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 E LIVE TODAY in an era where there are so many religious groups. There are so many sects. And if we are going to consult the dictionary for the meaning of the word “sect”, it means religious “faction.” There are now lots of factions in religion, which is not really surprising. Please, do not get mad at me because I am only telling the truth.
In the sphere of the Catholic Church, there are so many factions. There are various groups under the umbrella of Catholicism with each faction having its own beliefs. For example, the “Kursilista” is a group different from “El Shaddai.” “El Shaddai” is different from “Couples for Christ”, but all of them claim to be Catholics. “El Shaddai” is also different from the group of Frank Jimenez, the fat man in Channel 9. And Frank Jimenez’s group is different from Bingbong Crisologo’s group. The latter’s group is called “A New Life in Jesus.” Actually, my fingers are not enough to count the number of factions within the Catholic Church alone. That is why, sometimes, I cannot help but mention also their differences in sentiments . . . differences in principles . . . and differences in beliefs. What is surprising, and at the same time, heartbreaking, is, their beliefs are different from one another, although they belong to the same religion.
In the sphere of the Catholic Church, there are so many factions. There are various groups under the umbrella of Catholicism with each faction having its own beliefs. For example, the “Kursilista” is a group different from “El Shaddai.” “El Shaddai” is different from “Couples for Christ”, but all of them claim to be Catholics. “El Shaddai” is also different from the group of Frank Jimenez, the fat man in Channel 9. And Frank Jimenez’s group is different from Bingbong Crisologo’s group. The latter’s group is called “A New Life in Jesus.” Actually, my fingers are not enough to count the number of factions within the Catholic Church alone. That is why, sometimes, I cannot help but mention also their differences in sentiments . . . differences in principles . . . and differences in beliefs. What is surprising, and at the same time, heartbreaking, is, their beliefs are different from one another, although they belong to the same religion.
If this is the scenario, then, we must be alarmed if we accept in our heart that we are concerned about the truth, and if we are really seekers of only the truth. If we claim that we are ONE in our faith, and yet, we are divided in our beliefs and sentiments, then, we must be alarmed, because as far as the Bible is concerned, that is not good. Please, don’t get angry, but I want you to read James 3:16, 15, which says--
“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.”
It said that, wherever envy and divisiveness, or factionalism dwells, there also dwell confusion and all evil works. And this, according to the Bible, is not the wisdom that descended from above. Instead, it is earthly, sensual, and devilish. Therefore, it would mean that, if a group is divided – if there is strife within the group, if there is envying, factionalism, and divisiveness – it violates the will of God.
I am not here to attack anyone. I am just doing my share in eliminating factionalism and differences in feelings. And that is by being united as a manner that is prescribed by God. We have to look for a common point, or a common interest, that will bind us together, and not to further divide ourselves. My objective is to foster unity. Others only misinterpret me. They thought that I simply meddle in the affairs of others. They question me why I have to mention the beliefs of others.
Actually, in this world, there is really nothing wrong in talking about the beliefs of other people. That is not bad. Even our Constitution allows that. We have our freedom of speech; we have our freedom of religion. And when it comes to religion, there is such a thing as “privileged communication,” especially on radio and on television. It is a form of immunity against libel. You may talk about other’s beliefs without being sued for libel. That is, if what you say deals only with the beliefs, and not with the person. You are not actually trying to destroy the person, but you are simply telling that what he believes in is not correct. That is what we must understand. So, please, do not get us wrong. In the studies that we are making, we do not have any ill intention of attacking anyone, if ever we are scrutinizing his beliefs. I am not saying anything bad about any person; I am simply talking about their beliefs.
Just consider the situation in our country today. We have a multi-party system; we have different ideologies. The government had permitted the communists to become a legal political party. There is also the Liberal Party, and the Nacionalista Party. They all have the freedom to express the ideology that they believe in. What more when it comes to religion! There is no need to seal our mouth to prevent us from proclaiming our belief that the Bible contains everything that is good, although, of course, this might offend others. But that is biblical, nonetheless. It is not bad to compare things if we truly desire to see the truth. This is what Ecclesiastes. 7:27 says--
“Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account.”
According to Solomon, he was “counting one by one, to find out the account.” Therefore, we cannot really avoid making comparisons. Before coming up with a final choice, we cannot help but compare one thing from another. That is inevitable. In buying mangoes, for instance, you look at the mangoes closely and then, you compare one from the other. Before you court a girl, you also make comparisons. You compare Maria with Marie to find out who between the two is more beautiful. When you compare them, you later realized that one of them was very talkative while the other was a silent type. You consider a lot of things. And when you have finally analyzed who is better, it is only then that you start courting. You are making a comparison because you are given many choices. Of course, it is a different story if only one is available. If that is the case, you do not really have a choice.
If there is but one religion, then, there is no need for us to choose because we are not given any alternative. But the point is, there are many religions today, and all of them claim to be the true religion. But it is doubtful! In the first place, no religious group would admit that they are false . . . and that they are heading for hell . . . and that their pastor is a liar! Nobody would say that. But take note, whenever they are introduced, they are addressed as “Reverend Pastor,” “Very Reverend.” It is wondering to note why they are using the word “reverend” when this word was used only once in the Bible. Just once! Unlike some terms, which were used for several times, the word “reverend” was used in the Bible only once. Do you know where it was used? We will read inPsalms 111:9--
“He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant forever: holy and reverend is his name.”
Holy and reverend is his name. “Reverend” was used to refer to the name of God. But today, it is surprising to hear how pastors, who know only three (3) verses, are being addressed as reverend. Obviously, they did not even think for whom the word reverend was been used. It was used only for God. Even the Apostles did not dare to use the word; not even the evangelists, and not even the early prophets of God. Many people today who would like to be called reverend. They overflow. There is even one who is being called “Most Reverend.”
However, if we will only think more deeply, we can already consider those simple matters as vital issues that need to be reflected on. We may ask ourselves, why are they using a word, which was meant for God only? It was not even used by the first servants of God. Therefore, from that point alone—from the way preachers and pastors are being addressed today—there is already something for us to ponder on. There are also those who call their pastors “Beloved Pastor,” or “Beloved Evangelist”. There are also some who are being called “Ka Bining,” and “Ka Ramos.” But there are some who are being called “Father.” Bear in mind that we are just talking about titles, or the forms of address to preachers, and yes, it is already alarming. The different names and titles that people give to pastors are quite alarming. In 1991, before the earthquake occurred, there was one preacher who was called Father Tropa. Do you remember him? After the earthquake he did not appear anymore. He was a priest who was sporting a long hair, and he wanted people to call him “Father Tropa.” His group was called Spaceship 2000, if I remember right. Perhaps, that was where former President Fidel V. Ramos derived his program, Philippines 2000.
What I am trying to tell you, brothers and sisters, is, if we will begin our scrutiny from the title alone, there are already so many things that would puzzle us. Each preacher is addressed differently. “Beloved pastor, bless me.” “Your blessings, Among.” “Among” was a form of address to priests during the Spanish period—during the time of our grandparents. The priests were called “Among.” If you will only study . . . if you will only seek for the truth, then, the truth will surely surface. Now, how does the Bible call a preacher? Should he be called “Very Reverend”? Should he be called “Beloved Pastor” or “Beloved Evangelist”? Should he be called “Father”, or “Reverend Father”? How should they be properly addressed? What is the correct way of addressing them? Let us read in Matthew 23:8--
“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.”
Christ prohibited us from calling anybody “Rabbi”. The Bible said, “be not” or “don’t”. We do not know if you will agree with me, but, if the Bible says, “do not,” that means we are prohibited from doing it. If the Bible says, do not commit adultery—that means adultery is prohibited. If the Bible says, do not marry a close relative . . . do not uncover your nakedness to your brother . . . do not approach your mother, or your father’s wife, nor your stepmother to uncover your nakedness . . . do not approach your close kin, nor be married to him . . . that means, all of those are prohibitions.
Now, God said, do not let anyone call you Rabbi, and you are all brethren. Therefore, that is how we should be addressed – brother or sister. You should not let others call you rabbi; you are not so special in the eyes of the Lord. In a true religion, nobody is above the other. Unlike in the “Hukbalahap” wherein there is a “Supremo”. In a true religion, everybody is equal, and each is addressed as “brother” or “sister.” All are brethren in God. That was why the Apostles addressed their fellows as “Brother Paul” and “Brother Peter.” Nobody was called “Reverend”; nobody was called “Father.” Those forms of addresses are prohibited by God. That was mentioned in23:9--
“And call no man your Father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
It says--
“Do not call anyone Father upon the earth.”
When it comes to religion, God is prohibiting us from calling any man on earth Father. “For one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
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