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The Unification Church Movement

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 December 2022

Michael L. Mickler
Affiliation:
Unification Theological Seminary, New York

Summary

This Element recounts the tumultuous history of the Unification Church Movement, deriving from the messianic ministry of MOON Sun Myung (1920–2012). It begins with the UCM's origins in Korea and traces its development into a global conglomerate of churches, related nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses. Known for its mass marriages, or 'International Marriage Blessings,' the UCM has been one of the most controversial new religious movements throughout the world, particularly in Japan and the West. Moon fit Weber's classic definition of the charismatic leader. The post-Moon UCM is a textbook case of a new religious movement transitioning from its founding to succeeding generations. Utilizing both external documents and internal UCM sources, the account highlights the leading personalities, organizations, and circumstances which facilitated the UCM's rise, its present challenges, and future development.
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The Unification Church Movement
  • Michael L. Mickler, Unification Theological Seminary, New York
  • Online ISBN: 9781009241465
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The Unification Church Movement
  • Michael L. Mickler, Unification Theological Seminary, New York
  • Online ISBN: 9781009241465
Available formats
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To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

The Unification Church Movement
  • Michael L. Mickler, Unification Theological Seminary, New York
  • Online ISBN: 9781009241465
Available formats
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