BY HERMAN M. LAGON
“WHAT would Jesus do?” is a question that many of us ponder when faced with a difficult moral choice. This question is simple but deep, and it makes you think about what you can do, anchored on what is right, just, sound, and beautiful.
But what happens when the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God,” Apollo Quiboloy, faces a legal and moral crisis of his own? Should he not ask himself the same question? Or is the divine title enough to exempt him from earthly accountability?
What should a man of such supposed divine stature do? Should he, like Jesus, face his accusers with fortitude and transparency, or should he evade the justice system he claims to be above everyone but, mystically, below him?
Jesus, when accused — even wrongly — stood trial and faced the wrath of the religious authorities of Jerusalem and the Roman government with a silent dignity that has inspired billions.
Let us consider a few pertinent questions Quiboloy might want to ask or have already asked himself in the context of the age-old life hack, “What would Jesus do?” For instance, when Jesus was betrayed and handed over to the authorities, he accepted his fate without resistance despite having the power to summon legions of angels or escape with his disciples.
So, why does Quiboloy, if innocent as he claims, resist so vehemently? What is he afraid of if he truly walks in the light?
The courts have called, and the world watches as Quiboloy’s empire quakes. The US has unsealed warrants, and accusations of sexual abuse, child exploitation, and human trafficking weigh heavily on his name. The allegations are not just serious; they are heinous.
Yet, Quiboloy remains defiant, his flock standing in defense, proclaiming his innocence as if the mere proclamation is enough to absolve all charges.
But if Jesus himself submitted to earthly authorities, even the mere mortal former senator Leila de Lima followed his example, shouldn’t the “Word of God” preacher Quiboloy also walk his talk?
Perhaps we all still remember that Jesus walked a path of humility, rejecting worldly wealth and power, and living as a carpenter with a kingdom not of this world.
And what of Quiboloy’s political connections? Jesus avoided political entanglements, declaring that his kingdom was not of this world. Yet, Quiboloy’s ties to patchy political figures are well-documented, particularly his close relationship with the former president who became popular internationally because of his bloody drug war and wrestling against human rights.
Does Quiboloy not recognize the irony in wielding political influence? (To be continued)/PN
