Asin ng Lupa: Simbahan at Pulitika 

(Salt of the Earth: Church and Politics) investigates the crucial role the
Church has played in defining moments of recent Philippine history. Hosted by Danny Javier, the
documentary asks the difficult questions: What does the separation of Church and State mean? Why
does the Church get involved in politics? Should the Church get involved in politics? Featuring interviews
with Jaime Cardinal Sin, Bishop Soc Villegas, Bishop Chito Tagle, Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ, Conrado de
Quiros, Orly Punzalan and other religious and laity, Asin ng Lupa offers a unique opportunity to discuss
and reflect on the role of the Church in politics.

The Church and the State are one of the most influential forces when it comes to a non-atheist
country. These two work hand-in-hand for the betterment of all. However, the Church and the
State are stereotyped to oppose each other. Indeed this is true. Whenever the government goes
into action, the Church always has a certain reaction. The Church meddles in the State’s affair
which looks annoying as it gets. As result, the Church is then criticized for getting involved in
political issues.

The film we watched investigates the crucial role the Church has played in defining moments of
recent Philippine history. The documentary asks the difficult questions: A) What does the
separation of Church and State mean? B) Why does the Church get involved in politics? C)
Should the Church get involved in politics?

The Church has a vital role in the progress of a society. To separate the Church from the State
means that whatever the State declares, the Church must not meddle with its affairs, and
whatever the Church proclaims, the State would stay out of it either. But since the Church plays
a vital role in the betterment of all, she has to react to the State’s action. The Church reacts not
to cause commotion – she has to react for she has to uphold God’s will to the people. She has to
react for it is her responsibility to correct and direct people towards Christ. To be involved in
politics is difficult, but as speakers and upholders of God’s law, she has to be involved. She does
this not to bribe or gain glory. She may be accused and criticized badly for being involved in
things of the government, but as we all know, the Church has to do this for she cares for us as
how God cares for His creations.