Article Updated: September 02, 2017
The signs may hence brought the travellers a curious thought on what is all about that and what do members do?
But what is really all about Iglesia Ni Cristo(Church of Christ)? If you're wondering and would like to learn something about the church, this may help you out in finding the answers to some of your basic questions.
Note that I am not a member of the church. I based all these things from research and from asking friends who are INCs.
What is Iglesia Ni Cristo?
This is an independent Christian denomination founded by Felix Manalo, a
Filipino who from his history said that he joined many different denominations in search for the truth about God and salvation. His stay from these churches gave him so many confusions until he studied the Bible and came up with his own church. He registered the name in 1914 and that‘s when rest of the church‘s history continued.Beliefs
As compared to Catholic and Protestant doctrines, the beliefs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo are highly different. To name a few, here is the list.
1. They reject the idea that Jesus is God and they strongly adhere to the teachings of Arius. They believe that Jesus Christ is purely and fully human, was the son of God but not divine. Thereby rejecting the concept of the Holy Trinity (Three persons in one God). Christians should call him Lord because Iglesia Ni Cristo members say it is the right title to call him as he was the son of God.
2. The only true church is their own. Anyone outside of their church cannot attain salvation. Unless a non-INC member submits himself to the church, he will be saved. All other denominations and religions is what they believe came from darkness and not from light and truth.
3. Faith should not only focus to believing in God, personal relationship to the Lord or by doing good works. They teach that Church membership is essential.
4. Their founder- Felix Manalo was the last messenger of God whom they believe was the only prophet who can restore and build the only true church.
Practices
Iglesia Ni Cristo members have many practices. Here is another list to mention some.
1. They don‘t eat Dinuguan ( Filipino dish made from animal blood) or other foods with blood
stew.2. They don‘t allow interdenominational or interreligious marriage.
3. They don‘t celebrate many feasts including Christmas, Halloween, and Valentines. They only celebrate the Sta. Cena (Holy Supper) as well as New year.
4. They don‘t practice putting religious images, statues and objects inside their homes and in their churches.
5. Everytime they attend worship services, they wear formal attire.
6. They have two worship services in a week. Usually the schedule is Thursdays and Sundays.
7. Members are forbiddem to join worship services or other religious activities of other denominations.
8. Members are not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages, to smoke and to gamble.
9. They practice Pagtitiwalag (Act of expelling a member from their church if proven that he/she violated the teachings of the church. E.g. smoking, drinking liquors, gambling).
10. Ministers (a title for their preacher) use a lot of Bible versions as a basis for their teachings and doctrines.
11. They practice bloc voting which is voting for an official not on their own individual decisions but upon the decision of the whole church. They believe that such practice leads to unity of all members inside the church.
12. They don‘t practice infant baptism. Also, their process of baptizing someone who would like to be a member of their church is not being done through sprinkling of water but through immersion.
13. During their worship service, male and female members sit separately.
These are some of the beliefs and practices of the Church. If you would like to learn more and would like to have more explanation about the things listed above, please approach a minister to the church nearest your place. Or contact them in their website.
