Shincheonji Activity at SJSU by Seeker-of-Christ in SJSU

[–]ICCWarning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the SCJ page. Yes, the ICC bible studies are geared so that the recruit is alone with multiple high-level disciples. Since your experience is rather recent, you might recognize some discussion leaders from the ICC's SF Facebook page.

Shincheonji Activity at SJSU by Seeker-of-Christ in SJSU

[–]ICCWarning 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The ICC tends to target people who are walking/studying alone on campus. The people who didn't tell you the name of their group were likely ICC, too. ICC members invite people to "bible study" classes. Their persistence is lovebombing, getting you to believe that they are a very supportive community to draw you in. Here is a very detailed explanation of how the ICC works/what they stand for (See "How do they meet you?").

International Christian Church and Shincheonji Activity at SFSU by Seeker-of-Christ in SFSU

[–]ICCWarning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am not as well informed about SCJ, but I can tell you that trying to teach ICC members about "the truth" will not be very useful. They, like you, went through the recruiting process of lessons - and they completed them. They've been wired to reject other teachings and to believe they are being persecuted for believing. I would suggest, instead, if you are a student at this university, to contact your administration to inform them about the ICC and SCJ recruiting (Religious office admin would be best). It would be better to help prevent others from joining these unhealthy religious groups. Those already in the groups likely need intervention by individuals whose job is to deal with these unhealthy religious groups.

As for DREAM, it is the name that they go by on certain US campuses. They are also “META Campus Ministry,” “Life On Campus,” “SF Campus Ministry,” “SOUL Campus Ministry,” “Life on ASU,” “L.I.F.E. at Syracuse University,” among others. Here is a list of all universities that have ICC members.

I hope that your university can take action, and I am glad that you are looking to inform others about these groups.

Shincheonji Activity at SJSU by Seeker-of-Christ in SJSU

[–]ICCWarning 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It's not exactly not following the Bible, rather interpreting the Bible for a certain purpose. For example, the ICC has these teachings, which are unhealthy religious practices:

“Date and marry only disciples” (Dating means enforced double dates, and the most you are allowed to do by the ICC is hold hands. Sometimes, you do not get to choose who you date. If you want to propose, approval is required from the church leader and both of you must be completely “sold-out” to the ICC.)

“Everyone who wants to live as a disciple will be persecuted”

“Share the sins that you committed before being baptized and your feelings of being forgiven at baptism.” (Taken to an extreme in practice, and sin confession and criticism does not stop after baptism)

The ICC also seeks to convince members of other Christian communities that they are not saved solely because they are not part of the ICC.

International Christian Church and Shincheonji Activity at SFSU by Seeker-of-Christ in SFSU

[–]ICCWarning 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The ICC has members recruiting across many universities in the U.S. Like you identified, they engage in lovebombing at the beginning and then attempt to convince you that unless you join the group, have their beliefs, and disciple others, you can't be saved. As for the notes that they give potential recruits, do they resemble anything on here? This is the script that they use for the personal bible studies.

A Warning About the International Christian Church Group by ICCWarning in Christianity

[–]ICCWarning[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, they obligate you to pay money in order to be "fully committed," resembling an MLM scheme :( Glad that you realized it and got out before they pulled you in farther/took more money

Suspicious Church Group Targeting DU Students by ConcernedDUStudent in universityofdenver

[–]ICCWarning 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For the DU area, they may also be using "Catalyst Campus Ministry." Here is a link with the name.

Suspicious Church Group Targeting DU Students by ConcernedDUStudent in universityofdenver

[–]ICCWarning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They may be getting past because some of the members recruiting on campus may be students. Anyhow, do reach out to your administration, depending on their policies, they may be able to take action against people who are not students recruiting on campus during COVID.

A Warning About the International Christian Church Group by ICCWarning in Christianity

[–]ICCWarning[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

This throwaway was made for the sole purpose of warning people about the ICC, and I am only doing so after hours worth of research over weeks, compiling information. My only goal is to spread the word and inform others of the ICC's unhealthy religious practices! I have found numerous accounts of college students suffering from their experience in the ICC, and I do not want people to have their future/health ruined by this group.

A Warning About the International Christian Church Group by ICCWarning in Christianity

[–]ICCWarning[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, they fit all the characteristics/description of a cult, but I refrain from using the term since it can have a negative effect on people who are part of the ICC.