AN international movement is growing where theists work with atheists in using advances in science and technology to improve the over-all quality of life on earth for all humans. It is called transhumanism because Christians, for example, who join this movement, transcend their prejudices against science and work closely with non-believing scientists in using scientific technological advances to improve the conditions of life on earth.

The movement in effect affirms on one hand that we do not have to believe in a God to work to improve the human condition and, on the other hand, that the faith of believers in a father-God should result primarily in improved relations and conditions among all of Gods children. Religion and science should, therefore, complement each other for the betterment of the human condition.

In sum, believers or not, we are one human family. We should transcend all our prejudices and instead close ranks to work to improve conditions on earth for the entire family. Prejudice should be overcome. It is anti-human because it degrades brother and sister humans with preconceived negative attitudes that are not based on reason or actual experience.

Knowing this, I wonder if we could not perhaps start a national movement that substantially resembles transhumanism. Can we not transcend our religious and cultural differences and together find ways to improve the over-all condition of not just some but all Filipinos by using all the advances we as a people have made not only in science and technology but also in history, religion, economics and politics?

We have made so much progress in all those areas. Yet the Mamasapano incident seems to have thrown all of it overboard and we are again backpedaling as anti-Muslim prejudices resurrect and thrive to destroy our chances for a better quality of life for all.

Labelling as pro-Muslim those who present a sober historical and social justice perspective to the Mindanao problem is anti-Filipino. It leads to a hardening of positions and scares the timid from coming out with good ideas for fear of being condemned as pro-Muslim.

It is also anti-Filipino for politicians with entrenched vested interests to ride the wave of prejudice against Muslims in trying to take over power if possible without benefit of popular election.

It is most anti-Filipino to advocate for war in Mindanao. For who will be the victims? Muslim and Christian ordinary civilians and rank and file soldiers. Meanwhile politicians control the war in the relative comfort of their palatial homes.

Peaceful living is the only pro-human, hence, pro-Filipino position. This can only be attained by being in a big way trans-human and overcoming prejudice.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on March 11, 2015.

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Carvajal: Prejudice