The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), translated as the "Church of Christ," is a religious denomination that has gained recognition for its unique beliefs and practices. Founded in the Philippines in the early 20th century, this Christian group has grown into a global religious organization with millions of members worldwide. In this blog post, we will explore the history, beliefs, and practices of the Iglesia ni Cristo.
A Brief History of the Iglesia ni Cristo
The Iglesia ni Cristo was founded on July 27, 1914, by Felix Y. Manalo, a former member of a Protestant denomination. Born in 1886 in the Philippines during the era of American colonization, Manalo grew up in a religiously diverse environment. His search for spiritual truth led him to study various religious texts, ultimately leading to the establishment of the INC.
Felix Manalo claimed to have received a divine calling in the form of a vision in which he was chosen to restore the true Church of Christ, which he believed had become corrupt and had lost its way. Manalo saw himself as the "last messenger" or "angel from the East" prophesied in the Bible to preach the true gospel before the end of the world.
Key Beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo
The Authority of Felix Manalo: One of the distinctive beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo is the central role of Felix Manalo as God's last messenger. Members believe that he was chosen to reestablish the true Church, and his teachings are considered authoritative.
The True Church: The INC teaches that it is the only true Christian Church on Earth, and salvation is exclusive to its members. They believe that all other Christian denominations have strayed from the original teachings of the Bible.
Non-Trinitarian Belief: Unlike most mainstream Christian denominations, the Iglesia ni Cristo holds a non-Trinitarian belief. They reject the concept of the Holy Trinity and view Jesus Christ as a distinct entity from God the Father.
Importance of Worship Services: Worship services are a fundamental aspect of INC practice. Members are required to attend regular worship services held in their local congregations. These services include Bible readings, hymn singing, and sermons.
End-Time Prophecies: The INC places a significant emphasis on end-time prophecies and believes that the return of Christ is imminent. Members are encouraged to prepare for the "Day of Judgment" by remaining faithful to the teachings of the Church.
Practices and Structure
The Iglesia ni Cristo has a hierarchical structure with a centralized leadership under the current Executive Minister. The Church is known for its impressive houses of worship, often characterized by their unique architecture and meticulous construction. Members are expected to follow a code of conduct that includes abstaining from vices, maintaining modesty, and actively participating in Church activities.
Outreach and Growth
Over the years, the Iglesia ni Cristo has experienced significant growth both within the Philippines and internationally. The Church is known for its active outreach efforts, including missionary work and humanitarian initiatives. INC congregations can now be found in many countries around the world, with a substantial presence in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the Americas, as well as in Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
Conclusion
The Iglesia ni Cristo is a unique Christian denomination with a distinct set of beliefs and practices. Founded in the early 20th century by Felix Y. Manalo, it has grown into a global religious organization with millions of members. While its beliefs differ from mainstream Christianity, the Iglesia ni Cristo remains an important and influential religious group, particularly in the Philippines and among Filipino diaspora communities worldwide.
