Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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' " ??- -I ! ! n r I 111! I?111 Ill I I 1 ? ! ! ! r rT"FTT~TB~ll? The University of South Carolina, Columbia, S. C. ^ ^^1 jHs if ^H;? ill m I \ iM ^jii Why Rev. AAoc By Wayne Brooks The Unification Church (UC) of Sun Myung Moon, South Korean evangelist, claims a following of 10,000 to 30,000 persons in 1976, pnmnarpH tn nnlv a fow hnnHrpH whpn it in 1970 V"V - o UC has been the target of recent criticism, especially from members' parents, for its recruitment and indoctrination practices, termed by some as "brainwashing." The followers of the Rev. Moon, sometimes referred to as "Moonies," go out and seek new members as part of their obligation to UC. The immediate goal of the crusades, rallies, and street-corner evangelism of UC members is the recruitment of new members for the movement, according to Psychology Today. Whenever the Moon followers can find them?on city streets or college campuses?they engage young Americans in discussions of the state of the country or their souls. The discussions almost invariably end with an invitation to an introductory lecture at the nearest Unification Center, followed by invitations to other lectures and dinners at the center. Those attracted to Moon's family or his religion get invited next to a weekend "workshop" devoted lo further study and friendship. The weekends follow an exhausting and rigidly structured pattern with little time for sleep and none for private reflection. Recruits get a daily dose of six to eight hours of theology based on Moon's "Divine Principle." By the final lecture, they learn that God has sent Sun Myung Moon to save the world in general, and themselves in particular. After each lecture, recruits and Moon followers join in small discussion groups to answer questions but also to explore any personal problems, and offer comforting attention. The rest of the days are filled with group activities. After dinner, and often lasting past midnight, there is more group singing and praying, with testimony by Moon followers of how thev came to find neace. purpose, love, and joy in the family. Never left alone, the recruits are encouraged to pour out their hearts to their new family. Many do. By Sunday night, the conversion process takes on a hard-sell approach, with each recruit pressed to make a commitment to a week " long workshop, the next stage in the initiation process. Al>out one out vMEifw ft//'/ I >n is smiling of four do. Those who do not,often receive phone calls or visits afterward by persistent Moon followers. For most of those who sign up for the seven-day workshops, the next stop is the Unification Church's training headquarters at Barry town, N Y. Indoctrination there becomes more serious, the study more rigorous and the life more spartan. At the end of the week comes the nrocctiro ffir cninmitmunt fn full-timo momhorchin in thn familv 'FVio recruits reach this moment of decision after little sleep, endless lectures, and isolation from family and friends. About half of those who complete the weeklong seminar join the movement. Some join as followers, remaining at their jobs or at school, and working evenings or weekends on UC projects. Some contribute part of their salaries. Those who join as full-time members either move into a local commune or stay at Barrytown and go on to increasingly intense seminars of three to 16 weeks. Former UC member David Stamper says new members are often encouraged to give what possessions they have to the UC. "They are not forced, but made to feel guilty if they do not give up all : M A 1 n A At 1 ? A * ? r?il possessions, m narryiowii ur me lonmiuiuw moun iunoweis no longer need money anyway. The UC is to take care of all their daily needs. Life in a Unification center, according to Psychology Today, offers a welcome refuge to those unwilling or unable to face the daily frustrations of life on the outside: no drugs, no drinks, no sex, no money, no problems, no choices, and no decisions. "Moonies never have to think for themselves," says Stamper. "They only do as they are advised." Stamper says new converts are often encouraged to quit school, do not bother to take final exams, turn over tuition money or whatever funds they may have to the UC. They are often told to withdraw all savings they may have in their bank accounts, and to "rip off" their parents it necessary. They must (and do) give up their families, friends, and personal freedom, working and studying 12-18 hours a day (with 4^? hours of sleep a night), and turn over all earnings to the UC Many people, including Stamper, charge the UC with using mindcontrol techniques, including lack of sleep, low protein diet, lack of V. privacy, and constant lecturing and studying See UNIFICATION and related story, Page 4 Uggm ? ! f*"" ""'H Inside Boards of Trustees increases I fees and gives more funding to Women's athletics . . . page 2 Coach Bobby Richardson switches from baseball to politics . . . page 3 The new library finally opens and plans are made for McKissick . . . page 12 Would you like to be a "Superstar"? . . . page 8 Russell House opens new wing . . . page 5 A look at some of the more uncolorful events in U.S. history . . . page 10