Religious beliefs can consume your life. You can be an avid church-goer and be there every Sunday.

You can even score extra points with God by going to Bible study/youth group meeting/choir practice or what have you.

What extra points do you expect to earn by re-enacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ?

I’m not sure what the logic is behind nailing oneself to a cross but I’m sure there was little to none involved.

Do you think that by nailing yourself to the cross that your entrance into the pearly gates will be that much easier?

Is the apostle St. Peter going to overlook every sin and acknowledge the amount of times you’ve nailed yourself to a cross?

Let me stop trivializing.

People’s faith can cause them to do unorthodox things and individuals in the Philippines are perfect examples of that.

During this year’s Good Friday ritual, seven Catholic devotees nailed themselves to a cross during an annual tradition that attracts thousands of tourists from around the country.

The ritual took place in San Pedro Cutid, Philippines. The Philippines is known as Southeast Asia’s largest Roman Catholic nation.

According to MSNBC.com, the devotee’s palms and feet were attached to wooden crosses with 4-inch nails soaked in alcohol to prevent infection, after a nearly mile-long walk to the mound.

If it’s this ritual that makes them feel closer to God, fine. That’s not going to stop me from putting in my two cents.

When it comes to religion, there are some rituals that I can get with. For example, weekly church attendance, communion, choir/band rehearsal, and paying tithes. Hey, whatever keeps you in-tune with God and your faith.

I’m just not able to jump on the crucifixion bandwagon.

Outside from the sheer absurdity of it, look at it from a physical standpoint: That has got to hurt. Oh, the pain.

Not to mention the possible unsanitary conditions. A nail that has been dipped in alcohol is just not sanitary enough for me. Has anyone ever heard of tetanus?

My religious background has been sketchy to say the least. Very recently, I found out that I identify with Agnostics.

Agnostics believe in a higher power or higher powers but do not necessarily identify with a particular religion.

However, I do have basic knowledge of the Bible and Christianity.

If I were a devout Christian, this particular ceremony would make me a little uneasy.

Really, what are Catholics in the Philippines trying to say? Is their ceremony making them more of a dedicated Catholic than those in other countries?

Hypothetically speaking, let’s say that I identified with Catholicism; I wouldn’t want to feel like I’m not a good enough Catholic because I’m not nailing myself to a cross every Good Friday.

In a sense, I’d almost feel inferior. I would feel like the tithes I pay and my church attendance don’t even begin to compare to the sacrifice and faith the Filipinos have.

In the end, I don’t believe they are trying to make other followers of the Catholic faith look bad. It could easily be tied to any faith-based ritual. This crucifixion could be their idea of Sunday church service.

Oneika Richardson can be reached at [email protected]