2012 Doomsday Prophecy: The Fourth Deceptive Claim of the World Mission Society Church of God

After the failure of the 1999 doomsday prophecy, the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) shifted its focus to 2012 as the next prophesied year of the apocalypse. The church used fearmongering tactics to maintain its members’ loyalty, profiting significantly from their anxieties and devotion. Below is a detailed breakdown of the events and strategies surrounding the 2012 doomsday prophecy.

1. Creating the Atmosphere for a Doomsday

2004–2006: Manipulative Messaging

• In 2004, WMSCOG adopted the slogan, “Let’s move to heaven” to instill anticipation of the end times among its members.
• By 2006, the slogan evolved to “Let’s take off for heaven” to sustain the suspense while avoiding specific dates.
• These slogans served as a psychological tool to heighten members’ sense of urgency and reinforce their commitment to the church.

2010: Exploiting the Yeonpyeong Island Incident

• Following North Korea’s shelling of Yeonpyeong Island in November 2010, the church declared the event a sign of impending judgment.
• Internally, the church emphasized that such chaos indicated the nearness of the apocalypse, urging members to prepare spiritually and materially.

Leveraging the Movie 2012

• The 2009 film 2012, which dramatized a global apocalypse, fueled public interest in doomsday predictions.
• WMSCOG capitalized on this cultural moment, claiming, “Even the stones (secular people) cry out about the end times.”
• This narrative heightened members’ conviction in the prophecy and encouraged greater financial and personal sacrifices.

2. Financial Exploitation of Members

Encouraging Wealth Donations

• The church cited biblical verses like “Store up your treasures in heaven” to urge members to donate all their earthly possessions.
• Many members sold their homes and donated their savings, believing their sacrifices would secure eternal life.

Acquisition of Property

• From 2010 to 2013, WMSCOG invested heavily in purchasing real estate across South Korea, funded by members’ contributions.
• This contradicted their doomsday claims, as the church expanded its material assets while preaching the imminent end of the world.

3. The Failure of the 2012 Prophecy and Its Aftermath

Post-Failure Justifications

• When 2012 passed without incident, the church introduced a new narrative: “Heavenly construction is undergoing final inspections.”
• They likened the delay to earthly building inspections, claiming that the apocalypse had been postponed for divine reasons.

Member Reactions

• While some members left the church, disillusioned by the failed prophecy, many remained loyal, persuaded by the church’s revised explanations.

4. The 50th Anniversary and Member Mobilization

2014 Anniversary Celebration

• In 2014, WMSCOG marked its 50th anniversary with a large-scale event at its Okcheon training center in Chungbuk Province.
• Approximately 10,000 members participated in a midnight performance, holding lanterns to symbolize the biblical “Year of Jubilee” and the hope of heavenly ascension.
• Many believed the event would culminate in their ascension to heaven.

Protests by Victims’ Advocacy Group (HAPIMO)

• On the same day, HAPIMO (an organization representing victims of WMSCOG) held protests, condemning the church’s repeated doomsday scams and financial exploitation.
• These demonstrations drew public attention to the church’s deceptive practices.

5. Legal Battles and Outcomes

Defamation Lawsuits Against HAPIMO

• WMSCOG denied ever promoting doomsday predictions and filed defamation lawsuits against HAPIMO members.
• However, courts ruled that evidence supported HAPIMO’s claims, confirming that WMSCOG had indeed propagated the 2012 prophecy.

Reputation as a Cult

• Legal rulings and victim testimonies cemented WMSCOG’s reputation as a cult engaging in organized fraud.

Conclusion: Religious Facade, Systematic Fraud

The 2012 doomsday prophecy exemplifies how WMSCOG manipulated its members’ fears to secure financial and material gains.

• Exploitation of Fear: The church used apocalyptic rhetoric to demand total financial and personal devotion from its members.
• Contradictory Actions: While preaching imminent destruction, WMSCOG amassed real estate and wealth, revealing the leaders’ ulterior motives.
• Failure and Deflection: After the prophecy failed, the church avoided accountability by fabricating new explanations to maintain control over its members.

This pattern of deception underscores WMSCOG’s identity as a predatory organization masquerading as a religious institution. Public awareness and vigilance remain crucial to preventing further exploitation.