Historical Figure
Sun Myung Moon
1920–2012
Korean religious leader (1920–2012)
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Biography
Sun Myung Moon was a Korean religious leader, also known for his business ventures and support for conservative political causes. A messiah claimant, he was the founder of the Unification Church, whose members consider him and his wife, Hak Ja Han, to be their "True Parents", and of its widely noted "Blessing" or mass wedding ceremonies. The author of the Unification Church's religious scripture, the Divine Principle, was an anti-communist and an advocate for Korean reunification, for which he was recognized by the governments of both North and South Korea. Businesses he promoted included News World Communications, an international news media corporation known for its American subsidiary The Washington Times, and Tongil Group, a South Korean business group (chaebol), as well as other related organizations.
In Their Own Words (5)
In the providential history of mankind, Adam fell on the individual level; Noah fell on the family level; Abraham on the tribal level (clan level); Moses, on the national level; and Jesus, both on the national and worldwide levels. All those things are not a history of victory at all. But when we think of centering on the man Noah -- he kept his faith, trying to carry out his mission for 120 long years -- but we have to excel his faith. 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. So, in order for us to accomplish our mission, our whole-sided mission, we must excel them in many ways. It makes it difficult for us to carry out our mission; but when we pour out our whole energy, our whole being, into this providence project, we can get the cooperation of the spirit world, making it possible. We must turn all things upside down like this, making it a reality, and making it a success. Jesus had a strong sense of purpose in his mission, but ours must be even stronger than that.
"Victory or Defeat" (1973-03-31) , 1973
My dream is to organize a Christian political party including the Protestant denominations, Catholics and all the religious sects. Then, the communist power will be helpless before ours. We are going to do this because the communists are coming to the political scene. Before the pulpit, all the ministers of the established churches must give their sermon on how to smash or absorb communism — but they are not doing that. We are going to do this. Unless we lay the foundation for this, we cannot carry it out. In the Medieval Ages, they had to separate from the cities — statesmanship from the religious field — because people were corrupted at that 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. Democracy was born because people ruled the world, like the Pope does. Then, we come to the conclusion that God has to rule the world, and God loving people have to rule the world — and that is logical. We have to purge the corrupted politicians, and the sons of God must rule the world. The separation between religion and politics is what Satan likes most.
Master Speaks: The Significance of the Training Session (1973-05-17) , 1973
Looking at the Moonies from the normal, common-sense point of view, we certainly appear to be a bunch of crazy people!
As quoted in "Zoff off, Moon loon, and Cheat schmeat" in The Guardian (2001-09-20) , 2001
I would not be standing here today if my skin were white or my religion were Presbyterian. I am here today only because my skin is yellow and my religion is Unification Church. The ugliest things in this beautiful country of America are religious bigotry and racism.
On the tax charges against him, in a speech at Foley Square in New York City (22 October 1981); published in a full page advertisement in the The New York Times (5 November 1981), as quoted in US Court of Appeals document U.S. v. Sun Myung Moon 718 F.2d 1210 (1983) , 1983
In daily life, which sex is usually more disruptive or problem-causing? Percentage-wise, it is usually women. What contributes to that? It is mainly because they lack perseverance.
The Way of God's Will Chapter 1-5. Tradition, Official Business, and Responsibility Translated 1980. , 1980
Timeline
The story of Sun Myung Moon, told in moments.
Became known worldwide for mass wedding ceremonies, sometimes marrying thousands of couples at once. His followers, called "Moonies" by critics, were intensely devoted. He claimed to be the Messiah and called himself and his wife the "True Parents" of humanity.
Born Moon Yong-myeong in what is now North Korea. His family converted to Christianity when he was a child. He claimed to have received a vision from Jesus at age 15, telling him to complete God's unfinished work.
Founded the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity in Seoul. It became known simply as the Unification Church. Had already been imprisoned twice, once by North Korea and once by South Korea.
Convicted of tax fraud in the United States and sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. The case drew protests from clergy and civil libertarians who argued the trial was biased. Founded The Washington Times the same year.
Died of pneumonia in Gapyeong, South Korea, at 92. His business empire spanned media, manufacturing, and seafood. His church claimed millions of followers across 100 countries.
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