Man Hee Lee’s past, and the cults that surrounded him

Post by QuestionsAboutSCJ (Moderator)
Man Hee Lee’s past, and the cults that surrounded him.
Teaching/Doctrine

Below, I detail Man Hee Lee’s experience with other sects in Korea, the similarities among the sects in which he was either directly or indirectly involved, and how these groups eventually influenced the teachings of SCJ.

Man Hee Lee claims to be the “One who overcomes” and asserts that he has ingested the “open scroll” according to scripture. Without considering his past involvement with other sects, his claims might seem convincing because his teachings appear new and refreshing. However, a closer look at his history reveals that his assertion of truly receiving the “Open word” from an Angel of Jesus is untrue, as many of his core teachings can be traced back to the previous sects in which he was involved.

Before founding Shincheonji and becoming the “Promised Pastor,” Man Hee Lee was involved with multiple other cults that helped shape his worldview and the way he teaches the Bible.

Teachings from the Olive Tree Movement (1957–1967):

Man Hee Lee was involved with the Olive Tree Movement (source: The Journal of CESNUR):

• Claimed Immortality

• Claimed he was one of the two witnesses

• Claimed he was the Overcomer

• Claimed that only within the Olive Tree Movement could one find the hidden manna

• Claimed that 144,000 would go to heaven to be with the Lord, along with a countless great multitude in white

• Claimed that he was the righteous man from the east

(Source: Page 19 of this PDF and this YouTube clip – 14:45–17:35)

Issues with the Olive Tree Movement:

• Sexual Abuse: The leader, Park, was heavily influenced by Duk-Eun Chung, who came from North Korea and taught that salvation could only be achieved through a sexual relationship with her.

• Physical Abuse: A mentally disabled young man was beaten to death in an attempt to drive out “demons.”

• Additionally, Park began teaching that Jesus was corrupted and that He was a “son of a b****,” along with claiming that 98% of the Word of God was similarly tainted.
  (YouTube clip – 7:28)

After leaving the Olive Tree Movement, Man Hee Lee joined the Tabernacle Temple.

Teachings from the Tabernacle Temple:

• Claimed that each parable needed to be paired with its hidden twin to fully understand the Bible.

• Emphasized the “secret knowledge of the parables.”
  (Blog post)

Issues with the Tabernacle Temple:

• The leader emerged from another sect, the Hosang Prayer group.

• The leader was involved in a sexual scandal.

• He preached that the world would end on a specific date; when it did not happen, the sect was sued and prosecuted due to corruption.
  (YouTube clip – 18:30–19:30)

Teachings from Baek’s Sect (1978):

• One of the seven messengers, Baek (also known as Solomon), defected from the Tabernacle Temple and started his own sect, which Man Hee Lee later joined.

• The sect promoted the creation and recreation of God’s “Promised Pastor.”
  (YouTube clip – 17:45–20:00: Tabernacle Temple; 20:00–21:15: Teachings of Mr. Baek’s creation and recreation)

Issues with Baek’s Recreation Church:

• Baek claimed that the world was going to end in 1980.

While being actively involved with various sects, another “Counselor” and “Advocate” emerged—Koo-In-Hoo (1976)—whose claims closely resemble those of Man Hee Lee. Koo-In-ho, known as the Second Advocate of Christ, claimed to have received a hidden revelation from Jesus and was involved with both the Olive Tree Movement and the Tabernacle Temple. He, too, received a special mission from God and Jesus, opened the book and the seven seals, and interpreted various pairs and secrets in the Bible.
(YouTube clip)

Similarities between Koo In-ho and Man Hee Lee:

• In 1976, another individual also claimed to be the “advocate” on behalf of Jesus.

• Claimed that he had received a hidden revelation from Jesus.

• Both joined and left the Olive Tree Movement.

• Both joined the Tabernacle Temple.

• Both received a special mission from God and Jesus.

• Both claimed to have opened the book and the seven seals, interpreting the Bible’s hidden pairs and secrets.

• Both are associated with the “Second Advent Jesus Church”:

  • Son of Man coming in the clouds → Jesus coming in flesh (a similar explanation to that of the WMSCOG).

  • Spreading the new gospel will bring peace on earth.

  • Both claim to be the “counselor in flesh.”

  • Judgment: kings of the world (pastors) will be judged, similar to SCJ.

  • Counselor: The one who received the word of Revelation.

Whether Man Hee Lee was directly involved (Olive Tree Movement, Tabernacle Temple, Baek’s Recreation Church) or indirectly influenced by Koo In-ho, many similarities exist between the teachings of SCJ today and the doctrines preached by Man Hee Lee’s previous sect involvements.

For someone who claims to be “guided by the Holy Spirit,” isn’t it peculiar that Man Hee Lee followed many blind guides—many of whom later proved to have failed prophecies or were corrupt? Moreover, isn’t it strange that he now employs many of the same teachings from these failed sects as his “revealed word”?

Comment by letsthinkaboutit94

*“Let’s think about it. What you just explained is proof that the Bible is real and that God’s prophecies are fulfilled. The Bible never details how certain events in Revelation come about—it only states that there were seven golden lampstands and describes their betrayal. Just because these groups are seen as cults does not mean their scriptural basis is invalid. You may only see a cult, but reality remains unchanged. The Chairman admits he once belonged to these groups, but that fact alone is insignificant. If you study Revelation, you’ll see that regardless of how events unfolded, its fulfillment was inevitable. Ask yourself sincerely: How can a mere mortal align his entire life to fabricate the story of Revelation?
There once was a church called the 7 Stars; they possessed an unparalleled message until they became worldly (betrayed) and eventually disbanded. They were even admonished—sent letters instructing them to revert to their old ways and avoid mixing doctrines. Then seven pastors, along with ten elders, took over. This sequence is exactly what Revelation foretold. Moreover, the congregation’s structure and even the Chairman’s speech patterns mirror what is described in Revelation. He devotes his entire life solely to fulfilling what is written in Revelation and never deviates. Even when he has challenged entire crowds to test his knowledge, none have succeeded. How is that mere coincidence? You might label it a cult if you approach it with malice, but the scriptures demand that we examine whether these events truly fulfilled prophecy. Remember, Jesus was once called a cult because the Old Testament’s fulfillment came through a carpenter’s son—without majesty or beauty—and the people longed for a king, unaware that, in God’s eyes, he was the true king.
If you wish to challenge us or discredit our beliefs, come meet us in person instead of hiding behind a screen. If you’re a Christian, ask your pastor about the fulfillment of Revelation. If his understanding is limited, then what does that say about his pastoral role? True guidance from God knows no bounds. Only a sincere heart can uncover the truth. If you believe that truth isn’t found in S, then show me where it can be found—there is only one source. If you remain ignorant, you must strive diligently to find it, for not everyone is destined for heaven. In fear and trembling, seek out God’s truth, for it is written in scripture. Peace to you all (honestly).”

Reply by QuestionsAboutSCJ (Moderator)
↳ “By the way, I’ll be happy to meet in person. I’ve already met other current SCJ members. Unlike some, I do not make vague threats and rely solely on the Bible.”

Reply by QuestionsAboutSCJ (Moderator) – Edited
↳ “Let’s think about it: What you explained is evidence that the Bible is real and that God’s prophecies are fulfilled. The Bible does not detail how everything in Revelation comes to pass—only that there were seven golden lampstands and that betrayal occurred. In fact, the teachings of the seven golden lampstands changed after their betrayal in 1967. They claimed that the world would end in November 1969, yet in truth, they always maintained that prophecy from 1966 when they received the open scroll. This inconsistency reveals that they were led by a false spirit.”

Please review this first part. Let me know when you’re ready for me to continue with the next section.

letsthinkaboutit94
*“Okay, so I am not a blogger nor do I focus on discrediting anyone or any group. I am simply a believer with faith. Like many in S, I used to be Catholic, Christian, and even studied apologetics for some time. I’ve searched many places for truth. I’m sure if I wanted to, I could find articles and wiki pages that support my point. For your information, S members and the church have seen the evidence you cite—they have articles, pictures, and even contracts to prove many things. I assume you too are a person of faith who believes in the Bible, Jesus, and God. If not, then nothing I say matters, but I will still try to have a productive dialogue.
As believers in God, we must recognize that no matter how man interprets the Bible, nothing can stop God from fulfilling His will. If God is almighty, man cannot thwart His plan. Even if God chooses to have the seven golden lampstands appear as donkeys or the messenger who sends letters as a cat, it remains true because God never specified their appearance.
I know this may sound absurd, but the scriptures state that not everyone enters heaven—it’s a narrow road. Revelation talks about the 144,000, Mt. Zion, and the 12 tribes, among other things. The Bible documents the history of God’s chosen people and their failings. Today, many still do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah—even though for us Christians that is blasphemy—while another religion (the Jews) shows convincingly that Jesus was not the Messiah.
We must reflect on whether we have true faith or are merely seeking what seems logical. Those in S believe we are the kingdom created by God at the end times—the only place where God will come down, as scripture states. Please refrain from saying that “God dwells in our hearts” (we can debate that endlessly). We believers have found the closest expression of truth and scripture; we go all in. I would rather follow someone who has established a place resembling what Revelation describes than someone who admits ignorance or makes assumptions.
If you’re right, then those outside S are condemned, but that is not something I wish to wager on. We claim that those outside the gates will burn, not because we desire it, but because that is what God has decreed.
Even if you can point out that the Chairman has flaws, look at the solid facts. What are you truly seeking? Should you not search for the place where the 144,000 and the great multitude exist, where the 12 tribes dwell and where God descends (Revelation 21)? Please do not say your Bible only supports a spiritual descent; that is your issue—you lack true faith. You are afraid to accept that God is not the way you imagine Him and that Jesus will come to divide rather than bring peace (Luke 12:51).
If SCJ does not have truth, I hope you will find what God says you should find. Read Revelation if you haven’t and ask yourself whether this implies a global conflict or some modern absurdity like an energy drink with a microchip. If your pastor cannot explain these things, then question whether God is truly with them. If God is with you, confusion will not reign among you; He gives His people insight and limitless knowledge. He reveals all things to His children as the Bible states.
If anyone is curious about what S truly is, feel free to reach out. It never hurts to search for truth—even if just out of curiosity. If you find our doctrines false, then move on. But do not rely solely on what you read in threads and posts; you would not want someone to define you by hearsay, would you?”

QuestionsAboutSCJ (Moderator)
↳ “Great, so for the wiki pages you can also refer to the cited sources that provide greater detail and highlight the inconsistencies in Lee Manhee’s testimony. From my perspective, it seems you are unwilling to investigate SCJ’s claims yourself and instead blindly accept what SCJ tells you. This contradicts the Bible.”

Status_Boss7939
“Do you have any proof that he was part of these cults previously? Or are these just statements? I ask because there are plenty of videos claiming he was part of some cults before, yet I haven’t found any substantial evidence—only video affirmations.”

QuestionsAboutSCJ (Moderator)
↳ “I referenced two academic papers: one biased against SCJ (from the University of Prestoria) and another more favorable to SCJ (from CESNUR).”

Status_Boss7939
“Oh, okay. Thanks.”

low-Ad-3530
“Thanks for sharing. I also uploaded this information on my Instagram page:

lam-29
“This is fantastic, can we pin this?”

RedPilledSojourner
“Thank you for sharing this! Great job!”

Highsky2702
“Great work! You didn’t mention that the Tabernacle Temple was divided between SCJ and Victory Altar (Korean SeungNiJeDan), whose founder is Cho Hee-Seung (1931–2004). In 1990, there were 400,000 believers. His teaching was also heretical—he claimed to be immortal but died in 2004. An interesting fact: as members age and die, insisting on physical immortality becomes difficult, which might explain the movement’s decline. SCJ members, think about this: why would LMH be considered immortal if he is aging?”

QuestionsAboutSCJ (Moderator)
↳ “Thanks! I’ll look into the Victory Altar (Korean SeungNiJeDan) and add it to this post.”

Highsky2702
↳ “https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victory_Altar”

Relative_Bedroom427
“LOVE THISSSSS! Thanks for taking the time to write it all out with evidence ❤️”

marov92356
“Agreed, this is excellent. This sub has been putting out solid content recently. It feels like the beginning of the end for Shincheonji.”

[deleted]
(Comment removed)

[deleted]
(Comment removed)

12345cult (EX-Shincheonji Member)
“Thank you for sharing your very systematic research and effort regarding the evolution of Shincheonji and its founder. This information is undoubtedly informative and valuable for anyone further exploring this cult.”