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Religious movements across the globe have demonstrated the power to mobilize followers, influence governments, and demand social reforms. From the political power of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in the Philippines to the evangelical movements in the U.S. and Muslim reform protests in Bangladesh, religious rallies have reshaped societies. Interestingly, the plots of popular movies and TV shows often mirror these real-life events, exploring themes of faith, politics, and the transformative power of collective action. This article examines how religious rallies and movements have influenced the world, comparing these real-world scenarios to their portrayals in media and entertainment.
The Iglesia ni Cristo: Political Power and the Call for Change
In the Philippines, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) is known for its bloc voting system, where members vote as a unified group based on the church leadership’s endorsement. This political influence has made INC rallies a powerful force in elections and national discourse. The 2016 presidential election saw INC-endorsed candidates receiving overwhelming support, showing how religious unity can sway political outcomes.
In The Hunger Games, the character of Katniss Everdeen becomes the face of a rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. Much like INC’s ability to rally thousands for political causes, Katniss’s image as the “Mockingjay” symbolizes hope and collective action. The film shows how a single, charismatic figure can unite people from diverse backgrounds to challenge authoritarian rule—echoing how religious organizations can use their influence to shift political tides. However, while Katniss’s revolution is about overthrowing a tyrannical regime, INC’s rallies typically aim to support or defend political structures, highlighting a key difference in their goals.
Roman Catholic Church: Mobilizing for Change, with a Legacy of Protest
The Roman Catholic Church has a long history of influencing social and political change, notably during the 1986 People Power Revolution in the Philippines. The Church, led by Cardinal Jaime Sin, mobilized millions to peacefully demand the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos, resulting in the restoration of democracy.
This narrative of peaceful resistance can be compared to the 2006 film The Constant Gardener, where an international conspiracy is uncovered by a couple’s pursuit of truth. Although not directly related to religion, the film highlights the power of a single individual's dedication to uncovering injustices and rallying others to their cause—much like how the Catholic Church used its moral authority to guide Filipinos toward a peaceful revolution. While the outcome in The Constant Gardener is the revelation of a tragic corporate conspiracy, the People Power Revolution succeeded in restoring democracy, underscoring how religious movements often advocate for ethical causes and collective liberation.
Evangelical Movements in the U.S.: Faith, Politics, and the Battle for Power
In the United States, evangelical groups have increasingly intertwined religious fervor with political activism. Movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) organize massive rallies, urging followers to engage in "spiritual warfare" for political change. These movements have influenced conservative politics, particularly during elections.
In The Handmaid's Tale, based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, the fictional regime of Gilead is a theocratic society where religion is manipulated to justify authoritarian rule. Like the evangelical movements in the U.S., the religious elite in Gilead uses faith to control the masses, highlighting how religious influence can shape political outcomes. However, in The Handmaid's Tale, the religious leaders' manipulation of faith leads to the oppression of women and the loss of freedom, serving as a cautionary tale. In contrast, evangelical rallies in real life often advocate for political change, but with the goal of reinforcing certain values rather than imposing a totalitarian system.
Muslim Reform Movements: Advocating for Change in the Name of Justice
The Muslim Reform Movement seeks to challenge extremist ideologies and promote secular governance, human rights, and gender equality. These values have been a rallying cry for Muslims around the world, as seen in protests in Bangladesh in 2024, where calls for political reform led to mass mobilization and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
This theme of reform and the fight for justice is central to Les Misérables, where the character Jean Valjean is motivated by a desire for redemption and societal change. Similarly, in the Vikings TV series, characters like Lagertha and Ragnar Lothbrok fight for their beliefs, often challenging authority and advocating for the rights of their people. The comparison here lies in the internal and external struggles faced by those seeking reform—whether it’s the Muslim reformers advocating for peace and secularism or the characters in these stories fighting for justice and change. While Les Misérables and Vikings are historical narratives, the real-life struggles of Muslim reformers show how rallies and protests can lead to social change, even when the path is fraught with resistance.
Global Impact: Faith’s Role in Political and Social Change
Religious rallies are not just confined to one faith or region; they resonate globally, influencing political, social, and moral landscapes. Whether it’s the Catholic Church’s role in the People Power Revolution, the INC’s electoral influence, evangelical movements in the U.S., or Muslim reform movements advocating for secular governance, these rallies often share a common theme: the power of collective faith to enact change.
These movements’ similarities with popular media plots, like The Hunger Games and Les Misérables, emphasize how collective action can unite people for a common cause. Yet, the outcomes are often shaped by the leaders and the methods employed. In real life, rallies may succeed in achieving their goals, like the People Power Revolution, or fall short, like some of the evangelical rallies which sometimes face backlash or limited success.
Challenges and Criticism: The Cost of Mobilization
While religious rallies can be powerful agents of change, they are not without controversy. Critics often point out the dangers of religious movements overstepping their bounds, particularly when faith is used to justify political power or suppress dissent. Theocratic control, as seen in The Handmaid's Tale, is a stark warning against the dangers of religious extremism. On the other hand, movements advocating for justice, like those seen in Les Misérables, reveal how faith-based rallies can also fight for equity and freedom.
In real life, religious rallies that endorse political candidates or causes often face backlash from those who see them as a threat to secularism or political neutrality. The rise of "faith-based" politics in both the U.S. and the Philippines raises concerns about the potential for religion to dominate political discourse at the expense of democratic values.
Conclusion: Faith, Politics, and the Power of Collective Action
Religious rallies have proven time and again that faith, when mobilized, is a powerful force for change. Whether it's the peaceful resistance of the Roman Catholic Church, the political power of INC, or the fight for justice by Muslim reformers, these movements show that collective action rooted in faith can shape the future. These stories resonate with the plots of popular films and TV series, where characters rally for justice, fight against oppression, or seek redemption. While the outcomes differ—sometimes achieving victory, other times facing resistance—the message remains clear: collective faith, whether in real life or in fiction, has the power to transform the world.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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