Shincheonji’s Bible study program is designed as a strategic process to uproot pre-existing beliefs and cultivate a new understanding of the Bible, positioning itself as the only source of true, revealed knowledge. This process aims to “harvest” students from the “field” of traditional Christianity, bringing them into the “barn” of Shincheonji.
Here’s a breakdown of how this strategy works, drawing from the Shincheonji Bible Study Seminar:
The core objective of Shincheonji’s Bible study is to differentiate between “wheat” (true believers who accept Shincheonji’s teachings) and “chaff” (those who adhere to traditional church doctrines). This separation is achieved through an intensive study of the Bible, particularly the Book of Revelation, which Shincheonji claims to have uniquely deciphered. They believe that traditional churches, referred to as “Babylon,” teach the “rules and traditions of men” rather than the “opened word of revelation”.
Shincheonji’s rigorous testing and high standards result in a low passing rate, with only about 25% (good soil) of students completing the course. Those who successfully pass all the levels are considered to have truly understood and accepted Shincheonji’s teachings and are described as being “sealed” with the word. This “sealing” signifies their transformation and acceptance into the “New Spiritual Israel”. The act of sealing represents the members’ journey to becoming overcomers who have overcome obstacles, internalized the teachings, and are ready for spiritual validation.
Shincheonji portrays its interpretation of the Bible as “mature food,” contrasting it with the “milk” that traditional churches provide. They claim that traditional churches lack the understanding to explain the deeper meanings of the Bible, particularly the prophecies in Revelation. By offering what they consider the true, revealed word, Shincheonji positions itself as the only place where believers can find genuine spiritual nourishment. This distinction reinforces that the teachings of Shincheonji is the only way to truly grasp the scriptures.
Shincheonji’s educational process is designed to systematically challenge and dismantle pre-existing beliefs and understandings of the Bible. This is done by: 1. Offering a new interpretation of scriptures: Through the seminar, Shincheonji aims to provide a comprehensive explanation of biblical prophecies, particularly those in the Book of Revelation, claiming to reveal their true meanings.
Central to Shincheonji’s teachings is the figure of the promised pastor, Lee Man-hee, who they claim has received the opened word of revelation directly from Jesus. They believe he is the only one who can properly interpret the Bible, particularly the book of Revelation, and that studying from him is the only way to receive the truth.
Shincheonji employs a carefully crafted strategy to indoctrinate students, beginning with self-reflection, discernment, and basic moral teachings. They gradually introduce their unique interpretations of scripture, asserting that traditional Christianity is in darkness. This approach is designed to lead new recruits to accept Shincheonji as the only true source of spiritual understanding. A key aspect of Shincheonji’s indoctrination strategy is the combination of theological instruction, psychological techniques, and social pressures, all aimed at creating dedicated members. Central to this process is a rigorous study and testing regimen, framed as a path to spiritual “sealing.” This requires a significant time commitment that often extends beyond personal and work lives. The program emphasizes memorization, encourages repeated study, and strives for complete mastery of the teachings, though it does not directly test recitation in class. In summary, Shincheonji’s approach to spiritual development centers on the concept of becoming an “overcomer” through rigorous study and perseverance. Their educational process is framed as a spiritual battle against evil, where participants not only learn but also endure and overcome challenges to achieve a state of spiritual completion, described as being “sealed.”
This urgency is driven by several key points: Partial Fulfillment: The Tabernacle Temple’s destruction was a localized fulfillment, but Babylon’s influence persists globally. Here’s an analysis of Shincheonji’s methods, emphasizing the theme of overcoming and spiritual perseverance:
Shincheonji emphasizes that passing tests at each level with a minimum score of 90% is not just an academic achievement but a spiritual victory, a necessary step to becoming an overcomer and being “sealed”. This high standard is framed as a way to ensure students have fully internalized the teachings, demonstrating their commitment to the path of overcoming. The belief is that only 144,000 will achieve this level of spiritual victory. They evaluate the effort.
The requirement that all test questions and answers must be handwritten is presented not just as a way to reinforce memorization but as a way to endure and persevere. This process symbolizes the effort and dedication required to overcome obstacles and internalize the teachings, a crucial part of becoming an overcomer. The physical act of writing reinforces the teachings.
The substantial time commitment needed for handwritten tests, high passing scores, and the volume of material to be memorized is portrayed as a test of dedication and perseverance. Students are encouraged to view this sacrifice of personal time and energy as a necessary part of their journey toward becoming an overcomer.
Students are expected to engage in frequent self-quizzing, using written questions and answers on separate pages to facilitate repetitive practice. This rigorous preparation is framed as spiritual warfare, equipping them to fight against the forces of evil and become overcomers, ready to be “sealed” with the word. The tests are not viewed as a burden but as tools for spiritual growth, designed to facilitate understanding and help them overcome.
Memorization is highly encouraged as a means of arming oneself with the word, a weapon in the spiritual battle. Though students are not tested on their ability to recite in class, they must demonstrate their mastery through written tests, proving their ability to overcome through rigorous study and preparation.
Students are instructed to write answers word-for-word, without paraphrasing, as a demonstration of unwavering faith and adherence to Shincheonji’s teachings, which is seen as essential for becoming an overcomer.
Students are advised to focus on mastering a few questions at a time through repeated study, building their perseverance and ensuring they are fully prepared for the “sealing exams”. This approach, though less overwhelming, requires consistent effort over time, a commitment seen as necessary for spiritual victory.
Students are urged to “study diligently” for the tests and change habits that may hinder their progress, framed as a spiritual duty “for God, not for people”. This creates a sense of obligation, connecting academic achievement with spiritual growth, and is a way to overcome personal shortcomings and strive to be fully “sealed.”
Students must pass each level of the course with high marks to advance, symbolizing their spiritual advancement along the path of overcoming and showing their commitment to fight and overcome the devil.
Students are urged to master test questions so that they can easily progress to the next level, showing their strength as an overcomer. This cultivates a desire for perfection and preparedness, essential qualities for someone seeking to become a true overcomer.
Shincheonji refers to their exams as “sealing exams,” a process of spiritual validation, making them a component of members’ journey to becoming overcomers.
Students are encouraged to take the Bible Study Seminar multiple times to master the content fully and be completely sealed, symbolizing the need to endure and persevere until the end. This repeated engagement reinforces that the path to becoming an overcomer is not easy and requires continual effort.
Students are expected to be 100% sealed, demonstrating that the process of becoming an overcomer is a journey of continuous spiritual development and unwavering commitment. This emphasis on completeness underscores the seriousness of their commitment. In summary, Shincheonji’s indoctrination process is a complex blend of theological teaching, psychological manipulation, and social pressures. By controlling information, employing repetitive teaching methods, creating emotional bonds, and emphasizing the urgency of their message, Shincheonji effectively cultivates a strong sense of loyalty and dependence among its followers. This leads them to accept Shincheonji as the sole source of truth and salvation. The indoctrination begins with seemingly benign teachings focused on moral behavior and self-reflection, alongside careful study of the Bible. It gradually shifts to concentrate on Shincheonji’s unique interpretations of scripture, including their claims about the fulfillment of prophecy. Through intensive teaching, the strategic use of biblical language, and the dismantling of old beliefs, Shincheonji aims to create dedicated followers who believe that it offers the only path to true spiritual understanding. Furthermore, Shincheonji employs rigorous testing, handwritten answers, and high standards within a spiritual framework that emphasizes overcoming challenges. The pressure to achieve high scores and adhere strictly to the teachings, combined with the emotional investment of the students, fosters an environment where they feel they are engaged in a spiritual battle to become “overcomers.” This process encourages repeated engagement with the material to achieve complete mastery and solidifies their identity as individuals who persevere through spiritual persecution. The focus on enduring trials and overcoming obstacles is a central aspect of their spiritual journey.
Separating Wheat from Chaff (Born of God’s Seed)
Low Passing Rate and the “Sealing” Process
“Mature Food” vs. “Milk”
Uprooting Old Beliefs and Planting New Ones
2. Emphasizing fulfillment: Shincheonji emphasizes that the prophecies are not just symbolic but are being physically fulfilled today and that their church is the place where these prophecies are being manifested.
3. Providing structured study: With a multi-level teaching program, students advance through levels, learning the core tenets of Shincheonji and are tested at every stage, to confirm understanding.
4. Promoting a new identity: Students are encouraged to see themselves as part of a new spiritual community, the “12 Tribes,” with a distinct purpose and mission, separate from traditional churches.
5. The Barn of Shincheonji: The “barn” in this analogy represents Shincheonji itself, the place where the harvested wheat are brought. This is the space where those who have accepted the new teachings are gathered and where they are meant to grow together as a new spiritual community. It also serves as the place where God dwells on Earth.The Role of the Promised Pastor
In essence, Shincheonji’s Bible study is not just an academic exercise but a carefully orchestrated process aimed at transforming the believer’s spiritual foundation, leading them away from traditional churches and into the fold of Shincheonji. The high standards, low passing rate, and the concept of being sealed all reinforce this goal of creating a dedicated and exclusive community of believers committed to the teachings of Shincheonji. The emphasis on a new identity, the promised pastor, and the unique knowledge reinforces this sense of exclusivity.
Initial Focus on Self-Reflection and Discernment:
2. They encourage students to listen carefully, discern between truth and falsehood, and distinguish between good and evil spirits.
3. This is done by referencing scripture, and asking students to use the Bible to discern the spirit at work in any speaker, distinguishing between God’s Spirit and Satan’s Spirit.
4. Instructors and evangelists are trained to present themselves as having good intentions, often stating their desire to help people “flee to the mountain” and find salvation through the new teachings.
5. This initial approach is designed to create a sense of trust and establish a foundation of shared values with the students.
6. They emphasize the importance of not being content with what merely sounds good, and to always question the instructor.
Introduction of Common Moral Teachings and Gradual Uprooting of Old Beliefs:
2. This strategy makes their teachings more palatable initially, as they don’t present radical differences at the outset.
3. They believe that revealing their unique doctrines too early might cause resistance.
4. The strategy of concealing information and revealing it “at the proper time” is based on the idea that people cannot understand complex truths without first mastering the basics.
5. Instructors explain that it took them months to understand these concepts, suggesting that students must be patient and study with them to grasp the truths they teach.
6. As the seminar progresses, they gradually introduce Shincheonji’s interpretations, claiming that traditional Christianity is in darkness and does not possess the true understanding of scripture.
7. Shincheonji believes that traditional churches are teaching incorrectly and that Satan is deceiving many people with the sealed word.
8. The “mixed teachings of truth and lies” that students bring with them are seen as obstacles that must be uprooted before the new teachings can be fully accepted.
Emphasis on Shincheonji as the Sole Source of Truth:
2. They present themselves as the only ones who truly understand the Bible and the fulfillment of its prophecies.
3. Shincheonji teaches that they are the place where the sealed word is opened, and that they have the explanations of the prophecies that were once hidden.
4. This is reinforced by their claim to be the “Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony” where the “wedding banquet of the kingdom of heaven” is taking place.
5. This positioning as the only source of true understanding is crucial for them to establish authority.
Censorship and Control of Information:
2. They emphasize that the information must come “directly from the source (the oil seller)”, New John as one of the witnesses of Revelation.
3. By limiting access to external viewpoints, Shincheonji controls the narrative and prevents students from encountering alternative interpretations or criticisms of their teachings.
Repetitive Review and Reinforcement:
2. This repetition, combined with the intensive pace, is designed to overwhelm students’ critical thinking abilities and promote conformity to their teachings.
3. There are additional reviews after the instructor-led lessons, and students are required to attend small group sessions for further reviews, creating a constant cycle of reinforcement.
4. The Evangelists are always on call to assist their students for further support and questions. (Bonding and Trust build)
Biblical Literacy and Memorization:
2. Instructors are skilled in using and maneuvering through the Bible, often appearing as a “walking Bible”.
3. This emphasis on scripture creates the impression that all of their teachings are based on the Bible, reinforcing their authority.
4. The use of the Bible also provides a basis for comparing Shincheonji’s teachings to other doctrines, often framing other churches’ interpretations as incorrect.
5. Students are taught to check what they hear against the scriptures and to focus on really listening with eagerness.
6. Shincheonji claims to teach the Bible in its entirety, free of charge, unlike the seminary schools that require payment.
Intensive Teaching Methods:
2. These sessions are designed to immerse students in the material, making it difficult to process and analyze the information critically.
3. They emphasize that you must be created according to the word and help your congregation do the same.
4. The rapid pace and high volume of information can lead to information overload, which may overwhelm the critical thinking process of new students.
5. They use a variety of methods to teach the word, including online Bible Study seminars, and in-person gatherings at the Center.
Uprooting and Replanting Strategy:
2. Their teaching involves showing how certain aspects of the Bible are not to be understood literally but figuratively, and they re-interpret many biblical concepts.
3. The concept of “Babylon” is used to represent traditional churches and their flawed teachings.
4. Shincheonji believes that they are inviting people out of Babylon to the “Mountain of Zion”, the “Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony”.
5. They believe that the time of harvest has arrived, and those who are harvested go to the heavenly barn, which is Shincheonji, the twelve tribes.
6. Those who are not harvested and remain in their churches are seen as belonging to the Tree of Good and Evil, and born of the seed of death.
The Mission to Spread the “New Gospel”:
2. The instructors and evangelists are seen as the messengers of this new truth, equipped to convey the message to others.
3. They believe that God speaks to one person and that person’s job is to speak to others. * The Bible Study Seminars and online teachings are part of their strategy to reach a global audience. * They encourage members to invite people to attend the seminars so that they can also hear the revealed word and come to understand Shincheonji’s teachings.
2. The idea of “fleeing to the mountain” (Mount Zion) is presented as the only way to achieve salvation, and Shincheonji is portrayed as the only place where this is possible.
3. Mount Zion is described as the headquarters in South Korea, but also as the local churches, which are branches of the headquarters.
4. The final step of indoctrination is the pressure to “passover” to Shincheonji and “sign the book of life,” making a full commitment to become a full member.
5. This is presented as a necessary step to secure salvation. This pressure, combined with the emotional connections, and fear of losing community, makes it difficult for students to resist joining.
6. They believe that as more people become aware, things will begin to snowball, and eventually, the whole world will know.
7. They believe that members should deliver that word to others, and this has been the process and it is the same process today.
8. They see themselves as working towards a time when everyone will recognize Shincheonji as the place of salvation, and that they will no longer need to evangelize because people will be coming to them.
Focus on a promised Pastor:
2. They believe that the one who is sent must be accepted in order to accept the sender (Jesus).
3. They claim that the promised pastor is the one who testifies to the word of the revelation and that believers must meet this shepherd.
4. They also believe that the promised pastor is the one through whom the spirit of truth will work to convict those who do not believe in Jesus, and to elevate the righteous who believe.
Creating a Sense of Urgency and the Closing of the Doors:
2. They believe that the time is coming when no more people will be accepted into Shincheonji, and there will be a period of judgment.
3. Shincheonji’s teachings create a strong sense of urgency by emphasizing that while a small-scale fulfillment of Revelation 18’s judgment of Babylon occurred in a South Korean town with the Tabernacle Temple, a much larger, global judgment is imminent.
Imminent Judgment: God’s judgment of Babylon is not just a historical event, but an ongoing process that will soon reach a climax. This includes the “crumbling” of traditional churches.
Call to Flee: There is a divine command to “come out of her” (Babylon) to avoid sharing in her plagues. This means leaving traditional churches and joining Shincheonji.
Closing Door: Time is limited to make the right decision, like a “closing door,” before salvation is no longer possible.
Flee to the Mountain: Believers must flee to the “mountain,” which is Shincheonji (Mount Zion), for safety and salvation. This mountain is not a physical place, but the location where God dwells on Earth.
Judgment by Fire: The judgment of Babylon can happen at any time, like a fire that can destroy.
Global Scale: The judgment will occur on a global scale, not just in Korea.
Wedding Banquet: The wedding banquet of the Lamb will occur after Babylon’s judgment, adding urgency to be among the saved.
These points create a sense of urgency, as Shincheonji believes believers must act now and escape Babylon to find safety in Shincheonji. Overcoming Through Mastery
Handwritten Tests as a Means of Enduring and Sealing
Time Commitment as a Test of Dedication
Test Preparation and Review as Spiritual Warfare
Memorization as a Weapon
Word-for-Word Answers as Unwavering Faith
Quizzing Strategy as Perseverance
Intensive Study as a Path to Overcoming
Progression Through Levels as Spiritual Advancement
Mastery as the Goal of an Overcomer
Tests as “Sealing Exams”
Multiple Study Attempts as Enduring to the End
Complete Sealing Through Perseverance
The testing procedures are designed not just to ensure comprehension of the material but to build character and resilience. The emphasis on achieving high scores, adhering strictly to the teachings, and the emotional bonds formed within the group creates an environment where students feel highly invested in the organization’s goals and may find it difficult to challenge its authority. The idea of being sealed as an overcomer also makes it very hard for them to leave, as it would mean losing this status.