Uganda Bible Examination Sparks Theological Dialogue and Church Affiliations

The Thomas Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony recently organized a public Bible examination focused exclusively on the Book of Revelation at the Global Hotel in Kampala, Uganda. Two hundred participants, including 100 Shincheonji Church members and 100 local pastors, engaged in the two-hour test consisting of 100 questions. According to the Shincheonji Uganda Church, the event was designed not as a competition but as a means to distinguish orthodoxy from heresy based on the words of Revelation, aligning with Chairman Lee Man-hee's proposal.

Chairman Lee has frequently emphasized that the Book of Revelation should serve as the standard of faith, referencing Revelation 22:18–19 to justify such examinations as tools for discerning true doctrine from false teachings. One pastor who participated in the exam expressed personal reflection, stating that while he had always considered Revelation to be a compass for faith, he felt ashamed for never properly learning it and committed to studying again to better understand prophecy and fulfillment. This sentiment underscores the event's role in prompting theological reevaluation among clergy members.

A Shincheonji Church member observed a notable disparity in performance during the examination, noting that many pastors found the questions challenging and struggled to provide scripturally accurate answers, whereas ordinary believers within Shincheonji could comprehend Revelation with relative ease. The member expressed hope that this understanding would disseminate throughout Uganda's Christian community, potentially catalyzing broader religious change. Following the examination, seven churches signed memoranda of understanding to collaborate with the Shincheonji Uganda Church, and several denominations have recently decided to officially affiliate with Shincheonji Church, as detailed in their publications at https://shincheonji.org.

A representative of the Shincheonji Uganda Church underscored the importance of knowing the reality of Revelation as foundational for guiding believers in truth, expressing a desire for more pastors to engage with the Word and foster collective growth. Since its establishment in 2015 with 27 members, the Shincheonji Uganda Church has experienced exponential growth, now boasting over 8,400 members, indicating its expanding influence within the region's religious landscape. This growth reflects the impact of focused scriptural education and collaborative efforts in strengthening faith communities across Uganda.