August 10, 2004

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  Church of Christ
  
  
  
  

  I believe wholeheartedly about God, and without question I have faith in Jesus Christ.  I do however wonder whether I will ever find a religion that is right for me.  I don't want to get into a debate about which religion is better, because I truly believe it is up to everyone of us to choose. However I believe that much like choosing a baseball team or a football team, its not about choosing the team that is from your city, its about choosing the one that will guide you, a faith that will .  Call it rebellious but I actually decided at the age of 17 that I would not follow my family into Roman Catholism, because first I had very serious concerns about the way the religion was being presented, and I felt that it was stuck in its old ways, and was unable to evolve into the new generations and new challenges that we all are starting to face.   I know that many of my dead relatives including my grandma would probably be turning in their grave at the mere thought of what I just said, but I believe in free choice.

  
  

  I believe that in order to make the right decision we must have all the facts, and then make an informed decision.  I have spent 16 months with Muslims, learning all about Islam's from my best friend, and despite the disciplined and powerful religion that Islam was I never felt it was right for me, but I respected my best friend and I admired her for her sheer dedication in educating me and helping me realize that fact.

  
  

  I also spent  a year learning about Buddhism, and despite my unfathomable love for Zen, Buddhism was also not right for me, mainly because although it implied Zen, it had characteristics that I could not accept. My aunt spent so much time with me and taking me to Born Again Christian masses and get together's, even baptism.  I love the way they worship, the way they act like a community, yet again I found aspects that I could not accept.

  
  

  The point is I studied many religions, even Mormons and Quakers, and a few New Age genre as my father was into that stuff (yep typical girl hoping to get close to her dad through religion, glad that scenario faded).  I also studied kaballah and believe me its good but further into it I felt it was a novelty that artist are trying to hold on to, much like a diet fad, here today gone tomorrow.

  
  

  I guess what it boils down to is that we all search for enlightenment, but how many of us are willing to find it? how many of us want to put the work in? how badly do we really want to find enlightenment? or are we hoping if we sit in one place long enough it will find us? Maybe we choose our religion or the religion of our parents to avoid confrontation, or maybe we would rather not rattle the cage? Are we being fair to our children/children to be? How can we educate and inform the future generation, if we ourselves don't know what the choices are and what they are about?

  
  
  

  I want to be able to answer Luna when she comes to ask me as confuse as I once was.  I want her to learn first then make an informed decision that is important to many, yet so few take the time to learn about.  I want to be able to explain to her what I have learned about the different religions, and then with my guidance she can make her own choice at the right time, for now I stick to what is important, the love of god and the blessed life he gave both of us.  I don't think it matters what you call God, whether its Allah or Buddha, the most important point is you realize and respect there is a higher power, someone who guides us all. 

  
  

  This entry is turning out to be a novel again so I will end it by telling you a little about one particular religion I am now only learning about. As I mentioned earlier on I have been doing a lot of research about the Church of Christ and they are currently celebrating their 90th anniversary. I have learnt so much about the religion, yet I have so much more to learn. I know that its a religion I want to research further, but for now I want to take you through what I have learned so far. Which is the Church of Christ. What fascinates me about the Church of Christ is that they are different from mainstream religions, and no I do not wish to ensue any religious debates. I'm merely expressing my opinion on such a diverse religion.

  
  

  The religion was founded by Minister Felix Ysagun Manalo in 1914 and is currently one of our country's major religious denomination.

  
  

  "Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) has been distinguished by its phenomenal growth in the Philippines and in many other countries. An all-Filipino religious denomination, INC uses vernacular languages in teaching and preaching the Gospel, enabling it to spread the faith down to the level of the masses. Its law-abiding, disciplined leadership and members have made INC a role model for other religious organizations." As said by the Manila Bulletin, and I agree.

  
  

  The religion's principles are sound, and the scope of their belief is so wide that not only do they nurture the religous needs of their congregation, their attention to their economic and physical wellbeing is profound. I marvel at the projects that they create and maintain, things such as job placements, housing and education. I am humbled by their sense of community and their alliance towards each other's welfare.

  
  

  I have met some men and women who follow the Iglesia ni Cristo way of life, and I was not encouraged enough to research the faith. Until I met a former priest who showed me that that in order to truly learn I must put my heart and my soul into it and open my mind and my heart. I must learn about it.  His own experience in learning, as in years of research, reading everything including commentaries, encyclopedias, even paperback novels. After belief and disbelief he came to the conclusion that the Church of Christ was for him.

  
  

  My journey into the Church of Christ has been very enlightning, it has provided me with such warmth and such knowledge of their way of life. They have a very welcoming way, and their principles are admirable. I am about to enter into a new era of my beliefs.

  
  

  The former priest I speak of, has taught me that research is the key to any answer, and if you search deep enough you will find what you are looking for.  I am so lucky to have met him, for he taught me so much in such a short space of time.  So I guess all thats left to say for now is

  
  

  Happy 90th Anniversary to the Church of Christ.

  
  

  Please take the time to really learn about decisions that affects your life, whether its religion or anything else.  I know its not always possible to see all the different sides of the coin, but its better to try not not at all. So be informed, and take charge of your own salvation, of your own beliefs, never accept something just because someone told you, or so something because your family or your friends do it, make up your own mind, and take control of your own life. I chose this song because its closest to my heart, believe that he loves you, and you will find the peace in your heart, faith is a might powerful source of strength, and we all could use strength. 

  • 6:04 pm
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