57% of Shincheonji Graduates Had No Religious Background

Shincheonji Church of Jesus recently released findings from a survey conducted between October 17-25, targeting 1,285 graduates of their Zion Christian Mission Center program. The results paint an intriguing picture of spiritual education in modern South Korea.

Key Survey Findings

An overwhelming 97.9% of respondents reported satisfaction with life changes following course completion. When asked about the most significant transformations in their lives, 99% provided positive responses.

The top changes included:

Inner Peace and Stability (50.7%): Many participants, especially those in their 20s, reported escaping life's anxieties. One graduate shared, "I always had fear about death, but now my anxiety has been resolved and I've found the God I truly wanted to meet."

Spiritual Growth (46.7%): A 20-something graduate noted, "I had received various religious training before, but my knowledge didn't really grow. However, through this center, I came to truly understand the Bible."

Life Purpose and Direction (42%): Many found new meaning in life. One respondent said, "I lived just going with the flow without any big goals, but this became a turning point in my life."

The "No Religion" Phenomenon

Perhaps most striking: 57% of graduates identified as having no prior religious affiliation. This suggests the program appeals beyond traditional believers to those seeking life guidance and spiritual meaning.

Non-religious participants commented that while they initially viewed it as simple Bible study, it became an opportunity to reflect on life and human relationships, establishing life principles beyond religion itself.

dditional Benefits Reported

• Positive worldview development (41.2%)
• Increased forgiveness and compassion (38.3%)
• Improved relationships (25.8%)
• Better stress management (20.4%)
• New professional perspectives (16.5%)

High Satisfaction Rates

Nearly all graduates (99.6%) agreed the course helped them understand the Bible and develop proper faith. Course satisfaction reached 94.5%, with 73.3% reporting being "very satisfied" with instructors and curriculum.

The church held its 116th graduation ceremony on November 2nd at Shincheonji Cheongju Church under the theme "Love and Blessing, Light Illuminating the World."

Shincheonji's education program is attracting diverse participants beyond traditional believers, offering life guidance and inner peace that resonates with modern seekers. With over half of graduates coming from non-religious backgrounds, the results suggest a growing interest in spiritual education as a source of personal growth and meaning, transcending conventional religious boundaries.

Source: Sports Donga | November 4, 2024

Original article: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/382/0001233726?sid=102