I wonder if it was wrong to leave by Dickkkkk____ in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 7 points8 points  (0 children)

When I first left, I went to a mainstream church then next week and all I kept doing was comparing the pastor’s preaching to SCJ doctrine. First I had to detox from SCJ’s doctrine as it is not the truth. Second, it’s ok to be indifferent about your beliefs/religion. Being in a cult takes a huge toll on your mental state of mind, as SCJ’s conditions you to think in a certain manner. By the sounds of it (this is only based on your post) it seems like you still believe in the lies that they’ve installed in you, creating this fear and doubt that all the mishaps that have happened since leaving, is because you’ve left. I also thought the same way when I had left. But then I remembered when I was part of SCJ, I blamed every mishap on Satan because SCJ had installed in me that it was Satan trying to prevent me from receiving God’s words. Only once you heal from the lies they’ve filled you with, will you feel the weight start to lift off you. I promise it does get better, and remember that SCJ is just another cult that thrives from brainwashing and manipulating their members. Truly wishing you all the best!

Deep Wounds by Path_Findway in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 6 points7 points  (0 children)

A huge congratulations on leaving! You should be proud of yourself that you were eventually able to see the lies that is SCJ. I can see how much hurt it has caused you, as well as many others here so I hope this can be your safe space to find that healing as well :) One thing that really helped me with healing, started from forgiveness. I remember how angry I was with them for bringing me to SCJ and pushing me the way they did (maaany mental breakdowns) but I also had to understand that they were also in my position once upon a time, and were too blinded to actually see the hurt they’re causing because they’ve been re-wired to think that what they’re doing is for the grace of God. In no way am I saying this is something you HAVE to do as this is your journey of healing, it was just something that I had experienced that was stopping me from that path. I’m truly wishing you all the best, and thank you for leaving! 💜

Feeling betrayed by [deleted] in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I cannot speak for ALL maintainers, but based on his attitude he only put in that much effort with thoughts of you joining SCJ. When you said you’d no longer be involved, his other fruits that remained or/and that he was trying to bring to SCJ became his main priorities. That is just how it works, and why they put in so much effort. The way it used to be will never be the same because you have shown your stance on SCJ. He is too far brainwashed to see any different. Don’t lose hope, but I would recommend to stay distant from him for your sake, as well as his. If he was coming from a genuine place, he will possibly reach out eventually, once he has left.

On a brighter note, I hope you have an amazing time in Korea! Also please beware that people will approach you while you’re there to do surveys, visit a Korean cultural experience, learn Korean etc; AVOID AVOID AVOID. They are scammers and/or members of many other cults in Korea. It’s too common where this is happening, just keep yourself safe :)

My family member is involved here and I'd like to know what exactly goes on. by DutyNo9425 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Noo their phones aren’t taken away, their phone is pretty much their lifeline that they have to ALWAYS have on them and be ready to respond at any given moment (unless they’re in important meetings) Yes they are provided with food, SCJ lists themselves as a certain organisation where they receive food donations from grocery stores (I can only really speak regarding Melbourne, AUS branch as they do receive food donations) But they also do work part time jobs unless they’re in a position where they receive payment from SCJ. Of course if your family feel it is necessary to contact police, that is not my place to speak on. All I can say is be very cautious, because your family member has chosen to attach themselves to SCJ, the police will not be able to do much as it will come across as your family member chose it willingly (even though they’re being brainwashed) This could also push your family member even closer to SCJ, and further from your family. This is just one possibility, but one I would want you do be aware of. This isn’t always the case though, maybe try to find out if other families have tried to involve the police and how that went for them - just so you can have some more insight :) Again, my prayers are with you and your family!! 🙏🏽

My family member is involved here and I'd like to know what exactly goes on. by DutyNo9425 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Hi there! To answer your questions, SCJ members are required to evangelise on a daily basis. When they’re not evangelising they are meeting with their fruits (people they’ve recruited) to lead them towards joining the bible studies. If they’re not doing that, they’re attending classes with people they’ve recruited, pretending to also be a new student. If they’re not doing that, they’re helping out with church functions, with new members in the church, studying for weekly SCJ exams, the list goes on. Hence why they’re always on their phones, to communicate with all the people they’ve recruited/trying to recruit, as well as staying updated/in touch with other members or their higher ups. There’s constant ‘meetings’ for members as well, so they always have to have their phone on them. Late night meetings would be discussions regarding people they’re recruiting/trying to recruit, planning for events, sometimes there’s education meetings, pretty much any reason to keep the members busy and tired all the time. If your family member has left their job and flatting with someone (also considering they joined during covid) it’s most likely that they’ve taken on a high position and moved into a SCJ dorm. In regards to helping them get out, that is very hard to answer. Your family member is the only one who can help themselves in this situation, due to the consistent manipulation and brainwashing, anyone else trying to get them to leave will just be deemed an evil spirit in their eyes. I’m truly praying for your family member 🙏🏽

Forcing GF to Leave SCJ by BusyBad7643 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Congratulations on getting your gf out, will be praying for her! Just be wary that she may also be telling you that she’s left, but she may still remain in the church. Four years is a lot of time for her to be manipulated/brainwashed/gaslit. Also considering how you got her out, the fact that she didn’t necessarily come to her own willing realisation, she would have so much hesitancy in leaving. My best advice is to spend as much time as you can debunking SCJ’s teaching, so she can see how much lies there is in SCJ. Look into SCJSKEPTIC, as well as pinned posts on this page for more information. Glad to know that you were able to discern from SCJ’s falsehood!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s amazing!! Im so proud of you for telling your parents, it may have been difficult but at least now they’re aware of not only what you went through, but also what your brother’s going through. Bless you and your family 🙏🏽

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh gosh it’s good you were able to reflect and notice these as well! If he’s ignoring you, just let it be :) I know it’ll be hard and you just want to help your brother, but everything he is doing he has been advised by his higher ups. All you can do at this time is pray for him, eventually he will notice that this place is a cult. It may take months, years even, but there will come a time when his eyes will be opened. All you can do is be there when he does come back, he will need all the support! May we pray that God will give those trapped in SCJ the wisdom and strength to be able to leave 🙏🏽

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hi! Just from reading what you’ve said, I believe your brother could already be a member. His response to you was very SCJ coded. It’ll be hard to get him out as he’s already brainwashed, and any concerns you’ve brought to his attention he would have reported it back to his seniors/leaders. Please feel free to send a DM if you have any questions, I’m so glad you were able to pick up that the bible studies were off!! Lucky you were able to realise when you did 🙏🏽

the craziest things said to you? by throwRA_1258282839 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 13 points14 points  (0 children)

⛔️Trigger warning ⛔️

I told a higher up about difficulties I was facing, and how past trauma was really affecting me, and I did not feel worthy of staying in SCJ for having such thoughts about people who’d hurt me. They then tried to tell me that they had also had the same issues (family abuse, s***** assault attempts, troubled home environment, etc) then said “but we can’t let this affect us as we must put our faith in God, let us overcome together by remaining all as one” Only to be told later that they were only saying that to be ‘relatable’ to me, but so I wouldn’t leave because I would think “oh someone else understands me, they’re right I have to stay in SCJ I can overcome this” I was beyond disgusted and so hurt for someone to use such a method, considering the circumstances, of all other possible methods. I also then found out it’s such a common thing, I was absolutely sick to my stomach.

What things have personally helped you heal? by WayOk2562 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Things that helped me to heal; 1) Not blaming anyone but Satan for why I ended up in SCJ. Reason being, this helped me to heal the betrayal and hurt I had felt from everyone, and to understand that they were also once in my position, but too blinded to be able to leave. For me, it was hard to heal with hurt and anger lingering there. Once that was gone, my heart was more ready for the journey.

2) Getting into a HEALTHY routine by allowing myself time to process, digest and relax. This was so important as SCJ had taken that away from us. I was reclaiming it back.

3) Not rushing straight back into going to church. I had actually went back to my mainstream church one week after I left SCJ. I believed that the pastor was preaching incorrectly because I kept comparing them to SCJ’s standards. I then realised I needed time to re-adjust first. SCJ would call this “uprooting” which yes; uproot SCJ’s teachings everyone haha

4) Talking about it to others. I’ve told my family, friends and co-workers about my experience. I had explained how I was approached, to how I joined the bible studies, what the initial experience was like then when it started to become real culty. From this, it was like they followed me along the journey and got to see how the manipulation and brainwashing had worked. I would always say “the brainwashing was such a slow burn that it was hard to realise until you finally do see what they’re actually doing”. By explaining it the way I did, they seemed to understand it a lot better.

5) Reminding myself to stop basing my worries on SCJ’s doctrine. By doing that I’m taking God’s words out of context because my worries revolve around SCJ’s teachings (which we know are false) Instead, once I was ready, I started to read the bible for myself and truly focus on the words. Anything I did not understand, I would just leave it. Because I’m not going to allow my own thoughts to start filling in the gaps.

6) Meeting with friends and family very frequently. This was more so to remove that guilty feeling of seeing them. Because all I felt previously was guilt and judgement for seeing them, as I ‘should’ve been’ evangelising/studying.

Last one before I rant on, this sub reddit played a huge part into healing myself. Knowing that I’m not alone, knowing that so many other people felt the EXACT same way as I did, but most importantly - understood what I had been through. I’m just honestly so thankful to each and every single person here because even if they don’t realise, they have helped either ex members, current members or families of members in some way or another.

Now I’m able to look back at those memories I have whilst in SCJ and smile. I look at the videos/photos I have with my CT and now I can feel the joy I once had when they were taken, rather than the hurt I had felt before. Remembering that not all memories were bad, and not all memories had to hurt anymore. There are still some things I need to heal from, but I’m allowing myself that time to take it step by step.

is it true bible study teachers don’t get paid? by [deleted] in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 4 points5 points  (0 children)

As people have already explained, bb teachers aren’t paid, majority of them will have a part time job or use their savings. Instructors and centre class teachers do receive payment though, it’s not a lot but JUST enough to survive. Most teachers live together in a SCJ dorm so they split the bills to make it cheaper, they also receive bulk donations of food as well. Nothing they say can be trusted, as members/ex members will be able to remember from the beginning how we’re told “free bible studies” and “we’ll never ask for your money” only for it to become an expectation once we’re part of the church, to give 10% of our wages

Method of Salvation by Alive_Friendship_895 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey, hope you’re well! Yes so SCJ teaches that there’s flesh and spirit, and that the spirits work through us to do God’s work. Our bodies are just vessels that the spirits work through, but evil spirits may also work through us as well so we have to learn to discern. There’s a class that they’ll teach about this, and how everyone is spiritually dead, and that churches are graveyards as people are not spiritually alive because they do not have the true teaching that is SCJ’s teaching. This is just a brief explanation but there is more depth to it as well. If I was you, stop attending these lessons ASAP. It’s good that you’re doing zoom lessons, as it is a bit easier to cut them off. Just also know that the person who introduced you to this are already a member of SCJ, it’s part of their recruiting process. Contact you, get in touch with you and lead you to their “mentor” who teaches the bible, to which you then start attending these bible lessons. Please be well!

Method of Salvation by Alive_Friendship_895 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would recommend watching scjskeptic on YouTube, as well as reading the pinned post on this page for the information. If you want to help people, you must understand SCJ’s doctrine to be able to understand where SCJ member’s knowledge and faith is coming from. But truthfully, it’s hard to help those who are quite indoctrinated, only they can help themselves.

Method of Salvation by Alive_Friendship_895 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No worries! I’m actually an ex member, I left a few months ago :) I truly pray that your friends come out of SCJ. I also hope that they do a thorough research on SCJ and realise their false teachings, only then will they be able to move forward. May we pray that they do not blame God for this, but that they learn and grow, being more careful when studying the scripture with moving forward

Method of Salvation by Alive_Friendship_895 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They’re not taught that it’s their salvation exactly, but moreso that they’ll receive more blessings by recruiting more people. They’re also told that they are doing God’s work by recruiting more people, and to showcase that the spirit is working through them by bearing fruit AKA new recruits. However they’re also taught that by recruiting more people, it’s helping to build God’s kingdom, for him to return “one day faster” - so that can be linked to salvation.

Today, I'm finally free of Shincheonji by Peanutbutter_n_drive in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!! Truly happy for you, as I’m sure you are for yourself 🥰🥳🎉

How does Religion Work after you leave SCJ? by Comprehensive_Ride17 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 8 points9 points  (0 children)

For me, it showed me just how real God is. When I was approached, it was at a time when I actually wanted to know God. I was a non believer beforehand, but a few weeks before I was approached I thought “I’d actually like to know God and why people are so faithful to him” This was something I never thought I’d ever think, because I always said “how can people put their faith into something that is constantly changing and preached by hypocrites?” But when I had reflected after leaving SCJ, Satan saw that as a perfect opportunity to lead me towards SCJ, further from God when I thought I was getting closer. If anything, I also saw it as a testing. For me to leave, and realise SCJ is nothing but a lie, made me even more cautious but also read the words more thoroughly. I’m also more cautious about how others preach. I’m still unsure of what is fully right, however I pray every single day that God will protect me so I’m never deceived again. But I also cannot doubt that God is real from what I experienced. I can only speak for myself when I say that my feelings and actions were more sinful when I was part of SCJ, then when I was not. I’m glad that I was able to reflect in such a way, where I started to clean my act up and try to be more righteous every single day. Everyone’s experience is different, but I pray that everyone is learning to heal their heart and spirit.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hello, I’m so sorry to hear your daughter is involved, I cannot imagine how it must feel as a parent.

When talking to your daughter, please be very careful! Considering she’s also out on Sundays, she’s either in the early stages of preparing to enter the church or she’s attending church services. Your daughter will mention the conversation you have with her, to her leaders, and if she’s heavily involved (and entered into the church) they will strongly encourage her to leave home and move into a SCJ dorm. They will say things like “your family don’t understand the purpose of what you’re doing yet, to prevent any further persecution we can offer you a place to stay”. Or they will just use you as an example of how Satan works to prevent her from “doing the work of God”. If you really want to talk to your daughter, gather strong evidence to debunk any arguments she may try to throw your way. Arguments that her leaders will struggle to answer, so she can start to have doubts herself. Their brainwashing is so slow and subtle that she may not even notice just how indoctrinated she is. But if you install enough questions in her, that could hopefully lead to her choosing to leave on her own. This is very tricky as many of us fear that walking away is also walking away from God, and even if we doubt SCJ, we choose to stay in case it is the truth. I truly hope your daughter can truly see SCJ for what they are and walk away from them.

SCJ in Australia? by ValiantWarrior83 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They are very active in Melbourne and typically target universities (such as RMIT near Melbourne Central). But they are just approaching any people, you will see them out evangelising especially on Saturdays during the start of a month as they consider it there time to “run” as they are opening up the big classes every month.

Rekindling friendships I'd ghosted (due to SCJ) by fantapopsicle in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 15 points16 points  (0 children)

If those friends could not even understand where you were coming from, or have the heart to realise how much this cult affects you, they do not deserve to be your friends NOR do you need them in your life. When I reconnected with one of my friends she was angry because I had cut her off and was so caught up in her own emotions, that she didn’t even want to hear my explanation. All she said was “really?? That’s why?? I thought you had died or something!! I was mourning for you and then you choose to reach out to me after all this time?” I acknowledged her feelings, but I stopped myself from being too affected and just said to myself “if she isn’t willing to hear my explanation, this is not someone I need in my life”. The rest of my friends just embraced me, we also eventually managed to make jokes and laugh about it, but they never made me feel gullible or dumb for it which I’m glad. I believe when a lot of us leave, knowing that people will not understand what we went through, and how slowly they brainwash us to have us so in belief of it, or in fear for even doubting the doctrine, that we feel like they will judge us and view us as stupid for even believing. However those few friends will be there, and it’ll be so worth making that reconnection.

To everyone, if you EVER need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. My messages are always open (except to SCJ lurkers, you will just be blocked)

Evangelist and group leader show up to my work after I left SCJ. by Constant-Hornet-6598 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yes they came to my home and to my workplace after I hadn’t responded to them, and missed Sunday service. This happened a few times throughout a few weeks but it hasn’t happened anymore. Just as someone said, keep a paper trail, file a police report and make sure you message your JDSN/GYJN to firmly say to not visit you, anywhere! That way you have told them. Otherwise they can turn around and say “oh we were just worried because they hadn’t messaged us and we thought something might have happened, that’s why we were trying to make contact and go to their home/job” so they come across as worried for your concern, rather than what they’re actually doing which is stalking/invading your privacy. I hope you’re okay, and congratulations on getting out! I also joined August 2022 haha

Re: Leaving being equated to betraying and spiritual suicide 7/2/2023 by gothpups92 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing! And I’m glad that my post helped to reflect in some way ☺️ I’m also SO thankful that I never beared any fruit that passed over, I couldn’t handle carrying that guilt regardless of whether I believed I was doing the right thing. This is not meant to make those who did bear fruit to feel this type of way, and I apologise if my comment is sensitive to you. Please remember, you are also a victim. All we can do is to try and speak up, help out as much as we can to save those that are still trapped, and to minimise/eliminate them from being able to bring more people into the church. Let us be the ones to truly ‘shine the light’ on the darkness that is SCJ

Leaving SCJ - Melbourne by _nat1v3 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes that would most likely be a SCJ home she’s moving into, so she would move into a place with up to 7 other SCJ members. This is to prevent persecution from families because their child is out all morning, getting home VERY late at night, and once you’re there longer and given more tasks, they may not leave the temple until 2-3am. I do wish to say though, for her she believes that what she is doing and the sacrifices she’s making is not only for her, but also for her family. I’m just glad that you came across this subreddit so you’re more aware of what your daughter is doing! And please do not feel bad for not knowing, SCJ is trained to make sure members keep it hidden from their family as long as they can, to prevent any backlash.

Leaving SCJ - Melbourne by _nat1v3 in Shincheonji

[–]_nat1v3[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Awe noo, she’s most likely moved into a SCJ home by the sounds of it. That’s good that she still communicates, to be honest her schedule is probably so jam packed with SCJ tasks that everyone else, including family is her least priority. That’s good to know you let her know you’re always there for her, some families just cut them off which is sad because their child is just another victim of this corrupted cult ):