On September 8, 2023, an impressive 80,000 believers gathered in Cheongju, South Korea, to attend a special worship service hosted by the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. This large assembly of worshipers drew significant attention, especially due to the presence of the church’s Chairman, Mr. Man Hee Lee, who led the service and delivered a sermon that many participants found deeply moving. Among the attendees were approximately 100 Protestant pastors from across South Korea, who also took the opportunity to hear Mr. Lee’s teachings in person.

Mr. Lee’s teachings have sparked interest not only within the Shincheonji community but also among members of other faith traditions. The participation of over 100 pastors underscores the relevance of Mr. Lee’s interpretation of the Revelation, even for experienced religious leaders and theologians. This raises the question of what exactly makes his teachings so compelling and why Shincheonji continues to gain attention globally, even among faith circles that may traditionally be more skeptical of new movements.

Revelation as the Core of the Teaching

Mr. Lee is particularly known for his in-depth interpretation of the Book of Revelation, often considered one of the most mysterious and difficult-to-understand books of the Bible. Many Christians and clergy struggle to decipher the symbolic language and prophetic visions within Revelation. However, Mr. Lee explains the book in a way that offers new insights for many. He asserts that the events prophesied in the Bible are unfolding before our eyes today, and the time has come to understand and share these prophecies with the faithful.

His teachings about Revelation resonate with both traditional believers and those searching for deeper understanding and clearer answers. One pastor who attended the service stated, “I’ve preached about Revelation for decades, but what I heard here opened up a new perspective I hadn’t seen before.” This openness to a different interpretation shows that Mr. Lee’s teachings have the potential to appeal to faith communities that might otherwise be less receptive to new theological approaches.

Growing Interest in Systematic Bible Study

Another aspect that sets the Shincheonji Church of Jesus apart is its structured Bible study program, with Revelation as a central focus. The Zion Christian Mission Center, the church’s theological training center, has dedicated itself to offering a thorough and deep Bible education. Each year, over 100,000 people complete this intensive eight-month course, with numbers increasing. This year alone, 110,000 graduates are expected, highlighting the immense demand for Bible-centered study programs.

This intensive Bible education appeals not only to Shincheonji members but also to Christians from other denominations who are seeking a deeper understanding. The high number of graduates demonstrates a significant need for more comprehensive and well-founded Bible teaching—a need that many traditional churches may have underestimated.

Mr. Man Hee Lee’s Role as a Witness of Revelation

Mr. Lee describes his role as that of a witness to the fulfillment of the prophecies in Revelation. He explains that he has personally seen and heard the events described in the Bible, which enables him to teach believers about the real fulfillment of these prophecies. While some may find these claims controversial, they have prompted many people to reconsider their own perspectives on the Bible and the Revelation.

It is essential to emphasize that Mr. Lee should not be viewed as a competitor to traditional Christian teachings. Rather, he sees his mission as expanding the understanding of the Bible and helping believers gain clearer access to the prophecies of Scripture. His teachings, therefore, attract not only Shincheonji followers but also those looking for new ways to interpret and proclaim God’s Word.

International Interest in the Revelation

While the Shincheonji movement primarily developed in South Korea, there is growing international interest in Mr. Lee’s teachings. This is particularly evident in European countries, where many faith communities face declining membership and a general decrease in church attendance. The structured Bible study and focus on Revelation could offer a new perspective to clergy and theologians abroad.

The increasing interest in deeper Bible study shows that many believers are seeking more than what traditional churches often provide. A survey conducted in South Korea revealed that 65% of Protestant believers long for deeper spiritual understanding, and 55% expressed a desire for more systematic Bible education. This trend is also observable internationally, reflecting a growing need for a more intense engagement with the Bible.

Shincheonji: A Platform for Theological Exchange

One key point that may be of interest to the global faith community is Shincheonji’s openness to theological exchange. While there are undoubtedly theological differences, the participation of over 100 Protestant pastors in the service in Cheongju demonstrates that dialogue is possible. These clergy did not attend to abandon their own beliefs but to learn more about Mr. Lee’s teachings and to see what insights they might bring into their own theological work.

In his sermon, Mr. Lee emphasized, “The time for the fulfillment of Revelation has come, and it is our duty to recognize this reality and explain it to others.” These words serve as an invitation to dialogue, not only within the Shincheonji community but also for Christian churches worldwide that are grappling with the deeper questions of faith and biblical interpretation.

A New Approach to Understanding the Bible for the Faith Community

The teachings of Mr. Man Hee Lee and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus offer a new approach to understanding the Bible, particularly Revelation, which holds significance for many believers and clergy worldwide. The structured, in-depth Bible education and the focus on the fulfillment of biblical prophecies have attracted the interest of many who are seeking a more grounded spiritual foundation.

For the international faith community, Mr. Lee’s teachings could provide an opportunity to gain fresh insights and see the biblical texts in a new light. Open dialogue between Shincheonji and various Christian denominations presents a chance to deepen biblical understanding collectively and offer believers around the world a more comprehensive perspective on the Scriptures.