World of Hope Festival mass mailing from Reverend Sun Myung Moon to people in New York - Original Documents

********** **************** * * * My gift to you doesn’t come in a box with * * ribbons, but it may prove to have priceless * * value for you. Won’t you please give me five * * minutes of your time to find out what it is? * * * ************************** Dear Friend:

Hello. I am Reverend Moon.

I am sure you have heard of me, and I know the first thing you are wondering is why..!_ would want to write to you. I am writing because I have a vital message to share with you — one that can make life happier and more rewarding for you and those around you.

Why did I choose to write a letter? Because I have no other way to communicate with you personally. So far the only way you could learn about >Cl-===------- me =htis been through the American press , and my problem is that the media has not truly conveyed what I stand for.

I can’t visit every home myself, and you might not be willing to open the door to a total stranger representing me, so please understand that I consider writing this letter to be the only means of communication left between you and me. Would you kindly put aside whatever you have heard about me and read this letter with an open mind?

AMERICA — WHERE IS IT HEADING?

On my journey through this land I have been impressed again and again with the greatness of America’s spiritual heritage and material achievements. Today, however, I see this great nation beset by grave problems.

I shall never forget my first visit to New York. I stood on Fifth Avenue during the rush hour. I looked at the wonder of the Empire State Building and the magnificence of the World Trade Center. Suddenly tears began streaming down my face, and I asked myself, “Does God dwell in these buildings?” I felt that this beautiful city was crumbling — and that the decay was more than phy sical.

Even though I am not a native American, I am deeply concerned about your country. I am worried about the problems that are ripping apart the fabric

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of your great nation. Americans are plagued by inflation, the gas shortage and unemployment. But problems of this kind, no matter how painful, will not bring the nation down. The problems I am talking about are the moral confusion and the absence of a clear standard of values.

We learn from history that the fall of the Roman Empire was not caused by outside enemies. It collapsed from within because of its own corruption. When its moral fiber was gone even this mighty empire could not endure.

I am not predicting America’s fall. Neither we nor God can afford that, but I know you will agree with me that there are danger signals in too many areas of American life today.

LET’S LOOK AT SOME FACTS

What do I mean? Do you know that up to two million children are abused — by their own parents — and 5,000 children die from parental abuse and neglect each year? In Los Angeles alone police estimate there are more than 10,000 teenage prostitutes. A half million abortions were performed on girls below the age of 18, and 250,000 fatherless children were born last year.

Right now almost hal£ of all serinus c..r.imes are committed-by juveniles under the age of 18. An estimated 15,000 drug deaths occurred and 35,000 Americans committed suicide in 1978. There is a murder approximately every 27 minutes, a rape every 8 minutes, a robbery every 78 seconds, an aggravated assault every minute and a burglary every 10 seconds.

More than anything, I am grieved over what is happening to American families. One out of every two marriages now ends in divorce. So many couples are striving for happiness, but somehow they can’t make their marriages work. My heart has ached for their struggles. There must be a better way to build our families, our society, our nation and our world.

HOW ABOUT YOUR OWN HAPPINESS?

Now I want to bring up an even more sensitive subject — your own well- being. I sincerely ask: Are you truly happy? Do you have a sense of fulfillment? Do you feel you have found something bigger than yourself which has lasting value? Have you ever thought about eternal life? You don’t have to answer me, but please answer in your own heart.

I know that each person is involved in a deep search for happiness. Wouldn’t you be interested if I told you that there is a way to find greater happiness and real value in life?

A QUIET REVOLUTION

We find problems on every level, from the individual to the nation. But where can we look for solutions? Can we expect the government to do it all? Can we expect other people to do it first? No, our larger problems are but the manifestation of our individual problems. The ills of society stem from the confusion in the hearts of individuals.

We need, therefore, a change at the most basic level — in the individual hearts of men. When our hearts change, everything changes — our lifestyle, our family life and our social relationships. What we need is a revolution of heart. Without bullets or fire, this is the most powerful of all revolutions. This quiet revolution must be ignited in the hearts of men. Who should begin? We should. Yes, you and _l.

But what can ignite this quiet revolution in our hearts? Only God can! We are not our own creators nor are we complete by ourselves. Therefore, without knowing the Creator who gave us life and purpose, we can never achieve happiness for ourselves and our world.

You might say, “Reverend Moon, this is nothing new. We already have hundreds of faiths that preach God and religion.” Yes, many people may believe in God, but that is not enough. We must know God in reality, and we must feel His heart.

Current religion, philosophy and ethics, as good as they are, have been unable to address the problems of the space age. Therefore, they have no power to bring about changes in our society. We need a new understanding — a new revelation from God — that will enable us to know God in reality and truly solve the problems of today.

This is exactly what the Apostle Paul said: “For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect, but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away .•. Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully.” (I Cor. 13:9-12)

Yes, what each of us, our families and nation desperately need is a new revelation. With it we will no longer see God dimly but face to face. God will become real in man’s heart. Jesus predicted such a revelation: “The hour is coming when I shall no longer speak to you in figures, but tell you plainly of the Father.” (John 16:25)

Now I say that hour is at hand.

GOD HAS SPOKEN

I don’t know why, but God appeared to me and revealed that higher truth for the sake of mankind. You may find this hard to believe and even

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scoff at the notion. Well, don’t take my word for it. I want you to find out for yourself. If what I am saying is true, it will be the greatest dis- covery of your life, a precious gift.

Throughout history, when God has wanted to reveal His truth to mankind, He has chosen a messenger. He spoke through Noah, Abraham and Moses. He spoke through the prophets of Israel.

In the Bible God called a man named Jonah to save the city of Nineveh. Jonah was reluctant to accept the mission, but God forced him to go, even having him swallowed by a great fish. Finally Jonah proclaimed God’s truth in the city and the people listened and changed their hearts. The city found favor in the sight of God and was saved.

The same living God must be concerned with America. He has to choose a Jonah, however reluctant, to come to this country and proclaim God’s will for America. There is no limit to what God can do; He can raise up even a rock to shout out His truth. In this case God raised up one Korean man who does not even speak your language well to come to America to proclaim His truth, His plan and His forthcoming kingdom.

WHO AM I TO SAY THESE THINGS?

Let me share with you some of my own experiences. As a boy, I agonized over such questions as:

Who am I? Where am I from? What is the purpose of life? Is there life after death? Is there a God? If He is almighty, why doesn’t He take care of the world? Why is there so much suffering on earth?

When I was 16 years old an extraordinary thing happened to me. On a Korean hillside on Easter morning in 1936 Jesus appeared to me, telling me of God’s desire to dwell in oneness with man and to build His heavenly kingdom on earth. Then Jesus called me for the mission of being a messenger to give God’s new revelation to mankind. For me it was truly an awesome moment.

Over the next nine years, step by step, God revealed this incredible truth to me. I journeyed into the spirit world many times. In this truth I could see the dawn of a glorious new civilization. It was like a sunrise after a long, dark night.

The revelation is known today as the Divine Principle, and God instructed me to teach it in every corner of the earth.

First I began to teach in Communist North Korea, where I was thrown into jail by the Communists. I spent nearly three years in a concentration camp. Only by the grace of God did I survive. The day before I was to be executed,

the U.N. forces fighting in the Korean War liberated me, and I fled to freedom in South Korea.

A GOD-INSPIRED MOVEMENT

In 1954 God led me to found the Unification Church in Seoul, Korea and four years later the message was brought to Japan and America. In the short span of 25 years the movement has spread to 127 nations in all six continents. Today the Divine Principle is taught in all languages. This unprecedented success could only have come through the power of God.

God spoke to me again in 1971, urgently telling me to go personally to America, where millions were waiting for His new revelation. God said I must proclaim His message in this country because He had chosen America as the bridge through which to reach the people of the entire world.

In the seven years since then, I have spoken in all fifty states. The Divine Principle has touched the lives of millions of Americans, and Unifi- cation Church centers have been established from Maine to Hawaii.

Now the time has come to tell every American of the opportunity to know this new revelation, the Divine Principle. That is why I am writing this letter to you.

As people learn about the Divine Principle wonderful things happen to them. Drug problems are solved. Alcoholism is cured. Difficulties of mental illness are overcome. Physical healings take place. Racism and nationalistic prejudice disappear. Individuals find fresh hope and families find new ways to be united in love. Indeed, genuine concern and love for one’s fellow man become a way of life.

The Divine Principle has also provided a way to establish happy and lasting marriages. I recently helped in the engagements of many young men and women of God, over 1,400 beautiful Americans. With the foundation of this new truth as their common ground, I know these marriages will succeed and result in happy families.

Dear friend, you too are entitled to know the joy and happiness all these people have found.

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO

I want to share this new revelation with you. You can find out about it simply by responding to this letter.

What am I asking you to do? Simply this:

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* PLEASE COME TO ONE OF THE WORLD OF HOPE FESTIVALS which takes place every Thursday night from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Television Center, 311 West 34th Street. It is free. I know you will enjoy this evening of exciting music, dance and an introduction to the Divine Principle. You will receive tremendous inspiration and also be able to confirm what I have said in this letter.

Your tickets are already enclosed. All you have to do is come. Bring your family and friends if you like. You can check Box #1 and send in the reply card to let me know when you are coming so that seats can be reserved

* for you. (For details please read the enclosed brochure)

In addition to the World of Hope Festival, YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIVINE PRINCIPLE HOME STUDY COURSE.

You can receive the first volume of the Home Study Course for FREE, without any obligation just by checking Box #2 on the reply card and putting it in the mail. The advantage of this course is that you can study the Divine Principle in your own home and at your own pace.

After you have examined the first volume you can decide whether you would like to continue study. In any event, the first volume is my gift to you. Don’t forget to send in your reply card today. (See the enclosed brochure for details)

You are under absolutely no obligation to join or support the Unification Church or to attend any programs. All I am interested in is enabling you to read or to hear this message for yourself.

I believe this is the greatest gift I could give you. I have carried it over 8,000 miles, but the message comes not from me — it comes from God Himself.

Please let me hear from you. Be sure to check the boxes you wish on the enclosed reply card and mail it to me TODAY. You will receive a prompt reply. ~--c------;._,..;:___ _ _- - : - - - , : - - - : - ~ - - - - - - , - - - - In the meantime, may God bless you and your family.

P.S. If you want your name included in my prayers, please check Box #3 on the reply card and send it to me. The power of prayer works wonders. I shall be very happy to pray for you and the people you love.

P.P.S. By the way, you may be one of the winners of a Holy Land tour (including London) being offered for a limited time to guests of the World of Hope Festival on Thursday nights. For details, see the enclosed brochure.

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“I have brought you a gift from 8,000 miles awayP~ NON-PROFIT ORG . U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 13 FARMINGDALE, N.Y.

Dear Reverend Moon:

Thank you very much for your letter. I have enjoyed hearing from you.

•1 I would like to come to the World of Hope Festival at the Manhattan Television Center, 311 West 34th Street, on Thursday _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Month) _ _ (Oay), 1979. Thank you for the two free tickets. If I cannot come that day, I understand I can use the tickets for another Thursday.

•2 Please send me completely FREE “The Principle of Creation,” the first volume of the Divine Principle Home Study Course. I’m looking forward to reading it. I understand I can keep this volume without any obligation to enroll \n the course.

•3 Please include me in your prayers. My specific prayer need is described below:

please print

Mr./Miss/Mrs. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Street _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Apt.

City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State ______ Zip Telephone _ _ _ _ _ __,__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ (area code)

The Manhattan Television Center, 311 West 34th Street, is located near the comer of 34th Street and 8th Avenue, Manhattan (close to the 8th Avenue subway, LIRR and PATH trains at Penn Station and near the Port Authority bus terminal).

For your privacy, moisten gummed edge, fold and seal

Name Place 15¢ Address stamp here City State Zip

Reverend Sun Myung Moon Unification Church 481 Eighth Avenue New York, N.Y 10001

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J TRIP TD THE HOLY LAND AND LONDON How to enter and win: Come to the World of Hope Festival! be held on the last Thursday of every =m out your ticket with your name and month. To win you must be present at 1ddress and present it at the door. Every the World of Hope Festival on the date of fhursday that you come to the World of the drawing. The drawing will be held at Be part of a studio audience at New York’s largest audience- -lope, your new ticket becomes an the conclusion of that evening’s festival, participation TV studio! 1dditional entry into our drawing. culminating the exciting program. There’s Enjoy exciting music, dance and theater! fhe drawings for the Holy Land tour will a new opportunity to win every month. Be uplifted by a powerful and inspiring message! entrants must be 18 or older. No purchase is required. Tickets must be presented in person at the door. The two- WIN a trip for two to the Holy Land and London! .,eek trip includes round-trip jet tickets, accommodations, meals and escorted sightseeing. Winners will travel ugether in a group tour every six months. Details will be arranged by the Manhattan Television Center. No cash 1ward will be presented In lieu of the trip. The World of Hope Festival Is a project of the Unification Church.

Address City _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ State _____ Zip _ _ __ Phone _____________________

_ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _____ Zip _ _ __ Phone _____________________

.. .:::::.:::::: :::::.::::::.::::::. :::·::::::·::::::·::::::·::::::·::: The entire evening of the World of Hope Festival comes to a =ii:iii iii iii !!fii~ iii iii ~g:g: sparkling grand finale, featuring all performers joining together in celebration of the richness of life with God. After the program, :::::::::::::::::::.::::::::::::;;;; enjoy refreshments with guests and performers .. . and make new friends who are really special! Enjoy some of New York’s finest stage entertainment featuring the New Hope Singers International, the Go-World Brass Band, the International Folk Ballet, music by the folk-rock group Sunburst, and special guest soloists. Experience the brilliance and excitement of their superb performances. Later, meet in person these special performers who give all their talent and energy to bring joy to God and to their fellow man.

YOO ARE THE STIIR The World of Hope Festival is soon to be a TV program. As a member of the audience in the Manhattan Television Center, you are participating in the taping of a telecast. You may get the chance to see yourself, your family or your friends

•••••• See a short but fascinating documentary on one of the most talked-about movements in the world, the Unification Church. You’ll be intrigued by such films on television!

as Reverend Moon: The Man and the Movement, The International Wedding of 1800 Couples, Truth Is My Sword, and many others . . . films that

•••••• will give you a fresh look at America’s most dynamic new movement.

GJNSPIRATION_ Kingdom of Heaven (God’~ Love) < SpiE; rthit A~ •;.. . Ideal Conceived PerledlOn !l .. Hear an unforgettable talk on by God highlights of the Divine Principle, Good Hisacry Dispensabon } for Salvation God’s revelation for the 20th “ Restoraoon Century. Using colorful visual aids, this speech on Divine Principle can help you find greater love and new direction in your life and stir within Satan you fresh inspiration and hope. + Fallen Men Perteet Man & Women

How the Home Study Course Works The Divine Principle Home Study Course is a correspondence course which offers an exciting, fresh view of what God and man are all about. Each book introduces a major theme from the Divine Principle. Set in easy-to-read print and full of helpful diagrams the volumes present important ideas in readily understandable terms. With each volume there is a set of review questions to help you understand the material you have studied. Just send in the enclosed reply card and ask for your free copy of the first volume of the Home Study Course. It’s yours to keep . If after receiving the first book you decide you would like to take the Home Study Course you can do so for just $15. This amount is not an enrollment fee but simply covers the cost of materials, postage and handling. After we receive your enrollment we will send you the five additional volumes in order. As you study each volume the Home Study Course staff will answer by letter any questions you have. Send in for your first volume today!

The Divine Principle Home Study Course is published by The Unification Church 481 Eighth Avenue New York, N.Y. 10001 Telephone (212) 947-1120

Build better relatio ships with yourself, and friends, with G d! Six volumes that c “How can I become more loving?”

“Does God have feelings like I do?” ---

“How does ~iritual well-being improve physical health?”

You can discover all you need to know about these and other stimulating questions in the FREE first volume of the Divine Principle Home Study Cour$e,”The Principle of Creation:’

rith your family change your life! Sheila Baer. Performer, Dr. Herbert Richardson. New York City_ I felt that theologian and professor. s a child of God, I had University of Toronto. The limitless potential , but I Unification Church is both I( couldn ‘t find inner peace more orthodox and more - no real “ me”. Since I creative in dealing with heard the “ Principle of scripture than many other Creation “ I have begun to contemporary churches. We discover God, other peo- should be glad to learn from ple and my own true self. its theology.

Beatriz Gonzalez. gradu- Richard Cohen, Promo- ate student, Barrytown, tion Director, New York . I N.Y. I worked in the civil had searched for a lasting rights movement as a youth love, yet I found human because I was deeply aware relationships so inconsistent of the injustices and poverty and complicated . I couldn’t people endured . But I understand the reason . looked for something which When I heard the Divine could unite Americans of all Principle, the puzzle came colors. I found it in the together-and finally I Divine Principle. found the way to real love.

Wesley Samuel. business- Mrs. Peggy Moffitt, man, New York City. “ The Housewife, Midland, Texas. Di vine Principle is bring- The Divine Principle exp- ing new hope to the family, lains the Bible in a clearer, society and nation . As the more understandable way father of six children, I find than I have ever heard the Divine Principle a clear before. It takes what I have teaching for guiding my always thought of as iso- own children .” lated events, brings them together and makes them live.

Whatever your interest … Many people believe in God; and many people don’t. However you see things, the Divine Principle Home Study Course has a lot to offer you. If you are a person who has never found religion appealing-and don ‘t expect to-you will be pleasantly surprised by this course. You’ll discover it to be a logical understanding of life, human J relations, science and religion, and of God and His seeming absence from the world. It will give you ;.1 new view of what God and life are all about. On the other hand, if you are already religious you can find a renewed and deepened faith through the teachings of the Divine Principle. You will find the Divine Principle contains a profound commentary on the Biblical message useful for inspirational material and deeper Biblical understanding.

Religion teaches that God exists and that If God is almighty and loving, why does In his time, Jesus Christ was a man of Some people hold that the sinful w He is the ultimate cause of the world. But if He allow human suffering to go on? Is it humble birth and little reputation, but his which we live cannot go on forever, a you can’t see God, how can you believe in true that man separated himself from God at life and teachings have profoundly affected a wrathful God will soon bring everyt Him? What is He like and how can we the beginning of human history? Can we the entire world. Even though we have an abrupt and cataclysmic end. experience Him? Why did He create the honestly believe that the war, poverty, known of him for the last 2000 years, there But could a God of love simply des world and man? disease and human heartache that we are still many things we don’t understand the Earth? If not, then what do the a The Principle of Creation explores the experience today results from an apple or a about him. Who was Jesus.and what did he prophecies of the “end of the world” existence of God and His relationship with banana that the first woman ate thousands come to do? Was his crucifixion really What of the idea that the Earth is to b man and the universe. It discusses the of years ago? If not, what is the Genesis God’s will? If his death on the cross dissolved in fire? If this is symbolic, purpose of man’s life and the three basic story trying to tell us? completed his work, why did Christ say he does it represent? goals that are central to any person’s life: One of the most perplexing aspects of must come again? What is the significance of the turb individual perfection, creation of his own human existence is man ‘s inclination toward Through this volume you’ll penetrate the changes now taking place in global pq family and establishing a responsible evil. Many believe this tendency is a inner dimensions of Jesus’ life. You’ll come economics and culture? The world is relationship with the world around him. It consequence of “original sin” - some trait to know him as a living human being - between communism and democracy. particularly examines the role of the family in man that has consistently propelled him grappling with success and failure . You’ll will this confrontation end? The year in God’s ideal and shows how we can build toward destruction. It gives rise to an discover how he needed those around him is fast approaching. Can we hope tha better families ourselves. inherent contradiction in all of us. and how, without man’s doing his part, even world will survive to see it? Here you will also find a logical Recognizing this, the Apostle Paul said of God’s plans can go awry. What does the Biblical prophecy o explanation of life after death. You will himself “I can will what is right, but I cannot This chapter also takes a new look at new heaven and a new Earth” mean? discover that there is a factual basis for the do it. For I do not do the good I want, but John the Baptist. How much was John be taken literally, or does it represent widely held belief in a spiritual world. the evil I do not want is what I do.” (Romans meant to help Jesus? Why, after testifying to spiritual transformation? Through this chapter you’ll peer over the 7:10) Jesus, did John later ask him, “Are you he The Consummation of Human His shoulder of God at the birth of creation. You The Fall of Man deals with what this who is to come, or shall we look for examines all of these questions. It is a will understand God’s motivation for original sin was, how it occurred and how it another? “ explanation of what God’s plan for th creating you and see how your life can affects us even today. It explores the In Mission of the Messiah you will walk future is, and what those familiar Bibi reflect that purpose. You’ll see how question of why God did not stop the Fall with Jesus and appreciate in a whole new prophecies are all about. Through it important you are and how you and your from taking place. It examines how the Fall way the drama of his life. You will see him gain an exciting new understanding o family can be the dwelling place has led to the fear and hate in the world and through the eyes of John, the disciples, and goal in history and see how you can of God’s love. shows how it leads to barriers between the people of his time. You will be with him contribute to carrying it out! Whether you have been interested in ourselves and those we care for. Through at the time of his betrayal and journey with religion before or not, this volume will help this volume you’ll have a clear picture of him to the cross. Whether you are a follower you see the wonderful difference God can what has gone wrong with man and with the of Jesus or not, through this chapter you’ll make in your life. world, and you’ll see the way our inner and meet him in a way you’ve never met him outer conflicts can be overcome! before!