- What role does religion play in your life, and how does it influence your daily decisions and actions?
It plays a major role in my life, and of course, unlike before, when making decisions, you try to do so according to your church's doctrines. After all, prior to your membership, you were indoctrinated.
- Can you describe your understanding of the concept of God or a higher power? How do you perceive this entity's characteristics and relationship with humanity?
I do believe in absolute oneness of God, the Father alone, and no other god/s besides Him. He is spirit in nature, hence, not made up of flesh and bones. Regarding your follow-up question, I believe that this entity is of utmost importance because a believer's ability to serve God relies heavily on understanding who the true God is. Without this knowledge, the relationship between God and humanity cannot be fully realized.
- How were your religious beliefs formed? Did you inherit them from your family, or did you come to them through personal exploration and experiences?
My journey began in 1988 when I took my first job at a company owned by a Protestant. They held a Bible study every Thursday, which lasted a maximum of one hour, and it sparked my curiosity. I was born and raised Catholic, and I learned that the Protestant view on salvation is essentially, “Simply accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and you are saved.” They emphasized that works are not necessary. This left me wondering: if many of their members were formerly Catholics, don't you think that Catholics also accept Christ as their personal Savior and Lord? Of course they do. However, these individuals converted to Protestantism because they believed that Catholics had deviated from the true teachings of our Lord. This experience marked the beginning of my search for truth, which also included examining the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Are there any specific religious texts or scriptures that you consider sacred or authoritative? How do you interpret these texts in your daily life?
It's Joshua 24:15. There are thousands of religions in the world today, but for me, regardless of the circumstances, I will serve and worship no one but the Father alone, day and night.
- What do you believe about the afterlife? What determines one's destiny after this life?
Unlike other religions that embrace the concept of reincarnation, I do not share that belief. I hold that once a person dies, the afterlife is only accessible at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, commonly referred to as Judgment Day. On that day, there will be only two outcomes: the Holy City for those who are in Christ and eternal damnation in Hell for those who reject God. Consequently, what determines a person's fate after this life is ensuring that they truly belong to Christ.
- What are your thoughts on morality and ethics? How does your religion influence your understanding of right and wrong?
While morality may be subjective to some, the Bible presents a definitive stance on the matter. It addresses various issues that are commonplace in today’s society, such as homosexuality, premarital sex, same-sex marriage, divorce, and abortion, all of which are viewed as wrong in the sight of God. Despite the rationalizations or attempts to downplay these actions, God remains sovereign, and His word will be fulfilled on the appointed day. The teachings I have received about morality guide me in living a righteous life. Although I am not perfect, our Lord Jesus Christ is always there to be my light and constant guide as I strive to follow His example and fulfill God’s will. So, don’t lose hope. Stand firm until the end.
- Have you ever experienced doubt or questioning regarding your religious beliefs? If so, how did you navigate through these challenges?
Yes, I did of course. That was before I decided to give INC a chance. During the indoctrination sessions, I took my time to fully understand the teachings, spending at least three months to complete the course because I had many questions. To clarify, I willingly explored the Church on my own, just as I investigated the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses. In the end, I gained a deep understanding and embraced my new beliefs wholeheartedly.
- How do you engage with religious practices such as prayer, meditation, or rituals? What significance do these practices hold for you?
We do not engage in rituals or worship God through them. As a choir member of the Church, I find great value in this approach, as it allows me to dedicate more time to serving God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
- How does your religious community or congregation contribute to your faith? In what ways do you participate in or contribute to this community?
The Church continually encourages us to lead a righteous life, be good neighbors, and be exemplary citizens. It also emphasizes the importance of actively sharing the Good News to bring more souls into the Church. One aspect I especially appreciate about the Church is its charity organization, known as "Caring for the Community," where I consistently contribute, as I am passionate about helping those in need.
- How do you approach conversations about religion with individuals who hold different beliefs? Are you open to exploring and understanding their perspectives?
I always hold a deep respect for others' beliefs. I typically don’t share my own views openly but prefer to express them through our official magazine, Pasugo. I might invite someone to listen to our Pamamahayag, also known as the Bible Exposition or Bible Study. I’m not one for debates unless they are conducted in a friendly manner; I think it’s better to engage in a dialogue. I strive to be open-minded, and even now, as a member of Iglesia Ni Cristo, I make it a point to explore the beliefs of other religions of which I am not familiar. Ultimately, it’s about respect, and the choice lies with each individual. What truly matters is that you have shared your beliefs, ensuring that on Judgment Day, neither your family nor your friends can accuse you of not informing them about the concept of Salvation.
