Great Construction

Religion and Art 

     Up to the present, people in general seem to think there is hardly any relationship between religion and art. I think this is quite erroneous. It is the mission of art to elevate the sentiment of human, to enrich life and to make it more enjoyable and worth living. Spring flowers, autumn foliage, beautiful scenery of nature—all these give special pleasure to the eyes of those who know how to appreciate art and literature. It is not going too far to say, ‘Paradise on Earth’ is a ‘World of Art’. What I mean is the world where Truth, Virtue and Beauty abound. Art is an expression of beauty. Why has it been neglected in religions so long?
     In olden days there were some religionists who were deeply interested in art. There were some high priests in Japan who showed great talent in art. Some of them sketched and painted pictures. Others excelled in sculpture and architecture. Still others planned wonderful temples. We mention the name of Prince Shotoku in Tempyo Era of Japan as the greatest religious artist in Japan. When you visit the Horyu Temple in Nara, Japan, and see the architecture of the buildings and sculptures and pictures there, you will marvel at the high artistic quality which makes one wonder how such a beautiful temple could be built as early as 1,300 years ago.
     Saints and high priests of latter days engaged in their mission work leading ascetic lives, content with a very simple existence. This probably gave to people in general the idea that art and religion were alien to each other. In their lives there were truth and virtue, but no beauty.
     In this sense, World Messianity advocates art.

The Glory, Number 026, page 2, January 10, 1960