Religious Fundamentalism and Fanaticism in the Philippines The Kingdom of Jesus Christ or The Name Above Every Name
Inc., was founded by Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy on September 1, 1985 after he became the youth president of the United Pentecostal Church. Furthermore, this group has several characteristics of a Religious Fundamentalist group, as well as being a Fanaticist faction. To begin with, Pastor Quiboloy firmly claims that Jesus Christ is the Savior for the Jewish people in their Jewish setting while he is the Son of God for the people of Gentile( Non-Jewish) on April 13, 2003. Exactly two years after, he claimed that God granted him kingship; that God is finished with him thus he is now in a state of perfection. Such claims somehow reeks of Radical Exclucivism. It's as if that they are the only ones who can be blessed, successful, and hear the God's word. In addition, according to Professor Sylvia Estrada - Claudio, Religious Fundamentalist groups use a single interpretation of the creed. Such element is evident in the claims of Pastor Quiboloy stated above. Secondly, this group strictly enforces tithing and uses biblical texts such as Malachi 3:10 and Deuteronomy 28 to scare their followers to give the pastor their lots of well earned cash and possessions. Moreover, this particular scenario was testified by a friend of mine who attended one of Pastor Quiboloy's program. He told me that an envelope was given to them. Further, they were told by his loyal followers that it is mandatory to give a certain amount of cash or something in kind because they will be blessed more afterwards and more importantly, it was mandated in the Bible. On one hand, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ group also projects a reflection of Fanaticism, especially among its followers. It was February 12, 2009 when I first encountered two of the group's loyal followers. When they first came at my house, they just wanted to invite me to join
their program at that time. However, due to my busy schedule, I declined. After our brief conversation, they asked for my number for which I complied then. By the time I gave them my number, they asked another favor; a donation in kind or in cash for which I complied again. When I tendered the amount of Php 50, they asked if I can give at least Php 1000 because according to them, part of it will go to charity and the other will be for their congregation. I refused. I told them that I only have that ample amount of money because most of my earnings is deposited in the bank. After that, I asked them nicely to leave because I was very busy at that time. The next morning around 6am, a call woke me up. I thought it was something urgent. However, to my dismay, it was from the same person who asked for a donation. She told me that if I can just join them for one session and then think about being recruited for the group. As much as I want to scold that woman for disturbing me, i was able to control myself. Again, I refused and told her nicely that I'm not interested. Also, I asked her not to call me again. Two days after, the other member called again. I just thought that these people are just so persistent and annoying. It was only after a week that they stopped calling since I changed my number then. To sum it up, Pastor Quiboloy's The Kingdom of Jesus Christ truly displays the explicit characteristics of Religious Fundamentalism and Fanaticism. These can be manifested in the group's radical exclusivism that Pastor Quiboloy alone is the savior of Non-Gentiles and the absolutization of a biblical text that tithing is mandatory. Also, the Fanaticist side of the group can be seen through its follower's persistent efforts in recruiting members and asking for donations for the cause of their beloved group, by all exhaustible means.
Reference: 1. Personal Experience (Michael Yoshida) 2. Friend's Experience (Michael Yoshida) 3. [Link] 4. [Link] 5. [Link] 6. [Link]
