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     Since ancient times has been the saying, “with fixed property, there is a steady mind” which means that if an individual has no worries about material things, words and deeds will improve. Yet these times are so filled with social evils, and there are not a few intellectuals who interpret these conditions as a lack of material, physical things. Indeed there is no doubt that this explanation is part of the truth but it is not fundamental. If this interpretation were the real truth of the cause of social evils, then individuals rich in materials and resources should be true human beings, but in reality, that is not how things are. It is quite noticeable that there are many instances of individuals with enough materials and resources who do commit illegal acts. And, depending on the occasion, there are also instances when these persons cause more chaos in society than do the destitute. For example, in these times when financial imbalance has led to a lack of housing, many substantial residences, left unoccupied, are owned by those who do not use them directly. Again the financial imbalance has led to women being seen as objects and treated immorally, as well as the weak losing their liberty and being trampled upon by society. People have no hope of getting ahead. Government is corrupted. Educators misbehave themselves with women students upon their matriculating in school. There is no end to the countless number of other such cases.
     From the above it should be clear that lack of materials and resources is not the only cause of the increase of social evils. As we continually explain, the true cause of these and other examples is the lack of a natural propensity for faith. Therefore, if this cause is not resolved, the eradication of social evils is inconceivable and it is the very appearance of a religion of power that is fundamental to completely solving this problem.
     Next, I would like to point out the fact that the way of thinking of individuals of culture today is quite mistaken. The mistake is the tendency to blame others for evil acts. Probably what is at the center of that which impels this way of thinking is Marxism. It is a fact that socialist theory holds that the cause for human unhappiness is due entirely to the social system. Indeed, there is a need for reformation of the system and institutions of society, but even so, to ascribe the cause of human unhappiness only to the social system is a great mistake. No matter how ideal a system, an institution is created, if the way of thinking and deeds of one person is mistaken, there is no reason for social systems and institutions to run smoothly. They will break down.
     Therefore, it is the very act of making good, the human disposition, of each human being’s nature that is the true way of resolving the problem of social ills. The human being should be seen as the predominant element and society as subordinate.
     The mistaken ways of thinking indicated above should be seen as products of materialistic thought. The biggest mistake is that materialism does not recognize the spirituality of the human being, and seeks to resolve all issues through materialistic theory. As a result, in any situation, individuals rationalize their own speech and actions and shift the responsibility for evil and crimes to others. But the truth is that the cause of sins and crimes is almost always within the self. If just this one point can be recognized and accepted, humility, virtue, and benevolence will spring naturally from the self, so a society of peace and well-being will manifest. The only way for the self to recognize the true cause of evil is through religious faith.
     Because the theory of passive feelings of guilt engenders the concept of a social revolution which leads people astray by aiming to destroy social structure without recognizing the sin of self, individuals should heartfully recognize the significance of self cause, straighten out past mistakes, and make a new beginning.

“Shakaiaku wa Kankyō ka Ina ka,” which first appeared on the front page of the newspaper Hikari, Issue 10, May 25, 1949, and later reprinted shortly after Meishu-sama’s Ascension in the essays anthology for ministers Sekai Meshiya Kyō Seiten: Geijutsu Hen, Shakai Hen (Sacred Texts of Church of World Messianity: Volume on Art, Volume on Society), page 242, September 1, 1955, has appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference.