This paper proposes a doctrine of divine providence that can positively advance the Filipino cultural value of bahala na in the context of poverty and suffering. The paper combines this Filipino cultural value with a covenantal perspective that views God as Lord over all who communicatively cares for His people.
Bahala na – translating roughly to “Come what may; Whatever may happen, happens; Things will turn out fine” – is a prominent Filipino cultural value. It is often cited in the context of pervasive poverty, trials, and tragedies that stretch people beyond their capabilities and is the subject of extensive anthropological study. This paper contends that despite its excesses, the concept of bahala na can function as a redemptive virtue in the Filipino and broader Asian context. Specifically, in contexts of poverty, a redemptive adaptation of bahala na can help Christians understand and affirm God’s care for his people as the covenantal Lord.
The thesis is developed first by briefly sketching the relationship between bahala na and poverty. Second, the paper describes how the Filipino social imaginary is influenced by poverty. Third, the paper explains how divine providence, understood as covenant communicative care, relates to bahala na and poverty. Lastly, this paper identifies applications of a reformed version of bahala na to a modern social imaginary.
Overall, this paper seeks to contribute to a contextualized appreciation of providence in a Majority World setting through the lens of the Triune God’s covenant relation to humanity in Christ Jesus. One of the factors that contributed to the rise of liberation theology in the Philippines (and in Asia more broadly) is its promise to provide resistance to systemic oppression and poverty, especially among the marginalized. While liberation theology generally failed to meet the needs it sought to address, a fresh vision of God’s covenantal, communicative care for the poor has more promise.
This proposal is relevant for audiences beyond the Philippines, as it sheds light on how cultural beliefs influence people’s understanding of God and redemption, considering their socio-cultural and economic situation. Understanding how cultural concepts like bahala na influence attitudes toward poverty and suffering can offer valuable insights for addressing similar issues within diverse communities in a globalized and pluralistic world.