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The Unification Movement: Science, Religion, and Absolute Values

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The Unification Movement: Science, Religion, and Absolute Values THE UNIFICATION MOVEMENT: SCIENCE, RELIGION, AND ABSOLUTE VALUES Sarah M. Lewis When the scientific nature of the world is observed, it can be concluded that God, the Creator, is the very origin of science (Divine Principle, 1973, p. 14). The Unification Movement is not normally associated with the advancement of science, but it prides itself on having done just that, or at least in providing the opportunity for scientific advancement. In 1972, Sun Myung Moon held the first International Conference on the Unity of the Sciences (ICUS) inaugurating a forum that would bring together eminent scientists from all over the world. The 1981 ICUS in Seoul saw the participation of 800 scientists, a significant growth from the 20 participants in 1972. ICUS was An interdisciplinary academic forum dedicated to examining the impor- tant issues confronting our contemporary world. ICUS is sponsored by the International Cultural Foundation, Inc. (ICF), which is a non profit organization set up to promote academic, scientific, religious and cul- tural exchange among the peoples of the world. ICF was founded in 1968 by the Reverend Sun Myung Moon (icus.org). The Unification Movement’s need to address these “important issues confronting our contemporary world” is at the core of its teachings and the reason why Sun Myung Moon has created so many forums for debate. ICUS was to unify the sciences and unite science and religion, as a part of God’s plan for humanity and the creation of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. The Unification Movement The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity was founded by Sun Myung Moon in Korea in 1954 and became known as the Unification Church. Its institutional successor is the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), created 572 sarah m. lewis in 1996 (familyfed.org). The emphasis of the movement, regardless of name, is unification, of people, countries, and cultures and so on; it aims to bring unity to the world. The central belief of Unificationism is that humanity has become separated from God and must reunite with God through joining together as one family, and the new name of the movement makes this more obvious. Moon said that the name change was necessary as he had never intended to create a new church or different denomination of Christianity (UPF, 2008, p. 74). It is likely that the specific reference to one religion, Christianity, was felt to be too narrow, particularly as Moon believes he fulfils the central role of all religions, and not just of Christianity. And, of course, the wider Christian community did not recognise his perceived centrality to world-Christianity. The change in name was significant and symbolised an opening up of the Unification Church and a decision to embrace even those who did not support the theology of the movement. The FFWPU has members and supporters who do not necessarily follow the theology of the Unification Church, but who do support the wider values and aims of the movement. That is, they do not accept that Moon is the Messiah but they do support his humanitarian work. There is now no need for a person to con- vert to Unificationism and accept Moon as the Messiah; a person can remain within another religion or none but lend support to the wider aims of the group. In support of this, the Blessing ceremony (which is discussed later) has been open to non-members since 1992. The aim of Moon’s Unification Movement is to create God’s Kingdom of Heaven on Earth and much of this is done through social endeavours for the betterment of society. What must also happen is that humanity must join the Perfect Family that Moon and his wife, Hak Ja Han, have cre- ated through taking part in the Blessing ceremony which consolidates their commitment. Gordon L Anderson (1983, p. 215) a Unificationist, explains the incarnation of Moon’s vision, stating that Moon has a two-fold com- mitment. First, missionary work to lead people to God and second, social work to lead the world to unity. It is the second part of the com- mitment that is of concern here. Through the various organisations he has established, Moon believes that “all truth can be united to guide the world toward peace and harmony” (Anderson, 1983, p. 217)..
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