The Iglesia ni Cristo: 'Filipino church' in the headline is misleading

"We are neither Protestant nor Roman Catholic. We are the Church of Christ, and everyone will be made welcome." -Pepito Y Acuesta, INC Head Minister, Belfast [they call themselves 'Iglesia']

A letter Belfast Telegraph News from a member of the INC founded by Felix Manalo in the Philippines:

I want to thank you for the article about the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) chapel purchase in Belfast (March 7). Coming from the USA, it's great to hear good news about brethren 'across the pond'.

However the term 'Filipino church' in the headline is misleading. By saying that, it would seem that the INC only caters to people of that nationality, which is far from the truth. All are welcome. Better wording might be 'Christian church'. -From Belfast Telegraph

There is nothing "misleading" in Belfast Telegraph's news dated March 08, 2013 with those headline titles 'Filipino church buys Belfast landmark building'  since the 'church's registration name is Iglesia ni Cristo - the Tagalog word for 'Church of Christ'.

The Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) was founded by Felix Manalo in Punta, Santa Ana, Manila, in the Philippines then registered it as "Iglesia ni Kristo" (INK) in 1914 - a corporation sole and later changed its name to 'Iglesia ni Cristo' (INC) maintaining its Tagalog form.  Manalo cannot register his church as 'Church of Christ' since there were numerous Protestant communities with the same registration name at the present.

The only way people would be assured that this 'Church of Christ' is not the same with the many 'churches of Christ' is the logo (see below) with its Tagalog registered name.

Therefore Manalo's Church is uniquely registered in Tagalog Iglesia ni Cristo with the translation in English usually put in a parentheses (see below) to indicate that this 'Church of Christ' was Manalo founded. from the Philippines for the 'Filipinos'.

In his life, Manalo was a poorly catechized Catholic and found no interest in studying Catholic Church' core teachings just like many of its present members who became fierce anti-Catholics. Often identify themselves as "Iglesia ako" (I'm Iglesia) which was never been used by early Christians. Therefor their identity is even cultic and UNBIBLICAL.

Its man-made doctrines reflect those deep ignorance and hatred attacking the Church with what the Catholic Church is NOT.

His little if not almost empty knowledge about the Catholic Church led him to trifle with various Protestant churches brought about by the Americans who came to the Philippines after three decades of subversive Spanish Catholic rule.

He renounced his Catholic faith easily for lack of depth and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Then he became a member of the Presbyterian Church in 1907; Disciples of Christ in 1908; of which he was accused of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (see below).

Felix became a member of the Christian Mission in 1910; became a Seventh-day Adventist (Sabadista) in 1911 of which he was suspended for alleged ADULTERY (Ref. The Philippines: a global studies handbook By Damon L. Woods, p. 126)

For almost 10 years Felix Manalo was a member of six different churches founded by men and women whose common force is to tear down the Catholic Church which is the CHURCH OF CHRIST (PASUGO April 1966, p. 46: “Ang Iglesia Katolika na sa pasimula ay siyang Iglesia ni Cristo.")

• Methodist Episcopal Church by John Wesley in 1784
• Presbyterian Church by John Knox in 1560 (Calvinist)
• Disciples of Christ by Thomas Campbell in 1805
• Christian Mission
• Seventh-day Adventists by Helen G. White in1863
• Atheist/Agnostic
• Then founded his own church called the "Iglesia ni Kristo" in 1914

The Belfast Telegraph news maintains its dedication to journalistic professionalism with utmost facts on hand, therefore there is nothing misleading in its reporting.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo is the only true Christian Church?

I’ve studied within this church for nearly 6 months now and I’ve spoken to multiple Ministers too. However, despite my 28 lessons as a bible student, there still remains a lot of suspicion about the Iglesia Ni Cristo. They claim that they are the “true” church and that salvation cannot be found elsewhere. They refer to multiple bible verses to justify their beliefs such as (Isaiah 43:5, Acts 20:28, Romans 16:16, and etc). However after close examination, it’s abundantly clear that those verses (especially ones that read “church of christ”) are taken out of context. Filipinos nor the Philippines are ever mentioned in the Bible. They reason that in Isaiah 43:5 (Moffatt Translation) the phrase “Far East” refers to the Philippines; therefore this is one of many verses which proves their belief. Sadly, this is based on an incorrect translation, because the original Hebrew of Isaiah 43:5 only reads “East” NOT “Far East.” Even if the actual text read “Far East” (which it doesn’t), it has no correlation with the Philippines, because God was speaking to the Jews of Israel (specifically to Jacob with the bringing of his seeds from the East and gathering them from the West).

 

Now in terms of Acts 20:28, they also depend on this verse to justify their beliefs simply because it reads “Church of Christ.” However, the actual Greek of that verse reads “Church of God.” Once again, another example of an incorrect translation in order to justify their teachings. I do not see ANY proof whatsoever that deems them to be the “only true Church.” There are hundreds of different Churches around the world with the title “Church of Christ” so I don’t understand their logic with this notion. Furthermore, if the Iglesia Ni Cristo believe that the only way of finding salvation is through them, then they’ve got a lot of burden on their shoulders. The Iglesia Ni Cristo was established on July 27, 1918, so by definition all Christians alike didn’t go to heaven and burned in hell prior to the Church. (Article from QQRom)

Egyptian Muslims murdering Christians with impunity

CAIRO, EGYPT (Catholic Online) - Clashes between Muslims and Christians have claimed 10 live in Egypt where sectarian violence between the groups has been renewed in the face of Mohammed Morsi's administration.

The most recent spate of violence started after children drew crosses on the walls of an Islamic institute in Khosoos, just north of Cairo. That acts of children's vandalism sparked a bloody retaliation from Muslims in which four Christians and a Muslim were killed.

At the Christian funeral, Muslims struck again, this time carrying on until they reached the Coptic cathedral and damaged the structure. More Christians were murdered.

Note that it's Muslims who are attacking Christian funeral processions, not the other way around.

Vandalism committed by children, particularly of a religious nature is unacceptable, however the punishment should not include murder. Nor should Muslims carry on the violence to the funerals of the people they murdered.

Pope Tawadros II, leader of Egypt's Coptic Christians, has openly criticized President Morsi for his failure to stem the violence despite pledges to do so. The Muslim attackers are yet to face any repercussions for their violence.

In solemn commemoration of the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which began April 24, 1915

"I will expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula and will not leave any but Muslim." (Hadith from Sahih Muslim, 19.4366).



Article for reading from Facing Islam Blog

Muslim persecution of Christians in the Middle East, read  Raymond Ibrahim Blog

The Beauty Of The Catholic Faith

Artilce from The Catholic Eternal Truth

 

We cannot speak of beauty if we do not know what beauty is, With the words of St. Thomas Aquinas "Beauty is the splendor of the goods that each being ought to have according to its nature”. In other words St. Thomas is telling us that beauty is not something that we see and pleases our senses, beauty is imbued deep within the being's nature. The beauty of the Catholic faith lies not in its glorious basilicas, majestic tabernacles and incorruptible saints but it emanates from its very foundation the body, blood and divinity of its founder Jesus Christ. To completely exhaust the reasons why the Catholic faith is beautiful is quite unrealistic because our lifetime would not be enough to articulate the beauty, majesty and splendor of the Catholic faith. In lieu of our limitations we'll just have to discuss some of the reasons why the Catholic faith is beautiful.

Unity in Diversity - The Catholic faith is capable of fostering unity among diverse individuals, it cannot be denied that the Catholic Church is made of members coming from various cultures, race, background, lifestyle and language. However, the Catholic faith like a fire it purges (Zec.13:8-9) away the imperfections of these elements and integrates whatever is pure and profitable for the soul. The Pontificate of Blessed Pope John Paul II reiterates the message of St. Paul in our contemporary society that among us Christians "There is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal.3:28). We have seen this unity of Christians through the World Youth Day and other universal gatherings espoused by this great pope. Despite of the difference in culture, race and background those who were able to attend the world youth day didn't experience any untoward feeling towards their Catholic brothers and sisters coming from different nations. Rather they are overwhelmed with joy, belongingness and sense of sacredness. Such an event is a foretaste of what the Kingdom of God would be like, there are no barriers and discrimination all are one in Christ. No any other institution in the world can imitate this kind of unity only the Catholic Church because it is no ordinary institution, it is the body of Christ (Col.1:18).

The Communion of Saints - Every time we attend the Sunday Mass we often recite the Apostles creed, a public profession of our Catholic faith. In the creed we say "I believe in the communion of saints", but what do we really mean by this? One must not think that we are the only Catholics in the Church, we have forgotten that we are the Church militant the one who still have to workout his salvation with fear and trembling (Phil.2:12). There are those who died in God's grace but still have to be purified from their imperfections for no defile can enter the Kingdom of God (Rev.21:27), we often refer to these souls as the Church suffering. We also have our brothers and sisters who are already in heaven (Heb.12:22) and continually intercedes for us that we may join them in heaven (Rev.4:8). Though we are all in different state yet we are a family we help each other attaining our goal and that is to be with Jesus Christ in heaven. The Church militant offers prayers for the poor souls in Purgatory that their purification will be shorten and those who are in heaven unceasingly prays for us giving us strength and inspiring us to be obedient sons and daughters of God. In fact together with our fellow Catholics those who are in heaven and in purgatory are worshiping Jesus Christ (Phil.2:10). If only we spend more time reading the teachings of the Church and writings of saints we would even more appreciate the beauty of the communion of saints. God knows that man will always have the inclination to use his senses even in spiritual matters thus he left us not in vain but provided us with evidences of his presence through the incorruptible body of saints. Modern science cannot explain how these body remain intact and no signs of decay after being laid to rest hundreds of years ago. Unlike the mummified remains of the Egyptians the incorruptible body of saints remains to be fresh, some are even reported to be within their normal body temperature and would even bleed if pricked by a needle. There are no any other plausible explanation for this miraculous events but a sure sign of God's presence and favor. The communion of saints tells us to never lose hope in our battle to enter the kingdom of God, the saints too like us were sinners but they didn't lose hope as what Pope Francis said "God never gets tired of forgiving us." So, let us not forget to pray for our beloved brothers and sisters who are in purgatory and to ask the intercession of the saints.

The Sacraments - Jesus Christ founded the Catholic Church not only for the purpose of preaching the gospel to all nations (Mt.28:18-20) but also as a means to where people are gathered and saved (Acts 2:47, Eph.5:23). But what is in the Catholic faith that Pope Francis was able to say that "It's absurd to think you can live with Jesus, but without the church."? It is through the Church that Jesus Christ will sanctify his people through the sacraments. When Jesus Christ was hanging on the cross a soldier pierce his side with a spear and immediately blood and water came out (John 19:34). Blood and water is taken by the Church Fathers as a symbolism of the Sacrament. Water symbolizes the Sacrament of initiation, baptism (Jn.3:5, Ti.3:5) and blood symbolizes the Holy Eucharist (Jn 6:54) the life and summit of the Church. The Sacraments of the Church are fountains of grace, it is through the Sacraments that sanctifying grace is being dispense to those who are spiritually prepared to receive it. Though the Holy Spirit can infuse grace to whomever he wants but He choose the Sacraments as the ordinary means of dispensing the graces that is necessary for salvation. Without the Sacraments it would be impossible to man to obtain graces on his own.

Miracles - Since his birth Jesus Christ already showed us signs of wonder that he is no ordinary person from his miraculous birth (Jn.1:14) to his ascension in heaven. Christ's public ministry is also accompanied with miracles to prove his true nature that he is the Son of God, true God and true man. In like manner the Church that he founded is also accompanied with miracles and signs of wonder that serves as evidence of its divine mandate. All throughout the centuries we have seen numerous incorrupt body of saints venerated by Christians since time immemorial, to name a few Pope St. Pius X, St. Catherine Laboure and St. Claire of Assisi. Aside from that there are miracles wherein the consecrated bread and wine literally turns into real flesh and blood, and who else can forget about the miracle that happened in Fatima? These miracles where scrutinized by science yet they cannot provide a probable explanation for these events. But there is one explanation that is plausible that these miracles originated from God, that like Christ whose public ministry is accompanied with miracles his Church also in her public ministry is accompanied with various miracles. No any other religion in the world can claim miracles that are far more superior than the miracles that occurred in the Catholic Church.

Spirituality - Spirituality is an important aspect of man, it is through spirituality that he establishes an intimate relationship with God. Without proper form of spirituality it is impossible to build a deep relationship with our creator. God wanted us to build a relationship with him but we have to do it in a way that he wants it to be. People from other religions search in the shadows in an attempt to connect with God but their efforts are in vain because they are performing forms of spirituality that had its origin in man and not God. The Catholic faith has many forms of spirituality that will aid the individual in attaining a relationship with God. The saints are the prime example of how effective Catholic spirituality is. The Rosary is a favorite of the saints because it entails them to meditate on the life and passion of Jesus Christ as they recite the mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Novenas to the different saints and angels are also an effective form of spirituality through this ritual we establishes a relationship with our brothers and sisters already in heaven invoking their aid through their intercession that we too might also join them in God's Kingdom. Spirituality also fosters devotion to the Holy Eucharist, all of the saints have great devotion to the Holy Eucharist, one cannot become a saint if the Eucharist is not the center of his spirituality.

Here are some of the reasons why the Catholic faith is beautiful, the externals of the Catholic faith that captured our senses are emanates from the inner beauty of the Catholic faith. In reality words are not enough to elucidate the beauty and splendor of the Catholic faith.

The Difference Between A Born Again And A Christian

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A Born Again Belongs to man made churches.

A Christian belongs to the Church founded by Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church. (Mt.16:17-19)

A Born Again hates the mother of Jesus Christ, accusing her of being worshiped, had other children, sinful and an idol.

A Christian honors her like how Jesus Christ honored and respected her. (Lk.1:28, 48)

A Born Again sees Mary as a competition against Christ

A Christian sees Mary as his loving mother and a sure guide to Jesus Christ. (John 2:1-12, John 19:26-27)

A Born Again Sunday worship is aimed to be emotionally touching and entertaining.

A Christian Sunday worship is solemn and sacred. It is not entertaining because the center of the Holy Eucharist is Jesus Christ not ourselves. (Matthew 26:26-28)

A Born Again sees no importance in good works.

A Christian puts his faith into practice by living a life filled with good works (Mt. 25:31-45, Rom.2:7, James 2:24)

A Born Again arrogantly boast that they are already saved and they can no longer lose their salvation.

A Christian before God accepts his weakness and failures and by God’s grace hopes to be saved like that of St. Paul. (Titus 1:1-2, Titus 3:7, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

A Born Again forgets about their dead

A Christian believes that baptized individual (living or dead) are members of the body of Christ (unless by their own wrong doing severed their unity with Christ). (Heb.12:22, Rev.4:8)

A Born Again Believes that sufferings are punishment for sins

A Christian believes that suffering is a virtue wherein uniting our sufferings with that of Christ makes us a better disciple. (Col.1:24)

A Born Again proclaims himself to be forgiven from all his sins

A Christian confesses his sins to the priest as mandated by Jesus Christ. For it is not the priest per se who forgives us but it is Christ through the priest. (John 20:22-23)

A Born Again believes in the Bible alone and his personal interpretation of Scriptures.

A Christian submits himself to the authority of Jesus Christ through the Church. (Mt.16:17-19, Mt.18:18)

A Born Again has no assurance of receiving God’s grace

A Christian through the Sacraments is assured of receiving sanctifying grace. (John 19:34)

The list can go on and on it is up to you if you want to be a Born Again with their unbiblical beliefs and traditions. Or become a Catholic a true Christian a follower of Jesus Christ.

Piraeus Bishop Asks Court To Stop Mosque

Source: ilovemuslims.net

Why the Patriarch is against building of mosques? Perhaps this excerpt from Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (from BBC News) which is a shared sentiments by Islamists and silent Muslims living within our societies under the protection of our Democratic rules.

"The mosques are our barracks, the domes our helmets, the minarets our bayonets, and the faithful our soldiers..."

While Muslims demand freedom of religion in our free societies, they restrict building of churches in Muslim dominated countries such as the Middle East. While Saudi Arabia and other Gulf regions finance mega-building of mosques around the world, they FORBID building even small churches in their countries. If there were churches built they restricted putting up the CROSS on top of it. The cross on top of our church buildings is for them a sign of dominance and they wouldn't allow. But they put the CRESCENT very high in skycraper sizes within our cities-- a sign that Islam is now dominating the world.

ATHENS (The National Herald)– With the Greek government set to construct an official mosque, a leading Greek Orthodox Church leader has asked the country’s highest court to block it as unconstitutional. Bishop Seraphim of Piraeus told the Council of State that the plans violate Article 13 of the Constitution, which stipulates freedom of religious conscience. He said the construction of a mosque should be preceded by an impact study on ethics and public order, the newspaper Kathimerini reported. Seraphim, known for his anti-Semitic remarks, also told the court that he believes go against the constitutional principle of equality, as religious minorities wishing to erect a place of worship in Greece have so far had to apply for a building permit from the authorities. "Building a mosque in the center of Athens will not only damage public order and the morality of Greek society but also trigger a series of events which will, with mathematical certainty, dismantle the cohesion of the Greek nation as a Christian Orthodox people," he said earlier.

Manny Pacqiao returned to the Church including his Protestant pastor?

"....there is even greater news that apparently came together with the report about the Pacman… that the Protestant Pastors surrounding the world boxing icon had also made the dramatic switch to the Catholic Church!" Read more here,,,