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Dear Fellow Christians,
First, I need to state that I strongly support both the ecumenical movement and the freedom of religion. My concerns are not an attempt to change or challenge either of them.
With freedom of religion we have the right not only to practice our religious faith, but also to state and follow those beliefs. Additionally, we have the right to defend that faith. As Christians that apologetic right is more a commission. First Peter 3:15-16 states: " But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." The commission today is based on the heart of the essence of the faith, as summarized in the Apostles' Creed. This ancient and unchanging core unites diverse believers with each other...and against unbelievers. However, when another religion contradicts our beliefs, we need to take a definite stand. This is particularly true for those of us who were ordained in the Christian faith.
I am writing you concerning the functions of the Family Federation for World Peace and other Sun Myung Moon sponsored events. Christian ministers are often invited guests and, at times, even speakers at these events. I pray the information in this booklet will demonstrate clearly why we need to shun such events and functions. Please understand that this issue has nothing to do with denominational or racial differences. We are well aware of Moon's claims that he is not accepted because of his race. This is the farthest thing from the truth, as I believe the following information will conclusively prove.
Christian ministers especially need to be careful of the events and activities with which they are associated. When someone actively takes part in an event, they are, in effect, endorsing that event. By endorse we mean that they support or approve of that object or subject in all aspects. Sometimes this may be the result of a simple statement in a letter or advertisement. Other times, being present at the event itself, either by taking part in it or simply by being listed as present, constitutes an endorsement.
Sometimes the endorsement turns out to be far greater than intended. Unfortunately, a bad product reflects on the endorser. A good example of this is demonstrated by the listing of products to boycott because they sponsor television programs with sex, violence, or profanity. Christians are asked not to buy the sponsor's products in order to stop the production of such programs. In other cases, Christians have picketed movie theaters showing anti-Christian films. The results of these united Christian efforts have demonstrated the values of a united Christian front. Thusly, throughout the United States, Christians have demonstrated their unity in protecting their beliefs.
Please allow me to explain how anyone attending a Sun Myung Moon sponsored event is not only endorsing Moon and his front group, but also going against the Christian faith and doing serious damage to that faith.
Since Sun Myung Moon's release from United States Federal prison in 1984, he has been able to attract more and more religious leaders to endorse both him and his movement. In recent years, it has become common to find Christian leaders as featured speakers at his major events. During his "Mass Marriages," which are now referred to as "Blessed Events," some Christian leaders have not only given testimonies about Moon and the "True Parents," but have also served as emcees of at least part of the events. This participation has lead not only to the giving of false creditability to Moon and his movement, but has also helped immensely with their recruitment of new young members.
Despite that problem, an even more important point needs to be evaluated. Are those Christians who support Moon compromising Christianity?
DEFINING THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT
We need to say at the beginning of this study that we strongly believe in ecumenism. However, in today's world it is important to define that belief. Ecumenism (Greek oikoumene, 'the inhabited world') is generally defined as a movement seeking visible unity of divided churches and denominations within Christianity. A number of Christian leaders agree with Charles Colson, the founder of Prison Fellowship, that the Apostles Creed should be used as a test of Christian orthodoxy1 and that association within the ecumenical movement should be limited to those professing the Creed as a confession of faith. Colson acknowledges that true unity is achieved by finding a "common ground of orthodoxy on which [Christians] can stand together." However, Colson then lists the following five precepts: the infallibility of Scripture, the deity of Christ, the Virgin Birth and miracles of Christ, Christ's substitutionary death, and Christ's physical resurrection and eventual return, as the five doctrinal backbones of orthodox Christianity.2 The list includes two items missing from the Apostles Creed: the infallibility of Scripture and the deity of Christ. As Christians, we need to define our faith on the five doctrinal backbones rather than just the Apostles Creed, which was not written for that purpose.
We must also strongly state that we believe in the freedom of religion. As Christians we must defend that freedom. Even if we do not believe another religion, we need to protect its right to exist. For, if it were to be outlawed, ours may be the next to become illegal. However, that same freedom of religion also gives us the right to defend our faith. That defense includes correcting false teachings. Our concern in this area greatly increases when those teachings are opposite what the Scriptures teach. Thus, if someone is preaching a different Gospel, we must respond to God's written commands.
With freedom of religion we have the right not only to practice our religious faith, but also to state and follow those beliefs. In doing so we also have the right to defend that faith. As Christians that apologetic right is more a commission. That commission today is based on the heart or essence of the faith. Scripture very clearly tells us its purpose is to teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness (See 2 Timothy 3:15-17). When another religion contradicts our beliefs, we need to take a definite stand. Thus, if Sun Myung Moon and the Unification Church, or any other group, has a teaching that contradicts that of the Scriptures, we as Christians are obligated by our faith to take a stand and point out what the Scriptures teach. Therefore, the purpose of this booklet is not to condemn the teachings of Sun Myung Moon but to point out the false teachings so that Unification Church members might have the truth of Scriptures to compare with Moon's teachings. It is also to show Christians why they should not support any activities of Sun Myung Moon, his church, or any of their front groups.
Since Moon and the Unification Church claim to be a continuation of biblical tradition and teachings, we need to compare these teachings to the Scriptures. Moon often quotes or refers to the Bible in his speeches, so as Christians we must compare those teachings to the Word of God. In addition, the Unification Church has, in the past, referred to itself as a Christian Church. Also, Moon and his family members have referred to themselves as Christians in speeches. Disturbingly, that is the message he tries to convey to the Christians, and the world at large, while teaching something entirely different. For example, just one of his statements clearly gives us a different picture: "Until our mission with the Christians is over, we must quote the Bible and use it to explain the Divine Principle. After we receive the inheritance of the Christian church, we will be free to teach without the Bible." (Master Speaks No.7, p.1) Another doctrinal stance you should be aware of is his teachings on prayer: "As Christians we prayed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Now we should pray in the name of the True Parents." (Master Speaks, No.3, p.2)
Today, Moon also openly claims not only to be the Messiah, Lord of the Second Advent, but also Emperor of the Universe (this world and the spirit world). He further claims that Jesus Christ came to him and asked that he [Moon] finish the job that Jesus left unfinished. Upon hearing those last few statements, every Christian should be prepared to respond with the truth of Christ and our faith. No Christian can associate with those teachings and still claim to follow Jesus Christ.
Excerpts of some of Sun Myung Moon's speeches reveal some important teachings of which you should be aware. The most important of those false teachings is that he consistently teaches that Jesus Christ failed in His mission and asked Moon to do what He could not do. He teaches that Jesus was the illegitimate son of Mary and Zechariah and that Jesus was not supposed to die on the cross, but since he did not marry and failed in his mission, He had no choice. Moon openly declares that he is the Messiah, Lord of the Second Advent, King of Kings and Emperor of the Universe (this world and the next). While any and all of those teachings should bring a Christian to his feet rebuking them, let me give more to contemplate:
QUOTES BY SUN MYUNG MOON
"I know the established Christian theology. ... I know the enemy, but the enemy doesn't know me. Thus the enemy has already lost the war..." (Sun Myung Moon, Today's World, November 1993, p. 14)
"I have inherited the mission and work, and succeed Jesus in his work. I am fulfilling what Jesus left undone." (Sun Myung Moon, Unification News, November 1993, p.3)
"Today God's word comes only through Father. If other people receive God's word, that word is that Reverend Moon is the Messiah." (Sun Myung Moon, Today's World, January 1995, p.27).
"Abraham was the father of faith, Moses was a man of faith, Jesus was the son of man, trying to carry out his mission at the cost of his life. But they are, in a way, failures." (Master Speaks, "Victory of Defeat"," translated by Won Pok Choi, March 31, 1973, p.1)
"Until our mission with the Christians is over, we must quote the Bible and use it to explain the Divine Principle. After we receive the inheritance of the Christian church, we will be free to teach without the Bible." (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, #7, p.1)
"Then in one sense, Father, Heavenly Father will say, "Reverend Moon is far better than me, the Heavenly Father." In a short period of time, he will synthesize, He will crush the enemy and let them surrender. Our Master senses this kind of feeling of the Heavenly Father. Also, he is proud of himself and appreciates that Jesus Christ's unfinished job of 6,000 years has been completed by him in his lifetime." (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, July 21, 1974)
"The time has come when the whole world must be concerned about me. From now on, American Christianity must follow me." (Sun Myung Moon, Today's World, November 1993, p.5)
"Of course, in order that the ministers feel at home, you must declare your love to Brother Jesus, but at the same time do not forget you goal, which is to bring them to the Lord of the Second Advent." (The Victory of Love, 1992, pp. 65-66)
"No matter how difficult your situation may be you have to follow the Lord of the Second Advent completely." (Sun Myung Moon, Today's World, August 1996, p.13)
"Therefore, as individuals and families you have to absolutely follow True Parents, your opinion cannot stand against True Parents." (Sun Myung Moon, Today's World, August 1996, p. 9)
"From the beginning, the purpose of Christianity was to create one world under God, but they did not know who the true owner was to be. The true sovereign is not the American president nor the English king, but the Lord of the Second Advent." Sun Myung Moon, "Returning to the Home Country," Unification News, November 1993, p. 3)
"During one of the 'Master Speaks' sessions a Unification Church member asked Rev. Moon, "What will Jesus' position be after the restoration is accomplished?" To which Rev. Moon replied, "Jesus will be the first and eldest son, because he was the only one who came to this world as the Son of God." Seeking clarification the member then asked, "Do you mean God's eldest son, or the Master's?" (He was using the title 'Master' in reference to Rev. Moon) Moon responded, "The meaning is the same." (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, #4, The Restoration and Judgment, 1965, p.9)
"In early July, I spoke in five cities around Korea at rallies held by the Women's Federation for World Peace. There I declared that we are the savior, the Lord of the Second Advent, the Messiah." (Sun Myung Moon, Today's World, October/November 1992, p. 7)
Sun Myung Moon has also made some statements that should make every Christian stand up and object, and every American take serious and careful note. For example:
"The whole world is in my hand, I will conquer and subjugate the world." (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, May 17, 1973)
"Am I foolish and insignificant or am I great? I gave all individuals in the world cause to kneel down in front of me." (Sun Myung Moon, Today's World, March 1995, p. 6)
"So from this time of peak every person or every organization that goes against the Unification Church will gradually come down or drastically come down and die. Many people will die-those who do against our movement." (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, February 14, 1974)
"Any politician who wants to run for president will come to me in a few years." (Sun Myung Moon, Today's World, Nov./Dec. 1994, p.19
"In the Medieval ages, they had no separate cities-statesmanship from the religious field- because people were corrupted at the time. But when it comes to our age, we must have an automatic theocracy to rule the world. So we cannot separate the political field from the religious." (Sun Myung Moon, Master Speaks, May 17, 1973, p.12)
UNIFICATION CHURCH'S FRONT GROUPS
Since the Unification Church was not well received in the United States, they recruited members through satellite organizations that are commonly referred to as front groups. Very few recruits actually knew they were joining the Unification Church. The fronts are divided into several groups, but all serve to hide the true owner or leader, Sun Myung Moon and the Unification Church. Each group will state that they are independent of the church. Most recruits become involved with one of these fronts and become active long before knowing of the connection to the Unification Church. Other fronts were established to legitimize the image of Sun Myung Moon, and/or the Unification Church. I have a listing of almost three hundred different fronts of the Unification Church. The different fronts are divided into recruiting, political, religious, media, cultural and social fronts. New groups are splintering off main fronts as they become useful to Moon's purposes. The Unification News has a publishing statement that needs to be quoted at this point: "Many of the activities, projects and organizations described in the Unification News as affiliated with or part of the 'Unification Church' are, in fact, entities which are organizationally and/or financially independent of HAS-UWC, but are commonly considered to be 'Unification Church' activities because they are fully or partially funded, inspired, or staffed by HAS-UWC, its members and other adherents of the Unification Faith."
Ruth A. Tucker wrote an article: "In Search of Respectability" for Christianity Today, which gives some insight into the cults use of fronts. While the article covers the Mormons, Unification Church and the World Wide Church of God, it says that the Unification Church has been the most successful. In explaining their success, she lists several front organizations of the Unification Church such as the New Ecumenical Research Association (New ERA), and the American Freedom Coalition.
While it is not the purpose of this paper to present all the different front groups, a few examples need to be given. The main concept for the use of fronts was developed in 1981-2, around the time that Sun Myung Moon was on trial for fraud and tax evasion.
The Collegiate Association for Research Principles (CARP) has been active on college campuses for decades as an organization that promotes conservative social and political values. CARP works to downplay its association with the Unification Church, however, the link between the two has always been strong.
The Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) has Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon (Moon's wife) as its president. This group has sponsored seminars around the world, often co-sponsoring events with the Washington Times Foundation. The Women's Federation clearly teaches Unification Church doctrine.
The Family Federation for World Peace (FFWP) started as a separate front group. Presently it has taken the place of the Unification Church. Sun Myung Moon clearly states in the September 1977 Today's World: "Because such a time has now come, I took down the sign for the HAS-UWC. It is reborn as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. Through the curse of the Old Testament and the New Testament eras, we lost everything from the family to the worldwide level. Since we are in the time of the world level, I started from the worldwide level and went to the family level; so now we are establishing family church." More importantly, now his members (and yours!) can be members of the Family Federation for World Peace and your church at the same time.
ENDORSERS OF THE UNIFICATION CHURCH
Anyone who attends, and/or speaks at a Moon function should be considered an endorser of the movement. I assert this because: IF they do not speak out against the talks or teachings that contradict orthodox Christian beliefs, they have endorsed what was said. Now I realize you may not agree with that statement, but please allow me to give you some examples.
You must be aware that part of the problem with endorsing a movement comes under the heading of integrity. In this context, "lying" is making an assertion that intentionally deceives or misleads. This deceitful assertion may be oral, written, or clearly communicated by a gesture. Your responsibility for the truth goes beyond what is said or written. It includes what is understood and perceived by others. Let us examine a couple of examples of events where this deception was present:
On January 19, 2001, there was an Inaugural Prayer Luncheon for Unity and Renewal at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington D.C. The Washington Times Foundation sponsored the luncheon. As is often the case, the committee that sent out the letter for the luncheon was not part of the Washington Times Foundation. The invitation committee for this luncheon included Doug Wead.
Doug Wead is an unpaid political adviser. While George W. Bush has shunned many of his father's former political advisers, Wead is an exception. During the Bush administration, Wead, ordained as an Assemblies of God minister, served as a liaison to various groups, including the evangelical community. He is now reaching out to gather evangelical support for the younger Bush.
Rev. Walter E. Fauntroy, pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, and a former delegate to Congress, also served on the committee that sent out the invitations.
The list of those attending this luncheon needs to be an eye opener for all of us. Even more importantly, everyone needs to read how the event was reported both in the Washington Times and on the Unification News' web page, which I am sure will end upon the front page of the Unification News.
I will not go through the whole list of those attending, but the key names need to be given. John Ashcroft was the attendant Bush representative. Rev. Tony Evans, senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, gave the opening prayer. Rev James Merritt, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, gave a tribute to Rev. Billy Graham. I honestly believe that Rev. James Merritt was caught off guard and did not realize it was a Moon sponsored event. He has stated that the invitation came from Wead. However, we can be sure that Jerry Falwell, Robert Schuller, Pat Boone, and Jack Hayford were all well aware of the sponsor. They have all attended other Moon sponsored events. Paul Crouch from TBN television and Kenneth Copeland also spoke at the event.
Both the Washington Times and the Unification News web page tell about these ministers honoring Billy Graham, Martin Luther King and Sun Myung Moon, with Moon accepting an award from the ecumenical ministers for his work in support of traditional family values. It is important to point out here that Rev. Merritt was caught off guard and, upon realizing the intention of the luncheon, decided to use his time to honor Graham and as an opportunity to share the gospel message. Unfortunately, the Unification News web page and the Washington Times reported a modified story. While they acknowledged honoring Graham and Martin Luther King, they placed Sun Myung Moon equal to those honored. When reporting that he was given the ecumenical award, they left out which ministers were involved in presenting the award. Thus, their readers are led to believe that Merritt, Falwell Evans, etc. were part of that presentation.
I was informed that Paul Crouch showed the luncheon on his TV program, including showing Sun Myung Moon getting the award. What a recruitment tool that now makes for Moon!
I contacted the reporter that wrote the article for the Washington Times and requested the names of those who were actually involved in giving Moon the award. The reported replied: "Even as a reporter, I am not privy to all the internal ways the event was organized. As you can imagine, a lot of delicate networking must have been involved to gather people who disagree on many theological points. Therefore, it is only safe to say the award to Rev. Moon was given by a group of clergy who attended and have been supportive of his inter-faith and pro-family activities and conferences." Unfortunately, since those clergy were not named or identified, the reader of the Washington Times or the Unification News web page are given a list of the names of the clergy attending and therefore can easily conclude they were the ones giving Moon the award.
I also need to point out that the editor in chief of the Washington Times, Wesley Pruden, was the one to introduce Sun Myung Moon and Mrs. Moon as old friends. Upon leaving, those attending were given the book True Family and World Peace, which includes the sermons of Sun Myung Moon in the New Testament Age. Everyone who received the book should read pages 25-28. Therein, a quote from Moon's speech of July 6, 1992 clearly states that he is the Messiah, Lord of the Second Advent. The book also tells of Jesus' failure to accomplish his mission. Moon presses the teaching that Jesus failed and asked him, Moon, to do what He could not do. Simply based on that teaching, every Christian should take a very strong stand against it and Moon or they cannot truthfully call themselves Christians.
One of the arguments I have had with some Christian ministers is that although the Washington Times is a conservative paper owned by Sun Myung Moon, he or the Unification Church has no control over what they write. Therefore, they have no problem attending a Washington Times Foundation sponsored event.
There should be no doubt that the Washington Times and its foundation are not only owned and controlled by Sun Myung Moon, but are used both to give Moon creditability and to help recruit members into his movement. In the November/December 2000 issue of Today's World, the Unification Churches magazine, there is an article about a newspaper, the Middle East Times. According to the article, this paper was established as a project of New World Communications, the parent company of the Washington Times, UPI and other secular publications.
Dr. Bo Hi Pak and Robert Morton proposed the idea of the paper in 1982 as an English-language newspaper that would promote understanding and reconciliation in the Middle East. The article goes on to state that Unificationists can be proud that their "just views" have been disseminated continuously by a small, yet persistent and consistent voice, for almost two decades. What is the difference between this paper and the Washington Times, who have the same owner and leadership? Moon has claimed to have given over one billion dollars to the Washington Times to keep it running. What is he getting for his money?
It is true that the paper plays to the political right and conservative beliefs. But Moon's organization is not any different than any other cult that uses ninety percent, or more, orthodox Scripture, then modifies the balance to justify (and sanctify) their own heretical theology. The photo of Moon getting an ecumenical award, without identifying the sponsors who promoted the award, is worth millions of dollars in public relations for the gross deceit it foists on the readers of the Times' article.
The luncheon was held in conjunction with an American Leadership Conference that the Washington Times reported was an inspirational and training event for clergy and state legislators. In reality, the American Leadership Conference is yet another Moon front. Some of you will remember that this is the same group that sent out millions of mailings to help get the senior Bush elected President.
The problem we face is two-fold. Moon has accumulated a virtually "bottomless wallet" of money and is willing to spend it to attract top names he can use to his advantage. All of us in the clergy are well aware of the vast amounts of money Jerry Falwell has received from Moon over the years. Sadly, Rev. Falwell has clearly indicated he willing to continue taking money from Moon as long as it is offered.
As justification for personally attending a number of Moon's events, Jerry has stated that he would be willing to preach in Hell if they would let him back out. We need to assure Jerry that Satan would love to have him preach in Hell; firstly, since no one in Hell can be saved, and secondly, Satan will let him come and go as he wants because Satan gets to keep some of those who would follow Jerry down.
Yes, Moon does pay well and your church may need the money. But can you really take that money knowing it is costing souls that have been deceived because of your association with one of these groups? Alan Tate Wood, former president of the UCI's Freedom Leadership Foundation has testified that Moon, "through the UC and its numerous front organizations wanted to acquire enough influence in America to be able to 'dictate policy on major issues, to influence legislation, and move into electoral politics.'"
Describing Moon's technique for achieving control, Wood further testified "You make yourself available to serve someone and carry out his directives until he trusts you absolutely, whether it is political work, economic work, or social work. Then finally when your services have become indispensable you begin to dictate policy. If he deviates from the policy you have set, you withdraw your support, and he is powerless. So he has no choice but to follow you."
Put in plan English, giving money to churches and ministers is done not to aid, but to gain control! What true Christian can justify to his Heavenly Father accepting support from a man with this plan in mind?
Wood's comments bring to mind a particular episode of The Twilight Zone in which planet Earth was visited by some seemingly friendly aliens wishing to help mankind. In what appeared to be an act of goodwill, the aliens gave a copy of a book written in the alien language to the human world leaders as a gift.
Scholars were soon able to translate the title of the book: "How To Serve Man." This gave Earth's leaders a great deal of confidence. After all, if these aliens wanted to serve mankind so much that they wrote a book about it, we humans can surely trust them, right?
As the story goes, the aliens invited an initial group of human beings to visit their home planet. A group of people was selected and they boarded the spaceship, looking forward to the journey. Just as the doors on the spaceship were bolted shut and its engines were ignited, a person rushed on to the scene, screaming in a panic, "Don't go, don't go --- we've finished translating the book and it's a cookbook! It contains recipes on different ways of serving people as meals."
What a deception these aliens had accomplished: without even being aware of the danger, a group of humans had been blindly sucked into a situation that spelled their doom. Is not leading people to follow Sun Myung Moon the same thing?
Before going on we need to review the history and background of Sun Myung Moon. Many Christian ministers first heard of Moon when he was indicted and convicted of fraud and tax evasion back in 1982. Moon was found guilty and sentenced to eighteen months in jail and fined $25,000, plus the cost of prosecution. The case was carried up to the Supreme Court, which upheld the conviction. Moon was incarcerated from July 20, 1984 to August 20, 1985 at a Federal facility in Danbury Connecticut.
Subsequently, many Christian ministers, politicians and others joined to fight Moon's conviction, which they believed to be against the First Amendment.
Please allow me to review some of the facts about this fight to protect religious freedom and the First Amendment. The organization organized to fight Moon's conviction was called "The Committee to Defend the U.S. Constitution." We need to start off by saying that Sun Myung Moon stated that the money in question was being held by him for the benefit of the Unification Church, even though the money was recorded and deposited only in his personal name, with no mention of the church to the banks involved. In addition, the evidence showed that he treated the entire sum of money as his own and used it for whatever purposes he chose. Some was used for personal expenses and some for business-related expenses, but the Supreme Court papers clearly showed that it was all treated by Moon as belonging to him and him alone.
Here we get a clear case of deception. Christian ministers and others were brought in to help Moon fight the conviction. Claiming freedom of religion was being denied, and that the First Amendment being violated, an organization was formed called the Committee to Defend the U.S. Constitution. The New York Times of July 28, 1985 gives some background on this committee and quotes the then president of the Unification Church, Moss Durst, as speaking for the committee. Here is where the deception about the ties of the committee to the church begins to unfold. The organization listed as sponsor of the ads, the Committee to Defend the U.S. Constitution, gives an address in Washington D.C., that is only a mail drop. A recorded voice answers the telephone. Mr. Durst said that the committee was an independent interest group that had no financial connection to his church. But he added that the church would reproduce the ads and send them to 300,000 clergymen around the nation. Interestingly, this does not correlate with a letter that Colonel Bo Hi Pak (Moon's second in command) received from his lawyer. The letter clearly states the committee was formed according to Pak's instructions. Thus the organization was formed by the Unification Church to defend their leader.
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THE FAMILY VALUES OF SUN MYUNG MOON
At the Prayer Luncheon, Sun Myung Moon received an award for his work in support of family values. I ask each of you to closely examine the type of family values that Moon promotes. The Unification Church today admits taking our youth away from their families in the early 1970's and even brain washing them. Those youngsters were forced to sell flowers and other items on street corners for up to 18 hours a day to give Moon much of the money he used to purchase his power and political, business and religious connections.
Moon's family values need to be excoriated, not rewarded. At least one report states that Moon has been married four times. He left his first wife, Sung Kil Choi, and their three-month old son, Sung Jin, without explanation. He returned to them some six years later, but they divorced shortly thereafter. Moon claims that the divorce was because she failed to become the perfect wife. Moon then had an illegitimate son, Hee Jin, with a university student, Myung Hee Kim, in 1953 while still married to his first wife. Moon married his fourth (or second) wife Hak Ja Han in 1960. She was eighteen years old and he was forty. While married to Hak Ja Han, Moon had another illegitimate son with a church member that was raised by Moon's most trusted adviser as his son, while the mother played the role of family friend in his young life. So we see Moon as an adulterer with two illegitimate sons, while at the same time claiming to be the Second Coming of the Messiah.
As a parent, Moon fares no better. In 1965 Moon described his ideal circumstances for the rearing of children: "We would like to see a boarding house for the children of our members, where some responsible persons could raise them and educate them at least for a few years. This would release you for your necessary witnessing." Sun Myung Moon and his wife were absentee parents, according to Nansook Hong, ex-wife of Hyo Jin. The children were left in the care of church elders and baby-sitters. When Hyo Jin Moon was expelled from middle school for shooting his classmates with a BB gun, Moon sent him off to live with Bo Hi Pak. When that did not work out, he was sent to Korea to be raised by Moon followers there. This true parent (Sun Myung Moon) held to the theory that his followers were responsible for rearing the Messiah's children. Nansook also states that the Moon children do not even eat their meals with the parents, but bow to them, and then bring their meals into the kitchen to be eaten.
This so-called promoter of family life had one son commit suicide and his oldest (Hyo Jin) was divorced. Hyo Jin's ex-wife (Nansook Hong) reports that their married life was a parade of horrors including physical abuse, cocaine addiction, alcoholism, adultery and pornography. Even after all of that, there is no indication of any treatment for Hyo Jin before he was remarried to another follower by Moon. Additionally, two of his daughters are reported to have been unhappy with their family life. Are these family values we want to reward and publicize as appropriate for Christian leaders?
POLITICAL ASSOCIATIONS
Many politicians have also received large sums of money from Sun Myung Moon through one or more of his organizations. It has been estimated that George Bush senior, after losing his bid for a second term, received a golden parachute from Moon. He was asked to travel and speak with Moon in Asia, the United States and South America. Published reports vary, claiming that Moon paid anywhere from three to ten million dollars for Bush's speaking services. Several newspapers have reported that Bush received one million dollars per one-hour speech in certain years following his presidency. One strange case took place in Argentina in 1996 where Bush declared: "I want to salute Reverend Moon as a man of vision", while at the same time Moon's speeches quote him characterizing the United States as "Satan's harvest" and American women as being descended from a line of prostitutes. Ironically, I believe we must get the Christian ministers away from Moon before even trying to get the politicians away. If we can get the ministers away, most of the politicians will certainly follow.
Sun Myung Moon has long promoted himself as being a fighter against communism. This was one of the ways he has won over the so-called right wing conservative party. Yet last year it was reported that he gave the leader of North Korea $3,000,000 as a birthday president. It is also true that Moon is hoping to open an auto plant in North Korea and did receive presents from the dictator, Kim Jong-il, on his birthday. However, those are secular problems and not our main concern.
As Christians we must defend our faith, our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Scriptures. Whenever someone, anyone, speaks against our beliefs, we must stand up and speak loudly the truth of God. One cannot take money, gold watches, or other items of value to look the other way while allowing someone to speak against our faith.
Some Christian leaders have claimed this is an opportunity to preach the gospel. Unfortunately, while those in the audience may hear what was said, the fact remains that your presence is used to attract followers who only know that you were part of the event and have no idea what you may have said. One of the best examples of that was the Inaugural Prayer Luncheon January 19, 2001. Sun Myung Moon is pictured in the Washington Times receiving a large award, for his work supporting family values, from an ecumenical group of clergymen. The article states "Martin Luther King, evangelist Billy Graham, and Rev. Sun Myung Moon were honored by an ecumenical group of clergymen." Since it was Merritt, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, who honored Billy Graham, it is assumed that he was part of the clergy giving the award to Moon. This inference is used to build Moon's credibility, and more importantly, by his recruiters in seeking new followers. Please, as devoted Christians, do not allow yourself to get caught in this trap.
We hope that you have found this booklet informative and inspiring. If you would like additional copies, or any additional documentation or information, please contact us at the address below. We would also encourage you to read In The Shadow Of The Moons by Nansook Hong, published by Little, Brown & Company..
Sincerely In His Service,
Dr. Frederick H. Miller, Th.M., Ph.D.
Director
True Light Educational Ministry Inc.
P.O. Box 310
Shirley, NY 11967-0310
631-395-4646
End Notes
1. Charles Colson, The Body, Dallas TX, Dallas Word
Publishing, 1992, p.186.
2. Ibid., p. 185.
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