What is Shincheonji?

Response

Shincheonji, also spelled Shinchonji or abbreviated as SCJ, is a pseudo-Christian denomination mainly practiced in South Korea. The official name of the religion is Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. Established by Lee Man-hee in the 1980s, it reportedly had just under 200,000 followers by 2020 (). The term Shincheonji itself is a blend of the Korean words for “new,” “heaven,” and “earth.”

The group has faced criticism for its superficial and academically weak teachings, its promotion of an overly symbolic interpretation of biblical texts, its cult-like environment, and the involvement of its members in various social, civil, and legal issues.

Shincheonji considers itself the final manifestation of the true church through the direct fulfillment of prophecies in Revelation. The leader and founder, Lee Man-hee (“the Promised Pastor”), asserts through divine revelation that he was sent by the Holy Spirit to establish “God’s kingdom of heaven here on earth, exactly as he witnessed it in heaven” ().

The sect’s misinterpretation of Scripture has led to the formation of various anti-Shincheonji task forces, some led by religious groups and others by entities such as newspapers and TV stations. The typical Korean approach to countering Shincheonji involves using social and online media to dissuade individuals from joining. Similar resources caution people about evangelistic activities that may appear Christian but are actually associated with Shincheonji. Numerous authentic Christian churches in South Korea actively strive to prevent their members from being influenced by Shincheonji’s deviant theology.

The term “cult” is contentious and can be challenging to define. However, in its most commonly understood sense, it refers to a group or movement that exhibits characteristics such as undue influence, manipulation, and a lack of transparency.It would be fair to consider Shincheonji a significantly large and successful sect. The organization is led by a charismatic figure, Lee Man-hee, who asserts to possess a unique ability to interpret the Bible. Man-hee can be elusive when questioned about his authority, often suggesting his immortality and implying that salvation hinges on faith in him rather than in Jesus Christ. Notably, Man-hee’s Shincheonji church teaches that the Bible is predominantly metaphorical, and he exclusively holds the spiritual gift to interpret it accurately.

Sects typically emphasize indoctrination over education. Shincheonji provides complimentary Bible classes that are biased towards their beliefs. However, members of SJC are also instructed that contrary evidence or challenges serve as tests of their faith. Consequently, followers disregard facts, logic, and evidence that oppose Lee Man-hee’s teachings. In certain instances, Shincheonji followers are discouraged from reading the news or using the internet, as these sources may contain content potentially detrimental to their faith.

False doctrines are a distinguishing feature of sects. Shincheonji teaches that the 144,000 individuals mentioned in Revelation 7:4 are part of the 12 “tribes” of Shincheonji. The sect rejects the concept of the Trinity, asserting that all angels are humans and that only Lee Man-hee possesses the ability to interpret the Word of God accurately. Furthermore, Shincheonji goes to the extent of claiming that Revelation 7:2 specifically refers to Korea (“East”) and Man-hee (the first “angel”).

The Zion Christian Mission Center serves as the educational branch of the Shincheonji Church. According to the organization’s website (http://en4.shincheonji.kr/?ch=about03_02 accessed 02/07/23), approximately 85,000 students have completed this program, which is available at around 300 centers globally. The primary evangelistic efforts of the group revolve around inviting individuals to participate in classes at their various centers. Upon completion, recruits are considered “sealed” as members of the 144,000.

The Zion Christian Mission CenteR offers three levels of course study. In the entry-level course (“The True Knowledge of the Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven”), students are taught “the true meaning of the parables that are written in the Bible.” If students do not understand the parables correctly, Lee Man-hee asserts that they “cannot be forgiven nor will they be saved.” The second-level course provides an overview of the Bible that, according to Lee Man-hee, will help students “grasp the general context of the Bible” to assist them in their learning and ultimate salvation. The third and final level covers the entire Book of Revelation. A proper understanding of Revelation’s prophecies and their fulfillment is crucial to the student’s salvation, as stated by Shincheonji.

The Shincheonji church is active in cultural and volunteer efforts. The church operates several social action organizations that conceal their connection to Shincheonji teachings. One of their most notable events is an Olympics-style athletics festival.

Regrettably, the most significant aspect of Shincheonji in South Korea is its success. By some estimates, there are as many as fifty heretical, home-grown, pseudo-Christian sects—or cults—in South Korea. Most are relatively small and have a minimal impact. However, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, represents a major deviation from the true gospel.