The Eastern Lightning Cult, also known as the Church of Almighty God, is a controversial religious movement that originated in China in the early 1990s founded by Zhao Weishan who is now believed to be living in the United States.
The group claims to be the true incarnation of Jesus Christ and vehemently rejects mainstream Christianity with its aggressive evangelism tactics, doomsday prophecies and reported involvement in criminal activities. The Eastern Lightning cult has attracted significant attention and concern from both the Chinese government and international observers.
The Eastern Lightning cult adopts an unorthodox blend of Christianity and Chinese cultural elements. They believe that Jesus has been reincarnated as a woman named Yang Xiangbin, also known as Lightning Deng. they claim that the Chinese government is the Great Red Dragon of the biblical Book of Revelation, and that the end of the world is imminent. In their theology, faith in the Eastern Lightning is portrayed as the only way to attain salvation and eternal life, while all other religious groups are labeled as false.
The cult's proselytizing methods are highly aggressive and deceptive. Members often infiltrate Christian churches posing as new believers in an attempt to recruit followers. They employ psychological manipulation coercion and intimidation tactics to convert individuals to their beliefs. Their charismatic leaders use fear and uncertainty about the future to exploit vulnerable individuals and exert control over members.
The Eastern Lightning cult has been associated with numerous criminal activities prompting the Chinese government to label it as a dangerous cult. Reports have emerged of members engaging in kidnapping, coercion brainwashing and physical violence towards both converts and those who resist their teachings. In some cases, individuals have been beaten or even killed as a result of their refusal to join the cult.
Source: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdisturb/video/7230837294868090138?q=church%20of%20almighty%20god&t=1692804943296
