Creciendo en Gracia (Growing in Grace)
A Christian organization led by the self-proclaimed Antichrist
1988 - 2013
José Luis de Jesús Miranda had a rough upbringing, with a history of theft and heroin addiction by age 14. However, he later converted to Christianity and became a Baptist pastor.
In 1973, though, he received a spiritual vision that inspired him to start his own religious movement, which became increasingly unorthodox. He believed he was the second coming of Jesus and preached only from the four gospels, but later claimed to be Paul's reincarnation and focused his ministry on the Pauline epistles instead. By 2006, he declared himself to be the Antichrist because of his belief that we are no longer bound to the teachings of Jesus, and his followers started tattooing "666" on their bodies as a sign of support.
Even though he claimed to be immortal, Miranda died in 2013, marking the end of his church. Most members distanced themselves from the movement after his death. However, the more devoted followers started splinter groups and continue to follow his teachings.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Other
Founder: José Luis de Jesús Miranda ("el Jesucristo Hombre [Jesus Christ, the Man]"; "Melchizedek")
Founded: 1988
Ended: 2013
Size: 100,000
Location: Miami, Florida, United States
Taught that there is no sin or Satan under the new covenant with God (source)
Other info:
Miranda had "666" tattooed on his forearm (source)
Miranda lived a luxurious lifestyle (source)
Church insisted that Miranda was immortal, even after his death (source)
Followers as young as three years old have received "666" tattoos (source)
Rejected a belief in Hell or the Devil (source)
Protested other religious traditions by destroying their sacred texts and icons (source)
Celebrated Christmas on April 22, the birthday of Miranda (source)
Miranda's previous wife claims that she attempted suicide to protect her children from angels of destruction sent by Miranda. She also claimed that Miranda had improper relations with other women in the congregation (source)
Other tags:
Interview with the comedian Bill Maher