Shincheonji and their interpretation of the Bible
Shincheonji claims to have the open word, where only through Lee Man Hee can one truly understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven which are all hidden away in a series of parables and metaphors. Within a Shincheonji Bible study, a series of words and metaphors are redefined and backed by scripture, forming a “parable dictionary” which redefines the metaphorical language like cloud, fire, and even what it means to lie according to the Bible.
Shincheonji references Matthew 13:11-15, Isaiah 34:16 and Hosea 12:10, citing that every verse has its pair. Therefore, in order to obtain true salvation, one must know and understand all of the Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Is Shincheonji Unique?
When studying with Shincheonji, their approach to the bible may appear to be unique and refreshing. However, when you compare their teachings to another Korean cult known as the World Mission Society Church of God. A comparison between the two doctrines not only demonstrates that their interpretations are incorrect, it also shows that that Lee Man Hee’s doctrine was heavily influenced by other Korean sects that predate Shincheonji.
| Symbol | SCJ Interpretation | SCJ Verses | WMSCOG Interpretation | WMSCOG Verses |
| Cloud | The symbol of the invisible world | Exodus 19:9, Ezekiel 1:4, Matthew 17:5, Luke 9:34 | Flesh | Jude 1:12, Hebrews 12:1, Proverbs 25:14 |
| Bird | Spirit | Matthew 3:16, Revelation 18:12 | Fleshly Beings in Spiritual Roles | Isa 46:10-11, |
| Field | A person’s heart; Jesus’s Church. | Parable of Sower (Matthew 13), 1 Corinthians 3:16 | A person’s heart, the world | Parable of Sower (Matthew 13), 1 Corinthians 3:16 |
| Bread / Hidden Manna / Food | God’s open word | John 6:63-68, Luke 22:14-20 | Passover | John 6:63-68, Luke 22:14-20 |
| Olive Oil | Word of Testimony | Zech 4:11-15,
Revelation 11:3-5 |
Baptism and Faith | Luke 10:34, Luke 4:18, Luke 3:21 |
| Wine | Old Wine: the closed word
New Wine: the open word |
John 15:1, Matthew 5:17 | The Passover; the Hidden Passover (also Hidden Manna) | Luke 10:34; Isaiah 25:6 |
| Rain | Word of God | Deuteronomy 32:1-2 | Word of God in different eras | Deuteronomy 32:1-2 |
| Beast and Horns | Beast: A person or organization that doesn’t understand God’s word
Horn – A person of Authority |
Proverbs 30:1-2, Psalms 49:20, Daniel 7:24 | Represented Different Kingdoms and the Devil | Daniel 7:24, Daniel 8 |
The above table demonstrates just how easy it is to twist scripture, especially when one takes the verses out of context to redefine symbols while ignoring the original historical context and original language in which the text was written.