where I read the signage“Penuel School of Theology, it dawned on me that there are many things I need to know about “theology.”
Rolante Santos and Dean Nestor Ravilas on the Graduation Ceremony 2019
while attending classes one of my professor said that Penuel is a community-based school open to those who want to learn the word of God. And to reach out to those who are in need, guide those who want to serve the church by teaching and molding pastors and church workers.
Out of curiosity and with excitement—I enrolled at Penuel in the second semester of the academic year 2012-13—wearing the best clothes I can find in my closet. Only to walk the school ground and see senior students wearing plain and simple OOTD. Some with piercing while others are just wearing slippers as if they are just going to buy something from a sari-sari store. I came to a realization that no matter what you wear to school it’s the flame inside you to learn no matter what your status or the clothes you wear.I ask myself if I’m in the right theology school or this is just a recruitment agency for construction workers! As the days goes by and
Studying at Penuel is exhilarating as it is challenging. Penuel’s interdisciplinary approach stands as one its defining strengths. It provides its students different perspectives on how to handle issues—both theological and practical. These skills are put to good use as graduates and students of Penuel serve in various capacities inside and outside of the church. My self is a living it improves my knowledge in theology, pastoral and practical ministry in handling my small congregation in Nueva Ecija. With this I am very thankful and will forever be indebted to this school. I will bring with me the knowledge I gain with my 7 years of study in this institution. Theology therefore is not just the study of doctrine it is the discipline whose goal is the formation of self in order to live the whole life consistent with the reality of God.
Penuel graduates of 2019 sing National Anthem.
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Penuel and Pastoral Power Fred Laceda
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astoral theology courses usually revolve around the biblical foundations of pastoral ministry. It talks of the various functions of a pastor. It seldom analyzes the origins of pastoral office, the development of the concept, and the possibilities of abuse of power. Evangelicals in general shun away from discussions of “power.” Yet, at the center of pastoral ministry is the subject of power. In Penuel we highlight this aspect of pastoral theology by following the genealogical analysis of Michel Foucault on pastoral power. In his College de France lecture on “governmentality,” Foucault traces the development of pastoral power as originally a metaphor for the relationship between God and his people. This form of power relation is a nurturing one. “Pastoral power,” Foucault writes, “is a power of care.” This positive power would later be thematized and institutionalized by the Christian Church creating an organization of power unknown to other civilizations. This institutionalization
Prof. Fred Laceda, giving his lecture on Pastoral Theology
of the pastoral metaphor leads to a paradox. The Christian west, Foucault opines, is a conquering and violent civilization while at the same western man sees himself as a sheep in flock. This bipolar characteristic of pastoral power is still functioning in the present. The institutionalization in Christianity of the pastoral metaphor produces a specific form and art of governing. The exercise of pastoral power—as symbolized by the pulpit—can have
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an ambivalent effect for the rest of the church. Power’s ambiguity, pastoral or otherwise, is one of the reasons why we need to scrutinize every claim and exercise of power.Foucault also traces a development he calls as counter-conduct or a form of revolt and resistance. It is this emancipatory aspect pastoral power that we like to nurture in our community.
Penuel needs Php 547,800 for this semester (July-December 2019). It is our prayer that as you find ways to help the Lord’s kingdom, you remember our Penuel’s ministry and cause. Help us reach our goals. Help our students!