Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan was originally founded by Kotama Okada as another one of the post-war movements whose reactionary outfall of this conflict as well as maybe his own personal struggles of physical affliction and economic misfortunes has lead to the heralding of a common message among many of these new religious cults or shinshukyo that are being established in Japan as promising to bring about universal redemption by projecting the idea of a new world order of global peace and prosperity which sounds good yet what is the evidence in light of current world events that this is a reality or even an upcoming event? Contributing to this skepticism Sekai Mahikari Bunmei Kyodan split after Okada Yoshikazu’s death which should indicate that even these peace promoting groups cannot maintain solidarity within their own ranks let alone unify the world. As I have expressed in other posts this concern for world peace is legitimate but this does not necessitate that the end somehow justifies every means or proposition. Furthermore there are so many cults that are focusing on this particular outcome that it is impossible to justify every philosophy and methodology of practice. After all its one thing to correctly diagnose the sick condition of our world but without properly prescribing the right treatment then this practice only becomes fraudulent and quackery.
Anyway to begin with Kotama Okada supposedly received a vision from God which may have been no more than than the delirium that he was suffering from running a high fever at the time. Nevertheless this spiritual journey would not result in a completely new revelation but rather a remake of the Sekai Kyusei Kyo sect of which he was a former member of and according to one source he may have been expelled due to allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment towards its female members. In addition to this he was also under the influence of other religious world views as compiling his beliefs as related to Shintoism, Buddhism and Shamanism as lacking any kind of significant originality. So I am wondering since these other movements were not correct then whose to say that this post-movement is any better?
Again he may or may not have received inspiration as this was an unwitnessed personal encounter or event and perhaps another possibility is that he was under the deceptive influence of evil or the demonic as this is a common occurrence among religious leaders to make such outlandish claims as having visions and dreams. This may at first appear to be counterintuitive with his promotion of the common good of humanity but how is that any different than all the other leaders and their groups which are doing the same kind of things. This is further complicated based on his previous military experience as fighting against China and Indochina and later retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel which seems to conflict with these humanitarian ideals. It makes you wonder if perhaps the real attention or motivation here isn’t about the welfare of others but rather the fixation on his grandiose character as playing the superlative role as the messiah of the age thus challenging this seemingly altruistic behavior.
2 Corinthians 11:14
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
Anyway one of the dangerous rituals of this group is their practice of “The Art of True Light” which they believe that they can channel or transmit light from the palm of the hand as utilizing an amulet or omitama which is occultic in practice or nature and instead of removing demonic influences they have opened a door as welcoming their presence which may explain any kind of deviant spiritual experience associated with this action. To confuse things even further is their belief in karma which may conflict with this helpful treatment as resisting these supposedly prevailing and oppositional karmic forces.
Anyway some of the unsubstantiated teachings of Okada further add to his case as being an unstable character who was either deceptive or delusional. For instance many of his claims rest in the mythological backdrop of such ideas as the lost continents of Mu and Atlantis as well as beliefs that center on other peoples works in borrowing ideas related to the “Light from the East” and the Takenouchi documents which contain fables and stories such as the founders of all religions have succumbed to the reality that ultimate truth would essentially be found in the East thus implying Japan namely Mahikari. Additionally Moses visited and died in Japan and that nearly all the saints and holy men of the world have visited Japan perhaps for training to accomplish their mission. Furthermore even Jesus was believed to have come to Japan at the age of 18 and then latter returned where he lived to the remarkable age of 118 years. This sounds more like the conspiracy theories of the inventors of the Da Vinci Code or something like the pseudepigraphical works of the gnostic gospels. More importantly this position denies the historicity of the crucifixion which even secular historians substantiate.
jesusandjews.com/wordpress/2009/10/04/was-jesus-crucified/
In addition to this he also taught a distorted nationalism which may have been inspired by these previously mentioned documents with such beliefs as the importance of Japan and its superior influence on the world as the emperor supposedly sent forth emissaries into the all the significant regions of the earth as bringing forth their Pacific Asian enlightenment to mankind. If anything thats more true today than ever before.
Also this is followed with the egocentric cultural view that Mioya Motosu Mahikari Omikami or su-god made Japan the origin of human life and the center of civilization with its languages, culture and religions originating from this land. However I doubt that any credible anthropologist would agree that Japan was the cradle or seat of human civilization which is quite a boast for such a small land mass. Don’t get me wrong I am not slighting the Japanese as they are a great culture and people what I am challenging is the exaggerated claims of Okada.
Furthermore since these materials are erroneous I think it also calls to question the other sacred scripture or goseigen as composed from Okada’s 57 revelations which were recorded though the demonic practice of spiritism known as automatic writing.
Another blow to the credibility of this movement was a result from Greenwood’s publication “All the Emperors Men” which caused members to raise questions which in result was met with a very cultic response as members are discouraged from internet usage as isolating people to a degree as to limit the outside world or anything that may be challenging or critical to the movement. This along with labeling all these people as being weak in dismissing them as having personal problems is questionable as well which should be a red flag to vacate. This combined with a drop out rate of over 50% after the three day initiation course and the reduction of membership due to their over rated claims of magic and miracles beckons the question on how convincing or effectual this teaching is as to accomplish its chief agenda of bringing peace and healing to the entire world.
Moreover their idealism of adhering to the universal or divine principles of gratitude, humility and acceptance of the will of god as well as administering the ritual of practicing light energy or okiyome to restore their divine nature as purifying/protecting and revitalizing the spirit, mind and body in nurturing the soul as to remove impurities is a marketing strategy of hyped sensationalism that oversimplifies the real and significant impact of personal evil in this world. Hypothetically even if this worked for a minority of the world population it still wouldn’t be considered a world of true peace based on the influence of a fringe group.
Metaphysically speaking I question their obsession with spirit possession as seeing a demonic spirit behind every tree or bush regarding all disease and misfortune. Favorably speaking on their behalf the Bible does establish that there is a strong demonic or satanic presence and influence in our world system but not to the degree that it ignores or underestimates human participation and potential for evil as being responsible for their wicked behavior which convicts their very conscious regarding their own sinful human desires and consequential judgement.
Also when we administer jurisprudence we are not prosecuting demons and even if someone had been under the inspiration of demonic vices, society does not dismiss the actions of someone who steals, murders and rapes with the excuse that “the devil made me do it” but rather we see the need for punitive repercussion as having dire moral consequences and accountability towards these criminal acts as protecting the welfare of others.
James 1:13-15
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
Romans 2:14-16
14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Moreover I think it is inconsistent if the organization has promoted a disclaimer that they specialize more in the spirituality of an individual as leaving the psychological or medical problems to the secular professionals. Which appears to be questionable since Okada’s original claim seems to support the eradication of illness and disease. Therefore it gives the impression that their response may be a result of avoiding the pitfall of any potential lawsuits especially since this organization is under observation from such organizations as the French anti-cult association or UNADFI.
In closing Okada proclaimed to be a messianic figure as a divine lord and saviour or sukuinushisama but he is just one of many which have assumed this role or identity among the numerous swamis and gurus from both the past and the present with a self designated title of greatness and influence over society but based on his credentials I remain extremely skeptical in view of his life witness. Conclusively this phenomena is prophesied about in the Bible and it would behoove all to take notice of these warnings.
Mark 13:21-23
21 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ (Messiah) or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. 22 For false christs (messiahs) and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.
Matthew 7:15-16
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits.
Lastly the wisdom, love and will of God was transmitted not through a mystical inanimate object but rather He sent the saving and healing Light of the world, His Son, who assumed a real and tangible human existence as a mediator between God and man to bear the evil burdens of humanity in bringing forth a cleansing and purification as universally liberating humanity. He paid the full price of mankind’s redemption with His life and death, apart from the rigors of ritual or membership fees, so that others could freely gain an inheritance into His kingdom.
John 8:12
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 3:16
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
In summary I know I have said some very hard things and as a fellow human I apologize if I have needlessly offended you as being insensitive towards this matter. However I hope you are able to see through the rhetoric as to objectively weigh for yourself the evidence. Anyway my concern is to illuminate those who are unaware of these issues who are being preyed upon and victimized from an organization that disguises this lie as the truth.
Finally I would ask that you would at least be open to another worldview as researching the person and work of Jesus with an open and honest heart as you seek ultimate or essential truth.
Mt 11:28-30
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
How to have a relationship with God
Other links
Religions of the world: a comprehensive encyclopedia of beliefs and practices/ J. Gordon Melton, Martin Baumann, editors; Todd M. Johnson, World Religious Statistics; Donald Wiebe, Introduction-2nd ed., Copyright 2010 by ABC-CLIO, LLC. Reproduced with permission of ABC-CLIO, Santa Barbara, CA.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway,
a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
All rights reserved.
ESV Text Edition: 2007