It’s good to be back… well… it has been long since i posted a user reply but here’s one thing that’s good to bring back. From a certain INC member that goes by the name “Holy Man“

holy man Says:

March 8th, 2008 at 12:14 pm

I am an Iglesia ni Cristo member.

I was born in the church and held various offices including choir member, Sunday school teacher, secretary, and others.  However, recently I started to question not so much the teachings in the scripture, but rather the interpretation of the biblical meanings, and the decision making process of the church in general.

I have been to various local nationwide and overseas and observed (since I’m highly observant) wide ranges of variation in the way things are done and decided. The church has gotten so colossal and gained international church recognition that I felt it has undergone some sort of mutations from the original founded church, and this is usually what happens when an organization expands in numbers and members: there is no consensus over doing things, that is, each local makes judgment according to the number of people favoring a certain action, then it gets submitted to the district office, then to the central.  Those who oppose simply kept quite; the administration does not investigate; it accepts whatever recommendation of the district or locals and it’s not uncommon for lords over lords to say “do not question, just follow” and I heard this comments many times.

My reaction to this is “a blind leading a blind” and both of them needed to be saved.  There are no checks and balance over how things are done rather there is a struggle or even “kissing ass” just to get things done, but it criticizes the doctrines of other faiths.  Is this of God?For example, the indoctrination process changed over the years, wasn’t this a man made decision? nowhere in the scripture tells you that you have to wait a certain period of time to become a member of some religious organizations.

I believe that one is free to worship as he or she pleases and sees appropriate because as human beings we are creation of men—sinners in thoughts and actions–yet the church doesn’t seem to understand this. Another issue I’m grappling with is the problem of unity, it seems that the church wants a total control of its members, not allowing them to exercise their constitutional rights over issues that impact the members. It seeks to secure its interest over godly teachings? Finally, there is religious persecution that exist within the organization, again as a result of being lords over lords, and yes corruptions do exist.  At one time I had hard time believing, but the one who told was a member of the finance committee, and told me who, what, and how much few people were receiving. Fortunately, there is a separation between church and states because I find many of its teachings go against the constitutional rights of the citizens of the land.

I am an insider, so I know how are things are performed.  I find the fanatics severely “brain washed” and caused many others to be “brain washed” as well.

What many members would like to see is the reporting of the church financial statements, just like the practice of the Jehovah witness, that is report how much was collected and how much was spent.

I realized that finally, an INC member got some of my point… kudos to you Holy Man, hope you are one of the INC members that can “revolutionize” the exisiting church into its former glory…

The (mis)Adventures continues as el_critique hits a year older…

Looking back a year ago, I was tackling the issues about Pres. Arroyo of the Philippines.

Corruptions, Show-offs and such lies that plagued the Philippine Government were such  big issues that grew and grew leading to rallies and demonstrations here, there and everywhere…

What is on my mind right now is not having a change of governance but as to endure the her last two years of reign. I’d rather sacrifice those two years under her rather than having the next two years under someone who has the uncertainty to govern plus the inability to speak the second most spoken language on planet earth: English.

It has been a year… and I shall continue…

The following is from Ms. Jane Abao, a renowned communications activist. You can access her news site here

Mon Nov 5, 2007 12:26 PM HKT

Manila, Philippines - A church group suspected to be behind the troubles of a justice who failed to get appointed as Supreme Court justice surfaced lately.

According to Victor C. Agustin, columnist of Manila Standard Today, the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) finally surfaced as the group that was behind Gregory S. Ong’s failure to get appointed as Supreme Court (SC) justice. In his column titled, Cocktales, Agustin described this church group as powerful that they would not stop there.

Sandiganbayan Justice Gregory Ong failed to make the appointment because of an unresolved citizenship issue. Agustin said that the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) even wanted Ong removed from Sandiganbayan, an anti-graft court where he sits now.

Agustin wrote, “The powerful Iglesia Ni Cristo has come out in the open not only to prevent Sandiganbayan Justice Gregory Ong from being appointed to the Supreme Court but also to have him unseated from the anti-graft court.” Accordingly, the petition was filed by the lawyer of this group who belongs to the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

The petition to disqualify Ong from the Sandiganbayan, is now pending in the Pasig Regional Trial Court. It was filed by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, counsel of the Iglesia.

Agustin intimated that Justice Ong had convicted a brother-in-law of the Iglesia’s Executive Minister by the name of Victor Danao, a military colonel.

As described by Agustin, Ong allegedly “caught the ire of the Iglesia hierarchy after the Sandiganbayan justice convicted military colonel Victor Danao, husband of Pilar Manalo, who happens to be a sister of Iglesia Executive Minister Eraño Manalo.” Pilar, said to be the daughter of Felix Manalo, first executive minister of the church group, is known to have composed the songs for the Iglesia.

Meanwhile, the INC’s clout in government is found in their much-touted practice of block voting. Not only does the incumbent Philippine president have the backings of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, but those before her including senators and congressmen who curry their favor come national elections.

Agustin said Lawyer Topacio is being helped in his legal research by a number of Iglesia lawyers in his oral arguments scheduled before Judge Leoncio Janolo Jr.

Being a Sandiganbayan justice, Ong was among the contenders for the position to a vacant slot in the Supreme Court like Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Ruben Reyes, Court of Tax Appeals Presiding Justice Ernesto Acosta, Labor Secretary Arturo Brion, CA Justice Edgardo Cruz and Sandiganbayan Justice Francisco Villaruz Jr. In July, this year, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Ruben Reyes as Associate Justice to the vacant slot.

Earlier it was reported by Aries Rufo of NewsBreak (02/08/2007) that appointed SC justice Ruben Reyes had the backing of the Iglesia ni Cristo and another church group. Reyes turned 68 last January 3, has only one year and two months to serve in the Tribunal before the compulsory retirement of 70.

The non-appointment of Gregory Ong to the high court is more than just the issue of his citizenship, an evangelist has charged recently. More so, the threat of his being removed from the antigraft court.

According to Eliseo Soriano, the un-warranted influence of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in the affairs of the government is to instill fear among the justices so that they will not meddle with the affairs of the INC.

Saying he admires Justice Gregory Ong for his partiality in judging cases and his courage in carrying out his task, Soriano said Ong has the backing of his congregation, the Church of God, International, more popularly known as Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path). “Tell Justice Ong to carry on. We are all behind him.” Soriano said through live telecast from the United States before thousands of his followers.

Soriano is a Filipino evangelist now preaching overseas and leads a world-wide congregation of about 4 million. His congregation is all the more growing geometrically with weekly baptisms in thousands in the country and abroad as far as Africa, despite persecutions. Soriano was forced to leave the country for open threat on his life.

Ang Dating Daan as a program had been suspended many times by the Movie and Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) under the Office of the President of the land for reasons related to the INC. Soriano had been attacking INC beliefs, particularly calling Christ a man, tithing regulations, and falsified history. At one time, one reason for the suspension of the program was Soriano’s calling the church-group, “Iglesia Ni Manalo” (church of Manalo) which the group resented.

UPDATE: Manila Times Jomar Canlas reported today that the judge handling this case, Judge Leoncio Janolo Jr., has been penalized by the Supreme Court because of the “delays in resolving cases.” He was fined P11, 000 ($250).

(the following article is from josepherdon’s hardhitting blog, proving that people are becoming aware about the INC and their freakiness… Thanks to josepherdon for letting me repost his blog)

I have heard a cool quote that has been a constant reminder to me whenever I’m having a discussion with a (fanatic) INC member. I hope this would also be a reminder to all those who visits the websites of these INC bozos (e.g.Network54)

Never wrestle with a pig, you both get dirty, only the pig likes it

Though sometimes I do have some exchange of email with an INC member, I have a pleasure not for having a “wrestle” with him but instead, I truly enjoy seeing how the typical (fanatic) INC member wallow, swim, roll-around and take pleasure in their own mud by their own patented pathetic reasoning. Believe me, every email from a fanatic INC member defending their faith is like seeing a pig swimming on their own mud and better yet, a pig struggling to escape from a quicksand. As it is written…

But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb,
The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again;
and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
2 Peter 2:22 (KJV)

About my blogspot John Regala, I have made an introduction on that blogpost about the 3-colored-stickers that are almost everywhere on INC members properties. Which appears to be that INC members had made their pledge of allegiance to their 3-colored flag after being baptized and accepting the angelic status of Felix Manalo. My statements were as follows…

“You see some chapels with the 3 colors consist of Green, White and Red relating to a church they called themselves “Iglesia Ni Cristo”. You can also notice the 3 colored stickers on their member’s vehicles, jeepneys, cars, houses, gates etc. Sometimes, this is confusing because these 3 colors can be associated with a lot of other country flags such as Mexico, Ireland and Italy. Some Italian and Mexican restaurants are laided with the 3 color combination of Green, White and Red.”

A John Regala fan, Felix Manalo believer and INC member sent me an email about his silly reaction in it. Let the pig make oink, oink on himself. Please read his reaction…

“Di ko alam kung naiinggit ka sa mga me stickers o ano, natatawa ako sa sinabi mong yan. Pre, baka maligaw ka, di lahat ng mga me stickers na gaya ng binanggit mo eh INC…hahah, isinirkular na yan na marami ang gumagamit ng sticker na ganyan para sa ibang kadahilanan, lalo na ang pabor, iwas bagansya atbp. So luma na yan.”

The INC administration released a circular about FAKE INC members putting 3-colored-stickers on their vehicles to enjoy favors? IWAS-HULI NG MGA PULIS? Does this include some people put 3-colored-stickers on their vehicles just to escape/avoid traffic violation apprehensions from Traffic enforcers? Tell me, what law does states that if you have 3 colored-sticker on your vehicle, you will not be caught, you will be free from your violations? What other favors does the stickers have which can protect INC members? Are the police afraid of apprehending violators if they saw a 3-colored-sticker on the vehicle? hmmm. Didn’t I told these INC pigs like to swim on their own mud? and By The Way, they also know how to swim backstroke style on mud. Please continue reading….

Fake alagad ng Iglesia Ni Cristo?

Don’t blame me, I already warned you about the full of craps about INC. An Alagad of Iglesia Ni Cristo have made a funny reaction on my previous blogpost Alagad Ng Iglesia Ni Cristo. I received another email response but this time, it’s about the Alagad party list of Iglesia Ni Cristo. I am totally surprised with the content of the email!!! I have never thought about it. It is so unthinkable that a (fanatic) INC member is now dropping the Alagad party-list like a hot potato! He is now denying that Alagad party-list belongs to Iglesia Ni Cristo. The funny thing is, he denied the relationship of Iglesia Ni Cristo to the Alagad party-list while the logo of Alagad is screaming for its relevance to INC. Notice the Alagad party-list logo with the 3-color(green, red, white) theme? How about the bird on the Alagad logo? Is the bird on the Alagad logo just a coincidence on INC’s belief that (angel?) Felix Manalo is the ravenous bird from the east written on the book of Isaiah 46:11? INC is denying their link to Alagad party list?

(I’m just asking)
Is INC denying Alagad party list?
Is INC lying about their denial on Alagad party list?

Lame! Lame! Lame! Lame! Lame!
- Syndrome (The Incredibles)

I almost forgot, here’s the excerpt from the email of an INC member…

Dito pa lang sa statement mong to sa blog mo makikita mong malaki ang kamangmangan mo (pasensya na pre, pero term mo yan eh). Patunayan mo nga sa kin beyond reasonable doubt na sa amin (INC) yang Alagad Party List na yan. Patunayan mo. Magbigay ka nang matibay na katibayan. Pag wala kang naibigay na katibayan sa malinaw na paratang mo na yan, isa ka ring bakla gaya ni Soriano (patunay, gusto mo?). Malinaw pa sa sikat ng araw yang paratang mo na yan pre, kaya hinihingi ko ang katibayan ng akusasyon mo.

Now who’s the fool? Should we now expect an intelligent exchange of reasoning with an INC member? They are now denying their connection with the Alagad party list. FYI INC fanatics, even before I posted the blogpost about the Alagad party list, I downloaded a pdf file from the website of our “honorable” congressmen telling that Alagad party list indeed belongs to the religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo. It was The
FORUM, the Official Newsletter of the House of Representatives of Republic of the Philippines on its edition on September - October 2004 Vol. 1, No.1. Now, if the INC members will still continue on their denial, well, that’s their problem. Not mine.

Never underestimate the power of denial.
- from the movie American Beauty

I rest my case your honor.

List of evidence used:

Circumstantial Evidence

Exhibit A

Resistance is futile

4 comments:

high school friend said…

If I am to make use of your comical basis (3-color; green red and white) to conclude that such basis is enough to establish judgment that it is owned by the INC, lalabas na maraming pag-aari ang INC. Toinkk!

We’re both from Rizal, and I think you’re familiar with the logo (or entire banner)of the NPC (Nationalist People’s Coalition) which Gov. Ynares has for his banner or streamer during campaign period, now, is it owned by the INC? How about Mexico, their national flag also has those colors? And Italy as well. Are those owned by the INC? Whoa! INC is richer than I ever thought.

Bird? Is Edsa Shrine owned by the INC? It has bird on it. I bet my last breath, IT IS NOT.

Pre, even barangay with its tanod won’t accept your basis before its court. Sorry to say your basis is illogical. Pre, advice lang, one of the true basis of ownership is document, like what I had sent you regarding the ownership of Apalit Convention Center and other properties of ADD.

Pre, in my entire life in the INC, I never thought that there is a doctrine prohibiting its MEMBERS to join politics or elimanating them for having a position in government offices. Again Pare, better prove this claim beyond reasonable doubt. Show me that you’re not a coward hiding from your alibis and great diversionary tactics.

All I know, is that, ministers are not allowed to join politics that you also (ADD) has that belief according to Eli Soriano but deliverately disobeyed by your Deputy Executive Minister Daniel Razon. Dang!

Who’s your daddy now? este Who’s lame now?

Pre, try harder. I know you can do better than that.

P.S. puro ka atake, baka gusto mo namang dumepensa pare, aba’y andami mo ng assignments ah.

April 14, 2007 1:02 PM  

high school friend said…

*have sent

April 14, 2007 1:05 PM  

josepherdon said…

assignment? are trying to turn the table against me?

BUHAY, CIBAC and ALAGAD are linked with religious formations. BUHAY Rep. Rene M. Velarde is the son of El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde. Rep. Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva is the son of the Jesus Is Lord Movement evangelist Eddie Villanueva. Rep. Rodante D. Marcoleta belongs to the religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo.

has everyone noticed the line of reasoning of this INC fanatic? it’s so empty. Even dragging the birds of EDSA shrine for his defense. And their patented character assassination to Bro Eli and Brod Daniel. I have mentioned that your 3-color stickers are confusing. I even enumerated some countries that you copied on your defense. hehehe

You still not accept the very newsletter owned by the House of Representatives of Republic of the Philippines?
I’m not surprised. It’s because it’s aginst your faith.

you’re in state of denial.

…and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still…

April 14, 2007 7:30 PM  

josepherdon said…

which barangay are you referring to? barangay New Era?

I found how you used for your defense the birds on the EDSA Shrine really funny. I’m thankful that you did not choose to use the <omitted> for your defense in the bird on ALAGAD logo. Felix Manalo, IBONG MANDARAGIT?

INC fanatics. I’m aware that you’re not new with the malicious attacks and black propaganda because it is your own strength and forte. An article about the malicious comics that was endorsed by the INC primary television show, (ATD) will be posted here. Please watch for it in this blogsite.

comments are welcome!

like this from the last post:

Chris Says:
March 3rd, 2007 at 8:03 am e
you know what..you’re paranoid. Im sorry to say that, but it’s true.. naging Iglesia ka pa naman..(translation: you were iglesia…)you dont know you’re religion well.

First of all, Mr. you-dont-know-YOU’RE-religion-well , I really don’t know that i am a religion, (thus I am aware that I am not a religion -sic.) not even close to being a self-declared angel or messiah, not even closer to losing my mind to be in a situation to safely say that I will be saved in the last days of life on earth because I am a member of some organization believing that being a member of such profound cult cum church will be spared come judgement day. (Architecture will never be a part of rocket science.)

If your co-members were ex-catholics or ex-whatsoever that were “brainwashed” with your pessimistic anti-catholic rhetorics, then I am one of those ex-INC members “redeemed” by the truth, the way and life.

Infact, I would like (really) to encourage people to go attended one of INC’s gatherings as a test of their respective faith (not for the weak hearted thou -sic) because the last time I tried one, all they say is about Mr. Ysagun (referred to as Felix Manalo) is the “messenger” from the east, that others will (not shall) be perished because they are not a member of this so-called “one true church.”

INC has been very active in the world of politics, politicians have been known to woo support from them. If INC declares support for a politician, it is mandated that every INC vote for him or her which clearly violates the right to suffrage. Article 3, section 5 of the Philippine Constitution states that:

Section 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

There is no FREE exercise of political rights, a violation in the Bill of Rights.

The political meddling of INC has strengthened their survival too, from managing a factory that solely manufactures car license plates to having connections, thus having access to major goverment services such as justice, taxation and worst, Security.

-= I rest my case=-

(x.s. - comments are still welcome, I will never grow tired of this issue… )

When i was a kid, I always wanted to ride my bike; going around my neighborhood, riding with my childhood playmates and just plain riding. One day, a teen near a “church” tried to stop me and hijack my bike, I have defended myself very well and succeeded in running away with me and my bike intact. Upon leaving the area, the older kid told me to stay away of that area because it was “INC” premises and threatened that he’ll beat me up and take the bike. This triggered my decision to end any links with the Iglesia ni Cristo.

I knew the kid: popular, has-everything-he-wished type of boy, “brainy” [sic] and witty. That was not where i was disappointed; I was disappointed because his father ruled the locale, A Ministro.

Yes, I am from a family oriented with the said group, I was baptisted as one. Realizing at age seven, I saw that the malpractices are getting rampant, ranging from Ministers having a drinking session after they render their preaches, witholding of press freedom, spiritual blackmail and worst, to proclaiming superiority over all others.

They are used in claiming that being a member of their “church”, you’d be guarranteed safety in the end of days and will be sparred from being thrown in the lake of fire. To me, this is likely a profound statement to fool their followers: A “religion” based on fear and not on belief.

From where did the Iglesia ni Cristo really start? Are there really skeletons hiding from Mr. Ysagun’s closet? Are there things waiting to be uncovered? These are the questions that i tend to seek answers, answers that are meaningful and neutral, not superficial responses to be in their favor.

In the book “Strong Republic” (possibly a parody of Chairman Mao Tse Tung’s Little Red Book -sic), it was boasted in one of Arroyo’s speeches ( which really got me confused, speeches? Lies would be more applicable) that:

“Kamakailan, may sumulat sa aking tatlong batang taga-Payatas: sina Jayson, Jomar at Erwin. Ginawa nilang paper boats ang liham at pinalutang sa Pasig River patungo sa Malacañang.” (Translation: “Recently, there were three kids from Payatas who sent a letter to me: Jayson, Jomar and Erwin. They made their letters as paper boats and they have it set sail to Malacañang, via the Pasig River“)

One need not to understand the laws of buoyancy and physics for this situation… it is so imaginary to build a paper boat that could withstand the current of that river and travel 2-3 km to Malacañang… and more faroff, an imaginary malacañang personnel seeing and retrieving the paper boat from the murky river. ( Ferdinand Marcos had also a similar concoction; that he was a war hero…) This is a poor attempt to get your constituent’s attention; “Kulang sa Pansin.” (Translation: Attention Grabber, an old filipino expression)

Final words: Arroyo needs not words but tangible actions, actions that has results and not insults; prove that her program is not like Fidel Ramos’ Philippines 2000; towards a strong and not a wrong republic.

-= I rest my case=-

(geez… please also stop using kids, old persons and poor people in earning symphaty… flattery will get you no where…)

“In all humility, I accept the privilege and responsibility to act as President of the Republic.”

As quoted from Philippine president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during her 2001 inaugural speech, I find it hard to imagine if she really felt the humility when she responded “I am sorry” as an answer if she really had any participation in the last presidential elections cum fraudfest.

During my stay in Manila last week, I came across a book titled “Strong Republic” authored by the Philippine Information Authority (or misinformation? -sic), obviously using tax payer’s money. In that book were “selected” speeches of Arroyo.

Renato S. Velasco, PIA’s Director-General, stated in the preface that:

“This vision (towards a strong republic) is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Strong Philippine Republic — “a republic that
is for the poor; the weak; those whose lives and welfare are threatened; those who are unsure of the next meal; the disadvantaged; the marginalized; the oppressed; and the jobless.”

I still wonder, why are there no actions? I mean, if that is the vision… then it is safe to assume that her vision is turning into just so-so dreams? I wonder when will Arroyo wake up to the reality and not be such an egoistic dreamer…

“I am determined to build a Strong Republic by breaking the back of terrorism and criminality.”

It is obvious that stepping down is not the solution… she needs a full 180-degree throttle in her actions and desicions and she has to do it fast before her unpopularity reaches higher than she’d expect.