If a prophet wills your death as the ultimate sacrifice to the Creator, will you acquiesce? To what extent will you let faith direct your actions? We as a collective live in-between the subjective and objective truths of life. And to believe in these verities is what propels us to continue when faced with the greatest tragedies. At the same time, chaos can originate from clashing truths. Humanity will thrive, suffer, and live as long as faith persists.

Blind faith is intrinsically robust. The very core of its existence is devoid of rationality. It does not depend on empirical evidence to influence the mind. In fact, the boundless potential of blind faith is evident in how the different aspects of society function. We have the idea of justice, laws, and rights that people perpetually pursue because of a divine and/or natural law that we consciously choose to believe in. Our longstanding systems are built from the imagination of the human brain. For instance, banknotes do not have an inherent value. It is simply another type of paper made from plant fibres. But because we maintained that these pieces of paper have a particular cost, we had managed to externalise this idea and incorporate it into the machinery of society as currency effectively replaced the barter system. We blindly follow the system, either because there is a genuine belief, for the sake of customs, or in fear of retribution. Generally, blind faith drives our society forward toward a future. As individuals, we derive strength from it to stomp on the rough patches in everyday life. It can be a blessing that will lead us to manifest our dreams as it fuels our deliberate decision to face incertitude because we trust the universe, God, or fate for that matter, to be in our favour.

Conversely, blind faith can be a curse—a harbinger of disastrous consequences as it extends itself in cults and other complex groups (e.g., terrorist organisations). Supposedly the foundation of unity behind thousands and millions of followers, manipulation of members can be entirely possible and easy for a single charismatic leader. The results from such machinations, however, are devastating and terrifying. History warns us of this peril. In the case of Adolf Hitler, his ideology and propaganda built an army that eradicated innumerable lives of Jews, prisoners, and other victims of war. Bigotry can incite genocide. Blind faith is hideous in this way. Although it is strong, it remains malleable like metals. And humans may shape it to forms they desire, whether it may be ethical or unethical.

Blind faith is a double-edged sword that can create miracles and bring forth destruction. In the current political affairs of the Philippines, citizens are susceptible to naively glorifying and following candidates of questionable integrity and competence. The echoes of delusions are deafening; their twisted morals and words pollute the air, concealing our sight. They will strike to gouge the eyes until we rely on nothing but corrupted beliefs. So, we must heed their lies, take action, and break free from the horrors of blind faith.