Iglesia ni Cristo, a dynamic socially active religion

susmariosep

As an observer, compared to other religions in the country, the INC is a dynamic socially active religion.

So what?

So, if anyone is looking for a religion to join, then the INC is the one for you, that is on condition that you want to be in one that is dynamic and socially active.

Dynamic? Yes, because it has built the Philippine Arena, and socially active? yes, because as far as I know INC members are all actively employed or engaged in a self-owned and managed livelihood earning undertaking.

Am I a member of the INC? No, but I am an observer of the INC since many many years ago when I first noticed the INC compound in F. Manalo street in San Juan, then later the New Era compound in Commonwealth Avenue.

Would I sign up with the INC?

I am a free Christian, I don't belong to any Christian church that I cannot walk out anytime I want.

I want to see whether the INC are also into intellectual and artistic pursuits and other endeavors like environmentalism, for example like with the Greenpeace folks.

Then also I know from stock knowledge that Felix Manalo the founder claimed to be Jesus Christ already returned as He said He would.

That is one dogma if that be a dogma that I find a bit disconcerting, because there are a lot of non-Catholic churches whose founders also claim to be the returned Jesus Christ.

There is also another local Christian group founded by a Quibuloy who claims to be the Son of God.

Of course my stock knowledge could be wrong, because I learned about Felix Manalo from the media and also Quibuloy; I have never made any serious study of the claims of the INC in regard to Jesus Christ having returned, and I don't know about Quibuloy except also from the media -- and Quibuloy has a community in Davao City which is featured in a daily tv program, where the #1 show is a big choir of nice looking young women and men singing all the time.

sophion

susmariosep wrote: »

As an observer, compared to other religions in the country, the INC is a dynamic socially active religion.

that shows how little you know.

susmariosep wrote: »

So, if anyone is looking for a religion to join, then the INC is the one for you, that is on condition that you want to be in one that is dynamic and socially active.

i am a former born again christian. they are very dynamic and socially active. i have many memorable moments with them.

Moriadne

susmariosep wrote: »

As an observer, compared to other religions in the country, the INC is a dynamic socially active religion.

Thank you.

susmariosep wrote: »

I am a free Christian, I don't belong to any Christian church that I cannot walk out anytime I want.

Everyone is free to leave the church.

susmariosep wrote: »

I want to see whether the INC are also into intellectual and artistic pursuits and other endeavors like environmentalism, for example like with the Greenpeace folks.

You'd be glad to hear then that the INC does a lot of environmental work, here and abroad.

In the congregation of Shoreline, Washington, just a few months ago, we cleaned one of the major parks here. This kind of environmental work is repeated in all other congregations. Some plant trees, some clean sewers, some sweep the communities of garbage, and so on.

In the Bocaue area, you might also be interested to hear that the retention ponds of the CDV complex now help prevent the area from flooding. This is in contrast to back then, when the drainage systems were mostly just shallow ditches unable to handle large volumes of water. Power wise, the Philippine Arena's roof is designed so it can be retrofitted with solar panels if the need arises.

The Temple complex in Commonwealth, while an older project, also has water recycling capabilities. They also turn off the fountains during dry season unless there's a big event or something else that needs them turned on.

susmariosep wrote: »

Then also I know from stock knowledge that Felix Manalo the founder claimed to be Jesus Christ already returned as He said He would.

I think that would be Apollo Quiboloy.

The INC doesn't teach that the Messenger is Jesus Christ, the Messenger is simply a man used as an instrument to spread the Good News.

Jesus Christ has yet to return, though His return is actually very near due to all the signs having already been fulfilled, save for the last one: His reappearance.

Right now, He is "at the doors" essentially. Almost there, but not yet here.

susmariosep

Moriadne wrote: »

[...]

Originally Posted by susmariosep

Then also I know from stock knowledge that Felix Manalo the founder claimed to be Jesus Christ already returned as He said He would.

I think that would be Apollo Quiboloy.

The INC doesn't teach that the Messenger is Jesus Christ, the Messenger is simply a man used as an instrument to spread the Good News.

Jesus Christ has yet to return, though His return is actually very near due to all the signs having already been fulfilled, save for the last one: His reappearance.

[...]

So, it is not the fact that Felix Manalo claimed to be Jesus Christ returned, then my stock knowledge is wrong and I have to remove that part of my stock knowledge from my mental database, thanks.

At the present state of my spiritual development or perhaps more correctly religious development, I have come to conclude that God as creator of the universe in fact exists; but with religion, as there are so many of them, and even with the biggest one, for example, the what I call Christian faith, all of them are divided into diverse and even contradictory factions.

There are in fact so many religions, and in each big religion like for example the Christian faith, there are many factions.

One of the reasons why people choose a faction of a religion, is because that is the one you got born into, in which case it is a reason to remain in your present religion.

Next question then, why remain in the religion or particular faction of a religion you are presently and for a long time an adherent of?

And the reason is because that is the one you are most familiar with, wherefore most comfortable with, and it means change if you decide to switch to another group.

Change is always difficult unless there is advantage awaiting when you to change, like for example, you get closer and on better terms with the folks you do business with, or make new and better friends, or get close to folks with more in life than yourself, and all these folks are into a religious group you are thinking of joining.

There goes the ideal of a 'true' religion, what is happening is that people join another religious group for human reasons, not for the concern with getting into the 'true' religion, which is supposedly only one.

Now we come to the idea of a 'true' religion, and I am curious, do you INC folks think with certainty that you are in a true religion, that issue requires us all to concur on what is a true religion.

My question to you then, sir, is the INC the true religion?

But if a person in this country and society wants to be practical, he can just choose to join the INC, because it is to all appearances the most dynamic and socially active religious group today in the country, and that means a lot of advantages on human terms, and one can believe also that he can be on good terms with God creator of the universe also, in the INC.

sissypervert

You're right. You're very right. They are very active in interfering with society's right to vote as they choose. They force their followers to vote who their leaders tell them to vote. Sound like corruption and dictatorship to me.

Menorrah

The Iglesia ni Cristo or Church of Christ is the church built by Christ; thus, it is the true religion.

That is a bold statement and the only way to really understand is by first attending and completing all the biblical lessons on doctrines. You cannot find your answers in forums like this.

cretinous00

not bad for a 2 million-strong group (world-wide.)

Ferdinand

I thought 2 million local only, not including those outside the Philippines? I must admit that it is a good rate of increase in membership, because back in the early 80's, INC friends who were recruiting me said that 144,000 are the only ones who will be saved and that is according to Revelation.

Menorrah

There was no teaching in the INC that only 144000 will be saved. That's probably JWs.

In INC teaching, the 144000 are the first fruits or the first century church.

alaskador10

Hindi naman prueba ang Guinness book of world record na valid na sugo na ang self declared sugo na Manalo nila. Fake pa rin samahan nila.

Ferdinand

Well that is what they told me back then. I specifically remember that since that is the first time I read about it. And I was amazed by their interpretation, but that was the time I really haven't read the bible yet.

Menorrah

We actually give example JWS wrong doctrine about the 144000 in some of our lessons. So it's either you are mistaken or the person you were speaking with don't know what he was saying.

You will never find a Pasugo magazine during the 80s or even before saying only 144000 will be saved or else those attacking the church would have published that already.

zuriel1968

Hi Menorrah you might want to check this site. it is very interesting page. comics type pa for easier understanding

http://www.trueiglesia.org/

susmariosep

Well, the thrust of my thread is now into the question, what does belonging to the true religion have to do with its being the at least in appearances the most dynamic and socially active religion in the country?

What gives the INC members a sense of pride, that they belong to the most in all appearances dynamic and socially active religion in the country, or that their religion is the true one?

How important is it to them that they will be among the saved, or included in what? the kingdom of God i.e. heaven, when they pass the threshold of this earthly existence?

First, tell me, participants of this thread, are you aware that the INC is to all appearances the most dynamic and socially active religion in the country today?

And second, if you are not a member of the INC, what is your compensation to even the balance, so that you can still count yourself better off than the INC members, namely, because you in your religion belong to the true religion, and thus you will get to heaven when you die?

Ateo

God uses various means to spread his message. Sa ngayon ay kinakailangan ang social media. Aling iglesia ba ang mas sophisticated sa social media? Ang INC po.

edzze1716

medyo strict or consistent kasi ang finance gathering dyan sa inc they are nonsecular ibig sabihin may gobyerno sa loob ng religion...bukod sa state...

sissypervert

Menorrah wrote: »

The Iglesia ni Cristo or Church of Christ is the church built by Christ; thus, it is the true religion.

That is a bold statement and the only way to really understand is by first attending and completing all the biblical lessons on doctrines. You cannot find your answers in forums like this.

Wow really. Kala ko si k? felix.

zuriel1968

Menorrah wrote: »

The Iglesia ni Cristo or Church of Christ is the church built by Christ; thus, it is the true religion.

That is a bold statement and the only way to really understand is by first attending and completing all the biblical lessons on doctrines. You cannot find your answers in forums like this.

my dog's name is Jesus Christ, thus he is the lord jesus christ, nasa bible ang name na jesus christ is the lord and we should worship him, naku i should worship my dog,

That is a bold claim and the only way is to see my dog poop and he will change it to bread. hehehe watta ideology.

Milliardo

100 years ng panloloko at pagpapayaman sa mga Manalo. Good job.

Menorrah

Here in the United States, the Church of Christ is very active and dynamic as well. It is being recognized in City/ town level but not yet nationally.

We helped during Katrina and other disasters by providing money and relief goods. We cleaned up parks and city streets. Removed graffitis. Painted dirty walls. Provided clothes and food for the homeless. And many more.

Am I proud of it? Yes but all of these acts are works of our Almighty God who gives us strength and resources thus all the Glory must be returned to Him.

Prikongkong

Menorrah wrote: »

Here in the United States, the Church of Christ is very active and dynamic as well. It is being recognized in City/ town level but not yet nationally.

We helped during Katrina and other disasters by providing money and relief goods. We cleaned up parks and city streets. Removed graffitis. Painted dirty walls. Provided clothes and food for the homeless. And many more.

Am I proud of it? Yes but all of these acts are works of our Almighty God who gives us strength and resources thus all the Glory must be returned to Him.

Yup! And all other religions are false. Amen?