Duterte’s “Stupid God” Remark – A Hot Button in the Philippines
In a speech on June 26, President Rodrigo Duterte made a sweeping dismissal of the Creator, asking, “Who is this stupid God?” The phrase stunned a largely Catholic nation, sparking a swathe of backlash from religious leaders.
The Adam & Eve Conundrum
Duterte pointed to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, asking why a perfect creation would be set up for temptation and eventual tragedy. He used vivid, no‑holds‑barred language that quickly turned it into a headline debate.
Church Leaders Are Not Having It
- Minutes after the remark, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David posted on Facebook questioning how a president could represent all Filipinos when he disrespects the majority’s faith.
- The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches condemned the statement as “completely inappropriate” for a national leader to “derisively curse at the God of the Christian faith.”
- Nearly 80 % of the country’s 100 + million population is Catholic, so the backlash was a huge wave.
Duterte’s Reply & A New “Dialogue” Committee
In a counter‑character, the president defended his use of language in a Monday speech. By Tuesday, his spokesperson announced a three‑person committee intended to bridge the “rift” between the government and the Church. Harry Roque said the main goal would be to ease tensions, but critics remain skeptical.
Deadly Past & Rising Tensions
Typically, Duterte’s outspoken style has clashed with the Church’s vocal opposition to his “death‑dress” drug war. The violence has spilled into weird corners: three priests were murdered since December, one fired inside a church while preparing a Mass. The Church has been pushed to debate whether priests should carry arms to protect themselves.
All‑Around Turbulence
These latest remarks are one of many that illustrate Duterte’s penchant for calling high‑profile figures – from Barack Obama as a “son of a whore” to Pope Francis – by harsh epithets. When the EU criticized the drug war, he called its leadership “stupid.” It’s an ongoing ice‑breaker that keeps politics and religion at odds here.
Whether these speeches will dissolve or deepen the divide remains to be seen, but the “stupid God” comment has definitely put the Philippine presidency in a spotlight that none can ignore.
