More Affordable God! My Filipino Way of Spirituality Through Lived Theology by Paul Mark Andres

Highlights

Finding the divine in everyday moments resonates deeply with my Filipino heritage and the cultural expression of “bahala na.” This phrase, meaning “come what may” or “leave it to God,” embodies the essence of Filipino spirituality. It weaves together Islamic “tawakkul” (trust in God) and the Christian invocation “Fiat voluntas tua” (Thy will be done), blending proactive faith and surrender to divine will. This uniquely Filipino spirituality fosters resilience and hope, illustrating how divine providence guides us through life’s challenges.

When I say “bahala na,” it is not a passive statement but an active theology—a declaration of faith akin to St. Anselm’s fides quaerens intellectum (faith seeking understanding)

lived theology: understanding God through life itself.

Lived theology emphasizes that faith is not limited to academic study. It democratizes theology by inviting people to reflect on personal experiences, engage in meaningful community dialogues, and draw insights from Scripture and tradition in navigating real-life challenges. This makes theology more accessible

rich theological insight and profound spiritual growth can be nurtured daily.

Lived theology is especially significant for Filipinos living in the “laylayan” (margins), as described by Dr. Fides Del Castillo.

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References

Andres, Paul Mark. “More Affordable God! My Filipino Way of Spirituality Through Lived Theology.” Overseas Ministries Study Center, 16 Dec. 2024, https://omsc.ptsem.edu/more-affordable-god-my-filipino-way-of-spirituality-through-lived-theology/.