But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness [2 Pet 3:13]

Known to many outside of the group as the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, it’s known very differently by former members. From their experiences and time with the group, they say it is better described as a cult. The new heaven and earth Shincheonji promised it’s members is nothing but a lie.

A university student might find themselves on campus being approached by two friendly people asking about their day and if they are interested in joining a bible study. Unbeknownst to the student is the group by which they are truly being recruited.

It’s not until seven to ten months of bible study and group involvement, that the group reveals their identity as Shincheonji. At which point the hours and hours of exposure to the group’s indoctrination pacify a member’s judgment.

The member is encouraged to devote more time to the group and reduce outside relationships. This means shunning family and friends, leaving relationships with partners not already inside the group, and neglecting studies.

Parents describe losing their children. Partners describe losing their loved ones, and in some cases, international students can lose their educational visas.

Shincheonji’s teachings espouse faith as the priority in life and detract meaning from anything else. To be a member of Shincheonji guarantees your survival in the group’s prophesied apocalypse.

This narrows members’ lives to exist and derive meaning only within Shincheonji making it extremely difficult for disillusioned members to leave.

Cult experts equate leaving as a form of spiritual death where a member must rebuild their belief system and reality to leave. Anyone who has the courage to start this process is incredibly brave.

Three former members who experienced Shincheonji and were able to leave describe the group with passages from the bible.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
Book of Matthew 7:15

Matt lost four years of his life to Shincheonji. He said they demanded everything from him, his time, meaning, education, friends and family. Matt now helps others leave the group and spreads awareness around Perth.

“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie.”
Book of Thessalonians 2:9

Bianca was among the first group recruited into Shincheonji when it arrived in Perth. She left after two years because of questionable beliefs and manipulative practices. When she saw the group’s negative toll on member’s lives, Bianca knew she had to do something.

“The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.”
Book of Jeremiah 14:14

For two years Alicia had no idea what group she was a part of until she got in touch with Matt. She was shocked to learn the deceptive tactics they used to lure her in.

Matt, Bianca and Alicia recount their experiences. Revealing how Shincheonji operates in Perth and why it is a cult. Asking the question, where is the accountability for Shincheonji’s religious practices?