Some thoughts on Dr. Chris Naylor's seminar on Nichiren Buddhism and Souka Gakkai; dated Sept.8th 2000, received by mail courtesy of Hilda Wigg, with thanks, Sept.16th
Some thoughts on Dr. Chris Naylor's seminar on Nichiren Buddhism and Souka Gakkai; dated Sept.8th 2000, received by mail courtesy of Hilda Wigg, with thanks, Sept.16th
[ - "thoughts" penned on Sept. 18th, after reviewing the printed material and audio recording. (Note: included in the printed material was a short overview entitled Understanding Souka Gakkai, originally presented by Nobou Kimura in a prior OMF Orientation Course). ] - Dr. Naylor studied Nichiren for 14 years, and is as such an expert on this form of Buddhism. - Souka Gakkai is an amalgamation of religion and nationalistic education. Its founder took Nichiren teachings as the most suitable religious form for the expansion of his own political agenda. As such, and remembering the so-called Christian Roman emperor, Constantine, and the Roman emperor, Augustus - with his god-man idealogy, and also King Saul, of the former Israeli kingdom, we have here another attempt of uniting religion and politics together in an attempt to control people. - The reason for its religious teaching is not for the salvation of its members as it claims but to bring unity to a political rule. Thus, Souka Gakkai is more cult than religion. - In 1990, Souka Gakkai was expelled from its religion's association, and has since been operating religiously without the support of an ordained governing religious body. - The Christian Faith is frequently attacked on three issues: - that God does not, in fact, save all human beings - that Jesus was powerless at the cross in that He could not save Himself - that Christianity has brought with it violence to the world and so, by apparent theology, history, and ideology, remains an inferior religion. - An aggressive proselytizer, using a form of teaching/discussion hard-sell, similar to that used by Jehovah's Witnesses, Souka Gakkai has enjoyed phenomenal growth as a "new" religion (hence my interest). Actually, the similarities between S.G. and the J.W.'s, another acknowledged cult- religion, are quite remarkable, with their "hardsell" being attempts to "reason" opposing perspectives into confused submission. - Rationalism, along with superior numbers and success-oriented personal testimonies, is used to prove superior ideological position, while guests attend long Souka Gakkai meetings. If this seems familiar to North Americans, who have not had contact with J.W. methodologies, it is because the same techniques are also being used in popular multi-level marketing schemes. Vague threats are made to keep discontent members in line. - all members are enjoined and expected to bring friends to these evangelistic meetings for evangelism and indoctrination. - Monetary donations are taken from members and monies used to support political candidates who will be favourable to the Souka Gakkai cause. This is perhaps the difference, apart from religious form, between S.G. and the original J.W. cults. Originally, the money taken by J.W. leadership was used to line pockets and fund further Watchtower publications. J.W. leadership, then, did not appear to be seeking a political agenda. Whereas, S.G. began with that in mind. - It is my impression that religious arguments used by S.G. are of much less interest to the Church than the means by which this organization engenders growth (hence, and perhaps unfortunately, Nichirenism is only of historic interest). While the lecturer contends that figures regarding this growth are "rubbery". It is, nevertheless, a fact that tremendous growth has and is occurring. I think it would be wise to study methods used here to see if there might not be some useful methods the Church can use today for bringing more into the saving grace that comes from the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Key weaknesses in S.G.'s attack on Christianity - God's all-consuming love allows for free-will: no one can be "made" a Christian. History has borne this conclusion out. Only be freely accepting Jesus are we saved, and by so doing do we receive His Holy Spirit (in effect 'satori'; that 'ah-hah' by which we understand the Truth). - Jesus proclaimed absolute authority over His subsequent death AND RESURRECTION. John 10:18 (paraphrased by self) "Only I have the power to lay down my life, and I also have the power to take it up again." When all is said and done, Jesus was and is God. Nichiren, as Gautama, was merely human. It is like comparing non-functioning light bulbs to one that is shining. - Christianity has never been responsible for the acts of violence that have been enacted around it. The same might possibly be said for the other religions, and certainly no less so. Review of the N. Irish conflicts and the genocides of Rwanda bear out deep- seated politic and racial hostilities. There is a N.T. scriptural reference for this though at the moment I am unable to locate it: it is not a religious source but rather an uniquely human agenda that is at fault. In our own wills, we bring destruction, however, in putting our present faith in Christ, we become one with Christ and so find peace for our lives and also for our neighbours. This is an individual act; not merely saying one is Christian, but living the Christian life. - In its nationalist aims, S.G.'s promotion of Buddhism is misplaced. Buddhism did not originate from Japan, and is no more Japanese in fact than Christianity. Furthermore, Buddhism is so syncretistic that it has demonstrated unreliability in historic fact; there are many suppositions but nothing firm on which to anchor them. The gods, and boddhavistas, and buddhas are all incorporated as being one and the same, regardless of how different their religious origins, forms and dispositions. Likewise, Nichiren, himself proved restless moving from one form to another. Jesus, in stark contrast, clearly "knew" what He was doing. - Christianity's greatest weakness appears to be shared by all major religions. It is a shame to us, but nevertheless predictable; lack of unity leading to schisms in the "one" body. In Japan, this is most clearly seen in that schism between the R. Catholic body and its Protestant progenies. The cause and shame being our own weakness in preferring our own inclinations to God's - clearly breaking with our Lord's own repeated commands to love each other even as He loves us. See Jn.15:12 and 17:21. It is a painful brand! The other being the predicted "tares" that have been sown in with the wheat, examples of this are plentiful enough that there is no need for further illustra- tion, and, of this, scripture tells us that there is nothing that can be done accept to do our best to grow while we wait for that great and final "harvest" yet to come. Even so, there are no religious groups who can point fingers, least of all, Souka Gakkai.
Written by Sid Matheson.
