IN A WORLD where political correctness often seeks to normalize behavior and ideas that conflict with moral truth, the principle that William E. Gladstone noted applies when he quoted that, “Nothing that is morally wrong can be politically correct”.
This means upholding the primacy of adhering to a moral order based on the truth of God’s Word, even when it is unpopular or politically inconvenient.
Politics in our present realities
The election fever is on. Filipinos now gear up for another chapter of the nation’s favorite pastime— politics. Soon, the airwaves will echo with campaign jingles, debates will dominate coffee shop conversations, and every street corner will become a stage for political theatrics.
Politics, for better or worse, becomes the flavor of the season, likely eclipsing all other pursuits.
What’s wrong with our politics? Let me count the ways…
Our country is permeated in almost all aspect by politics. The progress and development of any sector in our society can be attributed to right political practices.
But politics is a two-edged sword. While it helps build many positive outward optics, it can also destroy our society’s inner fabrics.
So, here lies the dilemma: When the pursuit of political power overshadows the pursuit of moral righteousness, it calls for introspection.
So, what’s wrong with our politics? Let me count the ways…
* If politics irreversibly corrupts the young, it is wrong.
When politics teach and corrupt the values of our youngest generation of young Filipinos – especially when dynastic families encourage their children’s early candidacy, that power is to be
gained and won at all costs—even through deceit, coercion, or manipulation—it not only poisons our future but erodes the very values we hold dear, thus it becomes disastrous.
* If politics extremely cheapens the call to serve, it is wrong.
Public office is meant to be a platform for service, not self-preservation nor self-enrichment. When politics turns into a vanity project or a means to dishonestly secure wealth and influence, it desecrates the noble purpose it is meant to uphold, then it becomes ruinous.
* If politics is pursued with disregard to its moral impact, it is wrong. No political maneuver, no matter how tactically brilliant, can justify trampling on ethical principles. When morality becomes negotiable, society becomes vulnerable to exploitation and tyranny, thus, politics has become injurious.
* If politics fuels division and thrives on lies, it is wrong.
When leaders pit communities, families, and ideologies against each other for political gain, the social fabric is shattered. A political culture that rewards dishonesty erodes trust—not just in leaders but in institutions. When falsehoods win the day, democracy falters.
* If politics intentionally exploits the poor, it is wrong.
Vote-buying, empty promises, and patronage politics, perpetuation of “ayuda” politics keep marginalized communities in cycles of poverty and dependence. Genuine progress becomes impossible when leaders prey on the vulnerabilities of their constituents, hence politics become an instrument of evil.
A nation’s soul is only as strong as the principles it upholds
The idea that “nothing that is morally wrong can be politically correct” serves as a reminder that morality should always take precedence over political trends.
Political correctness should never be an excuse to justify actions or beliefs that contradict moral truth.
As individuals and as a society, we must be willing to distinguish between what is politically expedient and what is morally unfit and unjust.
Only by prioritizing ethical principles over popular opinion can we create a society built on justice, truth, and integrity.
It is righteousness that exalts a nation, not political compromises
Proverbs 14:34 affirms, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Political correctness that compromises moral truths will ultimately lead to broken systems and societal decay.
No human construct can thrive for long when it contradicts the divine order.
The Bible clearly teaches that morality is defined by God’s character and laws, not by societal trends, human opinions, or party affiliations.
Isaiah 5:20 warns, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” Likewise, woe to those who appears politically right but are actually morally bankrupt.
True morality cannot be twisted to fit political agendas without distorting the truth. Ultimately, moral excellence can and should never be exchanged in favor of political expedience. The latter sits on shifting sands, the former on a rock that can never be moved.
In politics, the choice as a people is ours. And we deserve the outcome of the choices we make./PN
