Who is Ahnsahnghong?
Ahnsahnghong (1918-1985) was a South Korean religious leader and the founder of the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG). He claimed to be the Second Coming of Christ and the embodiment of the Holy Spirit. Ahnsahnghong’s teachings deviated significantly from traditional Christian beliefs, leading to accusations of heresy and the establishment of a new faith movement.
Early Life and Career
Born in Milyang, South Korea, Ahnsahnghong’s early life was marked by poverty and hardships. He received little formal education but developed a deep interest in spirituality. In 1945, he accepted Christianity and became a devout member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Founding of WMSCOG
In the late 1950s, Ahnsahnghong began to question certain Adventist doctrines, particularly the concept of the Trinity. He gathered a small group of followers and established the WMSCOG in 1964, claiming to have received direct revelations from God.
Teachings and Beliefs
Ahnsahnghong’s teachings centered around the following key beliefs:
* New Covenant: He believed that Jesus established a New Covenant through his crucifixion and resurrection, replacing the Old Covenant of the Law.
* Restored Passover: He claimed that the true Passover lamb was the bread and wine of the Last Supper.
* Heavenly Mother: He identified the Holy Spirit as the female personification of God, referred to as Heavenly Mother.
* Literal Sabbath: He emphasized the importance of observing the Sabbath on the seventh day of the week, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.
Controversies and Accusations
Ahnsahnghong’s teachings and practices drew severe criticism and accusations of heresy from mainstream Christian denominations. He was accused of:
* Denying the Trinity
* Redefining the role of the Holy Spirit
* Establishing a cult-like organization
* Misinterpreting Scripture
Organization and Growth
Despite the controversies, WMSCOG grew rapidly under Ahnsahnghong’s leadership. He established a global network of churches and missionaries, spreading his teachings to various countries. The church claims to have millions of members worldwide.
Death and Succession
Ahnsahnghong died in 1985 at the age of 67. His wife, Zahng Gil-jah, succeeded him as the leader of WMSCOG. She continued to spread Ahnsahnghong’s teachings and oversaw the church’s further growth.
Legacy
Ahnsahnghong’s teachings and movement have had a lasting impact on religious thought and spirituality. His followers believe that he fulfilled the prophecies of the Second Coming of Christ, while critics view him as a false prophet. The controversy surrounding his legacy continues to this day.
Table of Ahnsahnghong’s Key Beliefs
| Belief | Explanation |
|—|—|
| New Covenant | Jesus established a New Covenant through his crucifixion and resurrection. |
| Restored Passover | The bread and wine of the Last Supper are the true Passover lamb. |
| Heavenly Mother | The Holy Spirit is the female personification of God. |
| Literal Sabbath | The Sabbath must be observed from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. |
Additional Resources
* World Mission Society Church of God Official Website
* Ahnsahnghong Information
* Anti-Cult Information on Ahnsahnghong
Leave a Reply