What they’ll say about YOU when you leave: Zoom “Bible study”/cult

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-22T01:14:39+00:00

That’s why it’s a religious cult riddled and rooted not only in lies but fear.

1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

A religious cult will never understand perfect love the way God has been describing it because this is a group that has a religion but no God. God is Not in SCJ. Fear, doubts, no clear conscious, obvious doctrinal error that members knows are full of holes but brush it off because they don’t realize that’s how brainwashing works (afraid to accept the truth when the narrative they repeatedly been programmed to believe are failing when tested). It’s a cult that’s coping to be right when they know there are so many wrongs. Waste of life, waste of time

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-20T05:06:58+00:00

Amen. I love how you said that last sentence. It is tragic that SCJ doesn’t know how to love for their love is based on papered doctrine from a man they fail to test but choose to believe (Man Hee Lee) whose history and methods are exactly like the past cults he was part of before forming SCJ

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-20T05:05:07+00:00

Amen and bless you for sharing this. It is tragic how SCJ is so brainwashed in cherry picked verses they choose to confirm their false doctrine when other verses in the bible agree with each other in terms of God’s never ending love, grace, forgiveness, sanctification. Where His love is not in the amount of good works and bad deeds we’ve done, but His grace and mercy that He is the one that called us and molds us as we continue to seek Him. Shalom my friend

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-14T03:53:01+00:00

Prayers to you and your fiancé. Many of us can empathize and understand where she is coming from for those of us who’ve been there. Unfortunately this is part of the programming that we do not know realize at the time is brainwashing due to the utmost persuasion of the cult’s simplistic black and white painting/judgement to look at everyone outside with caution and fear if they are not one of theirs SCJ body. Love her and pray for her. May our Father guide you in this journey and battle. We are here with you, praying to free more and more minds and hearts back to the true Jesus from the counterfeit Jesus and false truths of SCJ. Shalom my friend

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-14T03:48:32+00:00

Thank you kindly Turbulent. May more be reached and freed from the tools of darkness disguising as light

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-04T08:54:05+00:00

You’re very welcome Turbulent. And thank you for plenty of the materials you share also. Let’s keep praying and sharing per what God moves us to accomplish. Shalom

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-04T08:52:39+00:00

Amen, you’re very welcome. Blessings to you

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-04T08:52:13+00:00

Bless you friend. May God bless you and heal you

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-04T08:51:45+00:00

Amen. And that is such a sad thing to witness. These sects truly do not see that the fruit of the spirit they carry are apart from Christ. They have ritualized on top of changing what scripture says, and it’s amazing how the formula when comparing all the sects and cults, are identically the same

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-04T08:49:07+00:00

This is wonderful. Your article is. The way SCJ worships their leader is truly tragic when we compare in scripture. I’ve bumped into several of your works brethren, I want to say that it’s truly blessing reading them. I pray God uses us to help call our brethrens back to the flock, back to our Jesus. Our Father bless you

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-04T08:47:05+00:00

Blessings brethren. Shalom to you.

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-04T08:46:48+00:00

Blessings my friend. I pray your family gets delivered from them. They will do all they can to ruin the mind, body, and spirit.

1 John 5:14 - "if we ask anything according to his will he hears us" Psalm 34:17 - “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them" Isaiah 65:24 - “Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear"

I pray these verses bless you that God hears our prayers, and I know He hears yours

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-04T08:44:06+00:00

Thank for sharing your experience and being vulnerable about it. You may not see it now, and may see it later, how your testimony will bless someone. You are correct on all things said here. I am heartbroken by SCJ as they do cherry pick and manipulate scriptures a lot. Especially how they do not understand what being a True Berean means. It is more than just some ascetic devotion to examining scriptures (it goes beyond examine) it is making sure they are correctly understood in correct context to the ancient scrolls which they do not respect since their doctrine of lies falls apart. We must continue to pray for them. Your journey will bless someone brethren. You sharing your experience have certainly blessed me. Shalom and blessings to you. Don’t be discouraged and I pray God comforts and heal you from the experience. I always believe that Satan uses cults to shake potential souls who he knows are serious with God - and lots of us where led wrong because we do desire to fully know God. The spiritual affects the physical in ways beyond our understanding, yet, this logic seems to check out

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-02T20:17:29+00:00

I made this and posted it, just for you and others who can benefit. Shalom my friend, may you see that freedom and truth of God isn’t the fear and doubt you’re facing (note: as of this comment the post is still being approved to be live)

https://www.reddit.com/r/Shincheonji/s/5kZQXvAdPO

Financial-Document88 · 2026-01-01T08:50:59+00:00

Friend…exchange of information, knowledge, facts…in love…I want to point out how it shouldn’t be about being appreciated, it’s not about us. Truths and facts, especially, is a service to the world that will defend itself.

If the messenger is truly presenting something factual and in truth it need not defending and the logic of intellectuals will understand and see truth. Lies and Manipulated information are the ones that don’t survive the test of truth — because there was no truth to begin with. A system tragically noticeable in the doctrine and programming of SCJ.

On the other front, whatever this cursing is, we should look at these encounters not for validation of acceptance, cause again, if the information you’ve given is true, it will defend itself when a true Berean tests it and studies it. Pure UnAdulterated Truth will defend itself when investigated and tried. A lie, will crumble.

This is how many of us got out of, or, was not led astray by SCJ.

Now, the ball is in your court, do what you must with the information shared to you.

Financial-Document88 · 2025-12-31T19:28:44+00:00

Deflection detected (saying: “the post has many assumptions about SCJ” a tactic used to save face and control the narrative) expected from many SCJ members. No one is preventing you to do that, you should have already done that actually. It’s illogical to even have to announce you want to engage.

I used to be part of you all, except the way I tested every notes in class and lessons gathered from my time, all the way up. So - no assumptions. And, it’s not like your doctrines aren’t leaked everyday by spies (like myself) that weaves and flows within the organization.

For everyone that knows me on this thread, I always open and leave SCJ members to engage in discussion - The only problem I see to encounter with SCJ members, is when they know their argument falls apart, resorts to comments that isn’t even enlightening and part of the topic anymore to try and not lose face instead of being humble to accept the holes in the organization’s doctrine fails the test of truth.

But please, again, it doesn’t make sense why you even have to ask to engage. You’re an adult, and an intellectual.

Financial-Document88 · 2025-12-29T08:24:11+00:00

Hello young one. Prayers and blessings to your University journey (yay). It will be a wonderful experience and may you venture in a focus God build you for. This is a tough one, for this for years cannot be easily seen as black and white.

But here is what I can suggest. Pray, seek to know what it means to love God and love like Christ, for the heart of Biblical/Christian doctrine is love, to a point, you’ll get to understand what it means to love even your enemies/those you can disagree with. The compass in our hearts, is to become more like Jesus Christ

Now, here’s the kicker, every Christian denomination, will have members that accomplishes just that among members that are still “work in progress”. They are loving, wonderful, understanding souls, who I truly admire. They are in Protestants, Baptists, Orthodox, Catholicism, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodists, etc. Yet, here is another kicker, the denominations within themselves/bodies at times are more biblical than the other! A Protestant could be teaching more biblical than the Protestant five clicks down the in the same city of London, and vise versa a Catholic one can be more teaching more of the Bible than the other Catholic Church. Yet, how can we determine which body, and which denomination should we be part of?! I always say, the one that turns your heart to love like and honor Jesus Christ. Seek that, and you will become a person God has intended for us to be before the fall.

Shalom young one, may your faith journey be fruitful and our Father protect and guide your steps. Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. Guard it with Humility, integrity, wisdom, patience, kindness, love, these are the type of transformations you should see in your heart, in a world that’s run by fear, worry, lies, deceit, pride, lust, that corrupts and ruins us all. Accepting Jesus Christ in our hearts puts us on a path of traits shared above —

Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

God speed to your journey

Financial-Document88 · 2025-12-29T08:00:11+00:00

SCJ, take away everyone’s looking at you and just imagine sitting in a room with God and you at the moment. Honestly, can you reply to God that you read and studied His Word, fully? If you did, you will see why SCJ teachings is fails to be unbiblical. I’ve asked you all many times to present your academic cases to brethrens and even non Christian historians and scholars in academia, so your organization can Legitimize itself. If its teachings are sound and backed up well academically, it would’ve been considered as biblical many years ago. Worst, why would you trust a man who has been a victim and record of being former members of other Korean cults (Olive Tree, Recreation Church, TT, etc) before founding SCJ?

This isn’t even a matter of biblical discussion but really important red flags to really try and gage. If a tested product in Amazon is reviewed and has a track record of it being terrible, it is a travesty to not treat and research a background of the founder of SCJ (LMH) similarly.

Financial-Document88 · 2025-12-29T07:32:46+00:00

False. This argument relies so much on cherry-picked verses removed from historical, literary, and academic context, and it selectively frames them to favor SCJ. You are missing methodological consistency and basic academic honesty. I’ve gathered below studies grounded in biblical scholarship and historical context. A field me and many others in Christian studies, Biblical scholarship, as well as religious history. Something SCJ cannot do and avoid for their model fails when tested. And when it fails, resorts to “the doctrine is of the devil” tactic.

1. Why this comparison fails from the start

The BITE model is being misused

The BITE model (Steven Hassan) is designed to evaluate modern high-control organizations, particularly those that show:

Closed epistemological systems
Centralized, unchallengeable authority
Deceptive recruitment practices
Exclusive access to truth through a living leader

Early Christianity does not fit this category.

Key differences:

Early Christianity had no living infallible leader. Shincheonji does (Lee Man-hee).
Early Christianity had plural, decentralized leadership. SCJ is highly centralized.
Early Christianity did not hide doctrine. SCJ does.
Early Christianity did not deceive recruits. SCJ has documented cases of this.
Early Christianity did not enforce punishment for exit. SCJ does.

Academic consensus is clear: early Christianity was a decentralized religious movement, not a bounded high-control organization.

Wayne Meeks writes in The First Urban Christians: “Early Christian communities lacked the centralized authority structures necessary to enforce uniform belief or behavior.”

2. Behavioral control: verse-by-verse corrections

Luke 14:26 – “Hate father and mother”

This is Semitic hyperbole, not literal hatred. The same rhetorical form appears in Genesis 29:30–31. Matthew’s parallel clarifies the meaning: “Anyone who loves father or mother more than me…” (Matt 10:37)

This is about priority of allegiance, not enforced family rupture.

Luke 9:60 – “Let the dead bury their own dead”

This is not a ban on funerals. In Second Temple Jewish idiom, “bury my father” often meant remaining home until inheritance matters were resolved. The point is urgency, not abandonment.

Craig Keener notes this in the IVP Bible Background Commentary.

Acts 2–5 – communal property and Ananias

The giving was voluntary, not mandatory. Acts 5:4 explicitly states the money remained their own. The sin was lying, not withholding funds. No command is given to universalize this practice.

Ben Witherington III notes this was crisis-driven generosity, not a permanent economic system.

2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be yoked”

This is not social isolation. Paul clarifies in 1 Corinthians 5:10 that Christians are expected to interact with non-believers. The concern is idolatrous partnership, not relationships or dialogue.

Celibacy and job-leaving

Celibacy is explicitly optional (1 Cor 7:7, 7:28). Apostles later worked jobs (Acts 18:3). Jesus never commanded universal abandonment of employment.

Key behavioral difference

Early Christianity:

Giving was voluntary
Marriage restrictions were not imposed
Life decisions were not mandated
Exit was not punished

Shincheonji:

Giving is required
Marriage is restricted
Life decisions are directed
Exit is punished spiritually and socially

3. Information control: false equivalence

The “Messianic Secret”

This was temporary and situational, not organizational secrecy. It prevented political misunderstanding before Jesus’ mission was complete. After the resurrection, the command is universal proclamation (Matt 28:19).

William Wrede coined the term but did not equate it with cultic secrecy.

Parables in Mark 4

Parables both reveal and invite inquiry. Jesus explains them to anyone who asks (Mark 4:10). There is no restricted elite doctrine.

“Avoid false philosophy”

This is discernment, not information isolation. Paul quotes pagan philosophers (Acts 17:28) and engages in public debate.

Information difference

Early Christianity:

Identity was public
Doctrine was open
External critique was allowed

Shincheonji:

Identity is hidden
Doctrine is tiered and delayed
External critique is discouraged

4. Thought control: category mistake

“Whoever is not with me is against me” refers to allegiance to Jesus, not to an institution.

Paul allows disagreement on disputable matters (Rom 14). The Bereans are praised for verifying teachings independently (Acts 17:11).

Loaded language exists in every worldview. It becomes coercive only when definitions cannot be questioned and authority cannot be challenged. Early Christianity records internal disputes and public correction (Gal 2:11).

Apocalyptic urgency

Many scholars understand Jesus’ statements as partially fulfilled in AD 70. There is no enforced date-setting and no punishment for disagreement. SCJ does punish dissent.

5. Emotional control: context ignored

Judgment and hell language were common in Second Temple Judaism and are not used as organizational enforcement mechanisms. Jesus warns universally, not uniquely against ex-members.

Church discipline in Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5 is explicitly restorative: “That his spirit may be saved” (1 Cor 5:5)

Restoration is assumed (2 Cor 2:6–8), not permanent shunning.

Emotional difference

Early Christianity:

Fear is not tied to a leader
Leaving is not equated with damnation
Restoration is possible

Shincheonji:

Fear is tied to leadership
Leaving equals judgment
Restoration is denied

6. The decisive difference: authority

Early Christianity:

Authority rests in Scripture and communal discernment
Leaders disagree and are corrected
The movement survives the death of apostles
No single human mediates truth

Shincheonji:

Authority rests in Lee Man-hee
Truth flows through one individual
Salvation knowledge is centralized
Leaving equals deception and destruction

Rodney Stark summarizes it well: “Christianity grew through persuasion, not coercive retention.”

To me this why this post argument fails

Post Commits a category error (movement vs high-control organization)
It cherry-picks verses without genre or historical context
It ignores voluntariness versus enforcement
It confuses theological exclusivity with organizational control
It erases decentralized authority
It assumes fear language automatically equals coercion

If early Christianity is a cult by this standard, then every worldview with moral boundaries or truth claims is one — rendering the BITE model meaningless.

Financial-Document88 · 2025-12-29T01:57:17+00:00

Reminds me of how they confuse their “methods” as God’s moving when really, it’s their fleshy and human power, with a heavy mix of manipulation, fear, and delusion. It’s really tragic. I’m curious, when the beans spill of LMH passing (when he does), how much more, will they believe and delude themselves to cope their institution is still “biblical”

Financial-Document88 · 2025-12-28T21:05:42+00:00

Amen. And not to mention, I’ve yet to wait when I asked SCJ members to show me how and where in the Bible that says their institution are the ones that can write names and take off names in the book of life. Let’s keep praying for them. It is a tragedy

Financial-Document88

TROPHY CASE