LOVING
FAMILIES
CAN CHANGE
THE WORLD
"The family is the base
camp for world peace. The family is the beginning point of the peaceful
world. The power of religion lies in it's overflowing
love."
Rev. Sun Myung Moon
As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen
Author: Sun Myung Moon
March 9. 2009
Publisher: Kim Young Sa
About
The Author
Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon is the founder and spiritual leader of
the Unification Church. The broader Unification Movement includes foundations
and enterprises operating in the realms of religion, academia, the arts, media,
sports, agriculture, technology, ocean enterprises, and more.
Born into a farming
family in 1920 in what is now North Korea, Reverend Moon became a Christian at
age 10 at a time when occupying Japanese forces brutally persecuted Christians.
He received a calling from Jesus in 1935 and subsequently pursued a course of
prayer and study of Christian and other scriptures. During this period of
spiritual search, he continued his secondary education in Korea and later
studied electrical engineering in Japan.
He began his public
ministry in Communist-occupied North Korea by sharing new insights into God's
Will and Jesus' mission. Communist authorities imprisoned the young preacher in
the late 1940s, severely tortured him, and sentenced him to the infamous
Hungnam labor camp, where he remained until 1950, when authorities released him
due to the advance of UN forces.
Reverend Moon founded
the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity
(HSA-UWC), which later became generally known as the "Unification Church,"
in 1954 in Seoul, Korea. His teachings, known as the Divine Principle, draw
upon biblical truths and Eastern wisdom to present a comprehensive view of
God's ideal plan for humanity, the cause of sin, and the history of God's work
to restore the lost ideal.
Nurturing a growing
community of faithful disciples in Korea and Japan, Reverend Moon sent
missionaries to the United States in 1959. Unificationists believe that
Reverend and Mrs. Moon have succeeded in becoming the first True Parents,
having established a God-centered family and lineage. During the 1960s, large
numbers of people joined the movement in Korea and Japan, and missionaries
brought the message from America to Europe as well.
Reverend Moon views
the United States as a microcosm of humanity uniquely positioned to advance
world peace. He and Mrs. Moon came to the country in 1971 to spread his
optimistic vision and stimulated a period of rapid growth in the movement
throughout the early 1970s. Central to this vision was the promise of an enhanced
personal relationship with God through individual devotion, "blessed marriage,"
and intercultural families dedicated to bringing peace to the world.
For more than three
decades Reverend Moon has been attracting collaborators through conferences
that engage participants from all races, religions, and cultures. His ideas
have captured the imagination of thousands of clerics, academics, and community
activists, who form the core of the Universal Peace Federation founded by
Reverend Moon in 2005 as his culminating and overarching peace organization.
Reverend and Mrs. Moon
are the parents of 14 children and have more than 40 grandchildren. Their peace
mission has been advanced prominently in recent years through the participation
of three generations of their family in speaking tours across the world.
Book Review
[Dr. Moon] has emerged as a great peacemaker and unifer on the
world stage. He is a leading force for interreligious dialogue and
understanding between people of all backgrounds, and for global peace and
security.
Alexander Haig
Former U.S. Secretary of State and Former Supreme Allied Commander, NATO
We learn through
Reverend Moon's autobiography that all of his activities originate from his
sacrificial and earnest heart for the redemption of humankind and the
liberation of God. This book contains the story of his great love for mankind
and is a powerful message of hope for the future.
H.E. Albert Muisiu
Former President of Albania
Dr. Moon's call for
peace through religion is something of great nuance and profundity. We are
fortunate for the chance to observe his lifelong struggle for world peace.
Abdurrahman Wahid
("Gus Dur")
Former President of Indonesia
Your peace principles
have played a very important role in helping us to end the violence in Kenya.
You are bringing hope for a brighter future to our nation, Africa, and the
world
Hon. Raila Odinga
Prime Minister of Kenya
Dr. Moon's autobiography is a source of inspiration. He is
driven by a powerful vision and overcomes obstacles fearlessly. From humble
beginnings in a tiny village to becoming a global influence, he relentlessly
pursues the cherished vision of a peaceful world, one human family.
Dr. Eva Latham
President, Human Rights Teaching International, The Hague, Netherlands
Reverend Moon is a man
of peace and above all a man of God. He preaches that we must place God at the
center of our lives and all our endeavors. Only God we honor, and Him we must
serve.
H.E. Rodrigo Carazo
Former President, Costa Rica
INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLER
"Only love can bring about re-unification. Because there is
no barrier that true love cannot cross."
2017 FFWPU International Headquaters