“Doctrinal Changes” as Understood by Former Members and Critics
What is Happening in SCJ Doctrinal Shifts:
• Vague and General Language: Critics point out that SCJ often uses vague or general language in its doctrines, which allows for continuous reinterpretation and avoids accountability for perceived mistakes.
• Denial and Blame-Shifting: When confronted with inconsistencies, SCJ leaders may deny that any changes have occurred, state that the questioner lacks understanding, or shift blame onto external sources, such as “slanderous information” from the internet or others’ misinterpretations. They also label criticism as “persecution” to deflect from accountability.
• Information Control: New members are generally not made aware of past doctrinal changes, and existing members are discouraged from seeking outside information, which is often dismissed as “poison” or “slander”. Questions and doubts are often suppressed, sometimes by labeling them as originating “from the devil”.
Think of it like a continually shifting sandcastle: SCJ claims it’s a perfectly stable, divinely designed structure being progressively revealed, but critics and former members observe that its builders are constantly reshaping its foundational elements to fit the changing tides of reality, while insisting the blueprint has never changed.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a prominent New Religious Movement originating in South Korea, positions itself as the literal fulfillment of biblical prophecy, with its founder, Chairman Lee Man-hee, as the “promised pastor” and sole interpreter of Revelation. This report critically examines Shincheonji’s core claims, focusing on documented doctrinal changes, particularly concerning Revelation 7, and significant discrepancies between its historical narratives and verifiable facts.
The analysis reveals that Shincheonji’s interpretive framework, which asserts that prophecies are understood only upon their physical fulfillment, allows for continuous reinterpretation and adaptation of its teachings. This approach, while maintaining the illusion of prophetic accuracy internally, leads to demonstrable inconsistencies when confronted with external realities and biblical standards. Specific examples include the shifting explanations for the “3.5 days” prophecy, the retroactive introduction of “partially sealed” members to account for unfulfilled quotas, and the misrepresentation of historical entities like the Tabernacle Temple and the Stewardship Education Center.
Furthermore, the report highlights the inherent vulnerability of Shincheonji’s doctrine of physical immortality for Chairman Lee Man-hee, a claim directly challenged by the natural progression of age and the documented deaths of other senior leaders. The systematic use of deception in evangelism and the fabrication of historical details to validate theological claims underscore a significant divergence from conventional ethical and biblical principles. These findings collectively suggest that Shincheonji’s narrative often adapts to external realities rather than predicting them, raising fundamental questions about the veracity and immutability of its core tenets. The report also delves into Lee Man-hee’s unacknowledged history with previous religious groups, revealing how their doctrines may have influenced Shincheonji’s core tenets, and examines the organization’s use of gaslighting to manage doctrinal shifts and suppress dissent.
This report provides a detailed examination of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a new religious movement that has garnered significant attention and controversy. Understanding its foundational claims and interpretive lens is essential for analyzing the subsequent evidence of doctrinal shifts and historical discrepancies.
Unraveling the Threads: Shincheonji’s Evolving Narrative
Imagine trying to follow a story that keeps changing its key plot points, or a map where the landmarks suddenly shift places. For many, navigating the doctrines and history of Shincheonji (SCJ) can feel a bit like this. While SCJ presents its teachings as a consistent unveiling of divine truth, directly revealed by Jesus to Chairman Lee Man-Hee, and claims to be the only place with a perfect understanding of the Bible’s prophecies and their fulfillment, ex-members and critical analyses reveal a different picture: one of significant doctrinal adjustments and historical discrepancies.
Lee Manhee and his divine Revelation
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, founded by Lee Man-hee, is a new religious movement that claims to fulfill New Testament prophecies through symbolic interpretations of scripture. It teaches that biblical prophecy is expressed in parables and can only be understood through its physical fulfillment—revealed exclusively by Chairman Lee, who is regarded as the “Promised Pastor” and “New John.” He claims to have received divine revelation and perfect understanding of Revelation directly from God, positioning himself as the sole interpreter of prophecy. This theological framework gives Lee immense authority, enabling retroactive reinterpretation of failed predictions and discouraging critical thinking among members. Despite his claims, research suggests that Lee’s teachings were shaped not by divine revelation but by influences from earlier Korean fringe religious movements.
Shincheonji’s Narrative and Gaslighting
Shincheonji’s narrative presents Lee Man-hee as the “one who overcomes” who fought against the corruption of the Tabernacle Temple and established Shincheonji as the true fulfillment of prophecy. However, the organization often omits or reinterprets his prior affiliations and the shared doctrinal elements (such as time-limited prophecies and claims of physical immortality) with these earlier groups.
When confronted with historical discrepancies or doctrinal changes, Shincheonji employs tactics that former members describe as “gaslighting”. They may dismiss questions as “persecution” or “satanic opposition” to deflect scrutiny and frame dissent as a lack of spiritual understanding. The phrase “Food at the proper time” is used to delay answering difficult questions, conditioning recruits to suppress critical thought. This allows Shincheonji to continuously reshape its doctrine to fit Lee Man-hee’s actions and pronouncements, making any challenge to him tantamount to heresy. The organization’s reliance on a “rewritten history” and the claim that “details don’t matter” when inconsistencies are exposed are further examples of this manipulative approach to maintain its narrative and control over members.
The doctrine surrounding Revelation 7, particularly concerning the 144,000 sealed individuals and the “Great Multitude,” represents a core tenet of Shincheonji’s theology and a significant point of contention for former members due to observed discrepancies and changes.
2.1. Shincheonji’s Core Teaching on Revelation 7
Shincheonji’s doctrine asserts that the 144,000 saints, specifically 12,000 sealed individuals from each of the 12 tribes (as referenced in Revelation 7:2-8 and 14:1-5), are currently being gathered and will participate in the “first resurrection”. These 144,000 are believed to become one with the souls of martyrs descending from Heaven and will reign on earth with Jesus for 1,000 years as priests and kings. This is presented as a literal, physical fulfillment occurring within Shincheonji itself.
The movement claims that its total number of followers has already exceeded 144,000, with the excess members constituting the “Great White Multitude” (Revelation 7:9-10) who will also achieve salvation. A particularly compelling aspect of Shincheonji’s teaching is the claim that Chairman Lee Man-hee, as the promised pastor, will not die. Instead, he will enter the millennial Kingdom of God with his physical body, alongside many other living members who will survive until the Millennium. This promise of physical immortality on earth serves as a powerful incentive for adherence.
2.2. Ex-Members’ Concerns and Discrepancies
The issue with the interpretation of Revelation 7 is how it has been modified, updated, and changed over time as time progressed, and the prophecies did not fulfill as expected. Examples include how the Great Tribulation was not supposed to affect SCJ and instead only harm the Babylonian, or Christian, churches, and yet SCJ was at the forefront and center of the Great Tribulation which was COVID-19.
Then there was the concept of the 144,000 sealed kingdom of priests being selected and sealed first, 12,000 priests being selected per tribe, then after this, the Great Tribulation was supposed to begin. Instead, 7 out of the 12 Tribes did not have qualifying priests when the Great Tribulation began, and one of the Tribes did not even have 12,000 members to begin with.
To see and read more examples of the many changes of Revelation 7,
To provide a theological counterpoint to Shincheonji’s claims, it is crucial to examine biblical criteria for identifying true and false prophets, particularly from the Book of Deuteronomy. This comparison is vital for assessing Shincheonji’s claims from a traditional theological perspective.
3.1. Analysis of Deuteronomy 18:22 and its Criteria for Identifying False Prophecy
Deuteronomy 18:22 provides a clear and direct criterion for discerning a true prophet from a false one: “If a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD but the thing does not take place or prove true, it is a word that the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not be frightened by it”. This verse is consistently translated across various biblical versions, all conveying the same core message of verifiable fulfillment.
This passage, along with other related texts such as Deuteronomy 13:1-3 (warning against prophets who lead to other gods, even if their signs come true) and 18:15-20 (describing a true prophet raised by God), establishes a framework for evaluating prophetic claims. While Deuteronomy 18:22 is contextualized against “diviner prophets” who might lead people into syncretistic worship, its fundamental principle regarding the veracity and fulfillment of a prophet’s word remains a critical biblical standard. The emphasis is not merely on a prediction being made, but on whether the word “prove[s] true” in the “outworking of the life of the people of God” and in “human history.” False words, according to Scripture, “cannot prove true in human experience”.
3.2. Implications for Evaluating Shincheonji’s Prophetic Claims
The documented contradictions and changes in Shincheonji’s Revelation 7 doctrine, such as the unfulfilled 144,000 membership numbers and the misdirected “tribulation” , can be directly and critically evaluated against the explicit Deuteronomic principle. Shincheonji’s pattern of retroactively fitting events into prophecies, rather than making specific, verifiable predictions that then come to pass , stands in stark contrast to the biblical expectation that a prophet’s word “take place or prove true”
as spoken. The need for constant reinterpretation and adaptation suggests a failure to meet this fundamental biblical test of prophetic authenticity.
Deuteronomy 18:22 provides a clear, falsifiable criterion for a true prophet: their words must come to pass. Conversely, Shincheonji’s practice involves reinterpreting or adapting prophecies
after events occur or when they fail to occur as initially taught. This creates an irreconcilable conflict between Shincheonji’s internal method of validating prophecy and the explicit standards set forth in the very Bible they claim to interpret and fulfill. For a movement that purports to be the literal fulfillment of biblical prophecy and whose leader claims to have “perfect understanding” , this fundamental inconsistency represents a profound theological weakness. It suggests that Shincheonji’s claims cannot withstand scrutiny based on the very text they hold sacred. The statement that “truth doesn’t hide behind secret classes or shifting timelines” directly challenges Shincheonji’s approach of altering narratives when faced with contradictions, highlighting a lack of accountability inherent in their prophetic system. This clash provides a powerful, biblically grounded argument for former members and external critics, demonstrating that Shincheonji’s claims of divine authority and prophetic fulfillment fail by the standards of the Bible itself. This further highlights the internal pressure within Shincheonji to maintain a narrative of “fulfillment” at the expense of consistency and factual accuracy, leading to what former members describe as a “rewritten history”.
Shincheonji’s doctrines have exhibited a notable fluidity, with various interpretations changing over time. This section details several key doctrinal shifts, illustrating the organization’s adaptability in its teachings.
4.1. Timeline of Key Doctrinal Changes in Shincheonji
Revelation 7:2–8 and Revelation 7:9–10
Originally, Shincheonji taught that 12,000 members from each of the 12 tribes (totaling 144,000) had to be completely sealed before the great tribulation would begin, after which the great multitude would appear naturally without the need for further evangelism. Then, when tribes like Bartholomew failed to meet their 12,000 member quota by early 2020, SCJ stopped publishing tribe reports and introduced the concept of “partial sealing,” allowing the sealing and tribulation to happen simultaneously. Despite Lee Man-hee claiming the 144,000 were sealed in 2020, he later stated in 2023 that Protestant interference prolonged the sealing, and evangelism for the great multitude continues even more aggressively—contradicting earlier claims. This shift reveals a failed prophecy and a retroactive adjustment to preserve authority and maintain ongoing recruitment.
To see the evidence and more changes to Revelation 7, click here.
Revelation 11:9 and Revelation 11:13
Originally, SCJ interpreted the 3.5 days the two witnesses lay dead as a symbolic 3.5-year persecution period, referencing Lee Man-hee’s brief jail time and probation, and explained the 7,000 deaths in verse 13 through a convoluted symbolic equation involving shepherds and elders. Then, SCJ changed the interpretation of the 3.5 days to a literal three-and-a-half-day period (January 30 to February 2, 1981), and the 7,000 were later reinterpreted differently, with the original symbolic math being abandoned. These changes demonstrate failed and inconsistent prophetic interpretations, undermining the claim of perfect understanding and revealing doctrinal fluidity.
To see more changes of Revelation 11, click here.
Revelation 11:1 and Revelation 10
Originally, the measuring rod in Revelation 11:1 symbolized the Word of God, closely linked to the open scroll in Revelation 10, which SCJ claimed gave Lee Man-hee complete and perfect understanding of Revelation’s fulfillment. Then, the measuring rod was reinterpreted to refer to the second witness (after the first had left), and various teachings about the scroll, including events tied to its consumption and fulfillment, were revised over time. These revisions reveal that Lee’s earlier teachings were not infallible, contradicting the core claim that he had received unchanging, divinely revealed knowledge.
To see how Revelation 10 has changed and evolved, click here.
Revelation 18
Originally, SCJ claimed that the events of Revelation 18—judgment on Babylon—had already been physically fulfilled, with this interpretation published in official doctrine as late as 2015. Then, in 2023, Lee Man-hee stated that only up to Revelation 17 had been fulfilled, and Revelation 18 and beyond were still to come. This is a direct contradiction of prior prophecy timelines and serves as a retroactive reset of previously declared fulfillment, revealing a failed prophecy masked by shifting interpretations.
To see more of the changes of Revelation 18, click here.
Revelation 13
Originally, the beast of the earth in Revelation 13 was identified by SCJ as Lee Cho-Joo. Then, the identity shifted to Oh Pyeong-Ho, a figure later linked to betrayal and destruction within SCJ’s narrative. This reinterpretation reveals an opportunistic recasting of prophetic figures based on internal conflict, showcasing how SCJ retrofits prophecy to explain organizational developments and failed leadership expectations.
To see more of the Revelation 13 changes, click here.
Matthew 11:11
Originally and consistently, SCJ has taught that John the Baptist is in hell, based on the phrase “the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Then, critics within and outside the group pointed out that this interpretation distorts Scripture and contradicts the overall biblical witness regarding John. The use of this teaching appears to diminish revered biblical figures in order to elevate Lee Man-hee’s unique spiritual status, revealing a theological manipulation that lacks consistency with broader Christian doctrine.
To see the doctrinal issues of whether or not John the Baptist betrayed, click here.
Justification for Deception
Originally, SCJ taught that deception was justifiable if it served God’s purpose, citing Abraham and other figures as precedent. Then, this idea was expanded into a formalized practice, where misleading answers and secrecy—often under the label of “wisdom”—became standard evangelism tactics. This institutionalized deception has led to widespread ethical concerns and is now seen by ex-members and critics as a core indicator of SCJ’s cultic behavior and the failure of its moral integrity.
To see the doctrinal issues of the use of deception, known as the “wisdom of hiding”, and the verses that SCJ may use to justify this claim, click here.
Number of Wars in Revelation
Originally, SCJ taught that Revelation describes two major spiritual wars. Then, they revised the count to three wars, and eventually reverted back to two. This inconsistency exposes the arbitrariness of SCJ’s prophetic framework, reflecting theological instability and the continual reshaping of doctrine in response to internal or external pressures.
Shincheonji’s theological framework is deeply intertwined with its historical narratives, which are presented as literal fulfillments of prophecy. A comparison of these narratives with verifiable historical and legal records reveals significant discrepancies, highlighting the extent to which Shincheonji constructs its own version of history to support its theological claims.
5.1. Mr. Yoo and the Westminster Seminary Claim
Shincheonji’s narrative includes a specific interpretation of Revelation 12:14, where the “woman” who “flew on the two wings of a great eagle to the wilderness” is identified as Mr. Yoo, the leader of the Tabernacle Temple. They assert that this “wilderness” is Westminster Theological Seminary in the U.S., where Mr. Yoo was supposedly “nurtured” for 3.5 years. This interpretation is presented as “sacred truth” and is used internally to validate Shincheonji’s authority and to isolate members from traditional Christian theology.
QUESTION:
Why can’t we have a separate article about this? This can be apart of the prophecy and fulfillment series, and then we can reference that article?
5.2. The Tabernacle Temple and the “SEC Invasion”
QUESTION:
Why can’t we have a separate article about this? This can be apart of the prophecy and fulfillment series, and then we can reference that article?
Shincheonji frames the events surrounding the Tabernacle Temple (where Lee Man-hee was an early member) as the physical fulfillment of key Revelation prophecies. They claim that after Lee joined the Tabernacle Temple (established by seven “messengers” including Mr. Yoo), corruption and divisions arose. They assert that a “false pastor influenced by the spirit of Satan” (identified as Oh Pyeong-ho, an evangelist who became head of the Temple) entered, misled its leaders, and effectively dissolved the Temple. Oh is said to have introduced the Stewardship Education Center (SEC), which Shincheonji portrays as playing a “destructive role,” associated with “heretic ‘Nicolaites’,” “seven destroyers,” a “beast coming out of the sea,” and a “great prostitute” (identified as Tak, head of the SEC). Lee Man-hee is positioned as the “one who overcomes,” who fought and was victorious over these corrupting elements, leading to the establishment of Shincheonji on March 14, 1984. These events are collectively referred to as the “destruction of the first tabernacle”.
Historically, the Tabernacle Temple, founded in 1966, did indeed face significant internal issues, including scandals, fraud, and abuse. Its leader, Yoo Jae-yeol, was imprisoned for fraud and embezzlement in 1975. Notably, Lee Man-hee himself was among the followers who filed criminal complaints against the Tabernacle Temple leaders in 1971. The church was officially dismantled when Yoo Jae-yeol immigrated to the United States in October 1980. Lee Man-hee criticized the Tabernacle Temple’s decision to affiliate with the Presbyterian Church, viewing it as a corruption.
The Stewardship Education Center (SEC), contrary to Shincheonji’s portrayal, was a legitimate, non-denominational training institute. Its purpose was to help church leaders develop in stewardship, offering basic seminars, not to “wage spiritual war” or act as a destructive force. Shincheonji’s claim that the SEC possessed the power to appoint pastors, shut down ministries, or label churches as heretical is false.
Furthermore, there are significant discrepancies in Shincheonji’s timeline regarding the SEC. Shincheonji teaches that the SEC existed for only seven years and was “destroyed” in 1991, fulfilling a symbolic period of judgment. However, documented printing histories of SEC’s publications confirm that their materials were still being published as late as 1995. This factual discrepancy directly refutes Shincheonji’s timeline. If the SEC was still functioning beyond its supposed prophetic deadline, then that part of the prophecy fails. Moreover, the physical Tabernacle Temple building itself was sold to the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 1977 and was abandoned and awaiting demolition by 1979. This contradicts the narrative of it being “infiltrated” or “destroyed” by the SEC in the 1980s or 1990s as a literal fulfillment of prophecy.
The claims regarding Mr. Yoo at Westminster Seminary and the true nature and timeline of the SEC are demonstrably false or highly misleading when compared to external, verifiable evidence. This indicates a deliberate construction of a historical narrative that is not rooted in factual accuracy but rather designed to fit and validate a pre-determined prophetic interpretation. The use of “lying fake photo[s]” is direct evidence of intentional deception. For Shincheonji, the “history” of the Tabernacle Temple and Lee Man-hee’s role within it is not simply background; it is presented as the physical fulfillment of Revelation. Therefore, altering or fabricating these historical details is tantamount to altering the “fulfillment” of prophecy itself. This makes the group’s “truth” dependent on a manufactured story rather than objective reality. The critical question posed by former members, “if the very timeline this teaching is based on is historically false, what does that say about the salvation they promise?” , encapsulates this profound implication. This practice of fabricating historical details for doctrinal purposes fundamentally undermines the group’s claim to “truth” and its assertion that its teachings are “all found in the Bible”. It reveals a deep-seated reliance on deception at the foundational level of their theological system, which is a major characteristic of high-control groups often labeled as cults.
5.3. Lee Man-hee’s “3.5 Days in Prison”
As detailed in Section 4.2.1, Shincheonji interprets the “3.5 days” the witnesses are dead in Revelation 11:9 as a direct fulfillment through Lee Man-hee’s detention. The official teaching has shifted from a figurative 3.5 years of jail plus probation to a literal 3.5 days from January 30 to February 2, 1981.
Lee Man-hee has a verifiable history of arrests and legal proceedings in South Korea, none of which directly align with a specific “3.5 days” or “3.5 years” prophetic fulfillment as claimed:
Lee Man-hee’s Documented Legal History
Event: July 31, 2020
- Charges: Violating Infectious Disease and Control Act (withholding COVID-19 data), embezzlement (3.2-5 billion won), obstruction of public affairs
- Outcome/Sentence: Arrested; later acquitted of infectious disease violation, convicted of embezzlement and obstruction of public affairs
- Shincheonji’s Narrative Link (if any): Not directly linked to “3.5 days” prophecy; occurred much later than claimed 1981 fulfillment
Event: January 13, 2021
- Charges: (Continuation of 2020 charges)
- Outcome/Sentence: Acquitted of violating infectious disease laws
- Shincheonji’s Narrative Link (if any): N/A
Event: August 2022
- Charges: Embezzlement (5.6 billion won for “Palace of Peace”), obstruction of business (unapproved religious events)
- Outcome/Sentence: Three-year prison term, suspended for five years (remains out on probation)
- Shincheonji’s Narrative Link (if any): N/A
Event: June 2025 (Allegations)
- Charges: Using private convoy to control traffic, receiving preferential treatment for court-ordered education
- Outcome/Sentence: Facing criticism; Justice Ministry cited health issues for special treatment
- Shincheonji’s Narrative Link (if any): N/A
The documented legal history of Lee Man-hee does not support a specific 3.5-day or 3.5-year period of imprisonment or detention that aligns with the Shincheonji doctrine’s interpretation of Revelation 11:9. The shift to a precise January 30 – February 2, 1981, date appears to be an internal reinterpretation that lacks corroboration from public police or court records. This factual disproof directly challenges Shincheonji’s claims by presenting verifiable facts. By comparing the actual dates, charges, and outcomes of Lee Man-hee’s legal detentions against the specific “3.5 days” or “3.5 years” claimed as prophetic fulfillment, it becomes evident that his real-world experiences do not align with the Shincheonji narrative. This directly undermines the credibility of his “witness” and his claim to have “seen and heard the physical fulfillment of Revelation”. By presenting these documented facts, the report promotes transparency and holds Shincheonji’s historical narratives accountable to external evidence. This is crucial for informed decision-making and for challenging the group’s claims of divine authority.
The examination of Shincheonji Church of Jesus reveals a consistent pattern of doctrinal adaptation and historical revisionism. The core claim that prophecies are understood only upon their physical fulfillment, interpreted solely by Chairman Lee Man-hee, provides a flexible framework that allows the organization to reinterpret events and adjust its teachings when initial predictions fail. This is evident in the shifting interpretations of Revelation 7 concerning the 144,000 members and the impact of the “Great Tribulation,” where the concept of “partially sealed” members was introduced and the tribulation’s target was re-contextualized to fit unforeseen realities like the COVID-19 pandemic.
This adaptive approach stands in stark contrast to biblical principles of prophecy, particularly those outlined in Deuteronomy 18:22, which require a prophet’s words to “take place or prove true” as spoken. Shincheonji’s continuous need for reinterpretation suggests a fundamental divergence from this standard, undermining its claims to divine authority and infallible revelation.
Furthermore, the report highlights significant discrepancies between Shincheonji’s historical narratives and verifiable facts. The misrepresentation of Mr. Yoo’s connection to Westminster Seminary, including the use of fabricated imagery, and the distorted portrayal of the Tabernacle Temple and the Stewardship Education Center, reveal a deliberate construction of history to validate theological claims. These alterations of foundational historical details, presented as literal fulfillments of prophecy, demonstrate a reliance on manufactured narratives rather than objective reality.
The doctrine of physical immortality for Chairman Lee Man-hee presents a particularly vulnerable point for Shincheonji, as it is directly challenged by the empirical reality of aging and death. The eventual passing of Chairman Lee would necessitate a profound doctrinal shift or explanation, potentially leading to a significant crisis of faith for adherents.
Collectively, these findings indicate that Shincheonji’s internal narrative is designed to maintain the absolute authority of its leader and to insulate the organization from external scrutiny and failed predictions. The systematic use of deception in recruitment and the justification of lying to members’ families further underscore the group’s manipulative tactics. The fluidity of doctrine and the fabrication of historical events are not isolated incidents but appear to be systemic mechanisms employed to preserve the organization’s claims of unique truth and divine fulfillment, despite contradictions with verifiable facts and traditional biblical standards.
Additional References for more Exploration
1. The Central Role of Lee Man-hee: The "Promised Pastor" and "New John"
Shincheonji doctrine asserts that LMH has uniquely “seen and heard all of the events of Revelation” and has received the “opened scroll” directly from Jesus, thereby granting him the sole and exclusive capacity to decipher its “secret metaphors”. This positions his personal testimony as the ultimate and exclusive source of truth concerning Revelation’s fulfillment, rendering his interpretations non-negotiable within the movement.
A fundamental aspect of Shincheonji’s theological architecture is the self-validating nature of its leader’s prophetic claims. The entire framework of belief is meticulously constructed around Lee Man-hee’s exclusive assertion of having personally witnessed and received the fulfilled Revelation. This is not merely a doctrinal point; it constitutes the absolute foundation of Shincheonji’s authority and its unique claim to truth. If Lee Man-hee is indeed the sole individual who truly comprehends Revelation because he physically observed its fulfillment, then any past inaccuracies in his testimony or any subsequent modifications to doctrine cannot be attributed to human fallibility. Instead, such changes must be reinterpreted as a “new understanding” or a clearer comprehension that emerges as “more fulfillment took place”. This creates a closed epistemological loop where Lee Man-hee’s pronouncements are inherently self-authenticating, making external critique or internal questioning extremely challenging to reconcile without a complete rejection of the entire system. This inherent structure explains why doctrinal adjustments are not just a possibility but a necessity for Shincheonji to maintain its narrative in the face of contradictory realities or evolving circumstances. It also underscores the profound vulnerability of the entire system to Lee Man-hee’s physical presence and his continued ability to “reveal” new truths, particularly given his advanced age and the group’s doctrine of physical immortality.
2. Doctrinal Evolution: Adapting "Truth" to "Fulfillment"
2.1 Detailed Analysis of Key Doctrinal Shifts
The following table illustrates some of the most prominent documented changes in Shincheonji’s interpretations of Revelation:
| Biblical Reference | Previous Doctrine/Interpretation | Current Doctrine/Interpretation | Key Discrepancy/Implication |
| Revelation 11:9 (The 3.5 Days) | Figurative 3.5 years of jail + probation for “two witnesses,” representing a period of spiritual death due to inability to testify. | Literal 3.5 days, specifically January 30 to February 2, 1981. | Shift from figurative to literal interpretation, retroactively fitting a specific historical period. |
| Revelation 11:1 (The Measuring Rod) | The “Word from God,” similar to the scroll in Revelation 10; measuring was synonymous with judgment. | The “second witness”; measurement is now interpreted as evaluating people’s knowledge and faith. | Change in the symbolic meaning of a key prophetic object and action. |
| Revelation 18 (Judgment of Babylon) | Explicitly stated as “already physically fulfilled” in Lee Man-hee’s 2009 book, ‘The Creation of Heaven and Earth’. | Stated in a March 2023 letter from Lee Man-hee that “Rev 18 and the works after it are still to come”. | Direct contradiction regarding the fulfillment status of a major prophetic event. |
| Revelation 7 (The 144,000 & Great Tribulation) | Sequential fulfillment: 12,000 sealed from each tribe, then tribulation and great multitude. Evangelism would cease as the great multitude would automatically flock to SCJ. | Introduction of “partially sealed” members when targets were not met. COVID-19 retroactively identified as the tribulation, occurring before full sealing. Continued, even increased, evangelism. | Failure to meet membership targets led to a new, “unfalsifiable” concept and a shift in the timeline of prophetic events, contradicting previous teachings on evangelism. |
2.2 Shincheonji’s Internal Explanations and Justifications for Changes
When confronted with questions about these doctrinal shifts, Shincheonji instructors frequently employ specific phrases and explanations to manage members’ understanding and stem critical inquiry. The phrase “Food at the proper time” is a common deferral tactic, used to conceal “questionable elements of their doctrine” from new recruits. This mechanism is designed to suppress critical thought, gradually conditioning recruits to accept that certain truths are revealed only when they are deemed “ready” or at an appropriate stage of their spiritual development, thereby delaying exposure to potentially contradictory information.
Doctrinal modifications are often rationalized by assertions that Lee Man-hee receives “new understandings” or that comprehension becomes clearer as “more fulfillment took place”. This explanation, however, directly conflicts with Lee Man-hee’s foundational claim of having already “seen and heard all events of Revelation” and having received a complete understanding of the “opened scroll”. If his initial understanding was perfect, such significant revisions should not be necessary.
Furthermore, when faced with inconsistencies or outright contradictions, Shincheonji members or instructors may dismiss these concerns by stating that “details don’t matter” or that “God knows the reason why He changed the Doctrine”. This tactic effectively shifts responsibility away from Lee Man-hee and onto divine will, thereby precluding further questioning or scrutiny.
2.3 Examination of Contradictions and Inconsistencies Arising from These Adaptations
The consistent pattern of doctrinal changes, particularly in direct response to failed predictions (such as the inability to meet the 144,000 member target or the unexpected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Shincheonji itself), functions as a highly effective mechanism for maintaining internal consistency and managing psychological discomfort among adherents. When external realities or internal inconsistencies contradict a prophecy or teaching, Shincheonji does not acknowledge error. Instead, it redefines the prophecy, its timeline, or its fulfillment. This strategic adaptation is crucial for the group’s continued operation. By providing a new explanation (e.g., “new understanding,” “partially sealed,” “God’s will”), even if it directly contradicts previous teachings, it enables members to sustain their belief in the face of disconfirming evidence, thereby preserving the core narrative and Lee Man-hee’s authority. This makes Shincheonji highly resilient to both external critique and internal doubt, as any challenge can be absorbed and reinterpreted within their flexible theological framework. It also highlights the immense psychological pressure on members to conform their understanding to the latest “truth,” rather than engaging in independent critical evaluation. This dynamic is sharply contrasted by the observation that “Truth is effortless and never changes. It is solid. Lies are intentional, deliberate and exhausting”.
The documented instances of Lee Man-hee’s shifting testimony about Revelation’s fulfillment directly undermine his central claim of having received the “opened scroll” and personally witnessed all events. Former members explicitly state that by “adding and taking away from his testimony,” Lee Man-hee has “sinned according to his own interpretation of Rev 22:18-19”. If he possessed perfect understanding, such significant revisions would be unnecessary.
The failure of Shincheonji to meet the 12,000 sealed members per tribe target by early 2020, followed by the cessation of reporting, and the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affecting Shincheonji in Korea (rather than the world’s churches or leading to people flocking to them), represent significant unfulfilled predictions. The subsequent introduction of concepts like “partially sealed” to retroactively fit current events into prophecies is a clear example of reinterpretation to avoid admitting failure. Biblical passages such as Deuteronomy 18:22 provide a criterion for identifying false prophets: “If a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD but the thing does not take place or prove true, it is a word that the LORD has not spoken”. The documented doctrinal changes and unfulfilled predictions within Shincheonji’s narrative raise critical questions about Lee Man-hee’s prophetic claims under this widely accepted biblical standard.
3.1 Strategies for Online Information Control, Correction, and Narrative Management
Shincheonji employs a strategy of dismissing questions, disagreements, and external critiques as “persecution” or “satanic opposition to heavenly doctrine”. This is a common tactic used by high-control groups to invalidate external criticism and reinforce internal cohesion among members. The group actively accuses former members and critics of “slander”, aiming to discredit dissenting voices and control the public narrative surrounding the organization.
Shincheonji consistently emphasizes that its teachings are derived solely from the Bible and Lee Man-hee’s unique, divinely-given understanding, implying that any external critiques or alternative interpretations are human-made and therefore inherently false or misleading. This approach establishes Shincheonji as the exclusive arbiter of truth.
3.2 Analysis of How External Critiques and Public Opinion Influence Their Online Responses
The existence of active online communities, such as the r/Shincheonji subreddit, where former members share testimonies and engage in detailed discussions about doctrinal changes, indicates a significant and persistent platform for external critique. These discussions frequently highlight the very inconsistencies that Shincheonji seeks to manage. The specific doctrinal changes, particularly those concerning the 144,000 and the COVID-19 pandemic, are explicitly cited by former members as primary reasons for their departure. This strong feedback loop suggests that Shincheonji is acutely aware of these criticisms and adapts its explanations and messaging to counter them, especially in public forums.
The introduction of concepts like “partially sealed” in Revelation 7 doctrine is identified by former members as a “convenient” and “obvious change” designed to “retroactively include a global event” (COVID-19) into their prophecy. This demonstrates a direct adaptive response to a real-world event that challenged their established narrative, indicating a reactive strategy to manage public perception and internal consistency.
The interaction between external scrutiny and Shincheonji’s internal responses reveals a dynamic process of narrative refinement. External challenges, often originating from former members or anti-cult organizations, effectively expose inconsistencies or unfulfilled prophecies within Shincheonji’s narrative. In response, Shincheonji adjusts its doctrine or refines its explanations. These new narratives are then disseminated by its information management teams across social media and other platforms. This process is not merely defensive; it constitutes a proactive form of narrative engineering, aimed at “correcting” perceived “slander” and refining explanations for both current members and potential recruits. This continuous and adaptive narrative engineering makes it exceptionally challenging for outsiders to pinpoint a stable or unchanging “truth” from Shincheonji, as their core narrative is constantly shifting to maintain internal coherence and external plausibility. It also implies that public critiques, while essential for awareness, can inadvertently provide Shincheonji with new data points or challenges that they then strategically incorporate into their evolving explanations. This dynamic highlights the group’s capacity for strategic resilience in the face of scrutiny.
3.3 The Use of Social Media for Covert Recruitment and Deceptive Evangelism
Shincheonji operates covertly in its recruitment efforts, employing manipulation and deception to attract potential members without initially revealing its true identity. This includes refusing to name their church, claiming to be “nondenominational” or an “international church”. A significant portion of their recruitment now occurs online, particularly via Zoom, which further facilitates the concealment of their true identity until a recruit is deeply involved.
4. Recruitment and Indoctrination: Refining the Narrative
4.1 How Doctrinal Adjustments are Integrated into Bible Study Programs and Explanations for New Recruits
The indoctrination process within Shincheonji typically commences in a one-on-one setting before transitioning to larger classroom environments. This phased approach allows for a controlled, gradual exposure to Shincheonji’s unique teachings. A key deceptive tactic involves pairing new trainees with “maintainers,” who are in fact experienced Shincheonji members posing as new recruits. These maintainers subtly model desired opinions and provide a false impression of the Bible study content, thereby creating an artificial sense of peer validation for the Shincheonji narrative.
The phrase “food at the proper time” is strategically utilized by instructors to control the dissemination of information and defer questions about “questionable elements of their doctrine”. This tactic is designed to gradually condition recruits to suppress critical thought, ensuring that more extreme or contradictory doctrines are introduced only once the recruit is emotionally and mentally invested and thus less inclined to question.
4.2 Tactics Employed During Recruitment
Shincheonji employs a range of sophisticated tactics during its recruitment process:
- Deception and Secrecy: Shincheonji members are explicitly “commanded to not disclose their denomination name” and are taught that “lying is acceptable to ‘protect’ the group from scrutiny”. This deceptive practice is justified internally by referencing biblical figures like Abraham or by claiming that Jesus also instructed people not to reveal his identity “until the right time”.
- “Love-Bombing”: Recruits are subjected to “love-bombing,” characterized by excessive friendliness, provision of free meals, emotional support, and engaging in deep, often intense, conversations. These actions are designed to rapidly foster a sense of connection and value in the recruit. This creates a strong emotional bond that significantly complicates disengagement later.
- Time Monopolization: The frequency of “Bible study” sessions rapidly escalates from an initial twice a week to over 20 hours per week. This intense time commitment often leads to the neglect of academic coursework, professional responsibilities, and existing social connections, further isolating recruits within the Shincheonji environment.
- Harsh Criticism of Current Beliefs: During the early stages of recruitment, Shincheonji actively attempts to dismantle a recruit’s existing belief system. This frequently involves ad-hominem attacks, such as labeling individuals “arrogant” if they express disagreement with Shincheonji’s teachings. This tactic aims to render individuals more susceptible to adopting Shincheonji’s beliefs by framing their resistance as a personal flaw.
- Exploiting Vulnerabilities: Shincheonji strategically targets young adults, particularly those experiencing “hard times,” by offering psychological counseling at “counseling cafés”. These seemingly benign services serve as a front to introduce Bible study and ultimately channel individuals into Shincheonji’s recruitment pipeline.
4.3 The Role of Secrecy and the Justification of Deception in Their Proselytizing Efforts
The entire recruitment process is predicated on a “lack of consent,” as it is recognized that “No one wants to join a cult”. Members are “manipulated into the cult” and are only informed that their initial lack of consent was “for their benefit”
after they have been thoroughly indoctrinated, thereby minimizing disapproval or resistance.
Members are actively pressured to conceal their involvement from family and friends, which significantly hinders their ability to leave the group. Former members have testified that they hid their involvement for years because Shincheonji taught them to deceive others to “avoid persecution”.
A striking characteristic of Shincheonji’s operational methodology is the redefinition of deception, elevating it from a moral transgression to a justifiable, even commendable, practice. By reframing lying and withholding information as necessary and even virtuous acts undertaken for “God’s purpose”, Shincheonji systematically undermines conventional moral norms of honesty and transparency. This allows members to rationalize behaviors that would otherwise be considered unethical, creating a significant barrier to critical self-reflection and external accountability. The assertion that “truth holds up against scrutiny” is ironically contradicted by their own reliance on deception. This redefinition of deception makes it extremely difficult for new recruits to discern the true nature of the group, as the very act of seeking clarifying information is met with sanctioned dishonesty. It also contributes significantly to the isolation of members from their existing social networks, as honesty with outside relationships is actively discouraged or forbidden, leading to fractured families and social alienation.
5. Implications and Warning Signs for Concerned Stakeholders
5.1 The Impact of Doctrinal Fluidity on Members’ Critical Thinking and Faith
The continuous and often contradictory reshaping of doctrine to align with Lee Man-hee’s actions or external events fosters a state of profound devotion among members. In this environment, any challenge to Lee Man-hee’s teachings or authority is framed as tantamount to heresy, effectively silencing dissent. Recruits are systematically conditioned to abandon critical thinking in favor of adopting “sound bites” and pre-approved narratives provided by the group. This process gradually erodes their capacity for independent thought and judgment.
Internal doubts or questions are routinely reframed as “spiritual failures” or a lack of sincerity, leading members to believe that leaving Shincheonji is equivalent to “rejecting God”. This psychological manipulation creates immense internal pressure to remain within the group. Former members frequently describe the profound pain and disillusionment of realizing they were deceived, grappling with the “reality of being deceived” after years of commitment.
The cumulative effect of Shincheonji’s informational control and psychological tactics systematically undermines an individual’s capacity for independent critical assessment, leading to a profound reliance on the group’s interpretations of reality. This renders members highly susceptible to ongoing manipulation and makes them resistant to external information, even from concerned loved ones, as such information is automatically categorized as “slander” or “persecution.” This creates a significant barrier to exit and recovery.
5.2 Key Red Flags and Behavioral Indicators for Identifying Shincheonji Involvement
For individuals and communities seeking to identify potential Shincheonji involvement, several key red flags and behavioral indicators warrant attention:
- Secrecy and Evasion: Individuals will refuse to name their church or religious affiliation, often claiming to be “nondenominational,” an “international church,” or simply “Bible study”.
- Intense Time Commitment: A rapid and significant escalation of time dedicated to “Bible study” or religious activities, often reaching 20 or more hours per week, leading to neglect of other responsibilities.
- Isolation from Existing Networks: Pressure to conceal involvement from family and friends, and encouragement to reduce or sever relationships with those outside the group.
- “Love-Bombing” and Instant Connection: Encounters with overly friendly, charismatic individuals who offer immediate deep conversations, excessive emotional support, and free meals, fostering a quick, intense bond.
- Specific Language Use: Frequent use of unique phrases or concepts, such as “food at the proper time,” to deflect questions or control information flow.
- Exclusive Claims to “Hidden Knowledge”: Claims of possessing unique, hidden, or “opened” knowledge of the Bible, particularly the Book of Revelation, that no other church or denomination understands.
- Ad-Hominem Attacks and Gaslighting: Responding to questions or disagreements by labeling the questioner “arrogant” or framing doubts as spiritual failings or “persecution”.
- Personal Data Collection: Attempts to collect personal information, including photos (often disguised as “selfies”), addresses, and contact details, which may later be used for surveillance or pressure.
- Financial Pressure: Subtle or overt encouragement to donate money, even from individuals who are financially struggling, with promises that “God will provide”.
5.3 The Broader Societal Concerns Stemming from Their Manipulative Practices
Beyond the immediate effects of individual manipulation, the collective impact of Shincheonji’s operational practices generates systemic detriments that ripple through families and broader societal structures. The group’s internal justifications for deception and control (e.g., acting for “God’s purpose,” “avoiding persecution”) establish a moral framework that can lead to significant social disruption, personal suffering, and a drain on societal resources (e.g., mental health services, lost productivity). This is not merely a collection of isolated incidents but a direct consequence of their operational model and self-serving theological justifications.
- Relationship Destruction: Shincheonji’s manipulative tactics have been widely reported to “destroy relationships,” particularly within families, as members are encouraged to prioritize the group over their loved ones.
- Educational and Career Disruption: The intense time commitment demanded by Shincheonji often leads to students dropping out of college or pausing their career development, jeopardizing their futures.
- Financial Exploitation: Adherents are encouraged to relinquish worldly possessions, including savings, for the group’s cause , leading to significant financial harm.
- Mental Health Impact: Former members frequently experience severe mental health challenges and a sudden, profound loss of social structure and community upon leaving Shincheonji, given the extreme social lifestyle they were accustomed to.
- Misuse of Public Resources and Privilege: Documented instances of Lee Man-hee’s use of private convoys with illegal sirens and alleged preferential treatment during court-ordered education sessions highlight a disregard for public norms and a potential abuse of influence or privilege within society.
- Public Health Risk: The significant COVID-19 cluster infection traced back to Shincheonji in South Korea in 2020 demonstrated the tangible public health risks associated with the group’s practices, particularly its large gatherings and initial reluctance to provide full member lists for contact tracing.
For individuals and communities, recognizing the specific behavioral indicators and understanding the underlying psychological and sociological mechanisms employed by Shincheonji is crucial for protection, intervention, and supporting those affected. The analysis concludes that sustained vigilance, informed awareness, and the dissemination of accurate, evidence-based information are essential in navigating the shifting and controlled narrative propagated by Shincheonji and mitigating its potential harms.
Shincheonji’s founder, Lee Man-hee, published several books in the 1980s that presented his interpretation of the Book of Revelation. These early doctrinal texts, such as “The Secret of Heaven: The Truth of Revelation” (1985) and its follow-up “Revelation’s Reality” (1988), were circulated among Shincheonji members. They were initially presented as the divinely inspired “fulfillment” of Revelation. For instance, the 1985 book interpreted Revelation chapter by chapter, claiming to unveil the “reality” of prophecy in modern times. These early teachings included specific prophetic narratives, such as Lee and a colleague (Hong Jong-ho) being the “two witnesses” of Revelation 11, and provided detailed timelines and symbol interpretations. For several years, members considered these teachings to be absolute truth from the “Promised Pastor”.
However, as Shincheonji’s doctrine evolved, the content of these first editions became problematic. Many interpretations in the 1985-1988 books were later altered or abandoned, leading to questions about their standing within the church.
Revisions and Corrections of Doctrine Over Time
Shincheonji has a documented history of revising its official doctrine, often through new editions of Lee’s books. Lee Man-hee’s Revelation commentary has been revised at least eight times between 1985 and 2017. The first significant revision occurred just three years after the 1985 book, when Lee’s co-founder Hong Jong-ho split from him, prompting Lee to rewrite relevant doctrinal portions. In 1988, “The Truth of Revelation 2” was issued, with “many parts” changed from the 1985 version to accommodate the new situation. This pattern of revision continued with a 1993 edition (“Revelation’s Reality”), a heavily revised 1999 hardcover edition (“Revelation”), “The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation” in 2005, and further updates around 2011 and 2017, each adjusting previously taught “truth”. Critics point out that if Lee’s received revelation was perfect, it should not have required “rewriting it 8 times over 33 years” due to emerging errors.
These changes were not minor but substantive doctrinal corrections. For example, Lee’s early interpretation of the “half hour of silence” in Revelation 8:1 changed drastically. Initially, Shincheonji taught that “half an hour” symbolized six months, based on a prophetic day-year principle, but a later edition reverted to interpreting it as literally 30 minutes. This reversal caused confusion and led some members to leave the church due to the inconsistency in supposed divine revelation. Shincheonji’s leadership attributed this discrepancy to a printing mistake, claiming “the teacher said 30 minutes from the start, but the book’s editor made an error”. However, audio recordings of Lee’s own lectures proved he originally taught the six-month interpretation, contradicting the official explanation. Such examples demonstrate how earlier “truths” were later deemed doctrinally incorrect and quietly corrected in new publications. Critics argue that a genuine divine revelation would not require serial corrections, stating that “if Lee’s revelations were true, only one perfect book would have been needed – not one that had to be ‘fixed’ repeatedly over the decades”.
Lee Man-hee’s Stance Toward His Older Books
Publicly, Lee Man-hee rarely acknowledges flaws in his prior books, but internally, there are indications that he and his church have disavowed those early editions. Former members report that Shincheonji now labels the old teachings as false or even “heresy”. One ex-member questioned how anyone can trust the current version if older books, once considered truth, are now called heresy. This suggests that within Shincheonji, the superseded doctrines are officially regarded as incorrect, effectively renouncing what was once taught as revealed truth. The organization has repudiated its earlier doctrinal iterations, even using the term “heresy” for teachings Lee himself authored in the 1980s. Current Shincheonji doctrine asserts that understanding has been “refined” over time, implying the old interpretations were flawed or misguided.
There is evidence that Lee Man-hee distances himself from the early publications. Whistleblowers allege that Lee denies or downplays his involvement in those books. For example, ex-members noted that Lee would “feign ignorance” if confronted about the 1985 “Revelation’s Reality” book, which was published by “Shincheonji Publishing”. One former member meticulously demonstrated that the 1985 book and related volumes could only have originated from Lee’s fledgling church, concluding that Lee “knows about it, and he would only be feigning ignorance (playing dumb) if he says he doesn’t”. Lee has never openly condemned himself as a heretic, but by denying knowledge of his old teachings or blaming “mistakes” on others, he essentially repudiates those earlier doctrines. Shincheonji’s official line is that Lee is the “Promised Pastor” who cannot err, so any past error is typically explained away as someone else’s fault or as preliminary understanding that was later clarified. This tacitly frames the 1980s books as doctrinally wrong, without Lee directly calling his own past self a false teacher.
Official Disavowal and Restricted Access to Outdated Editions
Shincheonji today formally uses only the latest doctrinal materials and has effectively disavowed earlier editions by removing them from circulation. There is no open promotion or distribution of Lee’s 1980s-1990s books to ordinary members. Instead, Shincheonji teaches that truth has been progressively revealed, rendering older texts obsolete. Current members, especially new Bible students, are not allowed access to the old books. Multiple ex-members testify that Shincheonji restricts or censors older publications to prevent confusion or comparison. For example, a former member who left in 2023 shared Shincheonji’s internal files and noted that Shincheonji has been “getting rid of [older materials]… deleting anything that might show changes in their doctrine”. Shincheonji’s own online portal began purging past content, like older sermon transcripts and class materials, once doctrinal updates were made, to hide evidence of shifting interpretations. As that ex-member observed, for 40 years, Shincheonji has removed or restricted access to outdated materials whenever doctrine changes, so that members see only the revised “truth”.
Access to early books is heavily discouraged. Shincheonji does not provide the 1985 or 1988 Revelation commentaries to students, and many current members are unaware those books ever existed. If a member obtains an old book or brings up its content, they may be told it is invalid or unauthorized. Shincheonji leadership’s stance is that only the current version of Lee’s teaching is doctrinally correct, implying prior versions were mistaken. Some outdated teachings are even branded as “satanic” or heretical influences that needed correction. This official disavowal is not always explicit in public but is reflected in how new printings replaced old ones and how discussing outdated doctrine is taboo internally.
Internal Handling of Outdated Editions and Doctrinal Changes
Within Shincheonji, the replacement of old doctrine with new is a managed process. When a new edition or updated teaching is released, members are expected to adopt it immediately. Any old lesson notes or books are quietly set aside. There have been reports of instructors instructing members to turn in or dispose of old study materials when revisions occur to ensure “one heart” in doctrine, though documentation of formal recall orders is limited. Nevertheless, the pattern is clear: outdated books are treated as if they never existed. Shincheonji’s internal e-learning system (Eduzion) has scrubbed archives of older materials, and even Korean-language instructional articles (CUBS or JSS documents) reflecting earlier interpretations have been deleted. The intent is to erase evidence of doctrinal U-turns, likened by an ex-member to “George Orwell’s 1984” where past records are continually altered.
There is also an element of intentional revisionism: Shincheonji’s official history does not advertise that Lee’s prophecies or teachings ever changed. Instead, changes are reframed as clarifications or deepening of understanding. For example, when the prophecy about the 144,000 sealed believers did not materialize as once expected, Lee “updated” the doctrine, and references to the old claim were erased from publications. Members who noticed such discrepancies internally often kept silent out of fear, as questioning the chairman’s teaching is viewed as a lack of faith. Whistleblower accounts later revealed that leaders privately acknowledged errors and fixed them in new books. A 2020 revelation about the multiple reprints of the Revelation commentary highlights that Shincheonji knowingly corrected “wrong parts” and republished the book after discovering errors. However, rank-and-file members were rarely, if ever, explicitly told, “Our previous book was wrong”. Instead, they were given the new book as the truth, and the old was quietly phased out.
Whistleblower and Ex-Member Testimonies
Former Shincheonji members and whistleblowers, including Korean bloggers and Reddit users, have provided evidence of these doctrinal about-faces and the secretive handling of old teachings. A South Korean news article by cult research pastor Jin Yong-sik in 2020 famously detailed the eight rounds of revisions to Lee’s Revelation books. It cited side-by-side examples of changed interpretations, such as the identity of certain biblical figures in Revelation being re-assigned in later editions (e.g., the “beast from the earth” was initially identified as Lee Cho-joo but later changed to Oh Pyeong-ho). Such comparisons, often leaked by ex-members, show that entire prophecy fulfillments were retroactively rewritten. Whistleblowers have described how discovering these changes was pivotal in their decision to leave.
In Reddit forums and Korean online communities, ex-members confirm that access to the old books was tightly controlled. Some have managed to obtain scanned PDFs of the 1985 “Revelation’s Reality” or other early Shincheonji texts and shared them online, precisely because current Shincheonji devotees would otherwise never see them. One Reddit user posted an English translation of the 1985 book, noting it had to be recovered from discarded files and warning that Shincheonji leadership “will continue to remove or restrict access to older materials as it has done so for the last 40 years”.
Insider testimony also reveals cover-up tactics. In the case of the “half hour = 6 months” doctrinal flip, former members recall that some inquisitive believers left Shincheonji in protest when they realized the teaching had changed. Those who raised questions were given an official explanation that a “typo” or editor’s mistake was to blame, rather than Lee Man-hee’s error. However, a leaked audio of Lee’s prior sermon proved that the original doctrine indeed came from Lee’s own mouth. This kind of leaked evidence confirms that Shincheonji’s top leaders were aware of the discrepancies and took steps to conceal them from the general membership.
Korean ex-member communities frequently discuss how Shincheonji leadership monitors and suppresses information that contradicts the current official line. Testimonies note that members are warned not to seek out unauthorized materials; reading old doctrinal books or listening to ex-member accounts is equated with “spiritual poisoning” or betrayal. Despite this, whistleblowers have preserved copies of the old books outside the church, using them to demonstrate the major doctrinal corrections that Shincheonji made but never publicly admitted.
Rumors and Unconfirmed Reports
Several rumors circulate among ex-members regarding Shincheonji’s treatment of the old books, though hard proof is sometimes lacking. For instance, it is often rumored that Shincheonji officials have actively collected and destroyed earlier editions of Lee’s books to prevent their spread. Some former believers claim that when a new revision was released, cell leaders instructed members to turn in any prior edition for disposal, essentially a quiet recall. However, documentary evidence of systematic book-burning or recalls is scant, and Shincheonji has never publicly announced such a policy. It is also whispered that Lee Man-hee privately blames unnamed “editors” or former aides for the errors in the 1980s books, as a way to avoid personal fault. While Lee has not been recorded explicitly denouncing his own books as “heresy” in public, ex-members suspect he might allege those early writings were tainted by betrayers or incomplete understanding. These claims remain unconfirmed, as no direct statement from Lee has surfaced admitting, “My old book was doctrinally wrong”. What is clear from verified accounts is that Lee and Shincheonji no longer endorse the content of those early works, even if they stop short of openly confessing error. The strong consensus of those who left is that something is being hidden, with one former member musing, “If they taught it was truth then but call it false now, what else are they hiding?”. This lingering suspicion is widespread in ex-Shincheonji communities, though Shincheonji itself denies any wrongdoing in how it manages doctrinal changes.
All Known Published Books by Lee Man Hee
Books Published in Korean (Partial list based on sources and witness accounts):
- 천지창조 (The Creation of Heaven and Earth)
- First published: 2007
- Revised: Multiple times
- English translation available.
- 계시의 실상 (The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation)
- First published: 2014
- Revised: Yes
- English version available.
- 계시의 실상 (1985 Version) – Also titled “The Reality of the Revelation”
- Original edition banned internally due to doctrinal issues.
- English translation of this early version is available.
- 신탄 (Shintan)
- Highly controversial and later discredited.
- This book was co-authored or edited by Kim Gun-nam and Hong Jong-hyo and allegedly altered from Lee’s original manuscript.
- Publicly condemned by Lee himself in 2019 as corrupt and a source of “harassment”.
- 계시 전서 1권 (Revelation Vol. 1)
- Believed to contain early interpretations no longer taught today.
- 새천지의 성장사 (The Growth of Shincheonji History)
- Contains covenant-by-blood rituals.
- English not available; cited in theological critiques as evidence of Lee’s messianic self-deification.
- 요한계시록의 진상 (The True Story of Revelation)
- Early volumes written in the 1980s.
- No official English translation available.
- 비유풀이 (Explanation of Parables)
- A parables book that evolved through versions.
- English version available with edits.
- 천국비밀의 성취 (Fulfillment of the Secrets of Heaven)
- Not translated to English.
- 청지기 교육원 강의록 (Stewardship Education Center Lecture Notes)
- Internal curriculum; not public.
Several books were withdrawn or quietly retired as doctrine evolved, including books once claimed to be direct revelation. The total number of Lee’s authored or attributed works exceeds 25 titles, although many are not accessible to the public, and some exist only in Korean.
Doctrinal Contradictions and Book Revisions
| Area of Doctrine | Earlier Teaching (in Published Books) | Current Teaching in SCJ Bible Class (2024-2025) | Sources |
| Date of Ordination | Spring 1980 (in 1985’s Reality of Revelation) | Now claimed as 1977 or 1979 | the true story of Shinc… |
| 7 Messengers | Formerly claimed Lee judged them by 7 Trumpets | Now softened to “sent letters” only | the true story of Shinc… |
| Shintan Book | Once distributed as official doctrine | Condemned by Lee as manipulated | All combined |
| The Image of the Beast | Specific interpretation from Rev 13:15-16 | Not emphasized or removed in modern materials | All combined |
| Heaven and Earth Creation | Ongoing sealing of 144,000 emphasized Formerly physical, later spiritualized | Bible Study PDF and 2024 curriculum | |
| Dates | fulfillment now | ||
| Blood Covenant Ritual | Denied or hidden from foreign students Leaders signed with blood in “New Covenant” | Kim_Shincheonji_2016 | |
| End-Time Timeline | Now allegorized or Earlier versions spiritually ongoing hinted at specific dates | the true story of Shinc… |
Why Lee’s Own Books Were Condemned as Heretical
- “Shintan” Controversy: Lee publicly condemned this book due to alleged interference from Kim Gun-nam and others. Despite being part of SCJ’s early teachings, it was later scrubbed from classrooms and branded as doctrinally impure.
- Doctrinal Inconsistency: Many of Lee’s books made claims about events and interpretations that were later changed without open acknowledgment. For example, “The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation” no longer matches teachings in SCJ 2024 Bible Study slides.
- Information Control: SCJ has forbidden access to older editions. New recruits are only given sanitized versions, and older members are discouraged or forbidden from referencing older publications; many are completely unavailable to non-Korean speakers.
- Deification of Lee: Some books, like “The Growth of Shincheonji,” allegedly feature rituals that elevate Lee to a messianic figure, such as blood covenants, which are considered blasphemous by mainstream Christianity.
Access and Suppression of Old Books
Are Old Books Still Available? No. According to multiple sources, including whistleblower documents and ex-member Reddit threads, most earlier books are banned, removed from official sites, and are not shared with international members.
Why Are They Suppressed?
- They contradict the current version of Lee’s testimony.
- They include incorrect prophecies (e.g., physical end-dates).
- They reveal internal power struggles and betrayals.
- They hint at past affiliations (e.g., with Olive Tree or Tabernacle Temple) that SCJ wants to erase.
Rumors or Unverified Claims
Some testimonies accuse Lee of copying doctrine from Yoo Jae-yeol or Park Tae-seon, while others claim fabricated visions. These require further documentation and cannot be fully confirmed with public evidence. These are not included in the doctrinal contradiction table but are discussed in “The True Story of Shincheonji” and Kim, Min-hyuk’s “Shincheonji Cult Analysis Report (2016)”.
Sources and Links
- [The True Story of Shincheonji (Translation Archive)]
- [Reddit Thread – Doctrinal Change Logs by Ex-Members]
- [Shintan Controversy Testimony]
Bibliography
Books by Lee Man-hee (Published by Shincheonji Church of Jesus):
- Lee, Man-hee. The Creation of Heaven and Earth. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, 2007. English translation edition.
- Lee, Man-hee. The Physical Fulfillment of Revelation. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, 2014. English edition.
- Lee, Man-hee. The Reality of the Revelation. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, 1985. Korean edition (translated unofficially by ex-members).
- Lee, Man-hee. Explanation of Parables: Figurative Language of the Bible. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, various editions. English version circulated among SCJ students (undated).
- Lee, Man-hee. Growth of Shincheonji History. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, unpublished internal textbook. Korean only.
- Lee, Man-hee. The True Story of Revelation (요한계시록의 진상). Shincheonji Publishing, 1985–1988. Korean only; withdrawn from use.
- Lee, Man-hee. Revelation’s Reality (계시의 실상). Shincheonji Publishing, 1993. Superseded by later editions.
Additional Research Sources and Whistleblower Reports:
- Kim, Min-hyuk. Shincheonji Cult Analysis Report (2016). Unofficial internal critique shared by ex-members. Korean PDF.
- “SCJ Bible Study Notes (2024).” Internal teaching slides and notes used in Shincheonji classes.
- ParableBook_SCJ_readable. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, internal figurative language training manual.
Introvigne, Massimo. Shincheonji: A New Religious Movement. CESNUR, 2016.
Please take the time to check the Bible verses we’ve provided as references. Use them as a guide for your own understanding and discernment. It’s important to verify and confirm information with external sources, witnesses, and experts to ensure validity and transparency. Additionally, remember to pray for wisdom as you seek to identify any errors and ensure that your understanding aligns with biblical teachings.