Best exemplified by the legend of Faust, referring to a deal with the devil, compact or pact with the devil is a cultural motif, and the figure of Mephistopheles, but elemental to many Christian folktales.
According to traditional Christian belief about witchcraft, the pact is between a person and Satan or a lesser demon. The person offers his soul in exchange for diabolical favours. Those favours vary by the tale, but tend to include youth, knowledge, wealth, fame, or power.
It was also believed that some persons made this type of pact just as a sign of recognizing the devil as their master.
Nevertheless, the bargain is considered a dangerous one, as the price of the Fiend’s service is the wagerer’s soul.
The tale may have a moralizing end, with eternal damnation for the foolhardy venturer.
It is supposed to highlight what happens to one who barters his soul for immediate satisfaction for material gain. It alludes to one’s goals in life, whether one wants to do good, for the rewards eternal life by going for the ideals of Christian values, ethics and morals, or to perdition by living the here and now, with material wealth, no matter what happens in the after-life
In summary, this what socialite-turned-activist Regina Lao Lopez, who held the position of Environment secretary for 10 months, believes in.
The way she was grilled by the members of the Commission on Appointments pointed to the inevitable rejection.
She thanked the few who voted for her, Senate Majority members Tito Sotto, Loren Legarda, JV Ejercito, Manny Pacquiao; Minority members Franklin Drilon, Kiko Pangilinan, Ralph Recto, Bam Aquino.
It takes a person of integrity to be able to take on the ever-recurring destructive problems of the mining industry.
Lopez alluded, lamented, and rebuked the CA members as persons who abandoned their public duty, his or her spiritual values or moral principles to obtain wealth or other benefits, focusing on their present gains without considering the long term consequences.
Congratulations to the three Bar topnotchers and all those from Silliman University who passed the Bar, making the faculty and SU Law alumni proud to have bested students in the usual Imperial Manila.
Special recognition to new lawyers from Foundation University who carried the torch of the founder, former UP Law Dean and former UP President Vicente Sinco.
Kudos to FU Law Dean Jesus Quevenco and the faculty for a job well done!
To the new lawyers, the same warning goes: Beware of Faustian bargains!
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Author’s email: whelmayap@yahoo.com
