Shincheonji Church of Jesus Sets New Benchmark in Biblical Education

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has emerged as a unique entity in the religious domain, primarily due to its distinctive approach to biblical education. At the heart of its mission is the Zion Christian Mission Center, an institution that has celebrated the graduation of over 100,000 students, marking a significant milestone in the church's commitment to fostering deep biblical knowledge among its members. This educational endeavor is not without its rigorous assessments; members undergo weekly Bible exams focused on the prophecies of the four gospels and the Book of Revelation, aiming to deeply internalize the teachings of the Bible.

Recent data from examinations held between January and April 2025 underscores the effectiveness of this approach. Participants achieved an average score of 99, with an impressive 97% participation rate. Furthermore, 99.9% of the examinees scored above 90, a testament to the high level of biblical comprehension within the church. These figures not only highlight the academic prowess of the members but also reflect the church's success in its educational mission.

Despite facing allegations and skepticism, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus has garnered support from unexpected quarters. Former pastors, including Pastor Kim, have publicly lauded the church's dedication to biblical practice, noting that the congregation's understanding of the Bible exceeds that of traditional pastors. Pastor Gwang-seon Choi has also emphasized the value of comprehensive biblical education, urging religious communities to assess Shincheonji's teachings without bias. He criticized the lack of thorough biblical instruction in some religious settings as a failure to fulfill pastoral duties.

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus's model of intensive scriptural study and examination presents a compelling alternative to conventional religious education methods. Its success raises important questions about the standards of biblical knowledge within religious communities and the potential for innovative approaches to deepen believers' understanding of sacred texts. This development is significant not only for the church's members but also for the broader religious landscape, as it challenges traditional paradigms of religious instruction and encourages a reevaluation of how biblical education is approached.