The Words of the Schaf Family
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The Words of the Schaf Family |
Unificationists, often derisively called, "Moonies" over the years and branded as a "cult," are actually followers of the teachings of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon of South Korea. His teachings have been called the "Divine principle;" what follows is this author's brief explanation of the idea of the nature of God based on these teachings.
All existing beings have both an invisible, internal character and a visible, external form. Internal character is the inner nature or character of any being, whereas external form is the aspects of matter, structure, and shape of any being. For instance, in human beings, internal nature would be the invisible mind and external form would be the visible body. In animals, the invisible instinctual mind is the internal nature while the tissues and organs forming an animal's body are the external form.
In plants, life and the various invisible internal characteristics are its Sung Sang, whereas the material part made up of the cells is its external form. The same principle can be applied to the natural elements. The physio-chemical character of molecules, atoms, and particles is their internal nature and the matter and structure are their external form. In human beings, the mind is the motivator and mover of the body; thus the body moves according to the direction of the mind. Likewise, the internal natures of animals, plants, molecules, atoms, and particles direct and control their external forms.
Though the human mind cannot be seen, it has its own "form", and the body, which reflects and resembles the mind, adapts a corresponding form or actions. Mind and body are simply the inner and outer aspects of the same individual, with the mind being causal and the body being effectual. This is the reason one can perceive things about a person's mind and thoughts by simply examining his or her outer appearance. Accordingly, external form may also be called the second internal nature; or, in humans, "the body is the second mind." Internal nature and external form are termed the Dual Characteristics of God and The Creation.
As can be seen, the teachings for Rev. Sun Myung Moon and "the Moonies" are not so radical, after all.
Hank Schaf writes on religion and society.