[john gorenfeld]

Hi, this is John Gorenfeld, author of the original article on Moon, and a guest today on Joe Farah's show. I'm glad people at Free Republic are paying attention to this important story. Here are some things to consider:

1) Moon's New Age religious beliefs may be entirely valid, and he and his followers have a right to practice them. Certainly, however, Americans ought to know about it when their Congressmen hold an event on federal property claiming to unite Christianity in the name of the United Nations.

2) The event was the grand finale of a "tear down the cross" tour of over 100 American churches. Again, a lot of taxpayers might have strong opinions about a campaign to remove the symbol of Christianity from church walls, which goes a lot further than anything the ACLU ever thought up. For some reason it wasn't covered in the press.

3) Keep in mind we're talking about a guy who talks about whomping his followers with a baseball bat.

So all of this is, I think, really interesting and everyone in America ought to know as much as possible about the heavy hitters who influence their political lives, whether it's George Soros or Reverend Moon. For some reason, hardly anyone knows about this Moon stuff, and the press never writes about him.

By the way, the phrase King of Peace seems to originate from the seventh chapter of Hebrews. It refers to a king/priest who helped out Abraham, and who is often read as a foreshadowing of Jesus. (Nothing about whomping people with a Louisville Slugger, though.)

Thanks for reading.

John

[john gorenfeld]

Oh, and as for that book, "Inquisition," Frontline talked to some people in 1992 and this is what they found out about it. They found out that a close aide to Moon had reviewed the text of the book, suggested changes, and made sure it was to Moon's likings. "Mr. Sherwood has assured me that all this will be done when the manuscript is sent to the publisher." Gavin concludes by telling Moon, "When all of our suggestions have been incorporated, the book will be complete and in my opinion will make a significant impact.... In addition to silencing our critics now, the book should be invaluable in persuading others of our legitimacy for many years to come."

[Grim]

Here are some things to consider:

1) ... Americans ought to know about it when their Congressmen hold an event on federal property claiming to unite Christianity in the name of the United Nations.

I haven't been able yet to locate a statement or press release from Moon's organization. Thus far I have only your somewhat slanted report of the event.

So, Moon holds a public meeting in a public place and you don't think public servants (congressmen) should attend. "..claiming to unite Christianity in the name of the United Nations." Sounds like you're mis-representing the theme of the event.

2) Again, a lot of taxpayers might have strong opinions about a campaign to remove the symbol of Christianity from church walls, which goes a lot further than anything the ACLU ever thought up.

I'm sure they got a permit from the Parks Dept. and paid a fee for the use of the hall. Feel better?

Actually, it was civil rights activist and entertainer Dick Gregory who first suggested taking down crosses from the churchs 30 years ago. He pointed out the absurdity of the cross as a symbol of christianity by suggesting that if Christ came today, he'd be put to death in an electric chair. Thereafter churchs would have electric chairs on their steeples and believers would wear little electric chairs around their necks.

Moon has been saying for over 50 years that the cross was not part of Jesus' original plan. As you can imagine, this is just one of his views that alienates christians.

3) Keep in mind we're talking about a guy who talks about whomping his followers with a baseball bat.

He didin't actually hit anyone with a baseball bat did he?

For some reason, hardly anyone knows about this Moon stuff, and the press never writes about him.

You're kidding right? Where've you been for the last 30 years?

John, I actuallly enjoyed reading your article. Yes, it has conventional Moon-bashing but at least you were civil about it.

It would be more rare and original if you took the time to find your way past the conventional wisdom and write something less superficial.

I can only recommend you to a brilliant biography by Carlton Sherwood :    

Inquisition

In 1984, investigative reporter Sherwood accepted a job with the Washington Times, which was owned and operated by the Unification Church, itself founded and led by the Reverend Sun Myung Moon who had just been convicted on federal charges of tax evasion and conspiracy and sentenced to 18 months in prison. Instead of the corruption, scandal, and hypocrisy Sherwood expected to uncover, be found a very different story--the story of how the American prosecutorial system can be abused to persecute a religion and its leader.

A shocking example of how easily prejudice can run roughshod over fairness and basic decency. This account of a contemporary witchhunt reads like a novel. Its clear that Moon's real sin was being Asian, grabbing the loyalty of a lot of middle class white kids, preaching interpretations different from conventional Christianity and being a little too fired up about God, anti-communism and chastity for people's taste. This vividly chronicles how Moon was railroaded into jail.

At any rate, best of luck.

[A.J.Armitage]

By the way, the phrase King of Peace seems to originate from the seventh chapter of Hebrews. It refers to a king/priest who helped out Abraham, and who is often read as a foreshadowing of Jesus. (Nothing about whomping people with a Louisville Slugger, though.)

Melchizedek was king of an actual city called Peace -- or in the original language, Salem. The city had "Jeru" added to the front of the name much later.