Misplaced Pages

#379620

105-641: The church successfully recruited over 2000 members to Gwacheon through Yoo Jae-yeol's prophecy that the world would end in September 1969, and that only those who gathered under the shelter of the Tabernacle Temple before this day would be saved. Yet 2 years after their end time prophecy had failed, a new headquarter church was relocated and built in Makgye- ri, Gwacheon 1971. Soon after, scandals regarding their fraud, corruption and abuse began to surface,

210-807: A countercult movement called Olive Tree , but this connection is not present in Shincheonji's biography of Lee. On March 14, 1984, Lee founded Shincheonji and opened its first temple that June in Anyang , Gyeonggi Province . Membership grew and in June 1990, the Zion Christian Mission Center was established in Seoul . In 1995, the membership within South Korea was divided into 12 "tribes," according to geographic territories. In 1999,

315-451: A doomsday cult . The group's founder and leader is variously referred to by church followers as "Chairman Lee(이 총회장)"; "the chairman(회장)"; "the promised pastor(약속의 목자)"; "the one who overcomes(이긴자)"; or "the advocate(대언자)." Adherents believe that Lee is the messenger sent by Jesus Christ , and believe him to be uniquely able to interpret the Book of Revelation . The group believes that in

420-601: A church-wide announcement of Patient 31's confirmation and closed down its churches and affiliated buildings. On February 20, 2020, Shincheonji's Daegu branch submitted a list of its members to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to aid with contract-tracing. By February 20, 2020, 53 new cases were Shincheonji attendees or their families, reaching over 300 by February 23, over half of all cases in South Korea in February. The subsequent resurgences of

525-483: A church-wide announcement of Patient 31's confirmation and closed down its churches and affiliated buildings. On February 20, 2020, Shincheonji's Daegu branch submitted a list of its members to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to aid with contract-tracing. By February 20, 2020, 53 new cases were Shincheonji attendees or their families, reaching over 300 by February 23, over half of all cases in South Korea in February. The subsequent resurgences of

630-480: A part of an "unlawful society." They face up to 3 years in jail if convicted. In 2020, China banned Shincheonji church. On April 4, 2020, a 39-year-old man threw a rock at the Ulsan branch church, breaking a glass window at the front entrance of the church building. His stated motivation was his thought that COVID-19 spread because of Shincheonji members. On August 26, 2020, he was found guilty of property damage and

735-429: A part of an "unlawful society." They face up to 3 years in jail if convicted. In 2020, China banned Shincheonji church. On April 4, 2020, a 39-year-old man threw a rock at the Ulsan branch church, breaking a glass window at the front entrance of the church building. His stated motivation was his thought that COVID-19 spread because of Shincheonji members. On August 26, 2020, he was found guilty of property damage and

840-544: A refusal to provide information or a refusal to cooperate. Chairman Lee's counsel argued that the request for congregants’ citizen registration numbers had nothing to do with epidemiological investigation. In the initial discussion between representatives of Shincheonji and the Blue House , the Blue House official in charge of the case was made aware of Shincheonji's concerns for congregants’ safety and privacy, and

945-427: A refusal to provide information or a refusal to cooperate. Chairman Lee's counsel argued that the request for congregants’ citizen registration numbers had nothing to do with epidemiological investigation. In the initial discussion between representatives of Shincheonji and the Blue House , the Blue House official in charge of the case was made aware of Shincheonji's concerns for congregants’ safety and privacy, and

1050-414: A total of 1,240 news reports on Shincheonji. They analyzed this heavy media presence as resulting from: 1. Shincheonji actively creating its own media outlets, 2. Shincheonji members working within media companies and influencing coverage, and 3. purchasing articles and advertisements to use as promotional tools. At the 10th anniversary Peace Summit on September 18, organizers claimed 100,000 attendees, but

1155-414: A total of 1,240 news reports on Shincheonji. They analyzed this heavy media presence as resulting from: 1. Shincheonji actively creating its own media outlets, 2. Shincheonji members working within media companies and influencing coverage, and 3. purchasing articles and advertisements to use as promotional tools. At the 10th anniversary Peace Summit on September 18, organizers claimed 100,000 attendees, but

SECTION 10

#1732792961380

1260-510: A violation of privacy (Information and Communications Network Act). Since privacy violation laws do not include family exceptions, even family members can face criminal charges for unauthorized access to someone’s phone. Shincheonji's privacy violations don't end there. Detailed information about prospective recruits—such as their names, ages, social security numbers, contact information, addresses, family details, relatives, friends, and personality traits—is also shared and managed in group chats. This

1365-510: A violation of privacy (Information and Communications Network Act). Since privacy violation laws do not include family exceptions, even family members can face criminal charges for unauthorized access to someone’s phone. Shincheonji's privacy violations don't end there. Detailed information about prospective recruits—such as their names, ages, social security numbers, contact information, addresses, family details, relatives, friends, and personality traits—is also shared and managed in group chats. This

1470-541: Is a new religious movement established in South Korea by Lee Man-hee . It is considered a pseudoreligion or cult by mainstream churches. Shincheonji's teaching claims that their founder, Lee, is the pastor promised in the New Testament, and that the Book of Revelation is written in secret metaphors (parables), which only Lee is capable of deciphering. Before founding his own religious movement, Lee

1575-708: Is a festival of thanksgiving to God for guiding them through the revealed Word (the blood and flesh of Jesus) and for leading them out of spiritual Babylon (death) to spiritual Zion (God's kingdom, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony), which is the path to life (Revelation 17:14, Revelation 18:4, Revelation 16:12). The origin of the Feast of Tabernacles is found in God's command to Moses that

1680-428: Is a spirit, and you must have the wisdom to discern whether it is a spirit of truth or a spirit of delusion (John 1:4~6)” In 1971, the first official criminal report and lawsuit was filed against the Tabernacle Temple and the leaders including Yoo Jae-Yeol. Amongst the followers who filed the complaints were Lee Man-hee and Hong Jae-ho, the founders of Shincheonji Church of Jesus , another pseudo-Christian group that

1785-404: Is another example of illegal activities involving personal data breaches. In 2020, Kim Nam-hee publicly revealed her extramarital affair with Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee, releasing photos from their wedding, moments of her caring for him in the hospital, images at her parents' gravesite, couple rings, and letters. She was known within Shincheonji as the "Mother of All Nations." The relationship

1890-404: Is another example of illegal activities involving personal data breaches. In 2020, Kim Nam-hee publicly revealed her extramarital affair with Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee, releasing photos from their wedding, moments of her caring for him in the hospital, images at her parents' gravesite, couple rings, and letters. She was known within Shincheonji as the "Mother of All Nations." The relationship

1995-594: Is commemorated on September 24th, the day when the foundation of God's temple was laid, as recorded in Haggai 2. In 2014, it was estimated to have over 120,000 members, while a 2020 estimate put membership at around 200,000. It was once the fastest-growing religious church in South Korea. In March 2020, health authorities of the Government of South Korea investigating the COVID-19 pandemic officially declared to

2100-549: Is illegal. The group is regarded as heretical by mainstream Christian denominations. Lee Man-hee was born in 1931. In 1967, Lee became a member of the Tabernacle Temple Church which, under pressure from the "religious purification policy" of Chun Doo-hwan (coup in 1980), became affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Lee left the Tabernacle Temple in 1971. Some have connected Lee to

2205-557: Is known for its aggressive, and deceptive proselytizing practices. With a poor image in mainstream South Korean society, Shincheonji leaders have at times instructed their members to lie about being adherents of the group, although the group has said that doing so is not its official policy. In 2022, the court ruled that the so-called 'Shincheonji Deceptive Evangelism', where members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus secretly teach their doctrines while hiding their affiliation,

SECTION 20

#1732792961380

2310-642: Is observed on January 14th, as recorded in the Old Testament. The origin of Passover lies in the time of Moses when God judged Egypt with ten plagues through Moses and delivered the Israelites, who were enslaved in Egypt, through the blood and flesh of a lamb. This event is commemorated as Passover (Exodus 12:1-14, Leviticus 23:5). However, the Passover observed by Shincheonji today is not a commemoration of

2415-544: Is said to have started around 2006, and Kim even played a key role in a performance symbolizing the "Wedding Banquet of Revelation 19" during the final event of the 6th World Peace Restoration of Light Heavenly Culture Arts Festival in 2012. She left the group in 2017. In 2024, a former lecturer and pastor in Shincheonji, known as Ms. Gong (female, in her 50s), who joined the church in 1992 and left after being excommunicated in December 2022, has publicly exposed her affair with

2520-488: Is said to have started around 2006, and Kim even played a key role in a performance symbolizing the "Wedding Banquet of Revelation 19" during the final event of the 6th World Peace Restoration of Light Heavenly Culture Arts Festival in 2012. She left the group in 2017. In 2024, a former lecturer and pastor in Shincheonji, known as Ms. Gong (female, in her 50s), who joined the church in 1992 and left after being excommunicated in December 2022, has publicly exposed her affair with

2625-725: Is still active today in South Korea. In September 1975, The Yeongdeungpo branch of the Seoul District Prosecutor’s Office arrested four people, including the head of the Korean Christian Tabernacle Temple, Yoo Jae-yeol (26 years old at the time), Kim Chang-do (41 years old at the time), the deacon, and the leader’s secretary, on charges of violating the Punishment Act such as fraud, identity theft and violence, as well as making false allegations against their members. According to

2730-466: Is the messenger sent by Jesus Christ , and believe him to be uniquely able to interpret the Book of Revelation . The group believes that in the times of the fulfillment of the New Testament prophecies, 144,000 adherents and a great multitude in white that no one can count, which comes out of the great tribulation, will enjoy salvation and eternal life as promised in the book of Revelation(Revelation 7). However, as senior leaders and executives within

2835-404: Is the one who will receive the power of the seven kingdoms to rule over all nations, 7. the child servant born out of the person who abandoned the umbilical cord without cutting it. Referring to the fact that he was reared under Kim Jong-gyu's ministry as a part of the interpretation of Ezekiel 16:4-5, 8.The young servant 'male child' who will receive the supreme authority to rule over all

2940-532: Is the pastor promised in the New Testament, and that the Book of Revelation is written in secret metaphors (parables), which only Lee is capable of deciphering. Before founding his own religious movement, Lee was a member of a controversial group called the Olive Tree , a new religious movement which spawned the first countercult movement in post-war Korea, although this connection is not present in Shincheonji's biography of Lee. Shincheonji teaches that it

3045-431: Is the path to life (Revelation 17:14, Revelation 18:4, Revelation 16:12). The origin of the Feast of Tabernacles is found in God's command to Moses that the Israelites should dwell in booths to remember their journey out of Egypt (Leviticus 23:33-44). In Moses' time, the Israelites who came out of Egypt lived in physical booths made of grass. Today, however, people are metaphorically referred to as grass (1 Peter 1:24), and

3150-495: Is the true faith with its members receiving salvation at the time of final judgment. Everyone not in the group will be denied forgiveness and destroyed. In 2020, the group became the center of intense scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea . The outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Korea was initially centered in the city of Daegu after a 61-year-old Shincheonji member known as Patient 31 infected other church members causing

3255-405: The Government of South Korea investigating the COVID-19 pandemic officially declared to the press that they obtained an exact list of 317,320 registered Shincheonji members. As of early August 2024, according to Shincheonji, 12,979 MOUs have been signed across 84 countries, with 705 accumulated domestically. Additionally, 1,352 churches in 41 countries have replaced their signs with those of

Tabernacle Temple Church - Misplaced Pages Continue

3360-834: The Liberty Korea Party . Until 2017, the Liberty Korea Party was named "Saenuri Party." On November 6, 2020, the prosecutor's office ruled that there was no evidence to support this accusation and that there was no connection between Lee and the creation of the Saenuri Party. The members of Shincheonji have been accused of actively infiltrating other churches to convert other churches' members. Shincheonji has been utilizing "fortune-telling" and "tarot reading" as methods of evangelism. They approach young people and professionals through disguised club activities, job placements, and psychological assessments. For

3465-630: The Liberty Korea Party . Until 2017, the Liberty Korea Party was named "Saenuri Party." On November 6, 2020, the prosecutor's office ruled that there was no evidence to support this accusation and that there was no connection between Lee and the creation of the Saenuri Party. The members of Shincheonji have been accused of actively infiltrating other churches to convert other churches' members. Shincheonji has been utilizing "fortune-telling" and "tarot reading" as methods of evangelism. They approach young people and professionals through disguised club activities, job placements, and psychological assessments. For

3570-521: The [1] Hosaeng Prayer Center 호생기도원 . On February 1,1970, Yoo Jae-yeol wrote a document called 'The current state of our temple' which records the various beliefs, practices and doctrines taught within the church, these were investigated and documented in Chapter 2 'Korean Christian Tabernacle Temple' of the book 'New Religion in Korea Volume 3" published in 1974 by Tak Myung Hwan. Believed that

3675-435: The 93-year-old Shincheonji leader, Lee Man-hee, via YouTube. She claimed that their inappropriate relationship lasted for about seven years, from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, during her 30 years in the church. According to her, she was not the only one, as other female followers were also involved with the cult leader. Shincheonji is facing controversy for allegedly threatening and harming former members who, after leaving

3780-435: The 93-year-old Shincheonji leader, Lee Man-hee, via YouTube. She claimed that their inappropriate relationship lasted for about seven years, from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, during her 30 years in the church. According to her, she was not the only one, as other female followers were also involved with the cult leader. Shincheonji is facing controversy for allegedly threatening and harming former members who, after leaving

3885-560: The Anyang Branch of the Suwon District Court dismissed the claim brought by Pastor Baek's family, ruling that the statements did not constitute defamation of the deceased, and ordered the plaintiffs to bear the legal costs. Shincheonji became involved in controversy during the COVID-19 pandemic , an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infections followed from the participation of a SARS-CoV-2 infected person, "Patient 31," at

3990-425: The Anyang Branch of the Suwon District Court dismissed the claim brought by Pastor Baek's family, ruling that the statements did not constitute defamation of the deceased, and ordered the plaintiffs to bear the legal costs. Shincheonji became involved in controversy during the COVID-19 pandemic , an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infections followed from the participation of a SARS-CoV-2 infected person, "Patient 31," at

4095-460: The Bible follows the sequence of betrayal, destruction, and salvation. According to this doctrine, Yoo Jae-yeol is labeled as the betrayer, Oh Pyung-ho is deemed the son of destruction, and Lee Man-hee is claimed to be the "victor". Prosecution Office’s Response to Lee Man Hee’s lawsuit filing evaluated on 1971.2.2 Shincheonji Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of

4200-562: The Church: 7 angels wore silver badges, the 24 elders wore white badges, the 48 deacons wore red badges, the 70 monks wore blue badges, and the general believers wore black badges. 3) The fulfillment of the Abomination of Destruction “The Beast”: The first 20-40 members of the Tabernacle Temple were former members and victims of Hosaeng Prayer Center . After joining the Tabernacle Temple, they were convinced that their former pastor

4305-409: The Feast of Ingathering is observed during the spiritual harvest. It is not merely a legalistic festival from the time of Moses but is celebrated in accordance with the promise of the New Testament. It is a festival of thanksgiving for being harvested and gathered into God's kingdom, the barn (Mount Zion, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony). The Feast of Ingathering

Tabernacle Temple Church - Misplaced Pages Continue

4410-528: The Feast of Tabernacles is observed by the members of Shincheonji who have come out of spiritual Babylon (the world without truth) into the truth of Shincheonji. These members themselves become spiritual booths (i.e., homes) where the Holy Spirit dwells, and they offer thanksgiving to God (Isaiah 40:6-7, 1 Corinthians 3:16). The origin of the Feast of Ingathering goes back to the time when the Israelites, after leaving Egypt under Moses' leadership, settled in

4515-411: The Israelites should dwell in booths to remember their journey out of Egypt (Leviticus 23:33-44). In Moses' time, the Israelites who came out of Egypt lived in physical booths made of grass. Today, however, people are metaphorically referred to as grass (1 Peter 1:24), and the Feast of Tabernacles is observed by the members of Shincheonji who have come out of spiritual Babylon (the world without truth) into

4620-581: The October 2020 trial of Chairman Lee Man-Hee, where he is accused of not complying with epidemiological investigations, an official from the Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare acknowledged that Shincheonji officials made effort to provide the requested congregants’ information. The conversation records between Shincheonji officials and the Agency official show an expression of concern over privacy, not

4725-409: The October 2020 trial of Chairman Lee Man-Hee, where he is accused of not complying with epidemiological investigations, an official from the Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare acknowledged that Shincheonji officials made effort to provide the requested congregants’ information. The conversation records between Shincheonji officials and the Agency official show an expression of concern over privacy, not

4830-434: The Presbyterian Church. Lee left the Tabernacle Temple in 1971. Some have connected Lee to a countercult movement called Olive Tree , but this connection is not present in Shincheonji's biography of Lee. On March 14, 1984, Lee founded Shincheonji and opened its first temple that June in Anyang , Gyeonggi Province . Membership grew and in June 1990, the Zion Christian Mission Center was established in Seoul . In 1995,

4935-627: The Shincheonji Busan James Tribe stated, "Not only in India but around the world, requests for educational support from the Zion Christian Mission Center of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and for incorporation into Shincheonji are increasing." The representative further emphasized that they will continue to actively engage with pastors of established churches, aiming for mutual cooperation. In Singapore, 21 members were arrested for congregating together and were charged with being

5040-611: The Shincheonji Church of Jesus and are requesting the dispatch of instructors and Bible education. A representative of the Shincheonji Busan James Tribe stated, "Not only in India but around the world, requests for educational support from the Zion Christian Mission Center of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and for incorporation into Shincheonji are increasing." The representative further emphasized that they will continue to actively engage with pastors of established churches, aiming for mutual cooperation. In Singapore, 21 members were arrested for congregating together and were charged with being

5145-629: The Shincheonji representative in charge of communicating with the government to provide congregant information that “since the government is doing what Shincheonji should’ve done instead, we must actively help [the government].” Shincheonji Church of Jesus Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony ( SCJ ), commonly known as Shincheonji Church of Jesus or simply Shincheonji ( Korean :  신천지 ; Hanja :  新天地 ; lit.   New Heaven and New Earth ; IPA: [ɕintɕʰʌndʑi] ),

5250-443: The Testimony ( SCJ ), commonly known as Shincheonji Church of Jesus or simply Shincheonji ( Korean :  신천지 ; Hanja :  新天地 ; lit.   New Heaven and New Earth ; IPA: [ɕintɕʰʌndʑi] ), is a new religious movement established in South Korea by Lee Man-hee . It is considered a pseudoreligion or cult by mainstream churches. Shincheonji's teaching claims that their founder, Lee,

5355-526: The actual number seemed to be between 20,000 and 30,000. This was confirmed through HWPL's released photos and official statements, with an announcer mentioning "30,000 participants" during the event. In a civil lawsuit filed against Shincheonji for allegedly defaming the late Pastor Baek Dong-seop by teaching that he was the "Destroyer" mentioned in the Book of Revelation, the court did not hold Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee liable for damages. On October 17, 2024,

SECTION 50

#1732792961380

5460-475: The actual number seemed to be between 20,000 and 30,000. This was confirmed through HWPL's released photos and official statements, with an announcer mentioning "30,000 participants" during the event. In a civil lawsuit filed against Shincheonji for allegedly defaming the late Pastor Baek Dong-seop by teaching that he was the "Destroyer" mentioned in the Book of Revelation, the court did not hold Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee liable for damages. On October 17, 2024,

5565-419: The administration of Shincheonji, centered around the chairman, who is considered the promised pastor of the New Testament. Additionally, there are seven educational directors responsible for education and twelve tribe leaders, named after the twelve disciples of Jesus, who form the foundation of the kingdom of heaven. The twelve tribes, led by these tribe leaders, each consist of smaller churches. The names of

5670-459: The barn (Mount Zion, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony). The Feast of Ingathering is commemorated on September 24th, the day when the foundation of God's temple was laid, as recorded in Haggai 2. In 2014, it was estimated to have over 120,000 members, while a 2020 estimate put membership at around 200,000. It was once the fastest-growing religious church in South Korea. In March 2020, health authorities of

5775-584: The church eventually caught the attention of the public and law enforcements which led to their downfall. All the founders were former members of the pseudo-Christian group called the Hosaeng Prayer Center 호생기도원 , led by cult leader Kim Jong-gyu. Prior to establishing the church, he practiced medicine fraudulently under his brother's medical license, who was taken away to North Korea. He was born in Bukmun-ro, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do as

5880-745: The church's "deceptive evangelism" and sought compensation for damages. However, the court dismissed the appeal, stating that there was no evidence of coercion or undue influence. The court recognized that Lee, as an adult, voluntarily participated in religious activities, leading to the rejection of his claims. Shincheonji is educating its members on preparations and behavioral guidelines before holidays, including instructing them to secretly check their family members' phones. Members are told to check their parents' phones for contacts, recent call logs, text messages, and whether there are any group chats on KakaoTalk excluding them. However, accessing someone's phone or extracting information without their consent constitutes

5985-745: The church's "deceptive evangelism" and sought compensation for damages. However, the court dismissed the appeal, stating that there was no evidence of coercion or undue influence. The court recognized that Lee, as an adult, voluntarily participated in religious activities, leading to the rejection of his claims. Shincheonji is educating its members on preparations and behavioral guidelines before holidays, including instructing them to secretly check their family members' phones. Members are told to check their parents' phones for contacts, recent call logs, text messages, and whether there are any group chats on KakaoTalk excluding them. However, accessing someone's phone or extracting information without their consent constitutes

6090-490: The court ruled that the so-called 'Shincheonji Deceptive Evangelism', where members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus secretly teach their doctrines while hiding their affiliation, is illegal. The group is regarded as heretical by mainstream Christian denominations. Lee Man-hee was born in 1931. In 1967, Lee became a member of the Tabernacle Temple Church which, under pressure from the "religious purification policy" of Chun Doo-hwan (coup in 1980), became affiliated with

6195-495: The data. There was a day's delay in submitting information, however, as Shincheonji officials asked the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency about the legality of providing congregants’ citizen registration numbers and if the government will protect the congregants’ private information. On February 25, 2020, Shincheonji officials provided the list of requested information for all of its congregants. In

6300-422: The data. There was a day's delay in submitting information, however, as Shincheonji officials asked the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency about the legality of providing congregants’ citizen registration numbers and if the government will protect the congregants’ private information. On February 25, 2020, Shincheonji officials provided the list of requested information for all of its congregants. In

6405-425: The denomination continue to pass away, doubts are growing regarding the doctrine of physical immortality. The group is known for its aggressive, and deceptive proselytizing practices. With a poor image in mainstream South Korean society, Shincheonji leaders have at times instructed their members to lie about being adherents of the group, although the group has said that doing so is not its official policy. In 2022,

SECTION 60

#1732792961380

6510-531: The development of Seoul Grand Park, the property of the Tabernacle Temple church in Makgye-ri was bought by Seoul metropolitan government and demolished for the construction of Seoul Land. The Tabernacle Temple (also known as The Tabernacle of Heaven, The Tabernacle of the 7 Golden lampstands and the Tabernacle of the 7 stars and 7 lamps by Shincheonji) is one of the main contributors to Shincheonji's doctrines and inspiration to Lee Man-hee's eschatology regarding

6615-424: The downfall of Christianity and the establishment of a new Christianity through another 1st coming Jesus like figure who has been appointed as Jesus' witness and vessel for Jesus' spirit during the 2nd coming. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, has grown to be the largest faction among the successors of the Tabernacle Temple. Shincheonji claims as one of its core doctrines that

6720-516: The elderly, they offer free fortune-telling on the streets to collect personal information. Their tactics involve various forms of disguise and deception, engaging in activities that exploit religion to pursue the interests of the group, showcasing antisocial behavior. In a related case, the Suwon District Court upheld the first-instance ruling in the appeal of Lee, who had filed a "youth return lawsuit" against Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Lee claimed that he quit his teaching job and made donations due to

6825-516: The elderly, they offer free fortune-telling on the streets to collect personal information. Their tactics involve various forms of disguise and deception, engaging in activities that exploit religion to pursue the interests of the group, showcasing antisocial behavior. In a related case, the Suwon District Court upheld the first-instance ruling in the appeal of Lee, who had filed a "youth return lawsuit" against Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Lee claimed that he quit his teaching job and made donations due to

6930-590: The eldest son of Yoo In-goo and Shin Jong-soon. A former gangster from Noryangjin, nickname: Motorcycle. Born in Chungcheong-do. Over a decade later, he would briefly join another Pseudo-Christian group Shincheonji with Shin Kwang-il. Doctrines of the Tabernacle Temple were mainly contributed by Yoo Jae-yeol and Yoo In-gu, who were influenced by the teachings they've received from Kim Jong-gyu of

7035-455: The events in Moses' time but is based on the promise made by Jesus 2,000 years ago (Luke 22:14-20, Matthew 26:17-29). It is a festival of thanksgiving to God for guiding them through the revealed Word (the blood and flesh of Jesus) and for leading them out of spiritual Babylon (death) to spiritual Zion (God's kingdom, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony), which

7140-526: The founder Yoo Jae-yeol is: 1. the Counselor sent by God, the Spirit of truth, 2.the one who reaps (Harvests) the grains of eternal life, 3. the messenger whom God designated as the bearer of the seal, 4. the one who received God's revelation, ate the book sealed with seven seals in 1966, 5.the prophet of the nations and the servant whom all peoples used as their symbol, 6. the young servant

7245-401: The government’s response to COVID-19 outbreaks in 2020. The group is apocalyptic and messianic in character, and has been described as a doomsday cult . The group's founder and leader is variously referred to by church followers as "Chairman Lee(이 총회장)"; "the chairman(회장)"; "the promised pastor(약속의 목자)"; "the one who overcomes(이긴자)"; or "the advocate(대언자)." Adherents believe that Lee

7350-507: The group and by February 22, 2020, over 1.3 million South Korean citizens signed an online petition to the Blue House requesting the government to disband Shincheonji entirely. On August 12, 2022, the Supreme Court in South Korea upheld the acquittal of Lee Man Hee on charges that he obstructed the government’s response to COVID-19 outbreaks in 2020. The group is apocalyptic and messianic in character, and has been described as

7455-473: The group became the center of intense scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea . The outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Korea was initially centered in the city of Daegu after a 61-year-old Shincheonji member known as Patient 31 infected other church members causing the pandemic to surge in Daegu . As the disease spread among Shincheonji's members and thousands of others, there was a national outcry against

7560-585: The group, realized its contradictions and falsehoods and exposed the truth about its practices. These former members have filed complaints with the police, reporting incidents of Shincheonji members visiting their homes to intimidate them. In the past, religious organizations deemed as cults by traditional religions were often refrained from placing advertisements. However, as the media environment changed and financial pressures increased, major newspapers began to accept ads from groups labeled as cults. The Korean Church Press Association reported that in 2023, there were

7665-585: The group, realized its contradictions and falsehoods and exposed the truth about its practices. These former members have filed complaints with the police, reporting incidents of Shincheonji members visiting their homes to intimidate them. In the past, religious organizations deemed as cults by traditional religions were often refrained from placing advertisements. However, as the media environment changed and financial pressures increased, major newspapers began to accept ads from groups labeled as cults. The Korean Church Press Association reported that in 2023, there were

7770-567: The headquarters were moved to Gwacheon , which has a prophetic meaning within Shincheonji theology. Mainline Christian churches became alarmed at the loss of members, and the first cases of deprogramming Shincheonji members began in 2002. The clash between the Chonnam National University Christian Student Union and Shincheonji at that time marked the starting point for the organized response against Shincheonji. The organization of Shincheonji

7875-447: The land of Canaan. During the physical harvest, they would gather their crops and store them in barns, offering thanks to God (Exodus 23:14-17). Today, however, the Feast of Ingathering is observed during the spiritual harvest. It is not merely a legalistic festival from the time of Moses but is celebrated in accordance with the promise of the New Testament. It is a festival of thanksgiving for being harvested and gathered into God's kingdom,

7980-793: The last days, "salvation is achieved by selecting only one nation (Ezekiel 3:1-5)." 2) 7 angels & the Tabernacle Temple a. Their Mission Gen19:1-2, Rev21:17, Heb13:1; To gather believers to be sheltered from the Apocalypse until salvation is accomplished. b. 7 lampstands, horns, messengers, lamps of God King Zerubbabel or Emmanuel (Yoo In-gu) led the 7 angels: Young Servant or Angel Samson (Yoo Jae-yeol), Angel Joshua (Shin Gwang-il), Angel Tira (Kim Young-ae), Angel Michael (Kim Chang-do), Angel Samuel (Jeong Chang-rae), Angel Solomon(Baek Man-bong), Angel Moses (Shin Jong Hwan) c. Structure of

8085-454: The last days, and existing churches do not have salvation, and pastors are hired pastors and false pastors. You must come here to receive true salvation. b. "I am just replicating what God, who sent me, told me and showed me" c. Secret pairing in the Bible, "Jesus did not speak unless it was a parable or parable, but today, in the end times, he clearly shows spiritual things and tells them as they are. (2 Peter 1:21, Isaiah 34:16)" d.  In

8190-454: The leaders continued to hijacked their members' houses, farms and rice fields by mortgaging them, but also robbed the believers' factories and sexually abused female members. By October 1980, Pastor Oh Pyeong-ho took charge of the Tabernacle Temple organization, which was left-behind by Yoo, and seemed to be carrying out reforms. And according to Pastor Oh's testimony and Book 1 of The Story of Seoul's Urban Planning by Son Jeong-mok, regarding

8295-425: The list of all congregants and complied with the government's request. There was no deadline listed in the official information request letter sent to Shincheonji for epidemiological investigation. The official request also did not ask for members’ citizen registration numbers. Despite this, officials from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency requested members’ citizen registration numbers to be included in

8400-425: The list of all congregants and complied with the government's request. There was no deadline listed in the official information request letter sent to Shincheonji for epidemiological investigation. The official request also did not ask for members’ citizen registration numbers. Despite this, officials from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency requested members’ citizen registration numbers to be included in

8505-462: The membership within South Korea was divided into 12 "tribes," according to geographic territories. In 1999, the headquarters were moved to Gwacheon , which has a prophetic meaning within Shincheonji theology. Mainline Christian churches became alarmed at the loss of members, and the first cases of deprogramming Shincheonji members began in 2002. The clash between the Chonnam National University Christian Student Union and Shincheonji at that time marked

8610-527: The nations (Revelation 12:5). Like many pseudo-Christian groups they claim to have a unique understanding of scripture. In a document written by Yoo Jae-yeol, The Current State of Our Temple (우리 성전의 현황) and chapter 2 in the book New Religion in Korea Volume 3 written by Tak Myeong Hwan in 1974, we find details of what was taught and believed by members of the Tabernacle Temple since its founding. 1) The Last days & The End Time Prophecy: The “War of Armageddon” Will Fulfill on Sep 14, 1969. a. These are

8715-432: The omission of information from certain congregants, such as minors and those at special risk for persecution, such as elected politicians or public officials. The police have determined that the intention for omitting certain congregants’ information was not for the purpose of obstructing disease prevention and control efforts, but to protect congregants of Shincheonji. In a recorded phone conversation, Chairman Lee told

8820-432: The omission of information from certain congregants, such as minors and those at special risk for persecution, such as elected politicians or public officials. The police have determined that the intention for omitting certain congregants’ information was not for the purpose of obstructing disease prevention and control efforts, but to protect congregants of Shincheonji. In a recorded phone conversation, Chairman Lee told

8925-634: The organization. A dozen Chinese members of the church from Wuhan were also connected to the Daegu Shincheonji outbreak. In Busan , a 61-year-old Daegu resident is believed to have spread the virus and was diagnosed on February 18, 2020. At the time, the South Korean government had neither introduced social distancing nor restricted travel from China (apart from travel from the Hubei province). On February 18, 2020, Shincheonji issued

9030-454: The organization. A dozen Chinese members of the church from Wuhan were also connected to the Daegu Shincheonji outbreak. In Busan , a 61-year-old Daegu resident is believed to have spread the virus and was diagnosed on February 18, 2020. At the time, the South Korean government had neither introduced social distancing nor restricted travel from China (apart from travel from the Hubei province). On February 18, 2020, Shincheonji issued

9135-444: The pandemic to surge in Daegu . As the disease spread among Shincheonji's members and thousands of others, there was a national outcry against the group and by February 22, 2020, over 1.3 million South Korean citizens signed an online petition to the Blue House requesting the government to disband Shincheonji entirely. On August 12, 2022, the Supreme Court in South Korea upheld the acquittal of Lee Man Hee on charges that he obstructed

9240-432: The press that they obtained an exact list of 317,320 registered Shincheonji members. As of early August 2024, according to Shincheonji, 12,979 MOUs have been signed across 84 countries, with 705 accumulated domestically. Additionally, 1,352 churches in 41 countries have replaced their signs with those of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and are requesting the dispatch of instructors and Bible education. A representative of

9345-459: The promised pastor of the New Testament. Additionally, there are seven educational directors responsible for education and twelve tribe leaders, named after the twelve disciples of Jesus, who form the foundation of the kingdom of heaven. The twelve tribes, led by these tribe leaders, each consist of smaller churches. The names of the twelve tribes are taken from the names of Jesus' twelve disciples. Shincheonji has four official seasons throughout

9450-422: The prosecutor who investigated the tabernacle temple at the time, "the mortality rate was very high only where the tabernacle temple was located, and all the property of believers was extorted without providing meals". Yoo gathered about 2,000 believers and moved them to Gwacheon go build a church building and a luxury house with the donations and labor of his followers. And while expanding the church, Yoo and many of

9555-464: The requested 14.4 billion won was not deposited. The case is still under investigation. Police investigation has ruled that the threatening letter was originally addressed to a different Shincheonji location in Gyeonggi-do. The group has been accused of exerting influence on politicians and political parties. A former member accused Chairman Lee of Shincheonji of having created the former name of

9660-404: The requested 14.4 billion won was not deposited. The case is still under investigation. Police investigation has ruled that the threatening letter was originally addressed to a different Shincheonji location in Gyeonggi-do. The group has been accused of exerting influence on politicians and political parties. A former member accused Chairman Lee of Shincheonji of having created the former name of

9765-490: The starting point for the organized response against Shincheonji. The organization of Shincheonji was created on Earth as an exact replica of the heavenly spiritual organization shown in Revelation 4, just as Moses built the Tabernacle according to the vision shown by God and Jesus acted according to what He saw God doing at the first coming. The structure and organization of Shincheonji consist of 24 departments overseeing

9870-440: The time of Moses when God judged Egypt with ten plagues through Moses and delivered the Israelites, who were enslaved in Egypt, through the blood and flesh of a lamb. This event is commemorated as Passover (Exodus 12:1-14, Leviticus 23:5). However, the Passover observed by Shincheonji today is not a commemoration of the events in Moses' time but is based on the promise made by Jesus 2,000 years ago (Luke 22:14-20, Matthew 26:17-29). It

9975-441: The times of the fulfillment of the New Testament prophecies, 144,000 adherents and a great multitude in white that no one can count, which comes out of the great tribulation, will enjoy salvation and eternal life as promised in the book of Revelation(Revelation 7). However, as senior leaders and executives within the denomination continue to pass away, doubts are growing regarding the doctrine of physical immortality. The group

10080-493: The truth of Shincheonji. These members themselves become spiritual booths (i.e., homes) where the Holy Spirit dwells, and they offer thanksgiving to God (Isaiah 40:6-7, 1 Corinthians 3:16). The origin of the Feast of Ingathering goes back to the time when the Israelites, after leaving Egypt under Moses' leadership, settled in the land of Canaan. During the physical harvest, they would gather their crops and store them in barns, offering thanks to God (Exodus 23:14-17). Today, however,

10185-489: The twelve tribes are taken from the names of Jesus' twelve disciples. Shincheonji has four official seasons throughout the year. Excluding the anniversary of its founding, these seasons are related to the events of the Exodus in the Old Testament, and they are typically observed on the exact dates as originally recorded. This day commemorates the date, March 14th, when Lee Man-hee, the leader, founded Shincheonji. Passover

10290-527: The virus in September 2020 and December 2020, however, surpassed the numbers seen during the outbreak associated with Shincheonji and have accelerated at a faster rate than the spread associated with Shincheonji's Daegu branch church. On February 24, 2020, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency requested a list of all Shincheonji congregants. The list included congregants’ name, citizen registration number, address, name of place of employment, and family member information. A day after, Shincheonji submitted

10395-527: The virus in September 2020 and December 2020, however, surpassed the numbers seen during the outbreak associated with Shincheonji and have accelerated at a faster rate than the spread associated with Shincheonji's Daegu branch church. On February 24, 2020, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency requested a list of all Shincheonji congregants. The list included congregants’ name, citizen registration number, address, name of place of employment, and family member information. A day after, Shincheonji submitted

10500-407: The year. Excluding the anniversary of its founding, these seasons are related to the events of the Exodus in the Old Testament, and they are typically observed on the exact dates as originally recorded. This day commemorates the date, March 14th, when Lee Man-hee, the leader, founded Shincheonji. Passover is observed on January 14th, as recorded in the Old Testament. The origin of Passover lies in

10605-426: Was a member of a controversial group called the Olive Tree , a new religious movement which spawned the first countercult movement in post-war Korea, although this connection is not present in Shincheonji's biography of Lee. Shincheonji teaches that it is the true faith with its members receiving salvation at the time of final judgment. Everyone not in the group will be denied forgiveness and destroyed. In 2020,

10710-533: Was an agent of Satan as recorded in Ezekiel 16: 4-5, Mat 24 :15 - referring to Kim Jong-kyu as the Abomination and the Beast. They claim “the reason why the evil one appeared in this way was because of the work of Satan, so that he would not be saved when he came to the point of destruction by deception of all powers, signs, and false miracles (2 Thessalonians 1:9,10).  Therefore, you should not believe that it

10815-412: Was created on Earth as an exact replica of the heavenly spiritual organization shown in Revelation 4, just as Moses built the Tabernacle according to the vision shown by God and Jesus acted according to what He saw God doing at the first coming. The structure and organization of Shincheonji consist of 24 departments overseeing the administration of Shincheonji, centered around the chairman, who is considered

10920-732: Was sentenced to 6 months in prison with 2 years suspension of sentence and 80 hours of mandated volunteer work. On 21 September 2020, a Shincheonji branch church in Daejeon, South Korea, received an anonymous threat letter containing white powder later identified by the Chemical Safety Agency and the Geumgang Basin Environment Agency to be cyanide, a USB containing a Bitcoin address and a message demanding 14.4 billion won. The anonymous message stated that harm would come upon Shincheonji congregants if

11025-513: Was sentenced to 6 months in prison with 2 years suspension of sentence and 80 hours of mandated volunteer work. On 21 September 2020, a Shincheonji branch church in Daejeon, South Korea, received an anonymous threat letter containing white powder later identified by the Chemical Safety Agency and the Geumgang Basin Environment Agency to be cyanide, a USB containing a Bitcoin address and a message demanding 14.4 billion won. The anonymous message stated that harm would come upon Shincheonji congregants if

#379620