THE NUANCES AND DYNAMICS OF THE FILIPINO EXPRESSION BAHALA NA AS AN EXPERIENCE OF CULTURE AND FAITH

Abstract

In the face of challenging situations, Filipino Catholics manifest, through the expression of bahala na, certain cultural traits that portray Christian values, such as an attitude of undying faith in God. However, at some point, the same expression also reveals attitudes that are inconsistent with the Christian message and practices. Through the review and analysis of different literatures that have studied bahala na, the paper articulates the contrasting nuances that give the expression ambivalent dynamics while, at the same time, presenting its significant influence on the faith of Filipino Catholics. So, in terms of the expressions negative cultural nuances, the paper examines some distortions that could perpetuate Filipino Catholics interpretation of the Gospel message, particularly on their understanding of Divine will, Divine providence, and Christian discipleship, which, consequently, affects how some of them treat their personal freedom and responsibilities as somewhat insignificant in alleviating themselves from suffering, and in attaining salvation. KEYWORDS: culture, experience, suffering, bahala na, Filipino