Great Construction
Faith That Is Free
Freedom of religion has come about since the promulgation of the new constitutional system, so there is no need to discuss this matter, but what I do want to discuss here is the freedom of faith itself. In the world there are many kinds of religions, of small, intermediate, and large size, and everyone is aware that without exception believers think their religion is the best and that all others are necessarily inferior. That is why religions adamantly admonish against contacting other religions with guidance such as “Other religions are evil,” “Our deity will strictly punish you,” and “You can’t be saved if you’re double dealing.” There are some religions that are very strict on this point. Even if you should convert, you will be visited by disaster, you will be hospitalized, you will lose your life. Of these types, there are even missionaries who try to stop conversion by saying chilling things like “your whole family line will disappear.” This very deed is a technique of an evil religion. Of course, from a common sense point of view, such admonitions are absurd, but those involved believe and find it hard to make a decision. This kind of faith, however, is not limited to newly rising stars. It is incomprehensible that even rather old, established religions do similar things. When all these aspects are considered, the idea of free thought is not limited to politics or society. The shackles of feudalism persist in religion as well.
Such being the case, I would like to speak on the subject of freedom regarding religion. Restraining the will of believers in order to benefit of the organization is preposterous. Moreover, since the means employed are through the threat of language, these means are a threat through faith, not at all permissible. An example of this, I heard the following account. The subject had been a fervent believer for a long time but could not escape the suffering of poverty. Sickness was continual. Since it was impossible to escape the suffering of poverty, gradually faith had become repugnant and when trying to leave the faith, the missionary said a frightening thing. The believer was confused and did not know what to do. I was consulted and said, “That religion IS the evil one. Leave it as soon as possible.” Still, there are many religions that do similar things.
Of course, religions do not want to lose believers, so they probably employ these measures as a last resort. There is another reason. Since olden times, when religions gain popularity, imitations pop up. Even with World Messianity, imitations have up to now appeared once in a while, so on these occasions, I laugh and say: religions are the same as cosmetics. If they sell well, they will spawn imitations, so if you are as popular as to give rise to imitations, that is proof that you have been recognized by the public, so isn’t that good? This is on a different level but there is a similar phenomenon in Christianity. Christians are admonished to be cautious of pseudo Christs and fake Messiahs who will appear. This is a good thing and a bad thing. The bad thing is that if the true Messiah should appear, it might be mistaken for a pseudo Messiah and there will be those who can not be saved.
But the most troubling thing is that there are many people who fervently pursue their faith thinking that their religion is the best. And these are people who truly believe so, but they are saved on the spiritual level only, so even though they may be satisfied, it is not a true faith. It is not a true faith because when salvation on a material level accompanies salvation on the spiritual level, a heavenly life is obtained which is true well-being. There are many of blind faith who do not understand this, and even though they pursue their faith zealously, are not able to liberate themselves from their unfortunate situation. Here, there is a point that deserves mentioning. That is, the reason religions fear their believers coming into contact with other religions is because they worry there may exist a religion better than their own. This idea should be seriously considered because it means there is a weakness in that religion.
Not to sound my own horn, but in that respect World Messianity is indeed free. Our own believers understand this well, but we say that contact with other religions is greatly welcomed. There is no problem with researching them as knowledge and information can be widened. Conversion at any time is also acceptable. It is certainly not a sin. If the deity is true and the individual is saved and comes to enjoy well-being, that is sufficient.
Eikō, Issue 177, page A1, October 8, 1952
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translated by cynndd
“Jiyū Naru Shinkō,” originally published on the front page of Eikō, Issue 177, October 8, 1952, and reprinted while Meishu-sama still alive in the essays anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyō Hen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), page 332, March 25, 1954, has appeared in translation. Citation is given below for reference.“Freedom in Faith,” Foundation of Paradise, 1984, page 120.