A controversial Korean new religious movement, often labeled a cult, known for its unique interpretation of Christian doctrine.
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, officially named the Shincheonji Church of Jesus the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (SCJ), was founded on March 14, 1984, by Lee Man-hee in South Korea. The name “Shincheonji” translates to “New Heaven and New Earth,” reflecting the church’s focus on biblical end-time prophecies, especially those in the Book of Revelation. Shincheonji posits itself as the embodiment of the kingdom of God on Earth, as prophesied in the Bible, and asserts that its founder, Lee Man-hee, is the only person capable of correctly interpreting the prophetic texts of the Bible.
The church’s structure comprises 12 tribes, each named after one of Jesus’ apostles, representing the formation of a new spiritual Israel. This structure underscores its belief that its members are among the 144,000 sealed servants of God, as mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Recruitment into Shincheonji often begins with Bible study courses offered through its Zion Christian Mission Center, which are presented as essential for salvation and understanding divine secrets.
Controversy surrounds Shincheonji largely due to its recruitment practices, which include members infiltrating other churches to discreetly convert their followers. This, coupled with the church’s secretive operations and the authoritative control exercised by Lee Man-hee, has led to accusations of it being a cult. Such practices have strained relationships with mainstream Christian communities and governments alike. Additionally, the church’s teachings, which notably deny the Trinity—a core Christian doctrine—further alienate it from traditional Christian denominations.
Internationally, Shincheonji has expanded with congregations worldwide, engaging in community service and large-scale events to promote its theology. However, the church faced global scrutiny when a significant COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea was linked to its members in Daegu, leading to increased public and governmental scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, Shincheonji claims a growing membership, which was reported by the South Korean government to be around 317,320 in March 2020. The church leverages both online and in-person seminars to broaden its reach, promoting a message of peace and global harmony, though these claims are met with skepticism by critics.
Shincheonji’s confrontations extend beyond public relations issues. It has encountered legal challenges, such as the arrest of members in Singapore and a ban in China in 2020. Furthermore, mainstream Christian groups in South Korea have established task forces to combat Shincheonji’s influence, often labeling its teachings as academically shallow and its organizational atmosphere as cult-like. Despite the extensive opposition and controversy, Shincheonji continues to operate, maintaining its distinctive interpretation of Christianity and its global missionary activities.
image via Religion Media Centre
