Sun Myung Moon
Rev. Sun Myung Moon is the leader of the Unification Church, which in the last ten years has extended its activities to some parts of this country. The teachings of the Church are claimed to be based on a series of revelations from God received by its leader. Most of the false sects in the world have originated in the same way, that is, by supposed special revelations from heaven. This sect, therefore, is no exception. The organisation claims to be a non-profit making educational and cultural movement.
The leader of this sect belongs to South Korea — a part of the world which was signally blessed this century (see the Review of The Korean Pentecost in a later issue). Sun Myung Moon belonged to the Presbyterian Church of Korea but was excommunicated from that body. The rise of false prophets is no new thing but was predicted by the Lord. The end of such and of their movements is to perish finally.
Some have alleged against this sect that its teachings are psychologically damaging. However that may be, its rejection of the final authority of God’s Word stamps it as an anti-Christian and pernicious movement which draws men and women as well as young people away from the one Saviour of men.
‘Christmas’ Tree
In December a great furor was raised in the public press over the refusal of Mr Ian MacDonald, headmaster of Kiltearn School, to have a ‘Christmas’ tree in his school. A group of parents went so far as to try and insist that the tree be erected in the school.
It is well for readers to know that only a minority of parents took part in this action and Mr MacDonald has received wide support, not only from other parents in the district and from some of his staff, but also from many people throughout the country.
From the religious side, it is altogether pathetic that persons in a gospel land should have so lost sight of Biblical Christianity as to require a pagan symbol to fully express, as they say, the ‘Christmas’ spirit.
Another disturbing aspect of the matter is that something having no bearing on education was used in an attempt to discredit the headmaster. It is to be hoped that the matter will be brought to a speedy end, but it does give warning of the difficulties that may lie ahead for persons with conscientious scruples to occupy high places in education. We are reminded too that oftentimes none are so intolerant as those who cry loudest for toleration.