RIZAL AS THEOLOGIAN

Theologian – a person who is an expert in theology – the study of religious faith, practice, and
experience; the study of God and of God’s relation to the world

“Rizal was no theologian.” His thoughts on religion are based on his ideas about what is a just and
humane social order for our country and the rest of the world. His religious ideas were formulated
because of his experiences and education, and as consequences of his attempts to fight with the social,
political and economic problems of his time. In this sense, his religious perspective is humanistic and
existential. He was not concerned with the subtle points of a scholastic theological debate.

But as to Rizal’s belief on religion, most especially on the existence of God, there is no question to that.
His last major work, Mi ultimo adios, was an affirmation of the reality of God and the immortality of the
soul. Also, Eugene Hessel considers Rizal a Christian for having inscribed teachings of Christ.

RIZAL AS ENGINEER

Engineer - a person who is trained in or follows as a profession a branch of engineering; a person who
carries through an enterprise by skillful or artful contrivance

Rizal was a licensed land surveyor before he took up medicine. This training enabled him to engage in
civil engineering works. Among his achievements were the dam and waterworks he constructed in
Dapitan in 1894 through the help of his pupils. The waterworks were built using stones, cast-off tiles,
bamboo pipes, and mortar from burnt coral. He also invented a brick making machine, and a
preparation of bakhaw paste, useful for roof construction because of its water resistance, fireproof and
lightweight properties. Also, Rizal has set up a public plaza and street lighting, and constructed a huge
relief map of Mindanao in front of the parish church, now declared a National Historical Landmark by
the NHI and an important cultural property by the National Museum.

RIZAL AS MAGICIAN

Magician - one who performs tricks of illusion and sleight of hand

“Rizal as Boy Magician.” With his dexterous hands, he learned various tricks, such as making a coin
appear or disappear in his fingers and making a handkerchief vanish in thin air. Also, he entertains his
town folks with magic lantern exhibitions. He gained skills in manipulating marionettes (puppet show).
And, he read books on magic and attended performance of great magicians.