Citizendia

Iglesia ni Cristo
ClassificationRestorationism
OrientationNontrinitarianism
PolityHierarchical
FounderFelix Manalo
OriginJuly 27, 1914
Punta, Santa Ana, Manila
Geographical AreaWorldwide, especially the Philippines
Statistics
Congregations2,635 [1]
Members1,680,000 (1997)[2][3]

The Iglesia ni Cristo (also known as INC, Iglesya ni Kristo or Church of Christ, pronounced [ɪˈgleʃɐ ni ˈkɾisto]) is a nontrinitarian Christian restorationist religious organization that originated in the Philippines[4] The INC was founded in the Philippines by Felix Y. Manalo on July 27, 1914;[5] The most basic component of the INC's beliefs is that founder Felix Manalo was sent from God to reestablish the Christian Church in its true form[6] and that the original church was apostatized. For other usages see Restoration (general disambiguation Apokatastasis (universal restoration Christian Zionism (restoration of Israel and Christian Theology is discourse concerning Christian faith Christian theologians use biblical Exegesis, rational analysis and argument Nontrinitarianism includes all Christian belief systems that reject as non-scriptural wholly or partly the doctrine of the Trinity; the Doctrine Ecclesiastical polity is the operational and governance structure of a Church or Christian denomination. Félix Ysagun Manalo (born Félix Manalo Ysagun May 10, 1886 - April 12, 1963) was the first Executive Minister of the religious organization Events 1214 - Battle of Bouvines: In France, Philip II of France defeats John of England. Year 1914 ( MCMXIV) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year The City of Manila The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP Nontrinitarianism includes all Christian belief systems that reject as non-scriptural wholly or partly the doctrine of the Trinity; the Doctrine For other usages see Restoration (general disambiguation Apokatastasis (universal restoration Christian Zionism (restoration of Israel and The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP Félix Ysagun Manalo (born Félix Manalo Ysagun May 10, 1886 - April 12, 1963) was the first Executive Minister of the religious organization Events 1214 - Battle of Bouvines: In France, Philip II of France defeats John of England. Year 1914 ( MCMXIV) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year The organization denies the doctrine of the Trinity, as well as the Divinity of Jesus. SSC RF "Troitsk Institute of Innovative and Termonuclear Research" or TRINITY for shprt Троицкий Институт инновационных и термоядерных Jesus of Nazareth (7–2 BC / BCE —26–36 AD / CE) [7][8]

Contents

Background information

The historical context of the Iglesia ni Cristo lies in a period of the early 20th century characterised by a variety of rural anti-colonialism movements, often with religious undertones, in the Philippines. The twentieth century of the Common Era began on Anti-imperialism, strictly speaking is a term that may be applied to or movement opposed to some form of Imperialism. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP At this time, U. S. missionary work was exposing Filipino culture to many alternatives to the Catholicism installed under earlier Spanish rule. See also Evangelism, Christianization A Christian mission has been widely defined since the Lausanne Congress of 1974 as that which The culture of the Philippines reflects the complexity of the History of the Philippines through the blending of cultures of diverse indigenous civilizations with characteristics The Spanish Empire (Imperio Español was one of the largest Empires in history and one of the first Global empires In the 15th and 16th centuries [9]

After Felix Manalo joined and left many religious organizations as a young adult,[10] he declared that God gave him a mission to preach the gospel and to reestablish the first church founded by Jesus. This article is about the canonical books of the New Testament Jesus of Nazareth (7–2 BC / BCE —26–36 AD / CE) [11]

Iglesia ni Cristo's first chapel
Iglesia ni Cristo's first chapel

The INC began with a handful of followers on July 27, 1914 in Punta, Santa Ana, Manila; with Manalo as its head minister. Events 1214 - Battle of Bouvines: In France, Philip II of France defeats John of England. Year 1914 ( MCMXIV) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year The City of Manila [12] Manalo propagated his message within his local area, growing the Iglesia ni Cristo and converting members of other religions. The world's principal Religions and spiritual traditions may be classified into a small number of major groups or world religions'. As membership increased, he delegated others to spread the teachings of the INC and it eventually spread throughout the Philippines and to other countries. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP After Felix Manalo's death in 1963, his son Eraño took over duties as executive minister and Eduardo V. Manalo is the deputy executive minister. Eraño de Guzman Manalo (born January 2, 1925) is the current Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC Eduardo Villanueva Manalo, (born October 31, 1955) is the current Deputy Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC [13]

By 1988, INC has grown to about 2,635 congregations called locales, in which 220 of them cover sixty-seven countries outside the Philippines. [1] According to various sources, including the 1997 Britannica Book of the Year, INC had a worldwide population of over one million members by the early 1980s. The Encyclopædia Britannica is a general English-language encyclopaedia published by Encyclopædia Britannica Inc [2][3]According the 2000 census of the Philippine National Statistics Office, 2. 3 percent of the population in the Philippines are affiliated with the Iglesia ni Cristo. [14].

The Manila city government declared July 27th a holiday, and allowed members of the Iglesia ni Cristo paid leave, in order to celebrate the anniversary of the Iglesia ni Cristo. On July 27, 2006, the Philippine House of Representatives passed a resolution commending the INC on its 92nd anniversary. Events 1214 - Battle of Bouvines: In France, Philip II of France defeats John of England. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The House of Representatives of the Philippines ( Filipino: Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan ng Pilipinas) is the lower chamber of the Congress of the Philippines [15]. [16]

The Iglesia ni Cristo's architecture is notable for the narrow-pointed spires of its chapel buildings. The term architecture (from Greek αρχιτεκτονικήarchitektoniki) can be used to mean a process a profession or documentation A spire is a tapering conical or pyramidal structure on the top of a building particularly a church Tower. In the Philippines, these are considered landmarks of major cities and provincial capitals. Originally a landmark literally meant a Geographic Feature used by explorers and [17]

Missionary activities

Felix Manalo on the cover of the Pasugo
Felix Manalo on the cover of the Pasugo

INC members are instructed by their administration to invite people to Bible Studies and evangelical missions (known as Pamamahayag in Filipino), and to distribute magazines and pamphlets which are given to them by the administration. Filipino is the national and an Official language of the Philippines as designated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

In the Philippines, radio and television programs are produced, and they are broadcast on 1062 kHz DZEC-AM radio, DZEM 954kHz, the Net 25 television station operated by Eagle Broadcasting Corporation, the broadcast division of the Iglesia ni Cristo and GEM TV, the sister station to NET 25, also owned by the INC and Iglesia Ni Cristo TV broadcast on cable. The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP Radio is the transmission of signals by Modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible Light. Television ( TV) is a widely used Telecommunication medium for sending ( Broadcasting) and receiving moving Images, either monochromatic The hertz (symbol Hz) is a measure of Frequency, informally defined as the number of events occurring per Second. DZEC-TV is a UHF television station owned by Eagle Broadcasting Corporation. A television station is a type of broadcast station that broadcasts both audio and Video to Television receivers in a particular area

In North America, a television program called The Message is produced in the San Francisco Bay Area. A television program (US television programme (UK or television show (U The San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the Bay Area, or the Bay, is a geographically and ethnically diverse metropolitan region that surrounds the It is currently aired in the United States and Canada and some parts of Europe. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Each 30-minute program is hosted by one of a panel of INC ministers, who share the main beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo with a television audience. Television ( TV) is a widely used Telecommunication medium for sending ( Broadcasting) and receiving moving Images, either monochromatic Brooklyn Book Festival crowd by David Shankbonejpg|thumb|An audience at the Brooklyn Book Festival in New York City. [18] Worldwide, the INC maintains an hour long time slot on The Filipino Channel and airs two among many of its programs including the INC Chronicles and Ang Tamang Daan. The Filipino Channel ( TFC) is an international Filipino broadcasting service owned by the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Ang Tamang Daan ( Tagalog for The Right Path) is a program produced by the Philippine-based religious organization Iglesia ni Cristo, and aired over [19]. More recently, GEM-TV began broadcasting on DirecTV channel 2068. DWDM-TV (commonly known as GEM TV, short for Global Expansion Media Television) is the UHF Television station of Christian Era Below is a numerical representation of the DirecTV channel lineup.

The official INC magazine available to INC congregations worldwide is entitled God's Message or Pasugo. Magazines, periodicals or serials are Publications generally published on a regular schedule containing a variety of articles, generally For many years the INC published the bilingual Pasugo for the Philippines and a separate all-English God's Message International Edition for usage abroad. In January 2004, the administration of the INC began to publish only one magazine both in the Philippines and abroad bearing the name God's Message. January 2004: &larr - January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August While predominantly English, the latest version contains a Filipino Section. The magazine consists of letters to the editor, news from locales worldwide, religious poetry, articles relating to INC beliefs, a directory of locales outside the Philippines and would also feature a schedule of worship services until recently. Magazines, periodicals or serials are Publications generally published on a regular schedule containing a variety of articles, generally Editing Language, Images or Sound through correction condensation organization and other modifications in various media News is any new information or information on Current events which is presented by print, broadcast, Internet, or Word of mouth The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP

Membership and doctrines

For more details on this topic, see Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo. The Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo are summarized in a book by Eraño G

Membership in the INC is conferred through baptism. In Christianity, baptism ( Greek, "immersing" "performing Ablutions " is the ritual act with the use of water by which one is admitted People who wish to be baptized in the INC must first submit to a formal process taking at least six months. Once someone officially registers with their locale, the person is given the status of Doctrinal Instructee (DI), as they are called within the Iglesia ni Cristo, and taught the twenty-six lessons concerning fundamental doctrines of the INC. Doctrine (Latin doctrina) is a codification of beliefs or "a body of teachings quot or "instructions" taught principles or positions as the In the United States, there are an additional three lessons taught for a total of twenty-nine, which mainly contain information about the Church and its beginnings in the Philippines. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the These lessons are contained in the doctrine manual written by Eraño G. Manalo entitled Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ). Eraño de Guzman Manalo (born January 2, 1925) is the current Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC The Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo are summarized in a book by Eraño G This book is given to ministers, evangelical workers, and ministerial students of the INC. Each lesson is usually thirty minutes to one hour in length.

After hearing all of the lessons, the students enter their probationary period during which they are obliged to attend fifteen twice a week group prayer meetings, wherein they are taught to pray and are guided in their adjustment to the INC lifestyle.

When the sixth month comes, the students who have been active in attending the twice a week worship services and whose lifestyles are in accordance with INC doctrines are screened before being baptized. During the screening they are asked questions about the doctrines taught to them. Those who pass the screening are scheduled to be baptized.

Since understanding is necessary before being baptized in the INC, the minimum age for baptism is set at around eleven and at least the 6th grade. Newborn children of members are instead "offered" during the worship service. The child offering in the INC is done through a prayer led by an ordained minister of the INC. [20]

Members who are not living in accordance with the doctrines taught in the INC are admonished. Those who continue in violation of INC doctrines after being admonished are expelled from the INC. Certain violations, such as eating blood or marrying non-members may result in mandatory expulsion. [21][7]

Central office

Iglesia ni Cristo Central Temple in New Era, Quezon City, Philippines
Iglesia ni Cristo Central Temple in New Era, Quezon City, Philippines

The INC's Central Administration is the Iglesia ni Cristo Central Office; a large, secured complex located on Commonwealth Avenue, New Era, Quezon City, Philippines. Quezon City ( Filipino: Lungsod Quezon) is the former capital ( 1948 - 1976) and the most populous The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP Quezon City ( Filipino: Lungsod Quezon) is the former capital ( 1948 - 1976) and the most populous Quezon City ( Filipino: Lungsod Quezon) is the former capital ( 1948 - 1976) and the most populous The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP An editorial in the July 25, 2004 issue of Philippine Panorama Magazine described the complex as including: the six-story Central Office Building; the 7,000-seat Central Temple; the Tabernacle, a multi-purpose hall; the 30,000 seating-capacity Central Pavilion; the College of Evangelical Ministry; the New Era General Hospital; and the New Era University. Events 285 - Diocletian appoints Maximian as Caesar, co-ruler "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " A temple (from the Latin word Templum) is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities such as prayer and sacrifice or analogous rites New Era University (NEU is an educational institution in the Philippines, run by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC

Political Influence

Ever since former Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon created a lasting friendship after asking Felix Manalo for advice, the INC has been known for its strong political influence. The President of the Philippines is the head of state and government of the Republic of the Philippines. Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina (b August 19, 1878 in Baler Aurora, Philippines - d Félix Ysagun Manalo (born Félix Manalo Ysagun May 10, 1886 - April 12, 1963) was the first Executive Minister of the religious organization Politics Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions While it strongly maintains a close "friendship" with incumbent administrations, the INC also sees to it that they do not lose "discreet connection" with the opposition. [22] It was well-known for its support of President Ferdinand E. Marcos until his ousting during the EDSA Revolution of 1986. Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralín Marcos ( September 11, 1917 &ndash September 28, 1989) was President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986 The EDSA Revolution may refer to three events in Philippine history referring to popular political upheavals occurring in the EDSA highway People Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) [22]

INC members are noted for their bloc voting in Philippine elections,[23][24][25] [26] although INC has the biggest conversion turn-out, between ninety-five and ninety-nine percent of their members voting for candidates endorsed by its leadership, according to comprehensive surveys conducted by ABS-CBN. The Philippines elects on national level a Head of state (the President) and a Legislature. ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation ( (ABS-CBN " A lto B roadcasting S ystem- C hronicle B roadcasting N etwork" [27] This is in part due to their doctrine on unity, which puts the penalty of expulsion on anyone swaying from the doctrine. Some Philippine media credit the INC bloc vote for the presidential campaign victory of Joseph Estrada in 1998,[22] and the election for the full term of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004. A political campaign is an organized effort which seeks to influence the decision making process within a specific group Jose Marcelo Ejercito (born on April 19, 1937) better known as Joseph Ejercito Estrada, or Erap, is a Film actor in the Philippines Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Maria Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (born Maria Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal on April 5 1947 is a Filipina Politician. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " [28]

This has given INC strong political influence on elected officials. Newspaper reports say that the Philippine Congress decision to uphold the decision on September 2005 to reject the Arroyo impeachment complaint was swayed by largely by INC influence. However, Behn Fer. Hortaleza Jr. claims otherwise. He wrote an op-ed piece for The Sun·Star Pangasinan claiming that Representative Joey Salceda "had wanted to pit the INC against the Catholic church by so timing the congressman's "news" with another expose on the bishops' receiving Pagcor "sin money" for their projects. "[29] Others, however, argue that the INC vote is only significant in close-run elections, noting that INC-supported candidates, Senator Sergio Osmeña Jr. A senate is a Deliberative body, often the Upper house or chamber of a Legislature or Parliament. lost in 1969 to Marcos and businessman Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. lost to Fidel Ramos in 1992, largely due to irregularities in counting the election returns in favor of Fidel Ramos, most numbers were changed with snopake. Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Eduardo Murphy Cojuangco Jr (born June 10, 1935) also known as Danding Cojuangco, is the chairman of San Miguel Corporation, the largest food Fidel Valdez Ramos (born March 18, 1928) was the 12th President of the Philippines. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) [30]

Not all candidates in Philippine politics embraced support from INC. Macapagal-Arroyo's father, Diosdado Macapagal has refused INC's preferred support during his runs for Vice President in 1957, and re-election for President in 1965 – in which he incidentally lost to Marcos. For the airport see Diosdado Macapagal International Airport For the boulevard in Metro Manila, see Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard The Vice President of the Philippines is the second highest executive official of the Philippine government Year 1957 ( MCMLVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1957 Gregorian calendar) The President of the Philippines is the head of state and government of the Republic of the Philippines. Year 1965 ( MCMLXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralín Marcos ( September 11, 1917 &ndash September 28, 1989) was President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986

Controversy and criticism

The Iglesia ni Cristo has come under fierce criticism from apologetics groups and other religions mainly due to disagreements over their doctrines and beliefs regarding the interpretation of the Bible. A religion is a set of Tenets and practices often centered upon specific Supernatural and moral claims about Reality, the Cosmos Etymology According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word bible is from Latin biblia, traced from the same word through Medieval Latin and Late Latin They have also been criticized by non-religious groups for their political influence and restraint of press freedom, and some denominations have claimed them to be a cult. Freedom Constitutional or statutory protections pertaining to freedom of the press This article does not discuss Christian cults in the original and typically ancient sense of "religious practice"

Christian religious criticisms

Dr. Karl Keating, the founder of Catholic Answers claims that Dr. Karl Keating (born 1950 a prominent Catholic Apologist and author is the founder and president of Catholic Answers, a lay apostolate of Catholic apologetics and Catholic Answers, based in El Cajon, California, is one of the largest lay-run apostolates of Catholic Apologetics and Evangelization Jose Ventilacion, an INC minister and one of their chief debaters, broke an agreement in 1990 for a one-on-one debate made by the two organizations in National City, California. National City is a city in San Diego County, California, United States. Instead of a one-on-one debate, Keating states that Ventilacion had three helpers assisting him, and that they were shouting at him during the debate. He also claims that God's Message magazine is dedicated more to criticizing and attacking Catholic and Protestant beliefs and doctrines (by referring to them as "tools of Satan" for example), rather than explaining their own positions. Protestantism refers to the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated in the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Satan, ( Standard Hebrew Satan'el, English accuser) is a term that originates from the Abrahamic faiths, being traditionally [31]

The Catholic Church denies INC's claim that the beast of Revelation is the Pope, a belief shared by some other Christian religious movements. The Book of Revelation, also called Revelation to John, Apocalypse of John ( pronounced, from the Ἀποκάλυψις Ἰωάννου INC states that the pope's alleged title, Vicarius Filii Dei, Latin for Vicar of the Son of God, adds up to 666 which is one of several alternative numbers known as the "Number of the Beast", and the Iglesia ni Cristo also allegedly claimed that it is engraved on the Pope's tiara, a charge that has been proven false[31] and a claim formerly shared by some in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but now officially rejected. Vicarius Filii Dei (Latin Vicar or Representative of the Son of God) is a phrase used in the forged Donation of Constantine to refer to Saint Peter. The Number of the Beast is a concept from the Book of Revelation of the New Testament of the Christian Bible. A tiara (from Persian تاره tara adopted in Latin as 'tiara' is a form of crown. The Seventh-day Adventist (abbreviated " Adventist " Church is a Christian denomination which is distinguished mainly by its observance [32] The Catholic Church also declared that Vicarius Filii Dei has never been an "official title" of the pope. Vicarius Filii Dei (Latin Vicar or Representative of the Son of God) is a phrase used in the forged Donation of Constantine to refer to Saint Peter. [32]

Catholic Answers also rejects the INC's doctrines of apostasy within the Catholic Church and does not consider the verses used to support the doctrine of the Iglesia ni Cristo being prophesied nor the apostasy of the Catholic church are used in the right context. It contends that other verses are difficult to reconcile with the views of the Iglesia ni Cristo. [33]

Let Us Reason Ministries, an online apologetics research group, criticized the INC for holding the belief that it has the sole authority from God to interpret and preach the Bible, while other religions do not. God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity. They also claim that the INC intentionally misinterprets and misappropriates verses to agree with their doctrines and that they use fallacious arguments against other religions,[34] stating: "Unfortunately they ignore the whole history of the Church in the zealous rebuttals against Catholicism. Nothing is out of reach of their researchers to demean and belittle. Some of the greatest scholars in languages and history are ignored or misrepresented as they present what they believe is correct. I suspect that many know better in what they teach. "[35] They also reject the INC's doctrine that one can only be saved if they are a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo. [36] According to The Bereans Apologetics Research Ministry, some of the beliefs of INC are contrary to mainstream Christianity. Bereans were the inhabitants of the ancient city of Berea also known in the Bible as Beroea and now known as Veria. [37]. However, the Iglesia ni Cristo claims through biblical prophesies, that it was elected to be "the nation of God," as the Israelites were, and that God chose them to serve him. [8]

Dr. Charles Caldwell Ryrie has criticized the INC for allegedly misquoting his Ryrie Study Bible regarding John 1:1 in the May/June 1984 issue of the Pasugo. Charles Caldwell Ryrie (born 1925 is a Christian Writer and Theologian. Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Ryrie has been quoted as saying, in a letter to Robert Elliff, the author of the book, Iglesia Ni Cristo: The Only True Church? "Anyone can look in my Study Bible and see how conveniently this author [the INC] omitted the last phrase in the note of John 1:1. "[38]

The Members Church of God International (MCGI) has been in a long standing rivalry with the Church as shown in their television programs Ang Dating Daan (ADD) and Ang Tamang Daan. The Members Church of God International (MCGI known colloquially as Ang Dating Daan, is a Christian denomination with headquarters in the Philippines The Iglesia ni Cristo and the Members Church of God International have had a strained relationship ever since its founder Eli Soriano started his radio program Ang Dating Daan ( Tagalog for "The Old Path" is a religious radio and television program in the Philippines produced by Members Church of God International Ang Tamang Daan ( Tagalog for The Right Path) is a program produced by the Philippine-based religious organization Iglesia ni Cristo, and aired over Eliseo Soriano posted a paid advertisement in the Manila Times newspaper and invited the camp of Iglesia ni Cristo in a one on one debate and discussion. Eliseo Fernando Soriano (born April 4 1947 a controversial Filipino evangelist is presiding minister of the Philippines -based Members Church of God International The Manila Times is the oldest existing English language newspaper in the Philippines. The Iglesia ni Cristo answered Soriano on their program by asking him to debate first with Pope John Paul II which was bedridden at that time and died a few days after this was posted. Pope One notable incident between the two groups transpired on April 18, 2005 when a violent conflict occurred during a supposed peaceful familial negotiation between a convert of the MCGI and their INC relatives. [39][40] Following an investigation, it was reported that the fight was started by INC members when an ex-INC Minister turned MCGI preacher Marcos Mataro began shouting against the INC members during negotiations with the local police department of where the event would take place. [41]On April 27, 2008, Mataro, was shot dead by two unknown assailants in San Simon, Pampanga. Events 1124 - David I becomes King of Scotland. 1296 - Battle of Dunbar: The Scots are defeated 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common San Simon is a 4th class municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. MCGI members have accused the INC of being behind the murder as Mataro was the host of DXman(short for Ex-Manalista), an MCGI Television program critical of the Iglesia ni Cristo doctrines. [42][43] The two suspects, Nickson Icao(the owner of the motorcycle left behind by the killers) and Felizardo Lumagham, who claimed to be a deacon of INC, remains at large. [44][45]

Secular criticism

The main accusation of restraint of press freedom arises from the church's seeking of prior restraint on Ross Tipon's book, The Power and the Glory: The Cult of Manalo) for alleged gross inaccuracies,[46][47] Critics claim that the INC is stifling free speech by banning an unpublished book, and Tipon claims infringement on his free speech rights. Prior restraint is a Legal term referring to a Government 's actions that prevent materials from being published Ross Tipon is a Freelance Author based in Baguio City, Philippines, who formerly wrote a column for a now-defunct daily publication in An attorney representing the INC, Abraham Espejo states "The publication of the criminal manuscript will trigger social unrest, Millions of people may come out in the streets and this may lead to violence. An attorney at law (or attorney-at-law) in the United States is a practitioner in a court of law who is legally qualified to prosecute " The Iglesia ni Cristo alleges that the book has defamed its organization and Félix Manalo. Félix Ysagun Manalo (born Félix Manalo Ysagun May 10, 1886 - April 12, 1963) was the first Executive Minister of the religious organization The INC seeks PHP1,000,000 in damages from Tipon and the unknown publisher. The peso ( Filipino: piso) ( sign: ₱; code: PHP) is the currency of the Philippines. [46]

Controversies

Military intelligence sources say that the Iglesia has 1,000 to 2,000 high-caliber firearms in its armory, apart from guns owned by individual members who include soldiers and policemen. [22]

In September 1972, INC members shot at and killed three Marine soldiers who were part of a contingent sent by Marcos to shut down the church's DZEC radio tower. Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralín Marcos ( September 11, 1917 &ndash September 28, 1989) was President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986 DZEC (1062 kHz Metro Manila) is an AM station of Eagle Broadcasting Corporation in the Philippines. [22]

On March 8, 1992, twelve members of the Iglesia ni Cristo were angered about losing an altercation during a basketball game against the PUP students. Events 1618 - Johannes Kepler discovers the third law of planetary motion. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) The Polytechnic University of the Philippines ( Filipino: Politeknikong Pamantasan ng Pilipinas) commonly known as PUP, Peyupi or PUPoy They physically assaulted the other team which fueled the conflict. A rumble took place afterwards where the INC members were badly beaten. As revenge, the INC members kidnapped eight students but later released the three after threatening them not to tell anyone. The five PUP students who were left captured were later killed inside the chapel of Iglesia ni Cristo in Sta. Mesa, Manila. [48]

In October 2007, members of the Iglesia ni Cristo in Tondo, Manila assaulted three preachers of the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (PMCC) after a religious debate. October 2007 is the tenth month of that year It began on a Monday and 31 days later ended on a Wednesday. History See also Ancient Tondo The former region of Tondo is over eleven hundred years old [49]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b 'Who Are They' Let Us Reason Ministries (2002); cited by the Adherents.com religious geography citations database
  2. ^ a b 1997 Britannica Book of the Year; pg. There are a number of Religions that exist in the Philippines. Nontrinitarianism includes all Christian belief systems that reject as non-scriptural wholly or partly the doctrine of the Trinity; the Doctrine The Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo are summarized in a book by Eraño G The Iglesia ni Cristo and the Members Church of God International have had a strained relationship ever since its founder Eli Soriano started his radio program 781-783; cited by Adherents.com religious geography citations database
  3. ^ a b Turner, Harold W. "New Religious Movements in Primal Societies" in Hinnells, John R. (ed). A Handbook of Living Religions, Penguin Books: New York (1991) [reprint; 1st published in 1984]; pg. 449; cited by Adherents.com religious geography citations database
  4. ^ Sanders, Albert J. , "An Appraisal of the Iglesia ni Cristo," in Studies in Philippine Church History, ed. Anderson, Gerald H. (Cornell University Press, 1969)
  5. ^ Tipon, Emmanuel (Jul 28, 2004). "Iglesia Ni Cristo celebrates 90th anniversary". PhilippineNews. com. Retrieved August 19, 2005
  6. ^ Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines, About. com, July 28, 2005, <http://goasia.about.com/od/philippines/a/INC.htm>. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-01-18 
  7. ^ a b Shepherd, Harvey. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 350 - Generallus Magnentius deposes Roman Emperor Constans and proclaims himself Emperor "Millions mark Church of Christ's 80th anniversary; Founded in Philippines by Brother Manalo", The Gazette (Montreal), July 30, 1994, pp. The Gazette, often called the Montreal Gazette to avoid ambiguity is now the only English-language daily Newspaper published in Montreal, Events 1419 - First Defenestration of Prague. 1502 - Christopher Columbus lands at Guanaja in the Bay Islands off Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar)  H. 7.   (as cited by ProQuest)
  8. ^ a b Aromin, Rubin D. ProQuest LLC is an Ann Arbor Michigan -based electronic publisher and Microfilm publisher "God's Own Special People", God's Message (Manila: Iglesia ni Kristo, July 2001) cited by Student621. Bible Students Page at tripod. com. Retrieved July 6, 2005. Events 1044 - The Battle of Ménfő takes place 1189 - Richard the Lionheart is crowned King of England Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
  9. ^ Partridge, Christopher (Ed. ) (2004). Encyclopedia of new religions, new religious movements, sects and alternative spiritualities. (Oxford: Lion Publishing, 2004) ISBN 0-7459-5073-6.
  10. ^ '25 Years in the West, God's Message (Manila: 1993)
  11. ^ Crisostomo, Isabelo T. 'Felix Y. Manalo and the Iglesia ni Cristo', Pasugo (May-June 1986)
  12. ^ 'Iglesia ni Cristo turns 91 today' Manila Bulletin (July 27, 2005)]
  13. ^ "'Iglesia ni Cristo 92nd Anniversary" Manila Bulletin Online (Jul 27, 2006)
  14. ^ Results from the 2000 Census of Population and Housing, NSO
  15. ^ 'Special holiday today for INC in Manila,Malabon' The Manila Bulletin Online (July 27, 2006)
  16. ^ 'House greets Iglesia ni Cristo on its 92nd anniversary' The Manila Bulletin Online (July 27, 2006)
  17. ^ About the Philippines: The Official Government Portal of the Republic of the Philippines
  18. ^ 'Mosaic Christian Programs', Vision TV (2005). Retrieved August 13 2005. Events 3114 BC - According to the Lounsbury correlation the start of the Maya calendar.
  19. ^ 'TFC Program Guide' TFC (2006)
  20. ^ Manalo, Eraño G. , 'Baptism', Fundamental Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ), Leksyon #22 (In Filipino, the corresponding lesson is lesson #19, 'Ang Bautismo' (Manila: Iglesia ni Cristo, 1989)
  21. ^ ‘Ang Pinakamabigat Na Parusa Na Maaaring Igawad Sa Isang Iglesia Ni Cristo’, Leksyon #10, Doktrina 3b (Doctrinal lessons for third year ministerial students), 1998 Iglesia ni Cristo
  22. ^ a b c d e Mangahas, Malou; "Church at the Crossroads", Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, April 29, 2002
  23. ^ an article in Pasugo (Manila: Iglesia ni Kristo, 1986) cited by "Pepe" 'Iglesia ni Kristo - religion and politics in Philippine society' Pepeslog (Berkeley: University of California, 21 February 2001). Events 1429 - Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orleans. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved July 3, 2005
  24. ^ Hunt, Chester L. Events 324 - Battle of Adrianople Constantine I defeats Licinius, who flees to Byzantium. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. (1991), “Indigenous Christian Churches”, in Dolan, Ronald E. , Philippines: A Country Study, Washington: GPO for the Library of Congress, <http://countrystudies.us/philippines/48.htm>. Retrieved on 2008-01-06 
  25. ^ Tubeza, Philip C. 'SC ruling sought on sects' vote', Inquirer News Service, (Manila: April 1, 2004). 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1066 - Harold Godwinson is crowned King of England. 1205 - Philip of Swabia becomes King Retrieved February 6, 2006
  26. ^ Jurado, Emil. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. 'The so-called command votes', Manila Standard Today, (Manila: March 7, 2007)]. Retrieved August 13, 2007
  27. ^ Day-of-Election Survey, ABS-CBN/SWS, May 14, 2001. Events 3114 BC - According to the Lounsbury correlation the start of the Maya calendar. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Retrieved February 6, 2006. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
  28. ^ 'INC throws support behind Macapagal, De Castro' Inquirer News Service, (Manila: May 6, 2004)
  29. ^ Behn Fer. Hortaleza Jr, 'Hortaleza: Salceda's gambit on Iglesia role' SunStar Pangasinan Sun·Star Pangasinan (Sunday, November 20, 2005]
  30. ^ Danao, Efren L. ; Cruz, Maricel V. , 'INC vote may be overrated factor' The Manila Times (Manila: May 04, 2004)
  31. ^ a b Keating, Karl 'Into the Maw of the Cult' This Rock (San Diego: Catholic Answers, February 1990)] - Retrieved May 17, 2006
  32. ^ a b 'Quick Questions' This Rock (San Diego: Catholic Answers, 1992), as cited by NewAdvent. Events 1521 - Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for Treason. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. org's Catholic Library
  33. ^ 'Iglesia ni Cristo', Catholic Answers (San Diego: Catholic Answers, August 2004). Retrieved July 5, 2005. Events 1295 - Scotland and France form an alliance the beginnings of the Auld Alliance, against England. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
  34. ^ Oppenheimer, Mike "How the Church teaches", Let Us Reason ministries (2002). Retrieved July 27, 2005. Events 1214 - Battle of Bouvines: In France, Philip II of France defeats John of England. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
  35. ^ Oppenheimer, Mike "Who Are They?", Let Us Reason ministries (2002). Retrieved September 22, 2006. Events 66 - Emperor Nero creates the Legion I Italica. 1236 - The Lithuanians Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
  36. ^ Oppenheimer, Mike "Salvation", Let Us Reason ministries (2002). Retrieved July 28, 2005. Events 1540 - Thomas Cromwell is executed at the order of Henry VIII of England on charges of Treason. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
  37. ^ 'Iglesia Ni Cristo' The Bereans Apologetics Research Ministry. Retrieved July 9, 2006
  38. ^ Elliff, Robert 'Iglesia Ni Cristo: The Only True Church?' (1989) - Retrieved September 10, 2005
  39. ^ Isip, Rendy "Religious confrontation gets physical in Apalit" Manila Standard April 23, 2005
  40. ^ Abao, Jane "All Roads Lead to Apalit Mystery of 'Woman in Labor' Revealed" Believer Magazine April 2005
  41. ^ Roxas, Fred "Followers of Dating Daan and INC clash in Pampanga; cops accused of partiality" Manila Bulletin April 22, 2005
  42. ^ Abs-Cbn Interactive, NUJP condemns murder of TV host
  43. ^ CRY FOR JUSTICE: Marcos Mataro killing: serious blow against freedom of expression, religion
  44. ^ http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-29&sec=8&aid=61268
  45. ^ http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-05-07&sec=4&aid=58755
  46. ^ a b Echeminada, Perseus. Events 455 - Roman military commander Avitus is proclaimed Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 506 - The Bishops of Visigothic Gaul meet in the Council of Agde. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Manila Standard Today is the fourth-largest Broadsheet Newspaper in the Philippines as of 2006 The Manila Bulletin ( (also known as the Bulletin and was previously known as Bulletin Today) is the Philippines 'Iglesia seeks TRO vs publication of 'blasphemous' book', The Philippine Star (Manila: May 24, 2005)
  47. ^ Robles, JoJo. 'INC against free press?', Manila Standard Today Online (May 25, 2005). Retrieved July 3, 2005. Events 324 - Battle of Adrianople Constantine I defeats Licinius, who flees to Byzantium. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
  48. ^ Filipino Supreme Court ruling.
  49. ^ Philippine's Iglesia Ni Cristo members beat up Pentecostal preachers, The Philippine Star, (Oct. 2, 2007)

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