A Russian spiritual teacher survives persecution, exile, and disinformation—only to be trapped again by a narrative that won’t die.
From the World
Japan: “Sacrifice to the Nation,” an Extraordinary Book. 5. Why Dissolving the Unification Church Is Wrong
Fukuda proves that the first-degree dissolution decision was based on faulty and sometimes fraudulent “evidence.”
Silencing the Churches: Why Korea’s New Rhetoric Threatens Democratic Freedom
In his New Year’s message, President Lee promised to “root out” religious involvement in politics, targeting the Unification Church, Shincheonji, and conservative Protestant churches.
Japan: “Sacrifice to the Nation,” an Extraordinary Book. 4. Suppressing Free Speech
Casting doubt on the dominant narrative about “the evil Unification Church”is becoming impossible in most Japanese media.
Victims and Protectors: Who Needs Whom? The Rudnev Case in Argentina.
A new hearing in the case of an imaginary “cult” underscores the misuse of anti-trafficking laws by Argentine prosecutors obsessed with “cultic brainwashing.”
Japan: “Sacrifice to the Nation,” an Extraordinary Book. 3. True and False Witnesses
Dubious reports by disgruntled ex-members were accepted at face value. The testimony of loyal second-generation members was ignored.
Japan: “Sacrifice to the Nation,” an Extraordinary Book. 2. The Shadow of Deprogramming
Without considering the alliance between anti-cult lawyers and deprogrammers, Japan’s Unification Church case cannot be understood.
Japan: “Sacrifice to the Nation,” an Extraordinary Book. 1. A Country Where Terrorists’ Wishes Come True
Award-winning journalist Masumi Fukuda has begun changing how the Japanese view the Unification Church following the assassination of Shinzo Abe.
When Torquemada Speaks Korean: President Lee’s New Inquisition Against “Heretics”
The crackdown on dissident religious groups is now entering a second phase, where they are persecuted not for specific behaviors but for “heresy.”
Fra Angelico’s Demonology: The Sweet Painter’s Inferno
The triumphant Florence exhibition highlights the surprising ferocity of his Hell.