Trapped by Fear or Led by Faith? Debunking SCJ’s ‘No Other Place to Go’

OP (Who-Anonymous, EX-Shincheonji Member)
Title: Trapped by Fear or Led by Faith? Debunking SCJ’s ‘No Other Place to Go’

Post:
Hello California Zion Members, aka LA Family. I hope you’re doing well and have had the chance to study the Bible independently of SCJ. Do you recall when Moon GSN was recently expelled, and leaders used the analogy of a fire in your home to argue for staying in SCJ, saying, “If there was a fire at your place and you left, where would you go?” This analogy aimed to instill fear, suggesting SCJ is the only safe spiritual “home.”

But let’s think critically—if a house is destroyed by fire, would you stay? Of course not. You would leave to find safety, even temporarily, until you can rebuild. Similarly, if SCJ is spiritually toxic—filled with fear tactics and manipulation—does it make sense to stay? Living “in the middle of nowhere” is better than remaining in a place that harms you. This analogy mirrors tactics used by abusers, who rely on fear and dependency to trap their victims. True faith and freedom come from seeking God directly—not through a group that controls with fear. God’s guidance is not limited to one organization. Why should your faith rely on a group that undermines your spiritual growth? You deserve to thrive in a space free from manipulation.

Response to u/Top_Initiative_7770:
Now as you know, I wrote a post about how 7 evil spirits won’t enter you once you leave SCJ. However, a reddit user—likely an SCJ member—said this to defend her faith in SCJ:
“SCJ also focuses heavily on doing the will of God on earth. What did you get taught is the will of God? I’m fearful that leaving SCJ is no longer doing His will… but idk… I feel like other churches don’t have the truth either so there’s literally no other place to go to :/”

The two main points are God’s will and the “truth.” Since SCJ and I agree that we should use the Bible as the standard, we will be using scriptures to answer what “God’s will” is and what is the “Truth.”

Comments:

• Financial-Document88:
“SCJ sins are falling into the same sins corrupt church/non-SCJ religious organizations are guilty of.

Why members would rather ‘cover up a community’s sins built on lies and delusions of a man who have no Biblical scholarly understanding of the Bible and showing signs of human mental issues that a <Vessel of Christ> shouldn’t’ is a travesty.

Just like the corruptions of churches that cover their sins, rather than humble themselves and repent, so they can be right with God, it is ‘pride’ and ‘blindness’ to the Truth that keeps them in darkness.

No wonder Proverbs advises the tragedy of rebuking and reproving a scoffer, and that if “you correct a wise they will be more wiser, correct a fool they will be angry.”

I always encourage a SCJ “scholar” to go on a debate against a Biblical Historian Scholar in open worldwide discussions, YouTube and all (they won’t) cause they can’t even defend the Bible correctly.”

  ↳ Reply by Present_Act820:
  ”since you dont believe in SCJ, i think everyone has a right to believe in whatever they feel like, am scj person and am willing to believe in the word of scj. have realized that you were part of scj but you have your own idea of destroying scj. its ok go ahead but dont spoil things you have never built. and STOP SENDING ME THIS STUPID TEXTS, if you have nothing to do on internet better find a serious job. thanks”

  ↳ Reply by Ok_Dragonfruit_3355:
  ”Why are you contributing to ruining lives and destroying families ?”

  ↳ Reply by Financial-Document88:
  ”“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32

The poster only shared knowledge and expository factual data of why SCJ again ‘fails’ at following the Bible. If people in SCJ like you are following the Bible – why aren’t you graceful and leading your ‘brother or sister’ back to the truth? More importantly, why did you fail to defend and correct the post? The Bible instructs in 1 Peter 3:15-17, “Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.”

These are the many issues WHY souls like this poster left you all (SCJ); they compared ALL the doctrinal lies and your attitudes with scripture and found it not following it.”

• Who-Anonymous (OP):
“Disclaimer everyone that is reading this. I’ve never sent a text to this so-called SCJ “Christian” in my life. SCJ is desperate. They act like Christians and say it’s a good thing to be persecuted, yet they act like incel keyboard warriors. Good job SCJ members.”

  ↳ Follow-up by Who-Anonymous (OP):
  ”Not very Christian thing to say 🥺”

• Present_Act820:
“it really shows that your ex-scj member, you have your anger thats why your using this platform, so since everyone has a freedom of worship and in my country we respect that, leave people be. go and take alcohol and beer after u sleep, next day you will know what to do, what your doing its not new to us, you what sympathy and people to listen to you, others will listen but not all.”

• shshmhh (Family/Friend of SCJ Member):
“Whats this alcohol and beer thing you are talking about? Drinking it after you sleep or before you sleep? What do you mean?”

• Who-Anonymous (OP):
“I respect everyone’s freedom of worship, but I believe it’s important to hold organizations accountable when their actions or teachings harm others. My intention isn’t to seek sympathy, but to encourage people to think critically and ensure their faith is grounded in truth. I hope you’ll take the time to reflect on why my posts feel challenging and consider the questions I’ve raised.

I couldn’t help, but chuckle at your suggestion that I take alcohol and beer to calm down—especially considering some leaders’ well-known reputations for smoking and drinking in ways that would make even seasoned bartenders blush. If their habits didn’t disqualify them from leadership, I’m not sure how my critiques disqualify me from raising valid points. As Proverbs 26:5 says, ‘Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.’ Irony aside, my focus isn’t on these inconsistencies, but on how we can all reflect on the values of accountability, truth, and love that faith calls us to.

Standing up for what is right and calling out harmful practices isn’t dishonorable—it’s essential. Even Jesus didn’t shy away from addressing hypocrisy and wrongdoing, as we see in John 2:15-16 when He cleared the temple of those exploiting others. If faith is to mean anything, it should reflect honesty, justice, and grace—not fear or personal attacks. I hope you seek understanding. My posts are there to encourage us all to think about how we can better embody the love and truth we aspire to.”

• Present_Act820:
“since you respect each person’s freedom of worship, you would have stopped sending your texts to me. i dont need them, its you who need them , thanks”

• Who-Anonymous (OP):
“Great, now the gaslighting—trying to make me believe I sent you texts? I’ve never sent you anything personally, so I’m genuinely confused by what you’re talking about. Gaslighting, too, is not a Christian thing to do. Proverbs 12:22 reminds us that the Lord detests lying lips, and as followers of Christ, we’re called to align our words and actions with truth and honesty. I hope you realize these verses do not only apply to doctrines.

Since you’ve mentioned respecting each person’s freedom of worship, it’s interesting that you criticize me for being on Reddit. My track record here speaks for itself: I’ve consistently used Bible verses to present facts rather than write emotionally. I know deep down this conversation might feel stressful or make you feel on guard—it’s natural to feel that way when confronted with uncomfortable truths. But my intention isn’t to accuse or attack; it’s to encourage reflection and ensure we’re all living out the values of faith, truth, and integrity we aspire to.”

• Present_Act820:
“me am ok and am stressed of anything u text, but if you feel that scj is not doing a right thing, go to law. and if it doesn’t work, do a church and preach what is right than using social media to attack an organization or church. if it doesn’t work good for you, then am happy they chased you out of scj, because you went there to spy. blessed day”

• Who-Anonymous (OP):
“Chased me out? That’s an interesting take, but it doesn’t align with the reality of my experience. I chose to leave SCJ after careful reflection and study—particularly of the Bible—which raised serious questions about the teachings and practices I encountered. My decision wasn’t based on external pressure but on a desire to align my faith with truth and integrity.”