Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda

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Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda claims himself to be Jesus Christ, the second coming. His group, Growing in Grace, has been identified as a cult by sources including cult expert Rick Ross [1] and Daniel Alvarez, professor of religion at Florida International University [2].

[edit] Notes on the Miranda's Today Show segment

José Luiz de Jesus Miranda - Mentiroso e Enganador. O ministério cresciendo en gracia propaga la mentira.

Miranda appeared on NBC's Today Show on August 25th, 2006. He was introduced as a 60-year-old preacher from Puerto Rico. He introduced himself to the woman who was interviewing him as "Jesus Christ, Maam." Miranda claims that he had an epiphany in 1978. Miranda claims that the resurrected Christ "integrated himself within me." When Miranda is asked why he was chosen, he says that he doesn't know. According to NBC's report, Miranda started Growing in Grace Ministries in the mid-1980s and claims that the ministry has a presence in 20 countries. Miranda claims to have 30 teaching centers in the United States, including locations in Hartford Connecticut and Miami Florida.

When asked about the numbers of his followers, Miranda says that they don't keep membership cards, but he says "certainly there are millions." His ministry has a 24-hour cable channel and provides Netcasts of his sermons.

Miranda denies the essential Christian doctrine of sin. He says that, "God doesn't see you as a sinner, to me you are a perfect spirit." Miranda denies the existence of Satan and says, "Satan is a Hollywood character." Miranda denounces teachings Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical churches. Pastor Miranda says "they are not teaching the right gospel" and claims that his ministry is the only one teaching the truth. He encourages tithing however, and has amassed a personal fortune, while claiming that "everybody should be rich." Pastor Miranda encourages his followers to organize protests against other churches, saying "I encourage to march for the truth."

Miranda has gained attention in Puerto Rico in particular, where his denomination has opened centers in Guaynabo, Arecibo, Yabucoa, Ponce and Hormigueros. He has drawn some public comments from television personalities and has been featured on Puerto Rican media. On November 17, 2006, Puerto Rican newspaper El Vocero announced Miranda planned a visit to Puerto Rico for December of that year.