Shincheonji Tanzania hosts revelation Bible test with pastors

On August 18, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Peter Tribe, Tanzania Church (led by Pastor Yoon Hyun-chul) held a public Bible exam on the book of Revelation with local Protestant pastors and Shincheonji members in several cities, including Dar es Salaam.

The event was based on Revelation 22:18–19, which warns believers not to add to or subtract from the words of the prophecy. Organizers said the purpose was to help participants reflect on whether they were keeping the text faithfully. The test included 10 main questions and 33 sub-questions drawn entirely from Revelation.

A total of 138 people took part: 98 Protestant pastors and 40 Shincheonji members. According to organizers, Shincheonji members scored an average of 95 points, while Protestant pastors averaged 7 points. They emphasized that the exam was not designed as a competition, but as a chance for self-examination and renewed commitment to Scripture.

One pastor who participated said: “Seeing Shincheonji members write their answers so confidently today made me reflect on my faith and calling as a pastor. I will study Revelation through the Shincheonji Zion Christian Mission Center, lead my congregation on God’s path, and teach them correctly so they can enter heaven.”

Lee Man-hee, chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has repeatedly cited Revelation 22:18–19, stating:
“To enter heaven, one must not add to or subtract from the words of Revelation, but fully understand and keep them.”

He has also argued: “The standard for discerning truth and falsehood, orthodoxy and heresy, is not human tradition or doctrine, but the Word of the Bible alone,”
underscoring the belief that faith should be tested directly against Scripture.

A similar exam was previously held in Korea, with 313 participants but only one pastor from a traditional denomination joining. Organizers said the Tanzania event was notable for being the first overseas exam with significant pastor participation.

A representative of Shincheonji Tanzania Church commented:
“The Bible exam is not just a test of knowledge, but a way to confirm whether one’s standard of faith is truly the Word of the Bible. We are grateful that more pastors are gradually joining both domestically and internationally. We hope more churches and believers will unite and interact based on Scripture.”

Founded in 2018, Shincheonji Tanzania Church reports about 2,440 members as of August this year and continues to pursue exchanges with local pastors.