As a Peace-Loving Global Citizen
by
Sun Myung Moon
4.17 · Rating details · 148 ratings · 22 reviews
Reverend Sun Myung Moon's autobiography shares stories of his family and childhood and his calling from God. The early years of the Unification Church, the expansion to an international ministry, and the importance of global wedding ceremonies are all explained in first-hand accounts. (less)
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Aug 15, 2012Patrick rated it really liked it
My late mother's pen pal from Korea sent me this book as a gift out of the blue. It's a very inspiring survival/life story of a man that really loves others. Rev. Moon really shows how we need to be selfless instead of selfish to achieve world peace. I agree with him that religion is a means to an end. It often goes astray because man is flawed. I also agree that the family is paramount to happiness and peace. When you learn to care for your own family you learn how to care for others. Western culture could learn a great deal from the Eastern culture in this regards. I think the thing Rev. Moon touches on the most is spirituality and harmony. Materialism is a complete distraction from this amazing gift to mankind. (less)
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May 01, 2016Genia rated it did not like it
Here comes a rant:
(The review was written in parts along with reading the book)
I feel like the first part of the book made the author look like a holy person which true seems stupid to me. I would rather hear about him being a bad boy and becoming a peace warrior than hear the justification of his "bad" actions
I liked the second part more. We learned about his studies and his passion to understand things. We've also seen how he loved helping the poor. However, I feel like he acted stupidly. You shouldn't donate if you you are left with nothing.
Till the third part I felt like nothing he had done made him deserve to be called a peace worrier. He had done nothing special except annoy the government and be beaten and tortured for it. I hated how he treated his family. The whole nation is important but your mother and wife not? That's ridiculous.
Some points I liked in this book:
The chapter about the dancers.
How they earned money from selling stamps.
At this part I couldn't take it anymore. He was just talking bullshit. DNF (less)
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Mar 22, 2013Jennifer Tanabe rated it really liked it
This is a rather unusual book! It is the autobiography of Reverend Sun Myung Moon, who passed away in September 2012. I read the book a couple of years ago, and was alternately inspired and frustrated by the content.
Of course, since it was originally written in Korean much of my frustration has to do with the differences between Korean language and culture and English and western culture in general. So, I found it pretty hard to relate to tales of a boy growing up in a small village in the Korean countryside. There wasn't much in common with my experience as a western female born in St. Andrews, Scotland, a small town but home to the University of St. Andrews (yes the one attended by Prince William!), and then growing up in Dundee, a larger industrial town famous for jute, jam and journalism (yes, factories!). Anyway, some of the stories were enjoyable as glimpses of life in a very different world from my childhood.
When it came to his thoughts on more universal issues, though, there was a lot to be inspired about. And, to be fair, that is what his whole life was about.
So, to understand more about Reverend Moon and the Unification Church he founded, definitely read this book! (less)
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May 29, 2016Jody rated it did not like it
Recommends it for: no one
Shelves: recycled
At first I was touched by this man's spiritual connection -- he is a witch too! But as he ages into the 20's and beyond, I am struck by how much I don't like him. He is not kind and loving to his parents, letting them think he is dead when he could have told them. He leaves his wife and young son to go out for rice and doesn't return. He is surprised when they find him 7 years later, but he feels no remorse.
He uses guilt to get donations of food, saying "You should help us now or you will be sorry in the future."
All successes are his. His followers are just sheep and not trained to move up. We never learn what it is that he teaches. (less)
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Apr 23, 2014Christopher Davies rated it really liked it
Well worth the read. It doesn't pretend to be comprehensive, it is more anecdotal and reflective. I understand that it has been assembled by a team of writers from recordings of Rev. Moon's speeches, particularly informal talks with Unificationists.
What I found particularly attractive were simple observations and comments about ordinary life. Rev. Moon was a man of global stature, some, including me, even say of universal stature, but he never lost the common touch and his simple humanity is fresh as the mists of morning and then warms with the gentleness of the spring time sun. (less)
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Apr 28, 2011Kiki rated it it was amazing
This tells the story of an extraordinary individual, from his humble beginnings in a village in North Korea to his work world-wide as a bringer of peace. Autobiography is melded with spiritiual thoughts, guidance and practice, and a call to find the deepest, best parts of ourselves.
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Sep 04, 2012Lee rated it it was amazing
I loved this book because of the intimacy of his first person account. As the most significant spiritual guide, for me; I strongly identify with his heart and spirit to live life with God and care for humanity and nature.
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Oct 26, 2017Beni Vitai rated it it was amazing
Shelves: unificationism
Never gets old; a classic of the Moonie genre.
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Apr 02, 2016Jaroslav Vašák rated it really liked it
I knew almost nothing about Mr. Son-myong Moon despite the beginning of reading the book. The first half of the book seemed strange to me. Maybe it was a strong story, but it didn't penetrate me, or I didn't like the style in which the book is written. Something changed in the second half. I don't know if it was because I already knew Mr. Reverend Moon better, or because the content changed from a biography to a certain recommendation on how to make the world a better place. Anyway, the second half of the book fascinated me. It had some nice ideas and strong stories. Son-myong Moon must have been a true leader who did a lot for our country. I would be honored to meet such a person. I would also like to do good things and be a good leader, but I must say that after reading some lines from the book, I had to think a lot about myself. I still have a lot of work to do to get even a little bit closer to Reverend Moon. (less)
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Jun 20, 2013Justin rated it it was amazing
Basic biography of Reverend Moon and his thoughts/ideals. As a Unificationist I may be biased, but I thought this book did a good job of showing where he comes from, how he formulated Unificationism in his early years, and how he physically set out to be a positive change in the world. I would like to note that this book is meant for anyone to read, not just members, so this autobiography doesn't go into actual principles of the Divine Principle (Unification Doctrine) and sticks to general principles.
This is a great book to learn more about Reverend Moon and the Unification Church! I recommend! :D (less)
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Mar 07, 2015Cheryl Roth rated it it was amazing
I love this book, it is a candid portrayal of a misunderstood man who has lived through uncountable trials and tribulations but never given up on his vision, hopes and ideals. This book is empowering.
It is a touching personal recollection of his life and his vision for world peace, including how he went about trying to fulfill his vision. He was a teacher, a prophet, a saint, a scientist, a minister, a businessman, a father, a leader, a public speaker, and a peacemaker. He lived up to the words of Jesus who taught us to love our enemies.
This book is easy to read. The chapters are short but full of insight. I highly recommend it to everyone. (less)
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Oct 17, 2016Suzi rated it liked it
Not well written, but an interesting read. It is more an assemblage of Reverend Moons thoughts, musings and speeches over the years it would seem. The breadth and depth of his influence and involvement in business and connections with political leaders is breathtaking. I read this for book club, would not have been aware of it otherwise.
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Jul 28, 2021Kristen Fort rated it did not like it
Shelves: did-not-finish
Passing this book along. It had been given to me years ago. 2014 was a vastly different year than 2018, when his son became publicly known as nutterbutters, for being the leader of a splinter group from his father's Unification Church, this group being the Sanctuary Church. Look up Sean Moon. Nutjob. ...more
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Oct 24, 2017Marcia Schlichting rated it really liked it
It tells of Rev. Moons early life, his persecutions and imprisonments, but always is keeps God in his heart. What an amazing man! What an amazing champion for God!
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Mar 25, 2014Camden rated it it was ok
This is more like 1.5 stars. I think there are some good points in this book, but for the most part, it wasn't my cup of tea. Needless to say, I'm glad it's finished. (less)
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Jun 15, 2015Mark Bouchard added it
this book is a revelation of how one man heeded the call of God and was undaunted by all obstacles to fulfill his mission to share gods heart with the people of the earth
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Feb 28, 2020Richard Urban rated it it was amazing
Book Review
As a Peace Loving Global Citizen
by Rev. Sun Myung Moon
Reviewed by Richard Urban
As A Peace Loving Global Citizen is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the life and heart of the man who Jesus asked to carry on His uncompleted mission.
Rev. Sun Myung Moon was born in Anju, in what is now North Korea in 1920, when Korea was under forced occupation by Japan. Rev. Moon explains that, above all else, the primary responsibility of a leader is to keep the peace. In fact, this is the lifelong goal of Rev. Moon. Rev. Moon recalls fondly being peacefully carried on his father’s back as a young child.
Rev. Moon’s great uncle Yoon Guk was a supporter of the Korean Independence movement, for which he was arrested and spent time in jail. We learn about Rev. Moon’s school days, his love of nature, and his fierce sense of righteousness.
We learn in detail about Rev. Moon’s encounter with Jesus on that fateful Easter Sunday morning while praying alone in the mountains. Over time, through an intense spiritual struggle to understand the nature of suffering in this world, Jesus revealed many secrets to him.
On God’s command Rev. Moon headed north into communist North Korea. Due to the opposition of Christian ministers, the communist authorities arrested and tortured Rev. Moon. Three months later he was transferred to Heungnam Prison special labor camp. There prisoners bagged ammonium nitrate fertilizer in deplorable conditions. Most prisoners died of exhaustion after six months, but Rev. Moon survived two years five months until United Nations troops liberated the prison camp.
After looking for his disciples and fleeing south across the 38th parallel to Busan, Rev. Moon built his first church of US Army ration boxes on the Beomnetgol hillside. There he wrote the first version of the Principle, the basic teachings of the Unification movement. He also witnessed to the first member to join in South Korea, Hyun Shil Kang. Many students from Ewha and Yonsei Christian Universities joined the Unification Movement, again causing those institutions to persecute and spread false rumors.
A missionary was sent to Japan in 1959, which was then still very much an enemy county of Korea. Later, in 1965 Rev. Moon visited all 48 contiguous states and set up Holy Grounds, traveling and sleeping in a small car.
We also learn about Hak Ja Han, Rev. Moon’s wife and the Women’s Federation for World Peace that she founded. Godly marriages, especially those bridging races, religions and nations are a signature of the Unification Movement. Rev. Moon also loves fishing and soccer. He met Mikhail Gorbachev in April 1990 and urged him to allow religious freed in the Soviet Union, as well as establish diplomatic relations with South Korea. President Gorbachev followed his advice. He also met Kim IL Sung, the very man who was in charge of his imprisonment at Heungnam Prison special labor camp.
Solving the problem of world hunger is also very close to Rev. Moon’s heart. And young people will benefit greatly from the section “New Vision for Youth”.
Rev. Moon published his autobiography in 2009. On September 3rd, 2012 he died and ascended to Spirit World. So where does that leave all of us? In a world torn by war and division, Rev. Moon’s message of not left wing or right wing but rather “Headwing” or Godism is desperately needed.
He gave us the truth, the formula, and most of all, the heart to build a world of peace. He leaves to us the great legacy that he has pioneered. But will we grab the batton and run, or rather just remain stuck in the same place? Understanding the life of this extraordinary man will be an essential launching place for our own journey as we work to establish a world of lasting peace centered on God.
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Aug 27, 2018Adina rated it it was amazing
The life of Reverend Sun Myung Moon has been a life of tribulations and suffering, however, for the sake of mankind. He was a man who has devoted all his life for world peace, and yet he was criticised as a leader of a cult, a heretic, he was an assassination target of numerous religious and political parties, and was even sent to prison 6 times. Despite all these, he still forgave, he still embraced, and he still loved. He has lived a legendary life, and at the same time, a respectable life. I would like to salute him with my utmost sincerity. (less)
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May 14, 2019Jouch rated it liked it
I had to write an essay based on this book for a competition. I won first place. Whoa!!! I won a tablet that I rarely use today and that would have been a lot more helpful for a less rich kid. But whatever, I do read e-books on it SOMETIMES!!! I didn't agree with Moon's point of view on every aspect, but it was still a decent book. (less)
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Oct 14, 2021Ian added it
Hagiography of the most shameless order.
Even though I no longer believe, I’m including church books on my bookshelf because they’re an integral part of my history. And despite all the negatives of my religious upbringing, one silver lining is that the daily religious reading I used to do gave me above average reading + writing skills.
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Apr 09, 2017Joel Bedulla rated it did not like it
To be clear, I didn't finish this book entirely, I sort of skipped it after some chapters.
Sun Myung Moon talks blasphemy and I definitely didn't enjoy this book.
He was calling himself "perfect" and "right". Even if you don't consider that as blasphemy, it's certainly annoying. (less)
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Aug 11, 2018Leon rated it it was amazing
I may be biased, but his life is eternally inspiring.
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