Shincheonji strategically prepares its members for a “war of doctrine” by preemptively addressing criticisms that traditional churches might level against them. They do this by repeatedly using the same verses and concepts that traditional churches use but with reinterpreted meanings, applying them to the traditional churches themselves (exposing their tactics). This creates a defensive mindset, where Shincheonji members view traditional church criticisms as confirmation of Shincheonji’s teachings .
Here’s some examples how they would expose the tactics of traditional churches by using their own language and verses:
“Test the Spirits”:
1. Shincheonji’s Claim: Shincheonji emphasizes the importance of testing the spirits using 1 John 4:1. They claim that true discernment comes from understanding the fulfillment of prophecies. They teach their members to examine teachings against scripture.
2. Traditional Churches’ Response: Traditional churches might use this verse to warn against blindly following Shincheonji, urging members to test Shincheonji’s teachings.
3. Shincheonji’s Counter-Expose: Shincheonji would say that the churches themselves are not “testing the spirits,” because they are not examining the fulfillment of prophecies and therefore are unable to recognize the true spirit at work in Shincheonji. They would say that they are the only ones who can truly discern, which is why traditional churches persecute them.
False Pastors and Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing:
1. Shincheonji’s Claim: Shincheonji uses verses like Matthew 7:15 and Matthew 23:15 to portray traditional pastors as “wolves in sheep’s clothing”, accusing them of teaching their own doctrines and not God’s word. They accuse them of being “hired hands” who do not truly care for the flock.
2. Traditional Churches’ Response: Traditional churches may use these verses to warn against false teachers and prophets within Shincheonji.
3. Shincheonji’s Counter-Expose: Shincheonji would claim that the traditional churches are themselves the “wolves in sheep’s clothing”, as they are the ones who are leading people astray by teaching human doctrines instead of God’s word and by not understanding the fulfillment of prophecies. They would emphasize the corruption and hypocrisy of the traditional churches.
Unfulfilled Prophecies and Lack of Understanding:
1. Shincheonji’s Claim: Shincheonji claims that only they can correctly explain the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, especially those in the Book of Revelation, and that traditional churches are unable to interpret the prophecies because they lack spiritual understanding. They use verses like Matthew 24:15 and Luke 21:20-21 to point out the traditional churches’ inability to interpret them correctly.
2. Traditional Churches’ Response: Traditional churches may claim that Shincheonji misinterprets scripture, adding to the Bible and that the prophecies have yet to be fulfilled.
3. Shincheonji’s Counter-Expose: Shincheonji would use this as proof that traditional churches are blind to the truth and are unable to recognize the fulfillment of prophecies. They would claim that the traditional churches are not fulfilling the word as promised in John 5:39, whereas Shincheonji is. They would say traditional churches don’t recognize the “signs of the times.”.
“Babylon” and the Call to “Flee to the Mountain”:
1. Shincheonji’s Claim: Shincheonji uses Revelation 18:4 and Matthew 24:15-16 to call people to leave traditional churches, labeling them as “Babylon” and urging members to “flee to the mountain” (Shincheonji) for safety and salvation.
2. Traditional Churches’ Response: Traditional churches might use these same verses to caution against leaving the church and following Shincheonji.
3. Shincheonji’s Counter-Expose: Shincheonji would say that the traditional churches are Babylon, because they use those very verses to warn people against them. They would emphasize that this persecution and opposition is a sign that Shincheonji is the true “mountain” and the only place of refuge.
Persecution and Identifying the Righteous:
1. Shincheonji’s Claim: Shincheonji presents itself as the persecuted righteous, drawing parallels to Jesus and the early Christians, and using verses like John 5:39 and Luke 20:9-18 to show they are fulfilling prophecy . They also claim that those who persecute them are fulfilling prophecy as well.
2. Traditional Churches’ Response: Traditional churches may cite instances of Shincheonji’s deceptive practices and manipulative behavior as evidence of the group’s unrighteousness.
3. Shincheonji’s Counter-Expose: Shincheonji would argue that the very act of persecution by the traditional churches proves their own righteousness. They would say that the persecutors are controlled by Satan and that they persecute because they cannot understand the truth.
The Power of the “Word of Testimony”:
1. Shincheonji’s Claim: Shincheonji emphasizes that they have the “word of testimony” which comes from understanding the fulfillment of prophecies, and that this is the weapon to defeat Satan. They would use Revelation 12:11 as support for the power of their testimony.
2. Traditional Churches’ Response: Traditional churches may argue that Shincheonji’s interpretation of scripture is inaccurate and not based on the true “word of testimony.”
3. Shincheonji’s Counter-Expose: Shincheonji would claim that the traditional churches cannot give a “word of testimony,” because they lack the ability to explain the fulfillment of prophecies. They would say that because they cannot testify to the fulfillment of scripture, they do not have the holy spirit and are thus controlled by Satan.
Psychological Tactics and Discernment:
Shincheonji uses several psychological tactics to reinforce their teachings and prepare their members for conflict:
4. Us vs. Them Mentality: By creating a clear distinction between Shincheonji (the “good”) and traditional churches (the “evil,” or “Babylon”), members are encouraged to distrust outside sources and see themselves as the only true believers.
5. Information Control: Shincheonji teaches that only they possess the true understanding of the Bible, discouraging critical thinking and reliance on external interpretations. They encourage the study of scripture within their own framework.
6. Appeal to Authority: The promised pastor is presented as the ultimate authority, making it difficult for members to question teachings and interpretations. This authority is seen as coming directly from God.
7. Creating Urgency and Fear: Shincheonji creates a sense of urgency by emphasizing the end times and the need to flee from “Babylon” (traditional churches), compelling members to remain within the organization.
8. Emphasis on Discernment: They teach members to discern between good and evil spirits, using scripture as their standard. They encourage members to be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11), but only to check the scriptures against Shincheonji’s teachings and interpretations, while they warn members to be cautious about the “false prophets” who may lead them astray.
Shincheonji equips its members to view the arguments of traditional churches through the lens of their own teachings, creating a self-reinforcing system. This strategy aims to make members immune to criticisms and to see any opposition as confirmation of their beliefs. This makes Shincheonji’s members believe that those who oppose them are not using scripture correctly or are under the influence of Satan, as they use scripture to expose them.