Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda

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José Luis de Jesús Miranda (b. c. 1946) claims that he is "Jesus in the flesh". He is the leader of the new religious movement Growing in Grace, which has been called a cult by (among others) cult consultant Rick Ross[1] and Daniel Alvarez, professor of religion at Florida International University.[2]

Miranda believes his life and teachings supersede those of Jesus of Nazareth—a point which he emphasizes by referring to himself as the Antichrist and by exhibiting a "666" tattoo on his forearm.[3]

Contents

[edit] Early life

De Jesús grew up in poverty in Puerto Rico. He said that during this period he served stints in prison for petty theft. He was forced to enter a long term, chemical dependent, residential drug treatment program in New York City.[4] A former Heroin addict who was delivered by the power of God. While in prison, he says to have converted to Christianity. Immediately, he becomes a self taught student of the bible. In a recent program on ABC, he tells of the experience that led him to become this controversial "messiah". While praying one day, two angels appear to him and endow him with the calling of being the second coming of Christ. Originally declaring himself to be simply a pastor spreading a new doctrine, but always understanding the growth of the ministry (hence the name) and of it's members. In 1999, the church declared him as "the Other," who would pave the way for the second coming of Christ. In 2004, the church declared that de Jesus was God himself who had returned in human form just like the bible said he would. He explains that in 1973, the resurrected Christ integrated himself within him. He says that he doesn't know why he was chosen. In early 2007, he acknowledged the Antichrist accusations and explained that the term is true and applies because we are no longer supposed to follow Jesus of Nazareth, his mission concluded by his death in the cross. Antichrist, meaning no longer following Christ. Controversy surrounded these declarations due to the lack of education the world currently has it terms of biblical knowledge.[3][5] Most recently, followers have shown their support by getting "666" tattoos on their bodies. Contrary to speculations, De Jesús has NOT asked or obligated followers to do so. "666", De Jesús explains, is not a sign of the devil (he preaches that the devil was destroyed) but the number of the antichrist. The Antichrist, he says, is a term he accepts because "we are no longer supposed to follow Jesus of Nazareth, therefore we are antichrists."

De Jesús 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.

[edit] Notes on the De Jesús's TV segment

De Jesús 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 De Jesús planned a visit to Puerto Rico on December 17 of that year. Said visit took the island by storm. Invited to preach his message on live television, De Jesus arrived in a private jet which caused a huge media frenzy. Univision's "Que Suerte" show allowed 30 minutes without commercial interruption to the Man Christ Jesus, causing even more controversy because such uninterrupted airtime has never been allowed to anyone in the history of Puerto Rican television. Much to critics surprise the show generated the highest ratings of any TV show in the month of December, even surpassing the ratings of the live broadcast of the Latin Grammys in November by a substantial amount of viewers.

De Jesús most recently appeared on K-Eye 42 (CBS affiliate in South Florida) as reported by Ileana Varela on February 22nd, 2007, and also on a special ABC News Primetime report on March 6, 2007 at 9:00 PM EST.

[edit] Last Name Controversy

Though many believe that the last name the Man Christ Jesus is Miranda, the truth is that his birth name is José Luis De Jesús. Despite media outlets taking it as a self-appointed claim, Miranda is his SECOND last name, his mother's maiden name. Like many should know, in most Latin American countries, both last names are used. His last name means "of Jesus".

[edit] References

  1. ^ 'Scarborough Country' for August 25. MSNBC (August 28, 2006). Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
  2. ^ The Man Who Claims To Be Jesus. CBS 4 (September 12, 2006). Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
  3. ^ a b He Calls Himself God. MSNBC (February 5, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
  4. ^ Pastor with 666 tattoo claims to be divine. CNN (February 19, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-02-22.
  5. ^ Miami Church Brands Members With '666' Tattoos. FOX News (February 24, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-03-04.

[edit] External links

[edit] Official sites

[edit] Media

[edit] Critical views

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