Para Maunawaan, isalin sa wikang inyong maintindihan:

Unveiling the Contradicting Biblical Concepts of Ang Dating Daan

I studied the doctrine and teaching of Ang Dating Daan, I understand the appeal of the group's fundamental doctrines and the charisma of its leader, Bro. Eli Soriano. However, upon closer examination of the Bible, I began to notice contradictions in the teachings and practices of the organization. In this article, I aim to unveil some of the biblical contradictions I observed and the data gathered from Ang Dating Daan in the hopes of informing current and prospective members. My goal is not to attack or discredit the group or its leader but rather to encourage an objective analysis of its teachings based on the very book it claims as the basis of its authority - the Bible.

The History and Foundation of Ang Dating Daan

The Ang Dating Daan movement began in the Philippines in 1980 with the mission of spreading the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Its primary objective is to propagate the words of God according to what is written in the Bible. Eliseo Soriano, also known as Bro. Eli, founded Ang Dating Daan and has served as its Overall Servant since its inception.

Ang Dating Daan started as a radio program in 1980 and has since become a multi-awarded religious organization. Bro. Eli saw the need to use various media platforms to spread the teachings of God. The program currently airs through radio, television, and social media. The movement has grown into a religious organization with over 1,360 local congregations in the Philippines and abroad.

The doctrines and teachings of Ang Dating Daan are anchored on the Bible. Members believe that the Bible is the Word of God and the only basis of faith and service to God. The Church rejects traditions and practices not found in the Bible. Some of the Church's fundamental doctrines are:

1.   Faith in the Almighty Father, the Creator of all things.

2.   Faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the only Savior of mankind.

3.   Faith in the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and Guide of God's servants.

4.   Belief in the Bible as the complete and infallible Word of God.

5. Salvation is attained through faith in Christ and obedience to His commandments.

Ang Dating Daan continues to spread its mission through various media platforms and congregations around the world. The movement aims to lead as many people as possible to salvation through faith in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

False Doctrines Promoted by Ang Dating Daan

Ang Dating Daan teaches that Jesus Christ is not God which contradicts the Bible. According to John 1:1 and John 1:14, Jesus Christ is the Word, and the Word was God. Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh. However, Ang Dating Daan insists that Jesus Christ is just a man and was used by God. They deny the divinity of Jesus Christ which is a dangerous false teaching.

Ang Dating Daan also teaches that the Father is greater than Jesus Christ. They use John 14:28 where Jesus said, "My Father is greater than I” to prove their point. However, they fail to consider Philippians 2:6 which says Jesus is equal with God. Jesus said the Father is greater not in nature or essence but in position. The Father sent Jesus into the world, so in that sense, the Father is greater. But Jesus Christ is equal with the Father in nature as they are both God.

The group also teaches that the Holy Spirit is just a force and not a real person. However, the Bible proves the Holy Spirit has a mind (Romans 8:27), has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11), and can speak (Acts 13:2). The Holy Spirit is as much a person as the Father and Jesus Christ.

These false teachings promoted by Ang Dating Daan should not be taken lightly. Their doctrines contradict what the Bible says about the nature of God and can lead people into serious error. I hope that members will start reading the Bible for themselves and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them to the truth.

ADD's Rejection of the Trinity: A Direct Contradiction of Scripture

The belief system of Ang Dating Daan (ADD) directly contradicts several biblical concepts, particularly the doctrine of the Trinity. The Trinity refers to the Christian belief that God exists as three persons in one being: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

However, ADD rejects the Trinity and believes that Jesus Christ is not God, but merely a man. ADD claims that nowhere in the Bible did Jesus Christ affirm that He is the true God. They insist that Christ never claimed divinity for Himself and never identified Himself as the true God. In contrast, there are several biblical passages that prove Jesus is God. For example, in John 10:30, Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." In John 1:1, the Bible says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Verse 14 identifies the Word as Christ: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Christ's divinity is also evident in His claims to forgive sins, which only God can do (Mark 2:5-7). His miracles, like walking on water (John 6:19) and raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44), demonstrate His deity. The Bible calls Jesus the "mighty God" (Isaiah 9:6) and "God over all" (Romans 9:5).

The rejection of the Trinity and the deity of Christ are in direct contradiction to what the Bible explicitly teaches. ADD's beliefs on this matter go against Scripture and historic Christian doctrine. The Bible is clear that there is one God who exists in three co-equal and co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the Son, the second person of the Trinity, and He is fully God and fully man.

The Unbiblical Teachings of "Sugo" Eliseo Soriano

As the self-proclaimed "Sugo" or messenger of God, Eliseo Soriano teaches several doctrines that contradict the Bible.

Unbiblical Doctrines on the Nature of Christ

Soriano denies the divinity of Jesus Christ, claiming that Christ was just a man and not God. This contradicts John 1:1 which states that "the Word was God." He also denies the Trinity, rejecting the belief that there are three persons in one God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. However, Matthew 28:19 commands baptizing disciples "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Salvation by Works, Not Grace

Ang Dating Daan teaches that people are saved by good works and obedience to the law, not by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Soriano insists people must follow the Ten Commandments and church rules to receive salvation.

Exclusive Claims as the True Church

Soriano proclaims that Ang Dating Daan is the only true church and that he is the only true messenger of God in these last days. However, the Bible does not teach the idea of a "true church" or "last messenger." Jesus is the only way to salvation according to John 14:6, not membership in a specific organization.

Unbiblical Teachings on the Sabbath

Ang Dating Daan observes Saturday as the holy day instead of Sunday, claiming the early Christians kept the Sabbath. While the Apostles did attend synagogue on the Sabbath, they also met on the first day of the week as evidenced in 1 Corinthians 16:2 and Acts 20:7. The Sabbath was part of the old covenant with Israel, but Christians are under the new covenant.

In conclusion, the contradictory teachings and biblical misinterpretations of Eliseo Soriano should be a warning to those seeking the truth. His claims as the "Sugo" and that only ADD members will receive salvation are unbiblical and misleading. The Bible is the only authority for Christian faith and practice.

ADD's One-Sided Interpretation of the Bible

The Ang Dating Daan movement, through its program “Itanong Mo Kay Soriano, Biblia Ang Sasagot” (Ask Soriano, the Bible Will Answer), claims to uphold the Bible as the sole authority in matters of faith. However, upon close examination of ADD’s interpretations, one can find many instances where they have taken biblical verses out of context or given them twisted and inaccurate explanations to suit their doctrines.

Cherry-Picking Verses

ADD has frequently been criticized for cherry-picking isolated Bible verses to validate their teachings while ignoring related passages that contradict them. For example, to justify their prohibition on eating “dinuguan” or blood stew, ADD cites Acts 15:20 which forbids the early Christians from eating blood. However, they fail to consider Acts 15:29 which clarifies that this only applies to meat from strangled animals and meat sacrificed to idols.

Twisting Scripture

In several debates, ADD has been found twisting Bible verses to fit their narrative. One case in point is their interpretation of Acts 20:28 Lamsa version which they claim supports their belief that Christ is not equal to God. However, Bible scholars have pointed out that Lamsa’s translation contains errors and that the verse should accurately read “to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” This affirms the divinity of Christ which ADD rejects.

Out-of-Context Explanations

ADD also has a tendency to take Bible verses out of context to justify their doctrines. For example, to prove that Jesus is not God, they cite John 8:40 where Jesus says "You are looking for an opportunity to kill me, a man who has told you the truth". By isolating this verse, ADD ignores the many other passages where Jesus claims divinity like John 10:30 "I and the Father are one".

In conclusion, while ADD claims to uphold the Bible as their sole authority, a careful analysis of their interpretations reveals many instances of mishandling Scripture through cherry-picking verses, twisting meanings, and taking passages out of context. One should exercise caution in accepting ADD's explanations and instead verify their teachings against what the Bible really says.

Legal Issues Surrounding Ang Dating Daan

Defamation Cases

In 2006, Ang Dating Daan filed a suit against a religious television show for airing derogatory remarks towards the organization. Won the case, which resulted in the show publicly apologizing for their slanderous comments. Similarly, in 2012, another defamation case against a pastor for his hateful and offensive claims about ADD beliefs. Again, the court ruled in ADD favor. These victories affirmed the right to defend the name and reputation against malicious falsehoods.

Criminal Cases

Certain disgruntled former members have attempted to file dubious criminal complaints against other administrators. For example, in 2019 a number of nonsensical estafa, libel and obstruction of justice charges were brought to the justice department. However, after reviewing the baseless accusations and lack of evidence, the department promptly dismissed all charges. Such nuisance suits are mere harassment tactics that prove futile in the face of facts and reason.

Through all these legal issues, Ang Dating Daan has emerged victorious by relying on the truth and defending our moral authority and remain committed to resolving disputes through proper legal and ethical means. Their experiences have taught them to be vigilant in protecting their rights while also showing compassion for those who would seek to undermine them. By the grace of God, ADD will continue moving forward in faith and courage.

The Unethical Methods of Ang Dating Daan

Cult-like Environment

Ang Dating Daan exhibits the characteristics of a cult. ADD administrator demand utmost devotion, obedience and commitment from members. As the sole authority on the Bible and the only channel of truth. Members are discouraged from interacting with non-members and are taught to view people outside the church as evil. Administrator’s word is final on all matters.

Stories From Former Members of Ang Dating Daan
Strict Compliance to MCGI Doctrines

Members are required to strictly follow the doctrines and teachings of the MCGI and Bro. Eli Soriano. Any dissent or disagreement with these doctrines is frowned upon and seen as a lack of faith. Members are discouraged from reading or listening to any material that contradicts MCGI teachings. This strict compliance and unwillingness to consider other biblical perspectives isolate members and give the MCGI leaders immense control over the thoughts and beliefs of members.

Discouragement of Critical Thinking

Members are discouraged from critically analyzing MCGI doctrines and teachings. They were told not to question church leadership or teachings because it shows a lack of faith and humility. This suppression of critical thinking and unwillingness to consider other perspectives prevents members from spotting logical fallacies and inconsistencies in MCGI teachings.

Judgment and Condemnation of Other Groups

MCGI, particularly Bro. Eli Soriano, frequently judge, criticize and condemn other religious groups, especially the Catholic Church. Members are taught that MCGI has the only correct interpretation of the Bible and all other groups are condemned. This judgment and condemnation of others contradict Jesus’ teachings of love, kindness, and acceptance.

Excessive Focus on Monetary Contributions

While MCGI claims to uphold Christian values of generosity and charity, in reality members are subjected to excessive pressure to contribute money to church funds and projects. Huge amounts of time in worship services and gatherings are dedicated to encouraging members to give generous monetary offerings. This excessive focus on monetary gain seems to contradict Christian teachings against greed, materialism, and the love of money.

In summary, some of the contradicting biblical concepts I gathered on this research, Ang Dating Daan members strict compliant to MCGI doctrines, discouragement of critical thinking, judgment of other religious groups, and an excessive focus on monetary contributions.

FAQs About Ang Dating Daan's Contradicting Biblical Concepts

Is it true that Ang Dating Daan prohibits watching television and listening to radio?

No, that is an unfounded myth. While Ang Dating Daan advises members to be discerning in their media consumption and cautions against content that promotes immorality or false teachings, ADD do not have an outright prohibition against TV, radio or other media. Members are free to make their own judgments on what types of entertainment and information are edifying and in line with biblical values.

Why does Ang Dating Daan require members to attend worship services so frequently?

Attending regular worship services, prayer meetings and Bible studies is an important part of spiritual growth and fellowship. By assembling with other believers several times a week, members are able to strengthen their faith through hearing the word of God, participate in corporate prayer and build relationships with their brethren. While the frequent services may seem burdensome to some, they help cultivate discipline and deeper commitment to serving the Lord.

Is it necessary for members to give large portions of their income as offerings?

Ang Dating Daan does not require a fixed amount of tithes and offerings from members. However, we do emphasize the biblical principle of generous and sacrificial giving as a way for members to express gratitude to God, support the work of the ministry and help those in need. The amount each member gives is a personal decision between them and the Lord. No one is compelled to give beyond their means.

Why are some biblical passages reinterpreted differently in Ang Dating Daan?

Ang Dating Daan aims to understand biblical teachings in their original linguistic, cultural and historical context. Some passages that have been traditionally interpreted in particular ways are reexamined to gain clearer insights into their intended meaning. While this may lead to unconventional interpretations at times, the goal is to lay aside preconceptions and let the Bible speak for itself. As with any Bible-based faith, there is room for differences of opinion on certain doctrines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ang Dating Daan is a religious group that holds contradictory beliefs and concepts from what is taught in the Bible. Their doctrines and practices are not grounded in the Bible but are instead based on the interpretations of its leader, Eliseo Soriano. While the group promotes values such as morality, love of God and good works, their teachings distort the gospel and the nature of Jesus Christ as taught in the Scriptures. Members are often misled into thinking they have found the true path to salvation. My hope is that people will critically examine the beliefs of this group in light of what the Bible actually teaches. The eternal destinies of many are at stake.

No comments:

Post a Comment

"Money is the eyes of many but in the hands of few"

The Science of Getting Rich; How Millionaires Think, Act and Behave

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a millionaire? Do millionaires have an unwritten set of beliefs, values, and ways of thinking...

Popular Post