Great Construction

Further Thoughts on the Birthplace of Corruption

     In the previous edition of this newspaper, I wrote from various perspectives on this subject under the title of “The Birthplace of Corruption,” but as there are still some points that I wish to make, I will expand here further. What I am talking about are the journalists who presently write on corruption. When we look over the evaluations that each newspaper publishes, they do develop the most pertinent line of reasoning, but they are so ordinary and mediocre, without any hint of freshness. All they discuss are matters such as revising the relevant laws and ordinances, making the penalties stiffer, and saying that elections cost too much. All these suggestions are not on target, and there is not one proposal that has any certainty of being effective. As long as the basis for a proposal is based on a materialistic conception, the issue of corruption probably could not be considered in any other way. That these policies are useless regardless how many times they are repeatedly implemented has already been shown by experience. Most of all, as long as the essential aspect of atheism is not removed from a proposal, sorry to say that it is a suggestion which is nothing more than a waste of time and money.
     To explore corruption on a deeper level, expressed in simple terms, the scandal this time is a grave issue that can be likened to an animal whose intelligence has advanced to the point where its keeper has discovered that it is about to break out of its cage of laws. The opinion pieces of journalists who discuss this scandal caution that it is much worse than those previous and teach us how to fashion measures so that something like it does not happen again. Whatever way the reader wants to consider the proposals, I do believe that scandals such as these are the great shame of a civilized nation-state. Of course, that the fundamentals are completely misapprehended is as I already stated, and the cause is not cages. The cause is in the animalistic instinct to try to breakout of a cage. Therefore, when this instinct is removed, it is only natural that can be created a human being who does not need a cage. Removal of the animalistic instinct is the mission of religion. The reader may be indignant that I have expressed the preceding so harshly, but as it is truth, most likely no one will be able to deny it. In other words, since the core of this problem is in the human soul, improving the human soul is the true way to solve the problem. There is naturally no other way. At this point, let me give an example. There should be nothing clearer than to compare which, theism or atheism, has corrupted the political world. Unfortunately, however, as the Japanese leading classes consist completely of members of the tribe of atheists, it is inevitable that the problems of public corruption and social ills will not go away.
     In this regard, let me cite the example of the United States where these kinds of incidents do occur occasionally, but as everyone probably knows, they are so few as to be no comparison at all. And then again, American social criticism can be severe, which is indeed enviable. The very cause of such a difference is due to Christianity. Speaking of which, the foreign correspondents of various newspapers from the U.S. who visit me from time to time occasionally refer to matters of faith, and it is surprising how appropriate their questions and opinions are. The understanding of faith and the respect for God is so marvelous that I always admire it. One can appreciate the clarity of the nation’s politics and the trust the people have in their politicians. In comparison, Japan is probably about a half a century behind. It was very apt when General MacArthur criticized the Japanese as being twelve-year-old children. In that sense, I do not mean to be rude when I state that you Japanese journalists as well need to be greatly roused to action. The tenor of Japanese newspapers towards this most recent scandal well illustrates my point. In their discussions, there is not one mention of the word of God. Therefore, if this problem had happened in the U.S., I do believe that unpredictable would be the level of strong sentiment which would be incited in public opinion.
     As can be seen from the preceding, and my comments pertain to the low level of Japanese culture as well, that the greater share of the cause is atheism, particularly in Japanese journalists, is undeniable. Even more so, observing society today, there is no limit to that such as the corruption of public officials, the social ills of society in general, decay and factional fighting in the political world, friction between capital and labor, dangerous thought, economic difficulties, and the instability of daily life. Of course, all these problems have causes, and to state their cause, needless to say that cause is atheism. Furthermore, it should be known that this cause has a cause. That is, that there is no religion in Japan that can lead the nation from atheism to theism. If we come to that conclusion, then we can say that the U.S. has one, Christianity, but Japan has the eight sects of Mahayana Buddhism as well as the Zen sects, great numbers of sects, unlike any other place in the world. And that is because Japan did not have a great religion that could lead all its people. If the reader were to ask if Japan will ever have a religion that will do so, I have to say that it will. That is the super religion, the faith that transcends all religions, that is now emerging. Therefore, when you journalists open your eyes and find this religion, you may actually discover it as well as realize that it is perhaps something even above Christianity.

Eikō, Issue 251, March 10, 1954 
translated by cynndd

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“Futatabi Oshoku no Botai” was published originally in Eikō, Issue 251, March 10, 1954, and as far as is known has not appeared in translation. After Meishu-sama died, “Futatabi Oshoku no Botai” was included in the anthology for ministers, Sekai Meshiya Kyō Seiten, Geijutsu-hen, Shakai-hen (Sacred Writings of the Church of World Messianity, Volume on Art and Society), September 1, 1955, page 285.