Valerie Borg, Valletta
Politics with a Christian outlook
With tears in my eyes, I read what Dolores Cristina had to "say" about the recently deceased Karl Chircop. To all and sundry I must declare that the former was not putting on a "show" in writing about the untimely demise of Dr Chircop for the benefit of readers of The Times.
Mrs Cristina was the first person to write to me personally after my beloved mother passed away. Although we might have had or might have in future many a heated debate concerning our different principles, I know with certainty that Mrs Cristina's heart is in the right place.
The late Dr Chircop will always be remembered for his sense of humility, fair play, a man who never forgot his roots, but most of all a person who never treated people as small fry, only to be treated as his equal when election time was round the corner.
Mrs Cristina's remarks about the sense of animosity there "should" be among Nationalist and Labour MPs reminded me of a time when a fellow Labour supporter asked me point blank why I was going to such trouble to help a person in hospital when the latter had Nationalist tendencies. For once, in my life, I was left gaping, simply at a loss for words.
The idea that there should be a cold war between Labour and Nationalist MPs, coupled with Labour supporters and Nationalist ones, is totally preposterous and I am simply devastated to learn that people such as these do exist. When the then Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami had to undergo a serious operation some years ago, I am not ashamed to say I offered my daily Mass for his health.
Lest we forget, before our political tendencies, we are first and foremost a Catholic country. Faith makes a Christian, life proves a Christian, trial confirms a Christian and death crowns a Christian.
12 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Gavin Attard
Nov 14th 2008, 16:33
The constitution was formed at a time when the Catholic church lobbied hard for that inclusion. It was a done at a time when church had a much larger influence than it had today
I am an advocate of amending the constitution with this regard, for it is a clause which effectively does not allow for complete separation of state and church. It also is discriminatory over all other peoples who are not of the Catholic persuasion.
@ Mr J Gatt, - i am living my life. Without religion - Somehow though, i seem to find religion , or its proponents continually interfering with my civil life, for example in the case of divorce.
a.muscat
Oct 27th 2008, 22:15
@ M J Gatt
That we have been christian (not Catholic) since 60 AD is just a myth. St. Paul could have preached christianity for the first time in Malta but it is unlikely that in three months he managed to persuade the inhabitants of malta to discard thousands of years of belief and convert to christianty. Can you imagine for example the maltese turning into Jehovah witnesses in three months? according to St.luke the inhabitants already had traces of altruism before St. Paul started preaching when they helped the shipwrecked crew and passangers. although they couldn't very well do otherwise since malta was under roman rule and the ship was roman!
Gerry Cowie
Oct 27th 2008, 20:40
What a huge chip Mr Attard has on his shoulder!
What is his problem with facts?
Somebody displays good, sound, Christian principles! Surely that is worth celebrating!
Don't take it as a personal insult to yourself and on behalf of the whole Maltese nation.
Of course you are Maltese!
Valerie Borg is simply expressing her opinion, not seeking to attack you, Mr Attard!
Just What do you find so abhorrent about Christian principles?
Relax!
a muscat
Oct 27th 2008, 18:47
Noble words indeed Valerie. I for one believe that it is the very few who carry their political rivalry to a point where they wish ill to their opponents. The majority are ready to give their all to help those who do not agree with them. But Imust agree with Gavin. I am a non belever but that does not make me an uncompassionate monster. Compassion is an inbred feeling in all humans be they christian, muslim, bhuddist or whatever. Love is a prerogtive of no single religion.
O. Sant' Angelo
Oct 27th 2008, 18:47
A nice letter, thank you.
Gavin, given that the vast majority of Maltese are Catholic (practising or not) I'd say Ms. Borg is correct in perceiving Malta as a Catholic country.
M J Gatt
Oct 27th 2008, 18:26
We have received our Catholic religion from St. Paul since the year 60 AD. and we are still Catholic. My dear Mr Gavin Attard, if you are not Catholic, just live your life, but please don't interfere in the sentiments of the majority of the Maltese Catholic citizens. Ms. V Borg is to be congratulated for this correspondence even though I do not agree with all she says.
Henry J Bonett
Oct 27th 2008, 17:13
It always amazes me how unfomfortable some feel when Christian values are brought up.
Franco Farrugia
Oct 27th 2008, 16:44
Even the title of the letter itself, is an eye-opener. Politics should be beyond any characteristic that does not go far enough to serve all the citizens, of whatever creed they are! Anything other than that is undemocratic.
Malta is not a Catholic country. Malta is just a country, like any other.
What are we trying to prove, Ms Borg?
v.deguara
Oct 27th 2008, 16:33
@gavin: the constitution of Malta states: The CATHOLIC religion is the religion of Malta: look it up...our roots are of Christian inspiration ..you can't deny that...
John Meilak
Oct 27th 2008, 15:38
Politics and religion should never mix. They're like chalk and cheese. Completely unassimilable. If mixed, they'll lead us down into the all familiar road of fanaticism and dark ages. Religion is a tool for the masses to be kept in line, and not for leaders who want to lead humanity into the future.
Gavin Attard
Oct 27th 2008, 14:35
Why is it that people keep on insisting that we are first and foremost a catholic country!!!
Does that mean that those who are not catholic are not Maltese?
Why do those who adhere to a religious faith wish to tag their country with such a preposterous idea!
We are Malta a Country of many. A country that has been invaded, and ruled over by every civilisation since the its dawn. We do not have an exclusive Christian heritage, if anything we are the children of European, North African, and the Middle East.
So quit this religious fanaticism.
R. Camilleri
Oct 27th 2008, 10:19
Well said Valerie!!! I hope many follow your thoughts and actions.