The Old Path, also known as Members Church of God International or Ang Dating Daan, is a Christian organization founded by Eliseo Soriano in the Philippines in 1980. The group is known for their television and radio programs where Soriano lectures on biblical topics and answers questions from listeners. Here is an overview of some of their key beliefs and practices:
Basic Beliefs
The Old Path adheres to the basic doctrines of Christianity, believing in one God, the Father Almighty, and Jesus Christ, the Son and one mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). They believe that the Bible is the sole basis and authority for their faith and practice. Some of their distinctive beliefs include:
- God the Father – The one and only true God, the Creator of all things, superior over all creation.
- Jesus Christ – The Son of God, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among men, the Savior who died on the cross for man’s sin.
- Holy Spirit – The power sent by the Father and Christ to apostles to teach and remind them of Christ’s teachings.
- Church of God – The church established by Jesus Christ and the Father through the prophets and apostles. Only one true church, identified through its doctrines in the Bible.
- Salvation – Received by faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ, not by faith alone. Can be lost through sin.
They reject doctrines like the Trinity, Christ’s divinity, original sin, predestination, eternal security, and the use of images in worship. They also practice adult baptism by immersion and footwashing.
Church Services and Practices
Worship services of The Old Path are held several times a week in local congregations. Services consist of hymn singing, prayers, studying the Scriptures verse-by-verse, and collection of monetary offerings. Here are some of their notable practices:
- Expository preaching – Sermons involve explaining biblical verses in sequence to understand the overall message.
- Interactive studies – Portions have questions and answers from Soriano and the congregation.
- No musical instruments – Voices are used for hymns and prayers.
- Footwashing – Done before the Lord’s Supper to show humility and cleanliness.
- Lord’s Supper – Adult baptized members participate by eating unleavened bread and drinking grape juice.
- Giving – Tithes and offerings are collected, no fixed amount but based on members’ hearts.
Their worship services and bible studies are broadcast through media outlets, especially television and the internet. They actively convert people to join their church.
Church Leadership and Administration
The Old Path practices a hierarchical form of leadership with Eliseo Soriano as the Overall Servant who provides spiritual guidance and teaching for the church. Other key positions include:
- Sub-servants – Assist Soriano in church matters and oversee specific divisions.
- Deacons and deaconesses – Take care of local congregations’ needs and services.
- Workers – Support in media, outreach, and other ministries.
- Lay members – No special titles, equal in status though differing in function.
Their local groups and congregations are organized into geographical divisions overseen by representatives. Male workers handle church activities while females focus on choir and administrative work. Members voluntarily contribute money but major decisions still need approval of central leadership.
Media Ministries and Methods
The Old Path strongly utilizes various forms of media to promote their beliefs and preach to the public. Their program, “Ang Dating Daan” (The Old Path), currently airs through television, radio, and the internet 24 hours a day in multiple languages. Some of their media activities include:
- Televangelism – TV programs with Soriano preaching and answering questions.
- Radio programs – Similar to their TV programs but transmitted on radio stations.
- Digital media – Webcasts, blogs, social media, and mobile apps to access their teachings.
- Print – Magazines, leaflets, books containing Soriano’s teachings and group’s beliefs.
- Debates – Platforms where Soriano defends their doctrines and attacks other groups.
Their media networks and publishing of information allow them to promote Soriano as an authoritative bible expositor. Their media techniques have been crucial in converting millions of members around the world.
History and Background
The Old Path started with radio programs of Soriano in the late 1970s where he discussed biblical topics and answered listeners’ questions live. The program eventually transitioned to television as “Ang Dating Daan,” first aired in 1983. As membership grew, congregations were established in the Philippines and abroad. Key events include:
- 1980 – Formed church organization initially called “Members Church of God.”
- 1983 – Launched TV program on IBC-13 and later also aired on RJTV 29.
- 1989 – Changed name to “Members Church of God International” with new articles of faith.
- 2004 – Reached over 1000 members church locales worldwide through media.
- 2021 – Rebranded as “The Old Path” to emphasize teachings based on the Bible.
Despite beginnings in the Philippines, most of their members and congregations are now found abroad, majorly in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Their teachings are continually propagated through digital media and literature distribution.
Controversies and Criticisms
As a growing religious group, The Old Path has had its share of controversies and criticisms over the years. Some of these include:
- Authoritarian leadership of Soriano and no transparency in funds.
- Exclusivist and elitist teachings, branding other groups as false.
- Aggressive and unethical conversion methods like public ridicule and deception.
- Policies that pressure members in tithing and offerings, resulting in poverty.
- Claims of former members on abuses and restrictions within the church.
- Legal issues and complaints from groups offended by Soriano’s statements.
Despite these controversies, The Old Path believes they are adhering to the Bible and continuing their work of propagating the word of God. They aim to convert more members through their media programs and literature distribution.
Comparison with Mainstream Christianity
While The Old Path considers themselves true biblical Christians, they differ from mainstream Christianity on a number of key points of doctrine and practice:
- Nontrinitarian view of God vs the orthodox Trinity doctrine.
- Baptism by immersion for adults only vs infant baptism accepted.
- No use of musical instruments and icons vs common in many churches.
- Lord’s Supper with unleavened bread and juice vs alternatives used.
- Footwashing practiced vs optional or non-existent in most groups.
- Expository preaching style vs prepared sermons and topical studies.
- Extensive use of media outreach vs limited media adoption traditionally.
These and other doctrinal differences separate them from Catholic, Protestant, and other mainstream Christian traditions. Their emphasis is on strictly following biblical examples and principles.
Conclusion
In summary, The Old Path or Members Church of God International is an independent Christian organization originating from the Philippines that believes they represent the true church written about in the Bible. Through their media and literature activities led by Eliseo Soriano, they actively preach their own interpretation of Scriptures to convert followers. Their unique doctrines and practices separate them from mainstream Christianity, leading to disagreements and controversies with other religious groups over the years. However, The Old Path continues to grow worldwide by propagating their beliefs through print, radio, television, internet media, and personal evangelism.