t
will only be a matter of time before the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC),
founded by Felix Manalo over a hundred years ago eventually destroys
itself. Like All organized religions, it stands on shaky ground
depending solely on the faith of its followers to keep it going. And
once that faith begins to waiver, it is the beginning of the end for
that religion.
Because at their core, organized religions—like Christianity or Islam
appear to be nothing more than scams. Religions demand obedience and
fidelity from their flock who support them monetarily in exchange for
the promise of some “heavenly reward” in the afterlife. Conveniently,
the reward will be received ONLY after the person dies—when he or she
can no longer come back to challenge the church’s doctrines or demand a
refund of all their donations.
With regards to the
INC’s theology, some have branded it a cult due to its unorthodox views
about the divinity of both Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, as well as
Manalo’s claim that he is the last messenger God will send to earth.
However, in its effort to recruit more followers from mainstream
Christian religions worldwide, the INC oftentimes deemphasizes those
radical doctrines in order to appear more mainstream.
And taking a cue from
older, established religions like the Roman Catholic Church, the INC has
built grand cathedrals of worship to awe both followers and
non-followers alike, and thereby “legitimize” it’s standing as an
institution of substance.
Unfortunately the
current schism in the INC exposes the fact that like all religions, it
is run by imperfect humans who can become blinded by wealth and power.
Highfaluting theological doctrines and majestic palaces are then passed
over by greed, envy, and lust for power. Like the former Soviet Union
which eventually imploded because its underlying Marxist-Leninist
ideology was no longer relevant, so too will the INC (and eventually all
other religions) suffer a similar fate. Because, as we stated earlier,
they are at their core nothing but cleaver scams that deliver nothing in
exchange for something.
Former Beatle John Lennon
asked us to imagine a world with no religion back in 1971 when he
released his hit song “Imagine.” Now 44 years later we realize if that had
indeed been the case, then there would be no Al Qaida, no ISIS, and no Abu
Sayyaf today. There would also be no need to pass a Bangsamoro Basic Law
for Mindanao, and the twin towers in New York would likely still be
standing. And the world would be a better place for everyone.
Published 7/25/2015
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