Frontline Season 10 Episode 9 The Resurrection of Reverend Moon
- January 21, 1992
The Frontline season 10 episode 9 titled "The Resurrection of Reverend Moon" takes an investigative look at the controversial leader and founder of the Unification Church, Reverend Sun Myung Moon. The episode delves into the rise of Moon and his mission to create a global movement dedicated to world peace and unification, as well as the allegations of brainwashing, financial corruption, and human rights abuses that have been leveled against him and his organization.
Through interviews with former members of the Unification Church, former associates of Moon, and experts in the fields of religion and cults, the episode seeks to provide a comprehensive portrait of who Moon was and what his impact has been on the world. The episode also looks at the increasing influence of the Unification Church in American politics, particularly in the 1980s when several conservative politicians and leaders, including President Ronald Reagan, courted Moon's support.
The episode explores the various aspects of Moon's life and teachings, including his belief in himself as a messianic figure chosen by God to complete Jesus' unfinished mission on earth, his advocacy for conservative social values such as traditional marriage and family values, and his economic and political ideologies. The episode also looks at the controversies surrounding Moon's organization, including allegations of forced marriages and brainwashing, as well as the Unification Church's vast business empire, which includes media, real estate, and other ventures.
Overall, "The Resurrection of Reverend Moon" provides a detailed and thought-provoking analysis of one of the most influential and controversial religious figures of the past century, exploring both the positive and negative aspects of Moon's life and legacy. Through interviews with those who knew him personally and those who have studied his teachings and impact, the episode provides a nuanced and comprehensive portrait of a complex and often misunderstood figure, and sheds light on the ongoing debate about the nature of his influence, both within the Unification Church and in the wider world.