The Retreat

Quite unexpectedly, in medical school, I find myself meeting and drawn to a number of people who profess faith in the Bible and our Lord Jesus Christ. Growing up in the Philippines, most people described themselves as Catholics or Protestants like Methodist, Baptist, etc. And of course we describe ourselves as Iglesia ni Cristos or members of the Church of Christ. Someone explained to me that "Christian" can refer to a denomination or it could mean that the church they belong to is non-denominational. And over the radio, I heard some people call themselves Catholic Christians. But a classmate I sit next to who is a devout Catholic said that that is a very rare combination. As Iglesia ni Cristos, we firmly believe that we are the "true Christians". We were not really encouraged to listen to any sort of religious instruction.

I remember in grade school we were supposed to leave the classroom whenever the nun comes for the religion class. But I guess, even at an early age, I was interested in what other people believed in. I remember distinctly that I stayed one day and the nun told the story of the prodigal son. The story of the prodigal son is the story of the prodigal son whichever you look at it so I did not see any harm in staying. Our school was next to a church so whenever it's breaktime and the American priest would happen to pass by, most children will run to the priest to be blessed. I didn't really care for the priest that way. I knew that the Catholic church is not the same church our Lord Jesus Christ established. I did like some of their hymns so sometimes I would sing along with them. Our house was just shouting distance from the church. I don't remember thinking much about salvation then. It's not like I went around and told everybody else that they are going to hell. I just reveled in the fact that I am child of God and I am so blessed to be a part of his chosen people.

In high school, we did not talk about religion much. Most of us lived in the dorms. We shared a room with 3 other people. One friend said that there is no point of talking about faith. We believe in different things and a discussion would just lead to arguments. So I just went about by merry way, attending worship services Thursdays and Sundays. Then I went to college in Massachusetts. There was no campus Christian activity whatsoever. There were all sorts of clubs except for a Christian club. Faith did not seem to enter in most of the conversations. I did find out that one of my classmates is "Christian". We were both doing an internship at the New England Medical Center in Boston then and we got to talking about faith and such. I just saw her last reunion. She is now working in this fabulous Christian health care center called Lawndale in Chicago. She still remembered that I went to Boston every weekend for Church. It was a 4 hour bus ride.

So I find myself now in the Midwest. It seems that family values are actually perceptively better preserved. In school we actually have an organization called Christian Medical and Dental Association. I attend the Women's Bible Study every week. Mostly to learn about other people's faith. In our church, we are big about inviting people to Bible studies and worship services. I figured if I understand where they are coming from it would be easier for me to extend an invitation to them.

So this past weekend, I attended a retreat with 4 wonderful first year students from the Women's Bible Study. It was just such a great thing to enjoy fellowship with them. We talked about school and faith. It was a luxury that is rarely available to us. One of the organizers of the retreat jokingly said that the IU people would get the reputation of being "non-participants". It's because at the end of the structured talks we ended up not mingling with other schools. We ended up just enjoying each other's company until way past midnight. We got back to our cabins and everybody else were asleep!

What was great about it too is that I was able to share some of beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo. I tried to explain why we believe that there must be one true Church. I think their reaction was that idea is impossible. They expect that they cannot possibly agree with all the teachings in their church and all denominations are just the same. At the very least, now, they know that there is a Church who believes that every teaching should have a Biblical basis. It should be possible that there is a Church that is doctrinally sound. Of course, with all humbleness and respect, we think we are that Church.

I also told them that we do not believe in the Trinity doctrine. We believe that there is only one God, he is a spirit with no flesh and bone. He is our Creator. He has no end and no beginning. Our Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is a man in nature. He is the greatest and firstborn of all creations. He is not an ordinary man for he did not sin. We also worship Christ but not as equal to God. Our Almighty God is the Supreme Being who exalted Christ so that every knee should bow before him. But Christ himself would be subjected under God. I also asked them what would change for their faith if they think of God and Christ as distinct entities. One of them said that she's confused about the Trinity but it is to be expected because it is a "mystery". I may not have said it exactly but I was trying to say that the knowledge of the true God is important because that would lead to eternal life. Of course, I could not approximate the level of explanation a minister can offer to them. So hopefully, I can be like the Samaritan woman who said that she has heard the good news and instead of preaching the good news herself she invited the people to listen to the one who teaches.

I read some Christian blogs sometimes. It could be paralyzing. I marvel at the way they put their words together. They express their thoughts so well. So beautifully. So profoundly. They also talk about these great humanitarian acts they are doing. What do I have to say that could even compare? Then I read more carefully and then I realize that I can just write about simple truths that are so obvious to me and all the Iglesia ni Cristos. One particular blog mentioned that she was embarassed for Jesus who did not initally want to help this woman at first and quite possibly compared her to a dog. Embarassed for Jesus? Wow! Totally unthinkable. This story is in the book of Matthew. I would read it as another validation that our Lord Jesus Christ was not sent by God for everybody. God always sets apart His own and that is evident from the time there was a distinction between Seth and Cain.

At the retreat, the speaker introduced a "provocative" idea. Apparently to him, the idea that the main thing that God wants us to do is to glorify Him is a new revelation. Even my Sunday school kids probably already know that. If you ask them, what is the reason for our creation. They should be able to answer that we were created to honor and glorify God. It's just the way it is.

I feel I still have a lot to stay but I think it's time for me to sleep. Until next time then...