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.
