Iglesia ni Cristo

The history of the Iglesia ni Cristo began with the conversion of Felix Manalo’s mother, who was a member of the Catholic Church. This event led to Felix’s own conversion, and he began studying the Bible in-depth. In his studies, Felix realized that many of the teachings of the Catholic Church did not align with the Bible, and cristo” title=”Avanti, Cristo!”>spend-a-spain-in-porto-cristo-novo-hotel-near-cala-anguila–beach” title=”Stay in Spain in Porto Cristo Novo – Hotel near Cala Anguila Beach”>holiday-in-porto–cristo” title=”How to spend a holiday in Porto Cristo”>this led him to form his own church. In 1913, Felix began preaching his message, and by the following year, he had established the Iglesia ni Cristo.

One of the distinctive beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo is the doctrine of the last messenger. According to this doctrine, Felix Manalo is considered to be the last messenger of God, who was sent to restore the true church of Christ. The Iglesia ni Cristo teaches that Felix Manalo is the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, and that he was ordained by God to establish the church.

Another unique aspect of the Iglesia ni Cristo is its organizational structure. The church is divided into local congregations or “locals,” each of which is led by a minister. The Iglesia ni Cristo also has a central administration, located in Quezon City, which oversees all the locals. The church has a hierarchical structure, with ministers serving as the primary leaders of each local and the central administration serving as the highest authority.

The Iglesia ni Cristo places a strong emphasis on the importance of active participation in church life. Members are expected to attend worship services regularly, as well as participate in various church monte-cristo-sandwich-a-step-by-step-guide” title=”How to Make a Monte Cristo Sandwich: A Step-by-Step Guide”>activities such as Bible studies, evangelical missions, and community outreach programs. The church also places a great deal of importance on the family, and members are encouraged to maintain strong family ties and to raise their children according to biblical teachings.

The Iglesia ni Cristo has faced controversy and criticism in recent years, particularly over allegations of corruption and human rights abuses within the church. In 2015, there was a major split within the church, with several high-ranking members accusing the central administration of corruption and mismanagement. This led to a feud that played out in the media and resulted in multiple court cases.

Despite these challenges, the Iglesia ni Cristo remains one of the most influential and well-known religious organizations in the Philippines. With a membership of over three million, the church continues to spread its message of salvation and to impact the lives of its members and communities.

In conclusion, the Iglesia ni Cristo is a unique religious organization that has had a significant impact on the religious landscape of the Philippines. With its strict adherence to biblical teachings, emphasis on active participation in church life, and commitment to spreading the gospel of Christ, the Iglesia ni Cristo continues to draw followers and to make a difference in the lives of its members. While it has faced controversy and criticism in recent years, the church remains a powerful force for good in the Philippines and beyond.