The Shincheonji Church of Jesus (SCJ) employs a highly structured approach to Bible study, using parables, typology, and prophetic claims to present their leader, Lee Man Hee, as the “Promised Pastor” foretold in Scripture. While their teachings may seem intricate and deeply biblical at first glance, a closer examination reveals significant deviations from traditional Christian doctrine. This article explores their methods and highlights the need for critical discernment grounded in Scripture.
The Foundation of Shincheonji’s Approach
SCJ’s framework begins with the idea that the Bible contains hidden truths only they can reveal. They claim their teachings decode these truths through parables and typology, linking them to modern events and their organization. Through reinterpreted prophetic passages, SCJ positions their leader, Lee Man Hee, as the fulfillment of these prophecies, offering an exclusive pathway to understanding God’s plans.
SCJ teaches that Lee Man Hee, referred to as the “New John,” is a servant who testifies to what he has seen and heard, acting as God’s mouthpiece. They describe him as working under Jesus’ authority, portraying him metaphorically as the throne of Jesus (Revelation 3:21) or the white horse (Revelation 6:2) ridden by Jesus, who acts in spirit.
By employing parables and typology, SCJ attributes to Lee Man Hee qualities that suggest he is a physical embodiment of Jesus’ authority and blessings. However, to avoid controversy, they describe him as a humble servant, obedient to Jesus. SCJ further teaches that seeing Lee Man Hee is akin to seeing God and Jesus, citing their interpretation of biblical imagery and parables. This teaching raises critical theological concerns and demands careful scrutiny of its alignment with Scripture.
The Bible, however, warns against such claims. Jesus cautioned, “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). Additionally, Deuteronomy 18:21-22 provides a clear standard for evaluating prophetic claims: “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken.” SCJ’s portrayal of Lee Man Hee as essential to salvation and as a vessel for Jesus’ spirit raises significant theological questions that challenge traditional Christian teachings.
The Role of Parables
SCJ emphasizes the importance of parables as spiritual codes, citing Hosea 12:10: “I spoke to the prophets, gave them many visions, and told parables through them.” They teach that parables are a divine method of hiding secrets, requiring decoding through their leader, Lee Man Hee. According to SCJ, these parables reveal hidden truths that are inaccessible without their interpretation. This approach appeals to followers seeking deeper spiritual insights, as it positions SCJ’s teachings as the sole pathway to unlocking the mysteries of scripture.
Through parables, SCJ connects the dots to identify roles such as the “faithful and wise servant” (Matthew 24:45-47), the “New John” (Revelation 1:1-2), and the “one who overcomes” (Revelation 2:7, 3:21). These roles, which SCJ argues are not immediately obvious in scripture, are linked to their Promised Pastor, Lee Man Hee. They interpret John 14:26, where Jesus promises to send someone to testify about future events, as fulfilled in Lee Man Hee. SCJ teaches that through the divine chain of revelation—God to Jesus to the angel to the New John—Lee Man Hee uniquely understands the Bible and its ultimate fulfillment.
Spiritual and Figurative Nature of the Second Coming
SCJ’s doctrine also emphasizes that the Second Coming of Christ is spiritual and figurative, contrasting it with the First Coming, which was physical and literal. They interpret John 16:25—“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father”—as evidence that the fulfillment of Revelation requires decoding of figurative language. SCJ frames this fulfillment as spiritual and subjective in nature, allowing flexibility in their interpretation to adapt to changing circumstances or unmet expectations. This flexibility ensures their teachings remain relevant and adaptable, presenting parables and typology as the method for understanding a fulfillment that unfolds progressively.
To illustrate, SCJ describes Revelation as a script or blueprint, where events must unfold step-by-step, much like a film brought to life. They liken their interpretation to video editing, piecing together fragmented verses to construct a cohesive narrative that supports their doctrinal framework. This narrative portrays Lee Man Hee as the pivotal figure in Revelation’s fulfillment, presenting him as the one through whom God’s secrets are revealed and actualized. By using parables as subtexts rather than direct statements, SCJ avoids explicitly declaring their claims, instead allowing scripture to “speak for itself” in a way that validates their teachings without overtly stating them.
Partial Fulfillment at the First Coming and Full Realization Today
SCJ further emphasizes that prophecy and parables were fulfilled in part during the First Coming but are being fully realized today through their leader, their doctrine, and their kingdom. They claim that believers witnessing these events are uniquely blessed, as they are living in the era of complete fulfillment. Revelation 1:3—“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near”—is frequently cited to assert that their followers are part of a chosen group experiencing the realization of God’s promises.
Adaptability of Doctrine Through Figurative Interpretations
By teaching that the Second Coming is spiritual and figurative, SCJ underscores that many people misunderstand it as a literal, physical event. This doctrinal stance not only supports their theological framework but also leaves room for reinterpretation, ensuring their teachings remain adaptable as historical and cultural contexts shift. SCJ claims that understanding the Bible through their lens—guided by Lee Man Hee’s authority—allows believers to access the true meaning of God’s plan, thereby participating in what they assert is the final, complete fulfillment of prophecy.
Typology and Prophecy
Typology—drawing parallels between biblical events and modern claims—is central to SCJ’s teachings. They equate Jesus’ first coming with Lee Man Hee’s role in the second coming, presenting their organization as the fulfillment of God’s promises. For example, they reinterpret Revelation’s visions to fit their narrative, calling Lee Man Hee the “New John.”
SCJ claims that Lee Man Hee fulfills roles described in Revelation, such as being a witness to its fulfillment. They assert his authority stems from his position as a servant and that he operates under Jesus’ spiritual guidance, embodying their unity of purpose.
However, true biblical typology, as explained by Jesus in Luke 24:44-47, consistently points to Him as the culmination of God’s plan. Hebrews 7:24-25 reinforces this by declaring Christ as the eternal High Priest. SCJ’s claims disrupt this narrative, replacing Christ’s central role with their leader. Furthermore, their typology often retrofits modern events to fit ancient prophecies, distorting their original meanings.
Cross-Referencing Scripture: Clarifying or Distorting?
SCJ frequently uses cross-referencing of scripture to validate their doctrines, often isolating verses from their broader biblical context. For example, their interpretation of Revelation focuses on aligning modern events with prophecy, disregarding the symbolic and apocalyptic nature intended to encourage persecuted Christians historically.
Additionally, their teaching that salvation is exclusive to SCJ contradicts Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” The Bible consistently upholds Christ alone as the fulfillment of prophecy and the only source of salvation.
Testing Prophetic Claims
The Bible provides clear criteria for evaluating prophecy. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 states: “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken.” SCJ’s prophetic claims often lack independent verification and rely on self-referential evidence, failing this biblical test.
Historically, many groups have claimed to fulfill biblical prophecy, but few have withstood scrutiny. True prophecy aligns with Scripture, moral integrity, and historical accuracy. SCJ’s reliance on secrecy and reinterpretation raises red flags for discerning believers.
Practical Analogies for Discernment
SCJ’s claim to exclusivity resembles a school asserting their teacher is the sole authority on math, ignoring universally established principles. This approach undermines the biblical call for believers to test all teachings against Scripture, as exemplified by the Bereans in Acts 17:11.
The Logistics of Indoctrination
SCJ’s Bible studies are methodically designed, starting with parables and gradually introducing controversial doctrines. Over months, students are drawn deeper into SCJ’s teachings, often discouraged from questioning or seeking outside perspectives.
Spiritual growth flourishes through engagement with diverse perspectives and careful testing of teachings against Scripture. The Bereans exemplified this by diligently examining the Word to confirm its truth (Acts 17:11).
A Call for Discernment
As seekers of truth, we must approach SCJ’s teachings with wisdom and discernment. Consider these questions:
- If Revelation’s fulfillment is universal, why are SCJ’s teachings shrouded in secrecy?
- Do SCJ’s interpretations align with the broader message of the Bible?
- How does their claim to exclusivity fit with the gospel’s message of salvation through Christ alone?
Jesus warned in Matthew 7:15-16: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” Similarly, 1 John 4:1 advises: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
Conclusion: Faith and Evidence
While SCJ offers an appealing narrative of biblical fulfillment, their methods often distort Scripture, lack transparency, and contradict foundational Christian doctrines. True faith combines spiritual openness with critical examination, as demonstrated by the Bereans. In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, requiring no modern mediators or exclusive organizations. Let us hold fast to Him, seeking truth through Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.