Eastern Lightning

Eastern Lightning The Church of Almighty God (traditional Chinese: wikt:全能神教會 全能神教會; pinyin: Quánnéng Shén Jiàohuì), also known as Eastern Lightning (traditional Chinese: wikt:東方閃電 東方閃電; pinyin: Dōngfāng Shǎndiàn), is a monotheistic new religious movement which was established in China in 1991. Government sources estimate the group has three to four million members. The group's core tenet is that Jesus Christ has returned to earth and is presently living as a Chinese woman. The name "Eastern Lightning" alludes to the Gospel of Matthew 24:27: "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Quotes While its theology is certainly different from the doctrines of traditional Christian churches, American scholar Holly Folk believes it is an “authentic Christian traditions,” “and its intellectual and theological lineage within Christianity is very rich.” Massimo Introvigne, "The Church of Almighty God: The Most Persecuted Religious Movement In China", Bitter Winter (October 25, 2018) The different theological content [of the musical film Human Beings Have Regained the Sanctity They Once Possessed] corresponds to a different and non-traditional style, which puts together Beijing opera, K-pop, traditional Christian songs, and Latino dance. The new Kingdom also corresponds to a new artistic style. Massimo Introvigne, "Filming the Age of Kingdom: The End Times and the Movies of The Church of Almighty God", Bitter Winter (2018) The persecution suffered by The Church of Almighty God is not an isolated case. It raises broader questions: What happens when state power seeks to control human thought and religious belief? What happens when labels such as “brainwashing” and “cult” become politicized? And what happens when [totalitarian] practices Transnational repression cross national borders, extending surveillance, intimidation, and fear into democratic societies? Mia Li, "“Brainwashing” Accusations and the Persecution of The Church of Almighty God", Bitter Winter (July 17, 2026) External links Category:Christian new religious movements Category:Christianity in China Category:Christianity in the United States