Sun Myung Moon (1920-2012) was a South Korean religious leader and entrepreneur who founded the Unification Church, also known as the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity. In his teachings, Moon claimed to have received a divine calling to fulfill Jesus Christ's unfinished mission on Earth: the establishment of a worldwide kingdom of peace and unity. He considered himself to be the Messiah and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Moon's teachings, often referred to as "Moonism" or "Moon theology," were centered on the idea of "True Parents," wherein he and his wife, Hak Ja Han, were considered the reincarnations of Adam and Eve. Moon believed that through the "Blessing" ceremony, which involved mass weddings, individuals could purify themselves spiritually and restore humanity's original sin.
Moon also promoted various business ventures, including media organizations, educational institutions, and global peace initiatives. He strongly advocated for traditional family values, peace-building, and interfaith dialogue. However, his controversial reputation stemmed from allegations of brainwashing, manipulation, and financial exploitation within his religious movement.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Sun Myung Moon attracted millions of followers worldwide who believed in his religious teachings and participated in his spiritual practices. His death in 2012 sparked a succession crisis within the Unification Church, but his legacy continues to influence the lives of his followers and the broader religious landscape.
