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Reflect on the different views of the authors of primary sources regarding Jose Rizal's retraction. How do these differing perspectives influence your understanding of Rizal's legacy and its impact on Filipino identity? Consider the implications of whether Rizal retracted or not and how each viewpoint shapes the national perception of him as the most prominent historical figure in the Philippines.  RUBRIC: 

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Reflect on the different views of the authors of primary sources regarding Jose Rizal's retraction. How do these differing perspectives influence your understanding of Rizal's legacy and its impact on Filipino identity? Consider the implications of whether Rizal retracted or not and how each viewpoint shapes the national perception of him as the most prominent historical figure in the Philippines.  RUBRIC: 

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The debate of Rizal retraction makes an intense discussion among historian with those various primary sources that offering different views. Reflecting on these perspectives enriches our understanding of Rizal’s legacy and its impact on Filipino identity.

But think about it many people think that Rizal is our national hero and if Rizal retracted, his legacy might be seen as comprised, potentially diminishing his status as a national hero and according to the discussion that retracting is out of Rizal’s character because he knows what will happen to him in the first time that he published a book against to catholic church and retracting is not very Rizal thing.

Ultimately, Rizal’s impact on Filipino identity still remains, symbolizing unity, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. But still this thing is still debatable until now.

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Rizal's Retraction: A Twist of Faith or a Test of Conviction?

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Rizal's Retraction: A Twist of Faith or a Test of Conviction?

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The whole controversy about Rizal's supposed retraction of his Catholic faith is an extremely sensitive topic, a matter that could ultimately affect his legacy and the entire perception of the Filipino people to him, be it positively or otherwise. However, by investigating upon this matter even further, we can also take a better glimpse at Rizal's character and his profound devotion to our country. Taking into account the numerous supposed eyewitness accounts and retraction documents, one would naturally be compelled to believe it to be genuine. Fortunately, there are also numerous experts that claimed that the documents had been forged. Moreover, his presumed retraction is unseemly as it goes against his very ideals. Be that as it may, but if Rizal's retraction is ever proven to be true, it shouldn't affect his status as a hero; as his act of retraction only defines his religious faith and not his entire idealogies as a nationalist.

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Rizal's face and figure from my perspective after the retraction controversy.

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Rizal's face and figure from my perspective after the retraction controversy.

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Rizal's retraction got a lot of people investigating. Because each of the stands really makes sense. I think the views that state that Rizal did retract focus on the evidence, like the retraction document and the witness. This stand connotes the Filipino's religious beliefs and the loyalty and love of God. Rizal's retraction is said to be the reason for his marriage with Josephine Bracken, creating a visual of Filipinos's true and pure love. On the other hand, it's really questionable that with all of Rizal's sacrifices and fights for the Filipinos, his work that serves as our weapon, and then suddenly he wanted to retract it. In my opinion, Rizal's retraction really does reflect in his identity; both of the stands have valid reasons, but in this controversy we must know the truth behind it. I think Rizal's identity in each viewpoint will always be positive. I mean, if Rizal did retract, Rizal already had a positive impact on Filipinos. It's also important for him to choose what's best for him. His option is either to be killed or a chance to live and marry his lover. Each viewpoint will really reflect his historical figure because if he did retract, Filipinos will see him as a coward but a loving family and husband. Then, when he doesn't retract, it will show bravery and passion for what he fights for. In conclusion, Rizal's figure will be affected by both viewpoints only affect my perspective in a positive way because both of them create a positive and valid reason as a human and a hero.

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In my view, it’s really difficult to determine the truth about Rizal’s Retraction, since the authors have different views regarding Rizal’s legacy. There are sources that say he retracted his criticisms of the church, which in turn shows his final acceptance of the Catholic faith, while others are arguing that until the end, he stood firm in his conviction. These different perspectives influence my view of Rizal’s role in the formation of Filipino identity—as a steadfast revolutionary or someone who found a balance between faith and love of country. The question of retraction adds depth to the memory of Rizal, whether he was known as a hero of freedom or as a person capable of change. The ambiguity of his heritage pushes me to think deeply about the many aspects of being Filipino. As a final point, retracted or not, Rizal’s principles continue to inspire strength and concern for the nation.

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Arguments on Jose Rizal’s retraction gained a lot of exchanging views and perspectives. Wether he retracted or not, both of the stand provides their own evidences and eye witnesses. Reliability and validity are the main things that sets them apart. The views of Filipinos could be affected by his retraction including his status as a hero and his remarkable character. The number of evidences and witnesses of him retracting, this convince people to believe that he retracted. Knowing his identity, retraction would be the last thing that would come into his head. Hence, the fact that he retracted or not, it would not affect his reputation and his character as our national hero. His religion wouldn’t define his remarkable contribution on our independence.

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It is hard for us to determine whether Rizal retracted or not. Many authors, eyewitnesses, and historians, and until now it is still debatable here in the Philippines. On the side where Rizal retracted there’s a part of mine where there is evidence that Rizal retracted. First one, Fr. Balaguer who witnessed that Rizal really retracted. Also, Josephine Bracken states that they’re married. However, the paper itself cannot be considered reliable because it was a decade before it was shown to the public. On my part, there is strong evidence on both sides, and it influences and challenges my personal beliefs on this matter. It taught me that even if the evidence is still presented, we should know how to criticize it constructively, and the document is trusted. No document, no history. On the latter side, Rizal has caught the hearts of the Filipinos because of his bravery and willingness to take a good fight for a chosen land. The Philippines.

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To pinpoint whether or not Dr. Jose Rizal retracted is not a walk in the park. However, upon reading the accounts the primary sources regarding his retraction solidified my belief, as a faithful son of the Mother Church, that Rizal has been heavily influenced by Freemasonry ー a cult and secret society mostly made up of social elites and self-proclaimed intellectuals, whose members have also made notable contribution during the French revolution and its eventual reign of terror; its masonic thoughts and ideals and possibly Protestant thoughts during his travels in Europe. One cannot be both Christian (Catholic) and a Freemason as in the case with Matthew 6:34 which states that one cannot serve two masters; In this case, as opposed to what our Professor said, Rizal is no longer a Christian. Embracing Freemasonry is to disobey the teachings of the Sacred Scriptures. Now, in regards as to whether or not Rizal retracted is of no importance, whatever the case may be, it still wouldn't change the fact he has created a legacy for himself as a glorified "Hero" of a republic that was built upon the ideals of Freemasonry, and by freemasons who used his name as leverage to start a bloody revolution which does not align with Rizal's cause for a peaceful reform to limit the powers of Friars; the representation for the Philippines in the Spanish Cortes, and the recognition of Filipinos as Spanish subjects.

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Rizal’s retraction resulted in a debatable question for many of us. Whether Rizal returned to his Catholic faith or not is still a doubt. Different viewpoints from various sources have influenced and challenged my perspective on whether or not Rizal retracted. Reflecting on the perspective that Rizal did not retract, it impacted Philippine history given that Rizal is known for upholding strong character to fight for his country through his writings. Additionally, the marriage certificate of Rizal and Josephine Bracken is still a doubt. And if Rizal and Bracken are married, then where is the marriage certificate that will represent Rizal's retraction? No document means no history, which is why it is a strong claim that Rizal did not retract his writings. Additionally, the retraction document was accused of forgery. There have been numerous different perspectives circulating about this issue. Eventually, the debate about this controversy remained and made an impact on shaping the beliefs of Filipinos and the identity of Rizal as considered our national hero.

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The debate on whether Jose Rizal retracted his beliefs against the Catholic Church before his execution is still heated. Some believe that, facing death, Rizal might have wanted to reconcile with his faith and family’s beliefs. They see his retraction as a way to find peace in his last moments.

However, others argue that the retraction was faked by Spanish authorities. They believe Rizal stayed true to his principles until the end, refusing to renounce his fight against injustice. The document itself has also raised doubts due to missing originals and suspicious timing.

In the end, whether he retracted or not, Rizal’s legacy endures. He inspired Filipinos to fight for a better future, and his courage and love for our country remain his true legacy.

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It affects my understanding in so many ways, let's sum it up. First, it is a matter of life or death, and Rizal did not flinch nor retract, this shows how his conviction to expose the wrongdoings and teachings of the catholic church weighs heavier than his own life. Second, this just shows the patriotism, and his love for his very own country, the will to give up his life, just to protect his pieces, and his fellowmen.

This represents how Rizal will give up many things that is so precious to him, because his love for the country is immeasurable. Overall, Rizal's legacy, is a living testament of his bravery, to fight for the people until his last breath.

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The controversy about Rizal's retraction is still confusing due to the fact that there's a lot of views and perspectives coming from different sources. However, even if there's a lot of people providing and giving their own perspective, whether or not Rizal retracted, it influences me to delve deeper about his legacy and Filipino identity. I think the views state that Rizal retracts focus on the evidence given, showing his acceptance of the Catholic faith, while others argue that he will never do that, showing also their evidence. In my perspective, the fact that, whether he retracted or not, it will never change my perspective that he inspired Filipinos to fight back because of his remarkable contribution, and it reflects it to where we are right now and what we have been fighting for a very long time have already been achieved. Eventually, on the side of others, this controversy had an impact on shaping the beliefs of Filipino people and the identity of Rizal as our national hero. But since it is a never-ending debatable, we must remember that by knowing the authenticity, reliability, and validity of it, it will help us to fully understand what is true among those evidences provided.

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Reflecting on the various perspectives about Jose Rizal's retraction offers a different point of view of his legacy and its impact on Filipino identity. The debate centers on whether he indeed retracted his criticisms of the Spanish Church and colonial rule, and it influences how we interpret his role as a national hero.

Some authors argue that Rizal's supposed retraction aligns him with the Catholic faith he was accused of rejecting, suggesting he might have conformed under pressure or in a moment of deep personal reflection. This view could portray Rizal as a man of humility and spirituality, making his legacy more accessible to devout Filipino Catholics. For them, Rizal’s retraction could symbolize a hero who, despite his radical ideals, ultimately respected faith—reinforcing a moral legacy.

On the other hand, authors who argue against the retraction maintain Rizal as an unwavering critic of colonial rule. "This portrayal supports the image of Rizal as a martyr who stood firm in his beliefs until the end. For Filipinos who see him as a symbol of resistance, a non-retracting Rizal strengthens the narrative of national struggle and resilience against foreign oppression."

Each viewpoint shapes how Filipinos perceive him: "if he retracted, his legacy might emphasize forgiveness, faith, and a softer kind of patriotism. If he didn’t, Rizal remains the enduring symbol of defiance and intellectual independence. In either case, Rizal’s legacy profoundly impacts Filipino identity by highlighting key values—faith, resilience, and the pursuit of justice—that continue to inspire generations."

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The different perspectives and beliefs on Rizal's retraction highlights its impact on Filipino identities, some researchers believes that rizal did retracts while many people say's Rizal's did not retract and the documents and evidences is not original and not the same on Rizal's work/ handwritten, based on our findings on our debate the document was forged, but when Josephine stated they were married, the questions obout Rizal's retraction remains, The debate over his retraction was are so important to us filipino specially to the youth because we're seeing how they view one of the national heroes here in the Philippines, but if Rizal's did not retract, it raises questions about his commitment, However the ongoing discussion and debate reflects the struggles of the Filipino on colonial period.

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The conflicting controversies regarding Rizal's retraction really holds a huge impact that reflects his character and identity. This matter is ultimately affecting the legacy he contributed to our rich history, specifically because he is known for his burning passion for nationalism and strong commitment. This debate is questioning and doubting all his contributions, especially the truthfulness and genuineness of his writings that have been taught and valued widely. With the evidence and eyewitnesses presented, it contradicts his true and clear intentions. However, despite the data presented, nothing could change the fact that he died with all his heart and mind, until his last breath he fought for us and that’s a living testament of his undying love for the country. It is clear that the retraction is just a way to ruin his image, considering the validity and reliability of the evidence used against him to lure us about what is truly right. Looking back to everything he's done for us, he will remain a prominent historical figure where all his contributions are valued and will always have a special place in our history.