iglesia ni cristo news
Monday, August 31st, 2009Sociologically, Iglesia ni Cristo is a sect of Christianity. [...] The Iglesia ni Cristo (Tagalog, “Church of Christ”) claims to be the true Church established by Christ. [1]
Noted for its chapel architecture of narrow-pointed spires, it was founded and registered with the Filipino government by Felix Manalo on July 27, 1914, and claims to have been established by Jesus in the last days through fulfillment of biblical prophecies. [...] The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC, Filipino for Church of Christ) is a religion originating in the Philippines. [2]
; Tagalog for Church of Christ; also known as INC, or Iglesia, is the largest entirely indigenous Christian religious organization that originated from the Philippines and the largest independent church in Asia. [...] Felix Y. Manalo officially registered the church as a corporation sole with him as executive minister on July 27, 1914 and because of this, most publications refer to him as the founder of the church. [3]
The Iglesia ni Cristo has grown to become possibly the second-largest single Christian religion in the Philippines and has grown to thousands of congregations in over 84 countries and territories throughout the world. [2]
… the official doctrines of the church profess that Jesus Christ is the founder of the INC and that Felix Manalo was God’s last messenger, whom he sent to re-establish the Christian Church to its true, pristine form because the original church was apostatized. [3]
There are 28 primary doctrines in the INC, some of which are: There is only one God, the Father; Christ, the Son of God, is a man and was sent by God to be the only mediator between men and God; the Bible is the sole basis for spiritual guidance; one needs to be commissioned by God in order to preach the Gospel; Felix Manalo is the fulfillment of several Biblical prophecies both from the Old and New Testaments, and was sent to reestablish the original Church of Christ. [2]
While Christian scholarship has disregarded or criticized Lamsa’s work, cults and new religions often quote him in print and debate when it serves their purposes. [1]
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. [2]
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. [...] Due to a number of similarities, some Protestant writers describe the INC’s doctrines as restorationist in outlook and theme, but nothing can be found to connect the INC to the Restoration Movement. [3]
Since it was founded in the Philippines in 1914, it has grown to more than two hundred congregations in sixty-seven countries outside the Philippines, including an expanding United States contingent. [1]
Palace sources on Saturday said the Iglesia ni Cristo, a Christian sect which is known to vote as a bloc and is believed to command from 2 to 4 million votes, has given its nod to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo despite the widespread perception it would support the opposition, and would likely make known its decision on Monday. [4]
Sources:
[1] Iglesia ni Cristo : religious cults and sects
[2] Iglesia Ni Cristo
[3] Iglesia ni Cristo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[4] Iglesia ni Cristo going for Macapagal