Shincheonji Church Survey Reveals 57% of Bible Course Graduates Previously Had No Religion

A recent survey conducted by Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony revealed that 57% of soon-to-be graduates from Class 116 of the Zion Christian Mission Center previously identified as having no religion. The survey, conducted from October 17-25 among 1,285 students who completed a year-long course to master the entire Bible and the Book of Revelation, demonstrates the program's ability to engage individuals beyond traditional religious boundaries.

When asked what had changed most through taking the course, 99% of respondents provided positive answers, with the highest response being increased inner peace, stability, and emotional comfort at 50.7%. Nearly half of the graduates (46.7%) reported experiencing spiritual growth and a deepening of faith through the program. One survey participant in their 20s noted, "I had previously tried to learn about God and the Bible through various church teachings in the Christian world, but I didn't see much intellectual growth. However, through the Mission Center, I came to truly understand the Bible."

The survey results, collected prior to the November 2nd graduation of 59,192 theology students, revealed additional significant personal transformations among participants. These included developing a positive value system (41.2%), gaining forgiveness, love, and a spirit of tolerance (38.3%), improved interpersonal relationships (25.8%), better stress management and problem-solving ability (20.4%), and a new perspective on social life and work (16.5%).

Respondents provided qualitative feedback that further illuminated their experiences, with one noting, "At first, I thought it was just a simple Bible lecture, but it became an opportunity to reflect on my life and relationships," while another commented that the program "helped me establish standards for life beyond religion." The high satisfaction rates with instructors and the program reached 94.5%, including 73.3% who reported being "very satisfied" with their educational experience.

The 116th Zion Christian Mission Center graduation ceremony was held at the Cheongju Church in South Korea under the theme "Love, Blessings, and the Light That Shines Upon the World." Through this ceremony, Shincheonji Church announced its plan to serve as a positive influence for both individuals and society, focusing on the core values of qualitative maturity and the restoration of the essence of the Word. The substantial percentage of previously non-religious participants completing the comprehensive Bible course suggests a growing interest in spiritual education that transcends conventional religious demographics, potentially indicating shifting patterns in how people approach spiritual development and personal growth in contemporary society.