Dear Ghetto Doggs,
Many of us are aware that the Iglesia Ni Cristo celebrated their 101st anniversary of its establishment last July. And part of their celebrations is the Unity Games, an Olympics-styled sporting event wherein INC brethren all over the world gather to compete for the sake of friendship and camaraderie, all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
However, I find the situation very ironic, because behind the cheers and joy of the INC brethren participating in this event, there is a growing tension happening behind closed doors of the Central Temple, due to the accusations of corruption being thrown against its executive minister, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, which was exposed by none other than his own brother and mother, backed with several ministers in the church.
As an unaffiliated and independent Christian, I find it very sad, that for over a hundred years of the INC's existence, this is the first time this incident had happened. I myself claim many friends from the INC both inside and outside the office, and I also have a cousin in Australia wherein she and the rest of her family are also members. However, I just can't help but think about their reaction regarding this issue, though I preferred not to open it to them due to its sensitivity.
The incident simply showed us that although most churches preach about salvation, some of them were founded by men to make money out of our faith. I am not directly saying that the INC was included, and I do not pinpoint on other congregations, but it is indeed truly happening. Yes their doctrines are somewhat beneficial to us so we can continue believing in Christ, but then again, we are unaware that the powers-that-be that control the respective congregations were always dealing with the BS of the politics behind the curtain. Corruption charges between ministers caused by envy, jealousy or disagreement over the established doctrine... Power struggles within the family... Conflicts within the congregation... Whatever that is, most of these disputes always have money involved.
As a matter of fact, this has been a recurring issue, not only to other Christian sects and denominations, but also to other religions all over the world. Why there are Hindus who side with Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva? Why there are Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhists? Why there are Sunni and Shiite Muslims? Why there are Orthodox and Messianic Jews?
Why do these conflicts are happening? No one knows but the belligerents themselves.
But despite these disputes, the only thing that still matters is us. After all, I personally do not believe that certain churches claim they were the only ones to be saved. Doctrines made by man will not save you, and even the preachers themselves will not save you, either, even if they go far to the extent that they claim they were anointed by, or assuming to be the reincarnation of, Jesus Christ. The only thing that matters is that as long as we do good to others, and have a strong faith in Him, regardless of what we believe in and in which congregation we belong, all of us have are given the opportunity to do good, and all of us have a chance at salvation.
I, the Pooch, have spoken.
Many of us are aware that the Iglesia Ni Cristo celebrated their 101st anniversary of its establishment last July. And part of their celebrations is the Unity Games, an Olympics-styled sporting event wherein INC brethren all over the world gather to compete for the sake of friendship and camaraderie, all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
However, I find the situation very ironic, because behind the cheers and joy of the INC brethren participating in this event, there is a growing tension happening behind closed doors of the Central Temple, due to the accusations of corruption being thrown against its executive minister, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, which was exposed by none other than his own brother and mother, backed with several ministers in the church.
As an unaffiliated and independent Christian, I find it very sad, that for over a hundred years of the INC's existence, this is the first time this incident had happened. I myself claim many friends from the INC both inside and outside the office, and I also have a cousin in Australia wherein she and the rest of her family are also members. However, I just can't help but think about their reaction regarding this issue, though I preferred not to open it to them due to its sensitivity.
The incident simply showed us that although most churches preach about salvation, some of them were founded by men to make money out of our faith. I am not directly saying that the INC was included, and I do not pinpoint on other congregations, but it is indeed truly happening. Yes their doctrines are somewhat beneficial to us so we can continue believing in Christ, but then again, we are unaware that the powers-that-be that control the respective congregations were always dealing with the BS of the politics behind the curtain. Corruption charges between ministers caused by envy, jealousy or disagreement over the established doctrine... Power struggles within the family... Conflicts within the congregation... Whatever that is, most of these disputes always have money involved.
As a matter of fact, this has been a recurring issue, not only to other Christian sects and denominations, but also to other religions all over the world. Why there are Hindus who side with Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva? Why there are Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhists? Why there are Sunni and Shiite Muslims? Why there are Orthodox and Messianic Jews?
Why do these conflicts are happening? No one knows but the belligerents themselves.
But despite these disputes, the only thing that still matters is us. After all, I personally do not believe that certain churches claim they were the only ones to be saved. Doctrines made by man will not save you, and even the preachers themselves will not save you, either, even if they go far to the extent that they claim they were anointed by, or assuming to be the reincarnation of, Jesus Christ. The only thing that matters is that as long as we do good to others, and have a strong faith in Him, regardless of what we believe in and in which congregation we belong, all of us have are given the opportunity to do good, and all of us have a chance at salvation.
I, the Pooch, have spoken.
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