Have you heard of a church both praised and scrutinized? Today we stand before Shincheonji Church of Jesus. It is a religious movement founded right here in South Korea by Lee Man-hee.
Shincheonji means New Heaven and New Earth. This name reflects the church’s core beliefs. These beliefs center around the Book of Revelation. Shincheonji believes this book is written in parables. They believe only Lee Man-hee can unlock these parables.
Let’s delve a bit deeper into Shincheonji’s doctrine. Followers revere Lee Man-hee. They call him the Promised Pastor or the Advocate. Believers see him as a messenger sent by Jesus Christ. They believe he possesses the unique ability to interpret Revelation. Shincheonji teaches its members will receive salvation during the Last Judgement. Those outside the group will not be forgiven. They believe they will be destroyed.
Founded in 1984, Shincheonji started small. Its first temple opened in Anyang. Over time membership grew. In 1990 the Zion Christian Mission Center opened in Seoul. By 1995 the church divided South Korea into 12 tribes. These tribes were based on geographic territories. Headquarters moved to Gwacheon in 1999. This location holds prophetic meaning within Shincheonji theology.
The organization mirrors the heavenly structure described in Revelation. It has 24 administrative departments. These surround the chairman. He is considered the Promised Pastor. Seven educational directors oversee education. Twelve tribe leaders guide smaller churches. These leaders are named after Jesus’s disciples.
Shincheonji observes four annual seasons. These include the Founding Anniversary on March 14. This commemorates the day Lee Man-hee founded the church. Shincheonji also observes Passover on January 14. They also celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles on July 15. Finally, there is the Feast of Ingathering on September 24.
Membership in Shincheonji has fluctuated. Estimates once placed it over 120000. More recent figures suggest around 200000 members. At one time it was the fastest-growing church in South Korea.
Shincheonji’s activities extend beyond traditional worship. The Shincheonji Volunteer Group is a subsidiary organization. It engages in community service. These activities include helping the underprivileged. They also focus on environmental cleanup. These efforts aim to improve the group’s public image.
Shincheonji has faced significant opposition. Mainstream Christian denominations consider it heretical. Some former members have spoken out against the church’s practices. The church has also faced accusations of deceptive proselytizing.
Controversies have also included political allegations. Shincheonji has been accused of exerting influence on politicians. Members have been accused of infiltrating other churches. They allegedly seek to convert members. These actions have led to warnings from religious organizations worldwide.
Shincheonji became embroiled in controversy during the COVID-19 pandemic. An outbreak in South Korea was linked to a Shincheonji member. The church faced intense scrutiny. There were calls for its disbandment. Despite this the Supreme Court acquitted Lee Man-hee. He was accused of obstructing the government’s response to the outbreak.
In response to the pandemic Shincheonji members donated plasma for COVID-19 research. The church also held online prayer meetings. They volunteered to sanitize shopping districts.
Despite facing numerous challenges Shincheonji continues to operate. It remains a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. Its unique beliefs and practices continue to spark controversy. Understanding its history and doctrine is crucial. Only then can one grasp its place in South Korean society.