Changes

Rev. Moon, who wrote ''[[Crown of Glory]]'' as a young teenager, had an unusually cheery and positive attitude toward persecution:  

Rev. Moon, who wrote ''[[Crown of Glory]]'' as a young teenager, had an unusually cheery and positive attitude toward persecution:  

*"Nations have opposed me. North Korea, Japan, the United States, the whole world has opposed me. Everyone opposed the Unification Church and Reverend Moon. Judaism, established Christianity and especially communism have opposed me. Most people would want revenge. But I do not. I have no thought of revenge. I am willing to forget everything, as soon as possible. I am willing to forget even though I have been kicked and maligned. When people oppose me I take the attitude that they do so because I could not carry out what I wanted to do and give them more love. Because I could not achieve what I had pledged — to love people before God — and because I could not prepare the right position for them, they persecute me so loudly. But I love them even though I am persecuted. When I do this the world changes." <ref>[http://www.unification.net/gww/gww-34.html The Holy Spirit Association for

*"Nations have opposed me. North Korea, Japan, the United States, the whole world has opposed me. Everyone opposed the Unification Church and Reverend Moon. Judaism, established Christianity and especially communism have opposed me. Most people would want revenge. But I do not. I have no thought of revenge. I am willing to forget everything, as soon as possible. I am willing to forget even though I have been kicked and maligned. When people oppose me I take the attitude that they do so because I could not carry out what I wanted to do and give them more love. Because I could not achieve what I had pledged — to love people before God — and because I could not prepare the right position for them, they persecute me so loudly. But I love them even though I am persecuted. When I do this the world changes." <ref>[http://www.unification.net/gww/gww-34.html The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity - May 1, 1981]</ref>

the Unification of World Christianity - May 1, 1981]</ref>

    

    

In the political world, Moon was best known for having founded ''The [[Washington Times]]'', a conservative newspaper.  

In the political world, Moon was best known for having founded ''The [[Washington Times]]'', a conservative newspaper.  

The church preaches a [[universalist]] doctrine of [[salvation]] based on a doctrine called the ''Unification Principle''.<ref>The church's teachings are written in Korean, and were re-translated in 1996 as ''Exposition of the Divine Principle'' [http://www.unification.net/dp96/] </ref>  

The church preaches a [[universalist]] doctrine of [[salvation]] based on a doctrine called the ''Unification Principle''.<ref>The church's teachings are written in Korean, and were re-translated in 1996 as ''Exposition of the Divine Principle'' [http://www.unification.net/dp96/]</ref>  

Rev. Moon is called by his followers the Lord of the Second Advent, and believed by them to be [[messiah]],<ref>Maurice Burrell says with regards to this: "It is not surprising, therefore, that although Moon himself never specifically made the claim that he is the Lord of the Second Advent, I have yet to meet one of his followers who believes him to be anything less." [http://christianlibrary.org.au/cel/documents/cults/10.html Cults By Rev. Paul Seiler]</ref>  

Rev. Moon is called by his followers the Lord of the Second Advent, and believed by them to be [[messiah]],<ref>Maurice Burrell says with regards to this: "It is not surprising, therefore, that although Moon himself never specifically made the claim that he is the Lord of the Second Advent, I have yet to meet one of his followers who believes him to be anything less." [http://christianlibrary.org.au/cel/documents/cults/10.html Cults By Rev. Paul Seiler]</ref>  

sent to complete the elimination of evil, the establishment of a perfect society on earth and the cleansing of mankind of [[original sin]].  

sent to complete the elimination of evil, the establishment of a perfect society on earth and the cleansing of mankind of [[original sin]].  

The church is known for its unique theology, conversion techniques, mass weddings and political activity. It is opposed by [[conservative]] [[Christian]]s due to its contradictions of Christian Biblical doctrine,<ref>http://www.biblequery.org/OtherBeliefs/RevMoon/RevMoon.htm</ref> <ref>[http://www.wfial.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=artMoonie.article_1 Bob Waldrep, Watchman Fellowship, ''The Unification Church: Moonshine for the Soul'']</ref><ref>[http://www.biblequery.org/OtherBeliefs/RevMoon/RevMoon.htm ''MoonStruck: An Analysis of Rev. Moon’s Unification Church'', biblequery.org]</ref><ref>[http://www.religionfacts.com/unification_church/index.htm Religion Facts, ''Unification Church'']</ref><ref>[http://www.apologeticsindex.org/u05.html Apologetics Index, ''About the Unification Church'']</ref><ref>J. Isamu Yamamoto, Dr Alan W Gomes, ''Unification Church''</ref><ref>[http://video.aol.com/video-detail/nan-sook-hong/1354477572 Nan Sook Hong video interview]</ref> though certain ministries have accepted funding from Unification "front" ministries,<ref>[http://www.letusreason.org/Moon.htm ''The Dark side of the Moon: The wedding blessing pt.1'', pt.1]</ref><ref>http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/m/moonies/front_groups.htm</ref> while others mainly object to its conservative political involvement.  

The church is known for its unique theology, conversion techniques, mass weddings and political activity. It is opposed by [[conservative]] [[Christian]]s due to its contradictions of Christian Biblical doctrine,<ref>http://www.biblequery.org/OtherBeliefs/RevMoon/RevMoon.htm</ref><ref>[http://www.wfial.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=artMoonie.article_1 Bob Waldrep, Watchman Fellowship, ''The Unification Church: Moonshine for the Soul'']</ref><ref>[http://www.biblequery.org/OtherBeliefs/RevMoon/RevMoon.htm ''MoonStruck: An Analysis of Rev. Moon’s Unification Church'', biblequery.org]</ref><ref>[http://www.religionfacts.com/unification_church/index.htm Religion Facts, ''Unification Church'']</ref><ref>[http://www.apologeticsindex.org/u05.html Apologetics Index, ''About the Unification Church'']</ref><ref>J. Isamu Yamamoto, Dr Alan W Gomes, ''Unification Church''</ref><ref>[http://video.aol.com/video-detail/nan-sook-hong/1354477572 Nan Sook Hong video interview]</ref> though certain ministries have accepted funding from Unification "front" ministries,<ref>[http://www.letusreason.org/Moon.htm ''The Dark side of the Moon: The wedding blessing pt.1'', pt.1]</ref><ref>http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/m/moonies/front_groups.htm</ref> while others mainly object to its conservative political involvement.  

Moon apparently remained the head of the Unification Church till his death in September 2012 of pneumonia, despite turning over "day-to-day control" of the movement to three of his children. Thirty-year-old Rev. [[Hyung Jin Moon]],  Moon's youngest son, was chosen in 2008 to be the international religious leader of the church,<ref>Associated Press, ''Moon turning over Unification Church to sons''.  Mon., Oct . 12, 2009</ref> while [[Kook Jin Moon]], 39, has completed a successful restructuring of business ventures in South Korea.<ref> [http://www.tparents.org/Moon-Talks/KookJinMoon/KookJinMoon-070225a.htm]</ref> Heading the US church is daughter [[In Jin Moon]].<ref>[http://www.familyfed.org Official Church website]</ref>

Moon apparently remained the head of the Unification Church till his death in September 2012 of pneumonia, despite turning over "day-to-day control" of the movement to three of his children. Thirty-year-old Rev. [[Hyung Jin Moon]],  Moon's youngest son, was chosen in 2008 to be the international religious leader of the church,<ref>Associated Press, ''Moon turning over Unification Church to sons''.  Mon., Oct . 12, 2009</ref> while [[Kook Jin Moon]], 39, has completed a successful restructuring of business ventures in South Korea.<ref>[http://www.tparents.org/Moon-Talks/KookJinMoon/KookJinMoon-070225a.htm]</ref> Heading the US church is daughter [[In Jin Moon]].<ref>[http://www.familyfed.org Official Church website]</ref>

Rev. and Mrs. Moon's oldest living son, [[Hyun Jin Moon]], declined an offer to spend a year closely attending Rev. Moon and has chosen his own path.

Rev. and Mrs. Moon's oldest living son, [[Hyun Jin Moon]], declined an offer to spend a year closely attending Rev. Moon and has chosen his own path.

==History==

==History==

Sun Myung Moon was born and raised in what is now [[North Korea]], during imperialist [[Japan]]ese occupation. Moon's parents mainly adhered to [[Confucianism]] until they converted in 1930 to the [[Presbyterian]] church in Korea, when Moon was around 10 years old.  During the  Japanese occupation, the Presbyterian church--along with many other faiths--was the object of Japanese persecution. It was also a time of spiritual innovation. Although for a short time Moon was taught in the Presbyterian [[Christian faith]],  he states that on [[Resurrection Sunday]] in 1935 (when he was 16) he saw a vision of [[Jesus]], in which he was commissioned "to restore God's perfect kingdom", and that he would be "the completer of man's salvation by being the Second Coming of Christ",<ref>Sun Myung Moon and The Unification Church, James Bjornstad, p. 9</ref> though minor variations of this message are given. Moon would be known as the "Savior, the Lord of the Second Advent, the Messiah".<ref>Today's World, September 1992, pp. 20-21</ref>  In a similarity to men such as [[Joseph Smith]], the founder of [[Mormonism]], and Emanuel Swedenborg, founder of [[Swedenborgism]], Moon claimed that he conversed in the spiritual realm with [[Abraham]], [[Moses]], [[Jesus]], [[Mohammad]], [[Buddha]] and other notables of other faiths.<ref>The Perennial Dictionary of World Religions, Keith Crim, editor, p. 775</ref><ref>''Outline of the Principle'', Level 4, p. 2, 1980</ref>  

Sun Myung Moon was born and raised in what is now [[North Korea]], during imperialist [[Japan]]ese occupation. Moon's parents mainly adhered to [[Confucianism]] until they converted in 1930 to the [[Presbyterian]] church in Korea, when Moon was around 10 years old.  During the  Japanese occupation, the Presbyterian church—along with many other faiths—was the object of Japanese persecution. It was also a time of spiritual innovation. Although for a short time Moon was taught in the Presbyterian [[Christian faith]],  he states that on [[Resurrection Sunday]] in 1935 (when he was 16) he saw a vision of [[Jesus]], in which he was commissioned "to restore God's perfect kingdom", and that he would be "the completer of man's salvation by being the Second Coming of Christ",<ref>Sun Myung Moon and The Unification Church, James Bjornstad, p. 9</ref> though minor variations of this message are given. Moon would be known as the "Savior, the Lord of the Second Advent, the Messiah".<ref>Today's World, September 1992, pp. 20-21</ref>  In a similarity to men such as [[Joseph Smith]], the founder of [[Mormonism]], and Emanuel Swedenborg, founder of [[Swedenborgism]], Moon claimed that he conversed in the spiritual realm with [[Abraham]], [[Moses]], [[Jesus]], [[Mohammad]], [[Buddha]] and other notables of other faiths.<ref>The Perennial Dictionary of World Religions, Keith Crim, editor, p. 775</ref><ref>''Outline of the Principle'', Level 4, p. 2, 1980</ref>  

Moon established his first congregation in 1946, titled the ''Broad Sea Church''. In 1948 Moon was excommunicated by the Presbyterian Church, and a short time later was imprisoned and tortured by the North Korean authorities. He was soon released but was arrested and imprisoned again, remaining so until the camp was liberated by American and U.N. troops in 1950. Moon relocated to South Korea, and began a church in a refugee camp in Pusan. In 1954 Moon registered his church as ''The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity'' (HSA-UWC). In 1955 South Korean authorities arrested Moon for draft evasion, and later adding charges of adultery and promiscuity. However, the government could not prove its case and Moon was released. <ref>James Bjornstad, ''Sun Myung Moon & The Unification Church'', p. 11</ref>  

Moon established his first congregation in 1946, titled the ''Broad Sea Church''. In 1948 Moon was excommunicated by the Presbyterian Church, and a short time later was imprisoned and tortured by the North Korean authorities. He was soon released but was arrested and imprisoned again, remaining so until the camp was liberated by American and U.N. troops in 1950. Moon relocated to South Korea, and began a church in a refugee camp in Pusan. In 1954 Moon registered his church as ''The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity'' (HSA-UWC). In 1955 South Korean authorities arrested Moon for draft evasion, and later adding charges of adultery and promiscuity. However, the government could not prove its case and Moon was released.<ref>James Bjornstad, ''Sun Myung Moon & The Unification Church'', p. 11</ref>  

In 1959 Moon came to [[America]], where, in 1971 he established his international headquarters. Moon found a political ally in the 1960s with South Korea's leader Park Chung Hee, as both were committed to fighting [[communism]]. Moon created ideological and political alliances with prominent figures based on a common interest, even though these people often did not otherwise share all of his beliefs.<ref>"Unification Church Influence in America," p. 8</ref>  

In 1959 Moon came to [[America]], where, in 1971 he established his international headquarters. Moon found a political ally in the 1960s with South Korea's leader Park Chung Hee, as both were committed to fighting [[communism]]. Moon created ideological and political alliances with prominent figures based on a common interest, even though these people often did not otherwise share all of his beliefs.<ref>"Unification Church Influence in America," p. 8</ref>  

While growth in the [[United States]] was slow to begin, organization and growth were increased in the early- to mid-1970s as Moon made his third tour of the country. Moon made many publicized speeches (including in Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium in New York City) and orchestrated other gatherings, and increased evangelism.  

While growth in the [[United States]] was slow to begin, organization and growth were increased in the early- to mid-1970s as Moon made his third tour of the country. Moon made many publicized speeches (including in Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium in New York City) and orchestrated other gatherings, and increased evangelism.  

A later feature of Unificationism was the practice of mass public wedding ceremonies. The first of these was held on July 1, 1982 when  Moon  married over 2000 couples at one time at Madison Square Garden, [[New York City]]. In 1988 6,516 couples from 83 countries were married in a church-owned location near Seoul, South Korea.<ref>Wall Street Journal, August 24, 1992, p. A-1</ref> In August of 1992, Moon presided over a mass wedding of 3,000 couples in Seoul Korea, while in 1995 more than 720,000 people were married via satellite at 545 sites in over 100 countries.<ref>Christian News, 9/25/95, p. 14</ref> Regarding such, Moon stated, "No religious leader nor the president of any nation can accomplish such a feat."<ref>Proclamation of the Messiah by Reverend Sun Myung Moon</ref> <ref>http://www.letusreason.org/Moon.htm</ref>  

A later feature of Unificationism was the practice of mass public wedding ceremonies. The first of these was held on July 1, 1982 when  Moon  married over 2000 couples at one time at Madison Square Garden, [[New York City]]. In 1988 6,516 couples from 83 countries were married in a church-owned location near Seoul, South Korea.<ref>Wall Street Journal, August 24, 1992, p. A-1</ref> In August 1992, Moon presided over a mass wedding of 3,000 couples in Seoul Korea, while in 1995 more than 720,000 people were married via satellite at 545 sites in over 100 countries.<ref>Christian News, 9/25/95, p. 14</ref> Regarding such, Moon stated, "No religious leader nor the president of any nation can accomplish such a feat."<ref>Proclamation of the Messiah by Reverend Sun Myung Moon</ref><ref>http://www.letusreason.org/Moon.htm</ref>  

The Unification Church is estimated to own or have a substantial interest in approximately 300 financial institutions all over the world, including publishers, jewellers, and clothing stores,<ref>[http://www.carm.org/religious-movements/-religions-list/unification-church CARM, ''The Unification Church'']</ref> as well as substantial influence in Bridgeport Academy and University of Bridgeport.

The Unification Church is estimated to own or have a substantial interest in approximately 300 financial institutions all over the world, including publishers, jewellers, and clothing stores,<ref>[http://www.carm.org/religious-movements/-religions-list/unification-church CARM, ''The Unification Church'']</ref> as well as substantial influence in Bridgeport Academy and University of Bridgeport.

Sun Myung Moon also asserted that Jesus now serves his dead son, Heung Jin, in heaven.

Sun Myung Moon also asserted that Jesus now serves his dead son, Heung Jin, in heaven.

<blockquote>

<blockquote>

He does not have the heartistic bond with True Parents that the True Children do. Therefore, Heung Jin takes the position of first son in the spirit world. It is correct that Heung Jin is called Lord there. He went there instead of Parents, which means that the birthright is restored in the spirit world. That is why Jesus must serve him absolutely.<ref>Sun Myung Moon - 1987-12-4. Hannam-dong House - The Tribal Messiah - Sermon 2 - Establishment of The Birthright</ref>.<ref>http://www.moontribune.com/cult/2008/11/24/christian-church-leaders-call-sun-myung-moon-the-devil-and-anti-christ</ref></blockquote>  

He does not have the heartistic bond with True Parents that the True Children do. Therefore, Heung Jin takes the position of first son in the spirit world. It is correct that Heung Jin is called Lord there. He went there instead of Parents, which means that the birthright is restored in the spirit world. That is why Jesus must serve him absolutely.<ref>Sun Myung Moon - 1987-12-4. Hannam-dong House - The Tribal Messiah - Sermon 2 - Establishment of The Birthright</ref><ref>http://www.moontribune.com/cult/2008/11/24/christian-church-leaders-call-sun-myung-moon-the-devil-and-anti-christ</ref></blockquote>  

Moon had completed the ''Original Palace for the Attendance of True Parents'' in South Korea by 2004,  Before its completion, Moon’s medium, Dae Mo Nim, described it as the place “where God and True Parents can work together".</ref><ref>[http://www.moontribune.com/cult/2008/11/24/christian-church-leaders-call-sun-myung-moon-the-devil-and-anti-christ Christian Church leaders call Sun Myung Moon the “Devil and Anti-Christ”]</ref>

Moon had completed the ''Original Palace for the Attendance of True Parents'' in South Korea by 2004,  Before its completion, Moon’s medium, Dae Mo Nim, described it as the place “where God and True Parents can work together".</ref><ref>[http://www.moontribune.com/cult/2008/11/24/christian-church-leaders-call-sun-myung-moon-the-devil-and-anti-christ Christian Church leaders call Sun Myung Moon the “Devil and Anti-Christ”]</ref>

Sun Myung Moon is seen as an object to whom implicit faith and obedience is to be rendered by his followers. Moon stated,  

Sun Myung Moon is seen as an object to whom implicit faith and obedience is to be rendered by his followers. Moon stated,  

<blockquote>Actually, have you ever stopped to wonder if there is anything that Father doesn't do? There's no such thing; he does everything. Now we know these are phenomena of the Last Days. So what is the conclusion? Pay no attention to anything else; just hold on to Reverend Moon. Thus, when Father gives a direction, we can reply confidently, "Yes." We don't discuss it; we just go ahead, because we know that we are better off that way”<ref>Proclamation of the Messiah by Reverend Sun Myung Moon</ref>.</blockquote>

<blockquote>Actually, have you ever stopped to wonder if there is anything that Father doesn't do? There's no such thing; he does everything. Now we know these are phenomena of the Last Days. So what is the conclusion? Pay no attention to anything else; just hold on to Reverend Moon. Thus, when Father gives a direction, we can reply confidently, "Yes." We don't discuss it; we just go ahead, because we know that we are better off that way”.<ref>Proclamation of the Messiah by Reverend Sun Myung Moon</ref></blockquote>

An often recited vow promises, "I will become a dutiful son and a child of goodness to attend to our Father Moon forever.<ref>Ronald Enroth, ''Youth, Brainwashing and the cult extremists'', p. 19.</ref>

An often recited vow promises, "I will become a dutiful son and a child of goodness to attend to our Father Moon forever.<ref>Ronald Enroth, ''Youth, Brainwashing and the cult extremists'', p. 19.</ref>

Moon's use of spiritism would continue, being one that "continually receives 'new revelations,' and practices a form of soul travel whereby he allegedly projects himself into the spirit realm to see Jesus and the saints, and claims to be an 'expert' on the spirit world."<ref>James Bjornstad, The Moon Is Not The Son, p. 30.</ref><ref>http://www.wfial.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=artMoonie.article_1.</ref>  

Moon's use of spiritism would continue, being one that "continually receives 'new revelations,' and practices a form of soul travel whereby he allegedly projects himself into the spirit realm to see Jesus and the saints, and claims to be an 'expert' on the spirit world."<ref>James Bjornstad, The Moon Is Not The Son, p. 30.</ref><ref>http://www.wfial.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=artMoonie.article_1.</ref>  

Unification sources also state that Moon has offered spiritual guidance and blessing to various notable historical figures, and has enabled seminars to take place in the spirit world, attended by a variety of leaders, from [[Confucius]] to [[Mao Zedung]].<ref>Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (2002), ‘A Cloud of Witnesses: The Saints’ Testimonies to True Parents; http://www.cesnur.org/2003/vil2003_chryssides.htm (liberal source: [http://www.kelebekler.com/cesnur/eng.htm]</ref> For 20 years Moon has sought to develop a ''Spirit World Machine'', hoping to establish a reliable connection to the spirit world. <ref>Unification theological seminary</ref>  

Unification sources also state that Moon has offered spiritual guidance and blessing to various notable historical figures, and has enabled seminars to take place in the spirit world, attended by a variety of leaders, from [[Confucius]] to [[Mao Zedung]].<ref>Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (2002), ‘A Cloud of Witnesses: The Saints’ Testimonies to True Parents; http://www.cesnur.org/2003/vil2003_chryssides.htm (liberal source: [http://www.kelebekler.com/cesnur/eng.htm]</ref> For 20 years Moon has sought to develop a ''Spirit World Machine'', hoping to establish a reliable connection to the spirit world.<ref>Unification theological seminary</ref>  

Primarily in earlier days, Unificationists themselves placed a heavy emphasis upon visions, revelatory dream and hearing voices. A study of members in the New York City area between 1979 and 1980 showed 32 percent describing having personally meaningful visions of Sun Myung Moon in different postures.<ref>Irving Hexham, Karla Poewe, J. I. Packer, ''Understanding Cults and New Age Religions'', p. 114-116.</ref>

Primarily in earlier days, Unificationists themselves placed a heavy emphasis upon visions, revelatory dream and hearing voices. A study of members in the New York City area between 1979 and 1980 showed 32 percent describing having personally meaningful visions of Sun Myung Moon in different postures.<ref>Irving Hexham, Karla Poewe, J. I. Packer, ''Understanding Cults and New Age Religions'', p. 114-116.</ref>

==Opposition==

==Opposition==

With the growth of the Unification church came increasing theological opposition, primarily from Christian teachers due to Unification's contradictions of Christian theology, detailed in such works the ''Kingdom of the Cults'', by the late Walter Martin. <ref>Martin, ''The Unification Church'', Kingdom of the Cults, chapter 13</ref>

With the growth of the Unification church came increasing theological opposition, primarily from Christian teachers due to Unification's contradictions of Christian theology, detailed in such works the ''Kingdom of the Cults'', by the late Walter Martin.<ref>Martin, ''The Unification Church'', Kingdom of the Cults, chapter 13</ref>

Critic James Bjornstad, in Sun Myung Moon and The Unification Church, sums up Moon's theology as being an the admixture of different beliefs.  

Critic James Bjornstad, in Sun Myung Moon and The Unification Church, sums up Moon's theology as being an the admixture of different beliefs.  

In 1981 Moon faced governmental opposition when the Internal Revenue Service charged him with tax evasion. Although some other religious figures supported Moon in this issue, he was found guilty and fined 25,000 and time in prison. Moon ended up serving 13 months in prison, but he remains a permanent resident of the US.<ref>Thomas Streissguth, ''Charismatic cult leaders'', p. 95-97</ref>

In 1981 Moon faced governmental opposition when the Internal Revenue Service charged him with tax evasion. Although some other religious figures supported Moon in this issue, he was found guilty and fined 25,000 and time in prison. Moon ended up serving 13 months in prison, but he remains a permanent resident of the US.<ref>Thomas Streissguth, ''Charismatic cult leaders'', p. 95-97</ref>

Robert Boettcher, the former staff director for the congressional committee which investigated Moon<ref>http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/m/moonies/fraser-report/index.html</ref>, criticized Moon for apparently thinking that his “religious beliefs” were a special license to break laws. \<ref>[Robert B. Boettcher - Gifts of Deceit - Sun Myung Moon, Tongsun Park and the Korean Scandal. (1980)]</ref>  

Robert Boettcher, the former staff director for the congressional committee which investigated Moon,<ref>http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/m/moonies/fraser-report/index.html</ref> criticized Moon for apparently thinking that his “religious beliefs” were a special license to break laws. \<ref>[Robert B. Boettcher - Gifts of Deceit - Sun Myung Moon, Tongsun Park and the Korean Scandal. (1980)]</ref>  

In defense, Pulitzer-prize winning reporter 1991 Carlton Sherwood, an employee of Moon's paper, the [[Washington Times]], wrote ''Inquisition''. Sherwood describes Moon as a victim of religious persecution and racial bigotry, a portrayal which church investigators J. Isamu Yamamoto and Paul Carden strongly disagree with.<ref>[http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0133a.html Christian Research Journal, Fall 1992, p. 32]</ref>  

In defense, Pulitzer-prize winning reporter 1991 Carlton Sherwood, an employee of Moon's paper, the [[Washington Times]], wrote ''Inquisition''. Sherwood describes Moon as a victim of religious persecution and racial bigotry, a portrayal which church investigators J. Isamu Yamamoto and Paul Carden strongly disagree with.<ref>[http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/web/crj0133a.html Christian Research Journal, Fall 1992, p. 32]</ref>  

In 1998, Nansook Hong, the former wife of the Moon's oldest son, Hyo Jin Moon, joined with a Boston Globe columnist to pen a crushing memoir, ''In the Shadow of the Moons: My Life in Reverend Sun Myung Moon's Family'' Boston: <ref>Little, Brown & Company, 1998.</ref> describing her husband's increasingly constant drug use, rampant adultery and physical violence during the turbulent fourteen years of their marriage. In addition, one of Moon's other sons apparently committed suicide in 1999, falling from a 17th story balcony in Reno, [[Nevada]].<ref>TIME Magazine, ''Life with the Moons: A conversation with Nansook Hong, former daughter-in-law of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, October 13, 1998</ref>.

In 1998, Nansook Hong, the former wife of the Moon's oldest son, Hyo Jin Moon, joined with a Boston Globe columnist to pen a crushing memoir, ''In the Shadow of the Moons: My Life in Reverend Sun Myung Moon's Family'' Boston:<ref>Little, Brown & Company, 1998.</ref> describing her husband's increasingly constant drug use, rampant adultery and physical violence during the turbulent fourteen years of their marriage. In addition, one of Moon's other sons apparently committed suicide in 1999, falling from a 17th story balcony in Reno, [[Nevada]].<ref>TIME Magazine, ''Life with the Moons: A conversation with Nansook Hong, former daughter-in-law of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, October 13, 1998</ref>  

As Moon promoted himself as a model of family values and taught that he and his wife are the True Parents of the new family, born without original sin, this revelation of iniquity within Moon's family has seriously impugned Moon's credibility. A perfect family is necessary for the fulfillment of Moon's theology, the establishment of the kingdom of God, for which purpose Moon has declared he was ordained as Messiah.<ref>http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/In-the-Shadow-of-the-Moons</ref><ref>Don Lattin, ''Following Our Bliss: How the Spiritual Ideals of the Sixties Shape Our Lives, p. 2003</ref><ref>http://www.nypost.com/081798/gossip/pagesix.htm</ref>

As Moon promoted himself as a model of family values and taught that he and his wife are the True Parents of the new family, born without original sin, this revelation of iniquity within Moon's family has seriously impugned Moon's credibility. A perfect family is necessary for the fulfillment of Moon's theology, the establishment of the kingdom of God, for which purpose Moon has declared he was ordained as Messiah.<ref>http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/In-the-Shadow-of-the-Moons</ref><ref>Don Lattin, ''Following Our Bliss: How the Spiritual Ideals of the Sixties Shape Our Lives, p. 2003</ref><ref>http://www.nypost.com/081798/gossip/pagesix.htm</ref>

*The Unification Movement categorically condemns anti- Semitism, the most hideous, abject and cruel form of hatred. We regard the murder of six million Jews in Europe the result of political short- sightedness and lack of moral responsibility on the part of Germany's political and religious leaders, and statesmen from among other nations, in the period between the Two World Wars.

*The Unification Movement categorically condemns anti- Semitism, the most hideous, abject and cruel form of hatred. We regard the murder of six million Jews in Europe the result of political short- sightedness and lack of moral responsibility on the part of Germany's political and religious leaders, and statesmen from among other nations, in the period between the Two World Wars.

*Ignoring the basic teachings of the Scriptures, they acted too late to block Hitler's ascent to power, they postponed the action for his downfall, and they did nothing to rescue the victims who were the captives of his satanic plans and designs.

*Ignoring the basic teachings of the Scriptures, they acted too late to block Hitler's ascent to power, they postponed the action for his downfall, and they did nothing to rescue the victims who were the captives of his satanic plans and designs.

*Only a unified front of all Christian and Jewish forces, inspired by the principles of the Divine Commandments and guided by the concept of human brotherhood, would have been able to prevent the Holocaust, the implementation of the "Final Solution," -- a Cain-inspired action, carried out by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945.

*Only a unified front of all Christian and Jewish forces, inspired by the principles of the Divine Commandments and guided by the concept of human brotherhood, would have been able to prevent the Holocaust, the implementation of the "Final Solution,"—a Cain-inspired action, carried out by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945.

*The Unification Movement recognizes the divine and natural right of the Jewish people to physical survival and preservation of its specific religious traditions, the marks of its distinctive historical entity. These fundamental human rights must be secured everyhwere, especially for Jews living in the lands of the Diaspora.<ref>

*The Unification Movement recognizes the divine and natural right of the Jewish people to physical survival and preservation of its specific religious traditions, the marks of its distinctive historical entity. These fundamental human rights must be secured everyhwere, especially for Jews living in the lands of the Diaspora.<ref>

[http://www.tparents.org/Moon-Talks/SunMyungMoon03/SM030516-Israel-final.htm Quotes from Sun Myung Moon relevant to the May 2003 Pilgrimage to Israel]</ref>

[http://www.tparents.org/Moon-Talks/SunMyungMoon03/SM030516-Israel-final.htm Quotes from Sun Myung Moon relevant to the May 2003 Pilgrimage to Israel]</ref>

<blockquote>In the context of heaven's providence, I am God's ambassador, sent to earth with His full authority. I am sent to accomplish His command to save the world's 6 billion people, restoring them to heaven with the original goodness in which they were created.</blockquote>

<blockquote>In the context of heaven's providence, I am God's ambassador, sent to earth with His full authority. I am sent to accomplish His command to save the world's 6 billion people, restoring them to heaven with the original goodness in which they were created.</blockquote>

Certain prominent politicians took part in the ceremony, stating afterwards that they were misled into participating.<ref>The Washington Post, Wednesday, June 23, 2004; Page A01</ref><ref> http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38947</ref>

Certain prominent politicians took part in the ceremony, stating afterwards that they were misled into participating.<ref>The Washington Post, Wednesday, June 23, 2004; Page A01</ref><ref>http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38947</ref>

*[http://thethinkspot.com/worldreligions-2011/chapters/16 Think Spot] - Pearson Education

*[http://thethinkspot.com/worldreligions-2011/chapters/16 Think Spot] - Pearson Education

[[category:churches]]

[[Category:Churches]]