Felix Manalo, my Idol.

As my readers know, I have been very critical of the Iglesia ni Cristo in some of my past articles and statements. However, let's set the record straight.
 
The founder, Felix Y. Manalo, is one whom I consider as similar to Buddha, Martin Luther, and Brigham Young. Buddha, who founded Buddhism, taught people about the Middle Way, about balance between the material and spiritual worlds. He believed that the right view, action, intentions, speech, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration were important for one to reach enlightenment. Martin Luther was a believer that the Bible was the only source of divine knowledge from God, and that salvation and eternal life was the gift of God's grace through belief in Jesus Christ. Brigham Young was the second and longest-serving President of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, known as the "Lion of the Lord" for his force of personality.

All of them were courageous men, who dared to ask questions and stood up for what they believed in. Just like these venerable people, Felix Manalo, too, was one who stood up for his beliefs, and formed the Iglesia ni Cristo as a foundation for those who believed in the Lord as he did.

I have to say, I respect the foundation of the INC. I respect and admire what it does for its flock. It's a large family. It's a social security system for its believers in need of help, which is what a family should always do for its own members. The INC is also very loyal. In short, the INC, at its best, and in the vision of Felix Manalo, is a spiritual North Star that guides the INC family.

This would not have happened if Felix Manalo were not a Spiritual Explorer, a man who dared to ask questions, and to build on what he believed in.

However, the INC is under attack from within. There are those within it who want to turn it simply into a political tool, a mass of votes traded for influence or money. It makes one wonder where the dream and vision of Felix Manalo are these days. Let me end by saying that yes, there are brigands in the organization, and that they are doing the Iglesia a disfavor. Who these are, I know, because the sources come from within.

I hope that the vision of Felix Manalo will prevail in the Iglesia ni Cristo. After all, the INC is a testament to Felix Manalo's life and beliefs. As for the brigands, they should go to hell.