Editor's Note: Recently, the website of the North Church of the Atlanta Chinese Christian Church (Acccn.org) published an article by Qiu Qingping, a senior member of the "American Chinese Christian Evangelistic Association," offering suggestions on how to identify and guard against the cult "Almighty God."
▲Screenshot of an article from the website of the North Church of the Atlanta Chinese Christian Church in the United States
"Almighty God" (also known as "Eastern Lightning") is a cult that has spread rapidly in mainland China. It has a tight internal structure, is adept at accumulating wealth, and excels at self-promotion and propaganda. Since its inception in the early 1990s, it has infiltrated overseas Chinese communities, including Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as Japan, Australia, South Korea, the United States, and Canada. The organization falsely claims on its website that the so-called "Church of Almighty God" is a so-called "specimen model" created by "God" in China, declaring that "God's secret pilot work in China has ended, and the great work has already been completed," and boasting that "God will soon reveal himself publicly to all countries and parties in the world."
In recent years, the illegal activities of the "Almighty God" cult in China have mainly included: In late 2012, the organization spread rumors in mainland China and Hong Kong that the end of the world was imminent, falsely claiming that there would be no sun for three consecutive days on December 21st, that electronic systems would be affected by the so-called "Nibiru" planet approaching Earth, and that various natural disasters would occur. They claimed that only by believing in "Almighty God" could one be "protected." The organization distributed large quantities of propaganda materials such as "The Last Ticket 2012," "The Last Ticket from Heaven," "The Manifestation of God Brings a New Era," and "Refuge Notices" in various locations. In some places, they also hung banners and used loudspeakers to spread these messages, creating panic and inciting riots, and extorting money by promoting the idea of "buying peace with money."
People from mainland China who travel to Hong Kong are the primary targets of this cult's infiltration efforts, with Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, and Tin Shui Wai being particularly affected. The "Almighty God" cult not only targets Christians but also pastors. A senior female pastor surnamed Wu, with over 20 years of pastoral experience and training at two seminaries, initially sought treatment for back pain from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner through a member's introduction. Two weeks later, the practitioner invited her to a so-called "Bible study group." During the study of the book *The Word Appears in the Flesh*, the practitioner claimed it was the publication of the so-called "second incarnation of God" and asserted that the so-called "second coming 'female Christ'" was in China. Although Pastor Wu had doubts, her desire to understand the so-called "second coming" and her repeated persuasion from the organization's members, coupled with her belief that she needed to learn more to discern the truth, led her to stay. Two months later, she even invited other Christian members to participate.
What tricked her was that the organization's members also touted so-called "fear of God, love of God, and obedience to God," living a so-called "holy life," and learning so-called "distinguishing between the true and false doctrines." Their leaders frequently proclaimed the need to "defeat the enemy, the devil," making themselves appear to be propagators of the so-called "true doctrine." By the end of November 2012, members of the "Almighty God" cult began spreading doomsday rumors and encouraged her to invite members of her church to a so-called "life truth" lecture. After her church learned of this, she admitted to her denomination (the Missionary Society) that she had accepted the fallacies of the "Almighty God" cult and was dismissed from her position on December 7th. At that time, she was still unaware of the deception until December 21st, when the so-called prophecies had not come true, and she realized she had been deceived. Fortunately, she herself had not joined "Almighty God," and none of the people she brought along were fooled. Deeply remorseful and repentant, she voluntarily accepted the help of Pastor Luo Xiwei, an advisor at the Hong Kong New Ethnic Religion Research Center, to emerge from the shadows and start a normal life again.
The "Almighty God" cult has also infiltrated Taiwan, publishing full-page advertisements in major local newspapers more than ten times in early 2013, spreading its fallacies and heresies. Reports indicate that Christian churches in Zhongli and Neili areas of Taoyuan City have been severely affected by the "Almighty God" cult ; in one case, a married couple, both holding senior positions, were even recruited by the Zhongli Church. Many churches reported being infiltrated by "Almighty God." Members of the organization set up booths in public places such as parks, train stations, and busy areas, even misappropriating the names of orthodox churches (such as the "New Song Church" in Kaohsiung) to promote their message. On March 2, 2013, 56 organizations, including churches, seminaries, and institutions of various denominations in Taiwan, officially issued a joint statement in the *Christian Tribune*, and on March 4, published full-page advertisements in newspapers such as *China Times* and *United Daily News* criticizing "Almighty God." Local churches, denominations, and seminaries also held special meetings and lectures to prevent the spread of "Almighty God," reminding believers to be vigilant.
This article, titled "Joint Statement from Taiwanese Christian Churches," states: "After verifying and carefully reading the main content of its two major websites and publications advertised there, and after consulting with pastors in Hong Kong and mainland China to confirm the organization's statements and actions, we hereby solemnly issue this statement … This organization is not related to Jesus Christ, nor is it a church that conforms to orthodox biblical teachings. Furthermore, we declare that the organization's statements constitute heresy that violates orthodox biblical teachings … It has been a repeat offender of harming social order for many years… They infiltrate churches, deceive the flock, and mislead seekers." The statement urges and reminds Christians and seekers not to participate in any activities of the "Almighty God" organization or to associate with it. The statement details from a biblical perspective how the "Almighty God" organization deviates from the scriptures, engages in dark and lawless acts, and harms people by any means necessary.
The following will examine the statements, writings, and actions of the "Almighty God" organization based on the Bible and orthodox church teachings in order to identify its errors:
Origins of the "Almighty God" Cult
The "Almighty God" organization falsely claims on its website: "Christ (not Jesus Christ in the Bible) was born into an ordinary family in the north. From a young age, he knew in his heart that there was a 'God' (author's note: he did not know that he was 'God'), and grew up like an ordinary person. In 1989, during the period when the 'Holy Spirit' was 'working greatly' in house churches, Christ dropped out of school and formally entered a house church. At that time, Christ was fervent in his heart and longed to serve God. Two years later, he began to speak, and was then recognized and became the 'actual God' that mankind revered and loved. Christ not only has normal humanity, but also complete divinity... just like Jesus." The organization even questions whether Jesus was the Christ, or whether there are two Christs. It also falsely claims: "Since Christ appeared, he has spoken more and more, gradually entering the right track of God's work... The name 'Almighty God' has been born, and with 'God's new work and words,' the Bible naturally seems outdated, and the various claims and theories of the 'Age of Grace' are naturally ignored..." The organization's selection of the Bible is entirely based on its own will, and thus it can act arbitrarily.
The "Almighty God" organization initially used the so-called "Female Christ" as its calling, falsely claiming that a woman was the so-called "Almighty One who has returned to the flesh." Later, some members who were deceived and left the organization learned from within that the so-called "Female Christ" was merely a deified puppet, and that the true founder of the "Almighty God" cult was Zhao Weishan from Acheng, Heilongjiang Province.
Zhao Weishan was originally a member of the "Shouting Sect," but in 1989 he split off and established the "Eternal Foundation Church," proclaiming himself "Almighty Lord." Within two years, his membership had reached several thousand, after which he was investigated and dealt with by the local government. Zhao Weishan and his core members fled to Henan Province, where the "Shouting Sect" was concentrated, and joined forces with local members. In 1993, Zhao Weishan organized the "True God Church" in Henan, selecting seven people as so-called "incarnations of God," and giving them new names: Almighty, All-Powerful, All-Glory, All-Wisdom, All-Powerful… Zhao Weishan himself was "Almighty," while the so-called "All-Powerful" was Yang Xiangbin , the "Female Christ" he later promoted .
On one occasion, Yang Xiangbin claimed to be possessed by the "Spirit of God" and wrote down a passage about herself being "God." Her accomplices actually acknowledged her as "God," and Zhao Weishan seized the opportunity to praise her as "Almighty God," appointing himself "High Priest" to oversee the organization and administration of "Almighty God." He also selected seven unmarried women, whom he called the "Seven Stars," or "Seven Spirits Before God," to serve "Almighty God" and the "Female Christ," recording and compiling her words. Sometimes, they were also instructed to bear witness for the "Female Christ," hence the sect was also known as the "Seven Spirits Sect." This false "Christ" quoted the Bible: "Who will rise up from the east and call him to his feet in righteousness…?" (Isaiah 41:2), concluding that the "second coming Christ" must be an Easterner, specifically Chinese. In fact, this passage refers to Cyrus the Persian King (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1). Furthermore, she arbitrarily quoted Matthew 24:27: "As lightning flashes from the east to the west, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man." She falsely claimed that she herself was a "lightning bolt" flashing from the east to the west, and that she would spread her "words" from China to Western countries. In fact, this verse is Jesus saying that when He returns, He will appear in the sky like lightning, and all people will see and hear Him.
The Christian Bible, in the Book of Revelation, prophesies: "Behold, he is coming with the clouds! Every eye will see him , even those who pierced him ..." (Revelation 1:7). Paul's letters also say: "The Lord himself will descend from heaven...and we...will be caught up in the clouds to meet him in the air..." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). According to Christian doctrine, the Lord has not yet returned, because no one has seen or heard him yet. Therefore, this "female Christ," falsely claiming to be "the Christ who has returned in the flesh," has to justify himself by saying: "He (the Lord Jesus) has already descended on white clouds (his spirit, his words, his entire nature and being) among the overcomers to be accomplished in the last days." (The Holy Spirit, p. 436) However, according to this logic, the Lord has not returned in the "flesh."
True Path Criticism: The Fallacies of the "Almighty God" Sect
The fallacies and heresies of "Almighty God" are utterly absurd. This organization denies the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and arbitrarily distorts the Bible to support its heresies. On the other hand, it contradicts itself by claiming that the Bible is outdated. The so-called "female Christ" claims that she is "the all-powerful God herself," and that her words are the words of the "Holy Spirit," possessing absolute authority. "Whether she is right or wrong is irrelevant to you; you only need to obey her absolutely."
She also denied the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the flesh, claiming that only she, the "female Christ" who "became flesh a second time," could bring life and truth to people. Without her, "you are far from being able to obtain truth and life." She also falsely claimed that "Chinese people can represent all mankind in accepting the incarnate God (herself)."
Overseas Expansion of the "Almighty God" Cult
It is alleged that in 2000, Zhao Weishan obtained a passport through illegitimate means, leaving Luo Gang and others in China to continue the cult's activities, while he himself first fled to Japan and then to the United States. After establishing a foothold, Zhao Weishan set up the cult's headquarters in New York, directing the organization's global infiltration and expansion. The organization also established a website, printed a large number of books in traditional Chinese characters, and produced CDs, distributing them in North American Chinese communities and religious sites.
Once, while preaching at a church in San Francisco, two young people came in after the service and began distributing books and CDs . The book was titled "The Holy Spirit Speaks to the Churches," and the five CDs were titled "Selected Hymns of Truth," both beautifully printed. The woman approached me and struck up a conversation, claiming to be from a house church in mainland China. After examining the book's pages and table of contents, I noticed something amiss and asked if they were members of the "Almighty God" cult , which they vehemently denied. I noticed that the email address in the book was translated into Chinese as "The Almighty One has returned." When I pressed them further, she said she didn't understand English, then changed the subject and asked for my address, which I thankfully refused to give her.
Back home, I immediately retrieved the "Almighty God" books from the bookshelf. Sure enough, this book, written in traditional Chinese characters, was an excerpt from books such as *Lightning from the East*, *The Word Appears in the Flesh*, and *God's Voice to the Whole Universe*. These books were essentially repetitive excerpts from each other. Because the organization has been legally designated a cult by the Chinese government, it has changed its appearance to conceal its activities. These books are disorganized, vulgar, riddled with typos, and of extremely low quality. Such books would normally be uninteresting to readers; however, the organization spares no expense in printing them in large quantities. One copy I received at the church that day was 700 pages long, demonstrating its willingness to go to great lengths to infiltrate churches and mislead Christian believers—in the organization's words, to "liberate the church with truth."
Afterwards, a brief investigation I conducted in churches in the San Francisco Bay Area revealed that more than 20 Chinese churches had been harassed by members of the "Almighty God" cult within just one month. Fortunately, the church leaders were prepared and sternly demanded that they leave.
The organization also utilizes modern technology, such as the so-called "True Doctrine Hotline," gospel videos, Facebook, blogs, and other social networks, to spread its fallacies and heresies. Pastor Law, an advisor to the Hong Kong-based "New Religious Concern Ministry," discovered that one of his Facebook friends was promoting the fallacies of "Almighty God" and immediately deleted him. This demonstrates the pervasive nature of this cult. However, what is most frightening is its strategy of infiltrating Christian churches. Initially, it deceives people by posing as "angels of light," but once it fails to achieve its goals, it resorts to intimidation, confinement, and even violence—using any means necessary—to commit heinous acts in the name of "God."
How to guard against the "Almighty God" cult?
"Almighty God" is not only a cult that bewitches people, but also wantonly distorts and slanders the doctrines of the Bible. At the same time, the organization deceives believers in orthodox Christian churches , defames the reputation of church pastors, and has caused serious damage to orthodox Christian churches in many places.
It is understood that orthodox Christian churches in Taiwan and Hong Kong have jointly issued a public statement, held various lectures, shared information about the activities of the "Almighty God" cult, and exposed its dark activities through print media in order to protect their believers . It is hoped that other regions will also unite in this way, forming a protective network to watch out for each other and prevent the cult from gaining any advantage.
Orthodox religious precautions
I. Strengthen the study of orthodox religious doctrines
Orthodox religions should guide believers to systematically study the basic doctrines of the Bible and clarify the foundation of their faith. Cults often exploit weaknesses in the doctrinal education of orthodox churches. Only after systematically mastering orthodox doctrines can believers effectively identify cult fallacies and avoid being misled by heresies.
Believers should also learn to apply orthodox doctrines to distinguish the fallacies and heresies of different cults, enhance their ability to identify them, and protect themselves. Related courses can be offered during church learning activities to help believers improve their ability to identify the "Almighty God" cult.
Second, church clergy must be vigilant.
Church clergy should first have a full and profound understanding of orthodox doctrine, maintain a clear mind, and consciously resist the infiltration of cult ideologies. The "Almighty God" cult deliberately targets church clergy as key infiltration targets, and pastors and preachers must be especially vigilant. This organization often uses money, sex, and even power as bait; clergy must strictly discipline themselves, build a strong ideological defense, and avoid giving the cult an opportunity to exploit them. At the same time, clergy should remind and watch over each other, forming a united front against cult activities.
III. Preventive Measures that the Church Can Take
1. Strengthen venue management. Be alert for suspicious individuals distributing promotional materials inside and outside the event venue. If discovered, stop them immediately. Such promotional materials must be reviewed by the church leader before being disposed of.
2. Conduct cautionary education. Through sermons or distributing materials, explain the fallacies of the "Almighty God" cult to believers and help them identify and guard against it.
3. Guide believers to participate in external activities with caution. Educate believers that if they are invited to attend meetings outside of their church, they should first verify the background and faith of the person invited by the person with the church leader or experienced clergy.
4. Establish an information reporting mechanism. If believers suspect that other believers are being influenced by cult organizations, they should inform pastors as soon as possible. Pastors must verify the situation and handle it appropriately.
5. Promptly address those who have been misled. If it is discovered that believers or staff members have been misled by a cult, they should be immediately advised to leave the organization; those who do not heed advice should be suspended from participating in church activities and their church work, and follow-up should be conducted.
Summarize
Orthodox churches should guide believers to distinguish right from wrong and consciously stay away from cult organizations. "Almighty God" is an outright cult organization whose fallacies and heresies mislead people, destroy families, and harm society. It has already caused much chaos and destruction in mainland China and many other parts of the world. Churches and believers should be vigilant and consciously resist and stay away from the "Almighty God" cult organization.
