Update 4-Jan-2003
: Now since the highest court of the land (the Philippine Supreme Court) ruled, once in for all, in favor of Gugulan's group, the name of Soriano's church was drastrically changed to:"Iglesia Ni YHWH atni YHWSA HMSYH"(Church of YHWH and YHWSA HMSYH).
Update 4-Nov-2004
: Now they prefer to be known as,Members Church of God International.
Method of Evangelization
He spreads his teachings through the radio waves and lately used the television and internet facilities. He is fondof vehemently opposing various religious groups by attacking their non-essential doctrines like tithing andchurch appellations, as well as, personalities of a number of religious leaders. One effective methodology of Soriano in captivating many gullible individuals into his fold by means of philosophical debates where henormally sets it up in their home turf (i.e.
locale
). It can be observed that majority of the live audiences are fromthe
Ang Dating Daan
group capable of yelling instead of listening intently to what the opponent speaker issaying. Soriano on the other hand is a skilled heckler who tends to annoy and harass his opponent. As a result,this poor fellow who has really no idea totally whatsoever about Soriano’s tactics will be prompted to either abandon the subject that he started or just leave the spiritual arena. Many
Elisarians
will immediately assumethat their self-styled messenger “won” the religious debate not knowing that it was just his being a skilledheckler that made him triumph. A Christian apologist needs to be wary with every statement he utters becauseSoriano has a reputation of focusing on minor word details propelling him to neglect the whole subject of thedebate. This is done by playing back a particular video taped segment recorded by an accomplice ADD cameraman so the whole audience would know how the speaker allegedly “contradicts” himself.
Manner of Bible Teaching
To build an impression with his members and audience, Soriano parades himself as a self-styled Bible teacher who “knew” the Hebrew and Greek words of the Scripture. One instance while attempting to answer a questionfrom a caller about the belief in “many gods” he reached out an old version of
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordanceof the Bible
possibly to show off to the listeners and viewers that the Hebrew word
elohim
is a “proof” in itself of “many gods.” Bible scholars like James Strong will not validate Soriano’s doctrine of polytheism just because of the word “elohim.” Indeed, a careful study will reveal that even when the plural Hebrew word“elohim” is used only one God is meant (e.g. Dt. 6:4). What's more, he does not subscribed to proper Biblehermeneutics by studying the original Hebrew & Greek languages of the Scripture including it’s geograpical,historical, cultural and religious background but condemns it. Mainly he is fond of building his doctrine out of
Ang Biblia
(a local translation of ASV) and some English translation rather than consulting the originallanguages.
Authority
Although ADD members claim to believe the Bible as their only source of authority, this is half-true. They also believe Eliseo Soriano is the “sent one” or “sugo” the reason why he alone does the Bible explaining. In other words, an individual member could not just explain the Bible out of his own personal study. This can beobserved by watching his TV program, “Ang Dating Daan,” and “Itanong Mo Kay Soriano” a bible exposé program wherein he is always the main speaker concerning Bible interpretations. I have also talked to manyADD regulars (i.e.
manggagawa
) and tried to ask them some Bible questions but they declined and directed meinstead to their founder.
Other Supplementary Materials
They publish their “Ang Dating Daan” series for old and prospective converts. They normally give these free of charge.
Leave a Comment