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La Luz del Mundo
La Luz del Mundo's temple in Guadalajara, México
Classification	Millenarian, Restorationist (Christian primitivism)
Orientation	Charismatic
Region	>40 countries
Founder	Eusebio Joaquín Gonzalez
Origin	1926 Guadalajara, Mexico
Congregations	11,000
Members	More than 5 million, according to the church, but less than 1 million per outside sources

La Luz del Mundo (The Light of the World) is a Christian denomination with international headquarters in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The church is based on a Christian doctrine centered around two charismatic leaders, Eusebio Joaquin Gonzalez, known as "Aaron the Apostle" to his followers, and since 1964, his son Samuel Joaquín Flores, known as "the Servant of God".

History

Aaron Joaquin Gonzalez, Servant of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ

The founder of La luz del Mundo was Eusebio Joaquin Gonzalez. He was born in 1896 in Colotlan, Jalisco to a family of small means. In the Mexican revolution he initially joined Pancho Villa's "Division de Norte" but deserted Villa's forces after being offended by their "injustices" around 1913. He then joined the constitutionalist army and fought the rebels from 1915 to the end of the war in 1921, and stayed in the army until 1926. In 1920 on a trip to Guadalajara he married his wife, Elisa Flores Gonzalez.

In 1926, while serving in Coahuila, his wife came into contact with members of a Pentecostal church, "La Iglesia Cristana Espiritual." Gonzalez's military commander did not approve of his involvement with a religious group, in accordance with the government's anti religious stance, and transfered him to Torreon. Gonzalez and his wife eventually found other members of that church in the city and came into contact with two of its leaders, Saulo and Silas who wore long tunics and had long hair and beards. According to a church (La Luz Del Mundo) biographer((who)) they stressed spiritual learning over reading the Bible and asceticism. After refusing to give the kill shot in a firing squad, Gonzalez was imprisoned for three days. He eventually left the military to live with Saulo and Silas in Monterrey. According church biographers, his military connections, saved him on several occasions from being lynched by mobs while preaching in rural villages.

On the night of April 6, 1926, Gonzalez experienced a revelation in which God spoke to him and gave him the name Aaron. This was later followed, as the church biographer claims, by a "Pact with God for humanity by the new dispensation in a man whose calling was confirmed that night," after that vision Gonzalez, now Aaron, left Saulo and Silas' church. Aaron traveled through the countryside encountering harsh resistance from Catholics as he preached until he arrived to Guadalajara, Jalisco on December 12, 1926. According to the church biographer, Aaron was told by God to stay in Guadalajara because he had a "great people" who would serve him (God) as an example to the whole world.

Aaron Joaquin arrived in Guadalajara in the middle of the Cristero War where state Governor José Guadalupe Zuno was tasked with public expressions of Catholicism in the state. Jalisco was the center of the Catholic movement involved in an armed conflict with the anti-catholic administration of Plutarco Elías Calles. During the 1930's several anti religious rallies were also held, causing a mixed environment that could be hostile to religion.

At first, Aaron Joaquin began preaching as a vendor, as a result several of the first members of the Church were street vendors. The first 10 members had their meetings in Elisa's apartment, and later in 1930 a member's house was used. At this moment Aaron had not yet registered as a preacher and his small church wasn't listed as a neighborhood organization, which later led to the belief that the church was a creation of Calle to further his anti-Catholic stance (there is no evidence of such allegations). The group was subject to arrests and suspicions by the police of being subversive. In 1931 the first "Santa Cena" (Holy Supper) was held to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with the eating of unleavened bread and wine where 23 members attended. Between 1931 and 1932 Jesus Cuevas left the church after Aaron Joaquin refused to have the group named "Iglesia Espiritualista" (Spiritual Church). Aaron Joaquin did not like how the name resembled "Espiritista" (Spiritism). Cuevas, who hosted the church's meetings, chased them away forcing the church to hold meetings in rural areas out of fear of complaints from catholic neighbors. Immigrants from rural regions of the country added significant amount of members to the church. In 1934 A temple was acquired and members were encouraged to buy homes in the same neighborhood thus establishing a community. The church was then registered as "Iglesia Cristiana Espiritual" (Spiritual Christian Church) but Aaron claimed to have received word from God in the dedication of the church, saying that the church was "Light of the world" and that they were the "Iglesia Del Dios Vivo, Columna Y Apoyo De La Verdad" (Church of the Living God, Column and Ground of the Truth). Thus the church would have two names, the name under its registration and the name that they use to identify themselves.

In 1938 Aaron Joaquin went to Monterrey to convert his former associates, there someone pointed out that he was baptized under the trinity. As a result, Aaron Joaquin had one of his pastors baptize him in the name of Jesus Christ. Anthropologist Renee De La Torre says that his rebaptism was in 1943 after losing several hundred members, but historian Jason H. Dormady believes that she may have been confused citing the 1938 incident as Aaran Joaquin's rebaptism by one of his pastors, Lino Fequera. In 1939 the church moved to a new meeting place at the 12 de Octubre colony forming its second small community in an attempt to escape a hostile environment, not to create an egalitarian society

In the 1942 schism, mentioned earlier, several hundred members from Mexico City left the church as well as a small group in Guadalajara. Members say that this took place due to greedy pastors, the group that broke off made accusations of abuse perpetrated by some Aaron Joaquin's followers, such as a Teresa Larios, to justify their split. This was followed by a new baptism (due to Lino Fegeura leaving the church to join the other group) which church biographer says was an order from God himself to Aaron Joaquin. With the growth of the church and the city, issues of safety developed in the 12 de Octobre meeting place in the late 1940's and early 1950's. As a result Aaron purchased a plot of land outside of the city and called it "La Hermosa Provincia" (The Beautiful Province) in 1952.

On this land he constructed the first church of the colony and the sold the rest in parcels to church members, effectively building an entire neighborhood of devotees. Aaron started missionary efforts in Central America and by the early sixties La Luz del Mundo had 64 congregations and 35 missions.

Samuel Joaquin Flores, Servant of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ

Samuel Joaquín Flores was born on February 14, 1937. According to church teaching, he was born dead but resurrected by the power of prayer and Gods hand. Samuel was baptized into his father's church at 14. He became part of the church's ministerial corps and held positions in Tepic, Nayarit and in Veracruz. He was married at 25 and took control of the church at 27. Samuel's leadership was even more focused on outward growth than his father's and he began opening up the boundaries between the church and the surrounding world, and carried out an aggressive missionary strategy. In 1993 the faith had reached 23 countries in Latin America and in 1991 there were 45 congregations in the southern United States. Samuel traveled extensively to the international congregations. He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by El Consejo Iberoamericano en Honor a la Calidad Educativa (CIHCE) in 2010, although the organization's academic credibility is questionable and has been referred to as "fraudulent" by the President of the National Assessment and Accreditation.

Beliefs and Practices

Worship

During religious services Male and female members are separated during worship with women sitting on the left side of the temple and men on the right (from the perspective of the preacher at the front of the congregation). They do not use musical instruments during their religious services and use the biblical passage found in Amos 5:23 to justify this. Women cover their heads during religious services and there's also an absence of dancing and clapping. Their places of worship are void of images, saints, crosses, and anything else that can be considered objects of worship.

The Bible

Members of La Luz Del Mundo believe that the bible is the only source of Christian Doctrine In light of the letters and talks made by the Apostle of God. The rationalization is that biblical truths are discovered with the aid of the Apostle of God since he receives direct word from god himself. The Bible is the only historical reference used by La Luz Del Mundo during religious services. Members of the church are able to find cited verses of the bible quickly regardless of their level of education. It is also seen as the only and "sufficiant rule of faith for salvation."

Restorationism

The Church teaches that from the death of the last Apostle (Apostle John) circa 96 AD, until the calling of Aaron in 1926, there was no salvation on earth. The full name of the church is "Iglesia del Dios Vivo Columna y Apoyo De La Verdad, La Luz Del Mundo" ("Church of the Living God, Column and Support of The Truth, The Light of The World" in English) which is derived from two passages in the Bible, Matthew 5:14 and 1 Timothy 3:15. They believe that the Church itself was founded by Jesus Christ two thousand years ago. The Church became corrupt and was lost with the deaths of the Apostles of God.

The Church claims that, via Aaron Joaquin, the church is the restoration of the Primitive Christianity church that was lost during the formation of the Catholic Church. Salvation can be attained, in the Church, by following what they believe are the Bible based teachings of their leader. Revelations 12:14 is used to support this belief noting that the times that Revelations speaks about represents the time that the Church did not exist. After those times passed, the beginning of Apostle Aaron's ministry is seen as the restoration of the original Christian Church.

The Calling of the Servants of God

The Church states that they believe in "the calling of the Servants of God, sent to express the will of God and Salvation. Acts 13:47 "I have made you a light to the gentiles..." The Church teaches that Samuel Joaquin Flores was elected by God as Apostle and the new leader of the church after Aaron Joaquin died in 1964. As a result of having the only true Servant of God and Apostle of Jesus Christ, Samuel Joaquin, La Luz Del Mundo is the only true Christian church founded by Jesus Christ. The "Apostolic Authority" allows members to find peace and closeness to God and help them attain meaning of their lives in the hopes of joining with Christ to reign with him for all eternity.

Christology

The church denies the historic Christian doctrine of the Trinity and teaches Nestorianism, dividing Jesus into two persons: Jesus (man) and Christ (God).. However, other sources state that the church denies the eternal divinity of Jesus Christ all together, similar to denominations of Oneness Pentecostalism. As a result, they baptize in the name of Jesus Christ instead of the Trinity. Hug G. Nutini from the University of Pittsburg describes La Luz Del Mundo as trinitarian

Women in La Luz Del Mundo

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Female members of La Luz Del Mundo wear long skirts and do not use excessive make up. They also refrain from cutting their hair shorter than shoulderlength. At times their hair can reach down to their waist. Women use a head covering when they are involved in religious activities, such as involvement in preaching, church services, and other religious meetings. Members of the church, including the women, wear normal beach and sportswear when at the beach or playing sports and other recreational activities. All the female members of the church who were interviewed by an Anthropologist in 1999 and 2000 deny the existence of a set rule when it comes to the wearing of long skirts. Women in the church are considered equal to men in social spheres. They are seen as having equal capacities in obtaining higher education, social carriers, and other goals that may interest them.

Unlike their male counterparts, women are not allowed to obtain religious leadership in the Church's hierarchy much like Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. According to Patricia Fortuny, "if a woman so desires, she can hold the position of 'encargada', or worker or evangelizer, since it constitutes the lowest tier of the hierarchy". The first two Deaconnesses were Elisa Flores and Francisca Cuevas. Usually, according to Dr. Dormady, the wives of prominent members attain such a rank, however the rank is limited when compared to male Deacons. Fortuny has stated that the only two cases of Diaconisas are the current Apostle's wife and mother who is deceased.

Since the 1920's there has been a prayer at around nine or ten in the morning throughout the world. These prayers are always led by women in which mostly women attend. Men do attend these meetings but they are usually a minority relative to the number of women. These prayers are seen as a religious activity equal to all other activities. Women who direct these prayers show an understanding and speaking ability equal to male members of the Church in other religious services. This prayer provides space for empowerment in which women are able to express themselves and develop a status within the church's membership in much the same way that men do during other prayers and religious services.

Women of the church have found various ways to personalize their attire to express a different form of beauty, according to Dr. Patricia Fortuny. The veils are either rebozosfor indigenous members or specially designed veils imported from Spain or Korea or made in Mexico. Depending on socioeconomic factors, women use a variety of designs and materials for veils and their dresses based on a variety of available fashions. Anthropologist Patricia Fortuney says that, "In this regard, wearing long skirts does not negate the meaning of being a woman and, although it underlines the difference between men and women, they say that it does not make them feel like inferior human beings." Fortuny points out how women describe their attire as part of obeying biblical command found in 1 Timothy 2:9 (And 1 Corinthians 11:15 for long hair) and how the Bible states that men and women shouldn't be dressed the same. They, female members of the church, say that it makes them feel like they are honoring God and that it is part of their "essence." She also states that while women are under a patriarchal system within the church, since the requirements of their dress code are greater than those placed on men, women in the church at times can be more autonomous than the general population of women in Mexico. Dr. Fortuny says that the growing trend of educated women having husbands in supporting roles is also seen within the church both in the Guadalajara (Mexico), and Houston(Texas) congregations. In the field of education, many young female members have expressed their goals of obtaining post secondary education, many that spoke Fortuny were already in the process of getting their degrees. Both young men and women are equally encouraged to gain post secondary education, and in the case of La Luz Del Mundo the fathers, and not the mothers, are mire likely to push their daughters towards going to a university.

Other Beliefs and Practices

The church believes that Christianity should be led by "servants of God," such as Samuel Joaquin Flores. The church also teaches moral and civil principles such as community service and that science is a gift from God.

The church is also millenarian and teaches that the end of days is imminent and that only members of La Luz del Mundo will achieve salvation. The church also stresses the importance of community service via the Association of Professionals and Students founded by Samuel Joaquin Flores with the intent to help high school students and others complete a college education and attain a professional career

Men are do not allow their to grow long. Men also do not wear shorts in public. Members of La Luz Del Mundo do not celebrate Christmas or Holy Week. The most important yearly rituals are the Holy Supper (Santa Cena in Spanish), held yearly on August 14, and the anniversary of Samuel's birth (held on February 14).

Organization

The organization of La Luz del Mundo is highly hierarchical. The supreme head of the church is Samuel Joaquín Flores, who holds both the spiritual authority as Apostle and Servant of God, and the organizational authority as General Director of the Church. Below him are ranks of Pastors. Pastors are expected to develop one or more of the qualities as Doctor, Prophet and Evangelist. All pastors are Evangelists, expected to carry out missionary tasks, as Doctors, pastors explain the word of God and as Prophets they interpret it. Below them are the Deacons, who administer the sacraments to the congregational members. Below the Deacons are the Managers, who have responsibility for the moral conduct and well-being of certain groups within the congregation. Managers grant permits to congregational members who wish to leave their congregations for vacations or to take jobs outside of the church district. The lowest rank within the ministerial hierarchy is that of "Worker", with responsibility for assisting everyone above them in the hierarchy with menial tasks.

Other than Samuel Joaquin's wife and mother, women are not allowed into the religion's hierarchy. Female office holders are always head of groups of women, and not groups of men. A Deaconess can help the Pastors and Deacons, but cannot herself administer the sacrament. All members of the ministerial hierarchy receive economic remuneration for their services, paid as part of the tithe by the congregational members.

Architecture

Hermosa Provincia Church

The flagship church in Guadalajara is characterized by its pyramidal shape and innovative structure. It was erected between 1983 and 1991, largely by the members of the church. It is a notable architectural feature in Guadalajara despite being in a working-class district on the outskirts of the city. A local architect, Leopoldo Fernandez Font, designed the structure, project management was done by Joel Silva and José Rangel and the executive engineer was Mario Uribe.

Built to accommodate 12,000 worshipers, the temple is used for annual ceremonies. Members come from all over the world every August 14 to celebrate the Santa Cena (Holy Supper) as well as on February 14 to commemorate the birthday of Samuel Joaquín Flores (known to followers as El Apostól de Jesucristo, "The Apostle of Jesus Christ").

In accordance with the movement's teachings, the building's design represents the infinite power and existence of God. Its seven levels over a base (menorah) symbolize the seven angels of God and the progressive steps toward the human spirit's perfection.

The area around the temple is known as La Hermosa Provincia (the beautiful province) and is inhabited almost exclusively by church members. In several other communities in Mexico the congregants strive to live close to each other and around the temple, leading to small neighborhoods of church members.

Houston Texas Church

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The main Houston, Texas church is inspired by Greco-Roman architecture and sits along Texas highway 59 in northeast Houston.It is the largest church constructed by La Luz Del Mundo in the United States as of 2011. The temple's many pillars resembles the Parthenon, according to Religious Historian Timothy Wyatt. The front of the building is decorated with individual stone carved scenes from the Bible. There are three panes of stained glass that also depict biblical scenes. The temple is able to hold 4,500 people. The interior has marble floors, glass chandeliers, and wood paneling.

The whole structure has a value of $18 million Houston and consists of the temple, classrooms, offices, and a pastor’s house. There is a sitting area next to the church with fourteen free standing columns. Each of the thirteen columns represents each of the Apostles (including Aaron and Samuel Joaquin). Each column has the name of one of the 14 Apostles (The twelve Apostles from the Bible and the two Apostles from the church) on bronze plates. A large golden dome rests on top of the temple right under a unique symbol of the church known as the staff of Aaron. The staff of Aaaron represents the miraculous power of God. It was made in honor of Aaron Joaquin.

The construction of this church began in the year 2000 and was finished in 2005. Voluntary donations were used to fund the construction which was done by members. This particular congregation has many members who are skilled laborers in construction. The church serves as a central congregation for South East Texas. Following the model of La Hermosa Provincia, members strive to live close to the church. Along the street where building is located can be found many homes that belong to members of the church.

Demography

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The Church has reported having over five million members worldwide in the year 2000 with 1.5 million in Mexico. Mexican census, however, reported about 70,000 members nationwide in 2001. In 2011 another Mexican census reports a total of 188,326 members. Anthropologist Dr. Hugo G. Nutini estimated the size of the church to be at around 1,125,000 members in the year 2000 in Mexico. The US State Department International Religious Freedom Report for 2011 states that, "Official statistics sometimes differ from membership figures of religious groups." Due to the interest invested in the church by religious authorities and the following of its members throughout the nation, the membership reported by the church is plausible.

Countries with congregations of La Luz del Mundo include Australia, Israel, Russia, Cape Verde, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Moldova, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Romania, Norway, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Curaçao, Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Belize, Canada, United States, and Mexico.

In El Salvador, as of 2009, there are an estimated 70,000 members of La Luz Del Mundo with 140 congregations with a minister and 160 other congregations that range from 13 to 80 members. As of 2008 there was an estimated 60,000 members of la Luz Del Mundo in the United State4s.

Controversy

La Luz del Mundo has been the subject of various accusations, including violations of tax-exempt codes, rape accusations, exploitation of underage women by the group's founder, and the potential for mass suicide.

Silver Wolf Ranch

In May 2008 it was discovered that Samuel Joaquin Flores purchased an exotic zoo in Seguin, Texas, known as Silver Wolf Ranch. Flores came under fire by local communities for closing off access to the public, given that "IRS regulations require nonprofits to actively promote their tax-exempt purpose of benefiting the public and not the personal wealth of anyone". Silver Wolf Ranch, valued in excess of $3 million dollars, was renovated with a private mansion and a "long rectangular warehouse" where, according to the ranch's manager Vaspi Coronado, the family's private collection of "real restored vintage automobiles are kept." Vaspi Coronado says that the owners have been working with the United States Department of Agriculture since they purchased the ranch in rescuing abused and neglected animals.

Rape accusations

In 1997 and 1998 Moisés Padilla, a young dissident member of LLDM, was interviewed by several Latin American anthropologists and psychologists. Among other data, he provided a detailed account of having been drugged and sexually abused as a minor by Samuel Joaquín. According to the L.A. Times, days after his interview, Padilla was kidnapped and stabbed 57 times with a dagger. Church officials accused Padilla of orchestrating the attack to validate his claims. Researchers Dr. Jorge Erdely and Dr. Lourdes Arguelles assert that "the wealth and publicly known political connections of the sect with Mexico’s most powerful political party help explain the impunity with which this and other alleged human rights violations have occurred for decades."

Additionally in 1998, a handful of women went public with similar accusations of being raped by Samuel Joaquín. After initiating a formal investigation through the Religious Affairs Department of Mexico's Interior Ministry and a state prosecutor, Mexican authorities remarked that "because the alleged crimes occurred so long ago , it's unlikely any trial will take place." In one woman's case who claims she was raped and abused, authorities were suspiciously reluctant to investigate, and the file of the case eventually went missing.

In 2004 the church was accused on Mexican television of several counts of rape against female members. The accusations were spearheaded by the Mexican Anti-Cult group "The Christian Institute of Mexico", who demanded that La Luz del Mundo should be stripped of its legal recognition as a religion. The Mexican government was reluctant to take action in fear that this would open the door for sanctions against the Catholic clergy.

A Church spokesperson, in response, remarked that, "Not one of the alleged abuses disseminated by the media has been proven true by the authorities," Researcher Renee De La Torre pointed out that these issues are isolated to the Church in Guadalajara.

Founder's exploitation of underage women

In 1942, the founder of La Luz Del Mundo, Eusebio Joaquin Gonzalez, was accused of exploiting underage women. Eusebio was later sued by the mother of Guadalupe Avelar, a minor who claimed to have been impregnated by Eusebio. To settle the lawsuit, Eusebio registered himself as the father of Abel Joaquin Avelar, the child of Guadalupe Avelar. According to Historian Jason H. Durmady, "Rumors that LDM abuses its young women sexually have abounded for years. Ibarra and Lancyer found no incidence of such in their 1972 research, though the church narrative does carry a story of abuse carried out by one of its members."

Mass suicide

According to Gordon Melton and David Bromley the church la Luz del Mundo became subject to fraudulent accusations of planning acts of violence or mass suicide against its members as a result of the Heaven's Gate mass suicide.

References

1. ^ Fortuny Loret de Mola, Patricia, 1995, "Origins, Development and Perspectives of La Luz del Mundo Church", Religion, Volume 25, Issue 2
2. Biglieri, Paula. (2000), Ciudadanos de La Luz. Una mirada sobre el auge de la Iglesia La Luz del Mundo., Estudios Sociologicos XVIII, p. 407
3. ^ Samuel Joaquin Flores. "Presencia". Lldm.org. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
4. Samuel Joaquin Flores. "Historia". Lldm.org. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
5. Samuel Joaquin Flores. "Fundación". Lldm.org. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
6. Fortuny Loret de Mola, Patricia, "Origins, Development and Perspectives of La Luz del Mundo Church", Religion, Volume 25, Issue 2, April 1995, Pages 147-162
7. Dormady, Jason H. (2007). "Not Just a Better Mexico": Intentional Religious Community and the Mexican State, 1940--1964. University of California, Santa Barbara: ProQuest. p. 119. ISBN 0549152474, 9780549152477. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
8. Dormady, Jason H. (2007). "Not Just a Better Mexico": Intentional Religious Community and the Mexican State, 1940--1964. University of California, Santa Barbara: ProQuest. pp. 120–124. ISBN 0549152474, 9780549152477. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
9. Dormady, Jason H. (2007). "Not Just a Better Mexico": Intentional Religious Community and the Mexican State, 1940--1964. University of California, Santa Barbara: ProQuest. pp. 124–27. ISBN 0549152474, 9780549152477. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
10. Dormady, Jason H. (2007). "Not Just a Better Mexico": Intentional Religious Community and the Mexican State, 1940--1964. University of California, Santa Barbara: ProQuest. pp. 128, 130–131. ISBN 0549152474, 9780549152477. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
11. Dormady, Jason H. (2007). "Not Just a Better Mexico": Intentional Religious Community and the Mexican State, 1940--1964. University of California, Santa Barbara: ProQuest. pp. 130–132. ISBN 0549152474, 9780549152477. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
12. Dormady, Jason H. (2007). "Not Just a Better Mexico": Intentional Religious Community and the Mexican State, 1940--1964. University of California, Santa Barbara: ProQuest. pp. 141–142, 144–145. ISBN 0549152474, 9780549152477. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
13. Dormady, Jason H. (2007). "Not Just a Better Mexico": Intentional Religious Community and the Mexican State, 1940--1964. University of California, Santa Barbara: ProQuest. pp. 145–146. ISBN 0549152474, 9780549152477. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
14. Dormady, Jason H. (2007). "Not Just a Better Mexico": Intentional Religious Community and the Mexican State, 1940--1964. University of California, Santa Barbara: ProQuest. pp. 147, 151. ISBN 0549152474, 9780549152477. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
15. Dormady, Jason H. (2007). "Not Just a Better Mexico": Intentional Religious Community and the Mexican State, 1940--1964. University of California, Santa Barbara: ProQuest. pp. 151–155. ISBN 0549152474, 9780549152477. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
16. Dormady, Jason H. (2007). "Not Just a Better Mexico": Intentional Religious Community and the Mexican State, 1940--1964. University of California, Santa Barbara: ProQuest. pp. 159, 161. ISBN 0549152474, 9780549152477. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
17. Fortuny Loret de Mola, Patricia, 1995, "Origins, Development and Perspectives of La Luz del Mundo Church", Religion, Volume 25, Issue 2, p 150
18. ^ "Divine Retreat". www.toddbensman.com. Retrieved 2010-09-07.
19. "Darán doctorado al creador de la iglesia la "luz del mundo"". http://www.lajornadadeoriente.com.mx. 2009-09-22. Retrieved 2012-02-18. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
20. "Hay premios fantasmas para educación superior". http://www.hoy.com. 2009-11-30. Retrieved 2012-07-31. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
21. Wyatt, Timothy. (2001), Iglesia La Luz Del Mundo. (PDF), Huston History, A Call To Worship Volume 8 Number 3, p. 29 {{citation}}: Text "cite web" ignored (help)
22. De La Toree, Renée. (2000), Los hijos de la luz: Discurso, identidad y poder en La Luz del Mundo., ITESO, p. 244 {{citation}}: Text "cite web" ignored (help)
23. Victoria Ochoa Bohórquez, Ana. "Lo religioso como agente transformador de la cultura: Iglesia La Luz del Mundo: surgimiento, expansión, usos y ceremonias México-Colombia 1926–2006" (PDF). 1 Lo religioso como agente transformador de la cultura: Iglesia La Luz del Mundo: surgimiento, expansión, usos y ceremonias México-Colombia 1926–2006 Ana Victoria Ochoa Bohórquez Tesis de Grado Maestría en Historia Social y de la Cultura. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdate, Pg 122= ignored (help)
24. Biglieri, Paula. (2000), Ciudadanos de La Luz. Una mirada sobre el auge de la Iglesia La Luz del Mundo., Estudios Sociologicos XVIII, p. 412
25. Biglieri, Paula. (2000), Ciudadanos de La Luz. Una mirada sobre el auge de la Iglesia La Luz del Mundo., Estudios Sociologicos XVIII, p. 407
26. {{Ávila Meléndez, Luis Arturo. Entre las cosas de Dios y las preocupaciones terrenales: el camino contradictorio hacia la santidad en la “Iglesia de la Luz del Mundo”. ¿El reino de Dios es de este mundo? El papel ambiguo de las religiones en la lucha contra la pobreza. Edited by Genar. Bogotá: Siglo del Hombre Editores y Clacso, 2008. http://biblioteca.clacso.edu.ar/ar/libros/clacso/crop/zalpa/11avila.pdf (accessed September 13, 2012). pg 179}}
27. Victoria Ochoa Bohórquez, Ana. "Lo religioso como agente transformador de la cultura: Iglesia La Luz del Mundo: surgimiento, expansión, usos y ceremonias México-Colombia 1926–2006" (PDF). 1 Lo religioso como agente transformador de la cultura: Iglesia La Luz del Mundo: surgimiento, expansión, usos y ceremonias México-Colombia 1926–2006 Ana Victoria Ochoa Bohórquez Tesis de Grado Maestría en Historia Social y de la Cultura. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdate, Pg 147= ignored (help)
28. Victoria Ochoa Bohórquez, Ana. "Lo religioso como agente transformador de la cultura: Iglesia La Luz del Mundo: surgimiento, expansión, usos y ceremonias México-Colombia 1926–2006" (PDF). 1 Lo religioso como agente transformador de la cultura: Iglesia La Luz del Mundo: surgimiento, expansión, usos y ceremonias México-Colombia 1926–2006 Ana Victoria Ochoa Bohórquez Tesis de Grado Maestría en Historia Social y de la Cultura. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessdate, Pg 170= ignored (help)
29. De La Toree, Renée. (2000), Los hijos de la luz: Discurso, identidad y poder en La Luz del Mundo., ITESO, p. 77 {{citation}}: Text "cite web" ignored (help)
30. Genaro Zalpa, Ramírez (2008). ¿El reino de Dios es de este mundo?: el papel ambiguo de las religiones en la lucha contra la pobreza. University of Michigan: Siglo del Hombre Editores. p. 177. ISBN 9586651266.
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62. Wyatt, Timothy. (2001), Iglesia La Luz Del Mundo. (PDF), Huston History, A Call To Worship Volume 8 Number 3, p. 28 {{citation}}: Text "cite web" ignored (help)
63. Wyatt, Timothy. (2001), Iglesia La Luz Del Mundo. (PDF), Huston History, A Call To Worship Volume 8 Number 3, p. 27 {{citation}}: Text "cite web" ignored (help)
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External links

• Official site
• Official affiliate site
• Official site in U.S.A. Short bibliography of LLDM books and articles

• Articles with close paraphrasing of public domain sources from September 2012
• Christianity in Mexico