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.
Byakko Shinko Kai Is yet another new Japanese religious movement founded by Goi Masahisa who supposedly received a special message from God about the prevalence of peace on earth. However this revelation seems to be only a reactionary response in respect to the need for security and stability in the face of the devastation from the outfall of World War II which has given rise to the establishment of myriads of new cults known as Shinshukyo or Shinko Shukyo. Thus many of these cults have a particular popular motif or emphasis which revolves around a basic human need or dilemma which is a legitimate concern even though their solution may prove to be no more than a straw man or sham. Furthermore some of these cults have an intermingling of similar or common beliefs and the only real changes are not so much their doctrinal positions but rather the people themselves who are directing these movements. For that reason I wonder which one of them is right if any?
Anyway Goi’s Philosophy involves the concept that words and thoughts act as waves vibrating at different frequencies and therefore by using a special kind of “peace prayer” it somehow mystically produces a purifying effect on people and the world. This whole wave idea is not unique to this movement and I have previously written about a contemporaneous cult known as Reiha no Hikari which also has their own version to this wave action theory.
Regarding Goi Masahisa position concerning this peace process I find it difficult to swallow and I remain skeptical in view of current world events in believing that this methodology is actually effectual towards changing the scenery of our present world condition especially with its limited influence. Even as I am writing this post there continues to be unrest in the Middle East as well as the continuing threat of North Korea and their nuclear program. History has proven the corruption and downfall of the human race as succumbing to its own demise of evil behavior and it doesn’t take just another new discovery in religion to lead the way towards this goal as there are plenty of secular institutions which are pursing this common objective as well.
Also I think it is going to take more than a positive confession of misdirected prayer to alter human history with its violent demonstrations as bringing about any kind of global and universal peace treaty. After all what evidence is there that this is somehow occurring today or where is the assurance that this will come to pass in the near future? I believe it is going to take more than changing the mindset of a few hundred thousand people to accomplish this insurmountable task.
Another one of Goi’s beliefs is that everyone has shugorei and shugoshin who are guardian spirits/deities but how provable is something that is metaphysically impossible to determine or verify and apart from trusting in the vision of this one charismatic leader this belief is no more than taking a blind leap of faith. Additionally this legendary and antiquated superstitious belief seems to coincide with the ancient cultural customs regarding the kamis and thus it is quite possible that they could be entertaining demonic entities or associations unaware as these spiritual beings are deceiving others to trust in their protection.
Another fantastical belief is that after Goi Masahisa death that he is now sending spiritual signals or messages via the medium of his adopted daughter Saionji Masami which is a common theme for the ongoing influence of the cults to survive by extending the leaders continued guidance as to retain the authoritative control and momentum of the sect and I recently wrote a post about another cult that also believes that their deceased leaders are communicating as giving direction to the movement.
In closing the main agenda of this movement is the achievement of world peace which is a great desire in that it is self evident or instinctual to pursue a beneficial outcome of survival as respecting the sanctity of human life and we should do everything we can from a human standpoint to cooperate in this endeavor yet ironically mankind is as much of the problem as it is the solution. Therefore it stands to reason that it will taken an outside force or intervention such as God who stands apart from the chaotic cycle or system of violence in order to affect a real and significant change to society.
Essentially mankind is not able to cure their own disease of destruction and it is going to take a real transformation in allowing God to perform a more invasive surgical operation of transplanting hearts and renewing minds in changing the very nature of humanity which is more than merely murmuring certain words in the right pitch. This radical change will result in peace with God and each other as giving rise to eternal life. Inevitably it will be God, not humankind’s intervention, who will bring about a new world order as abolishing wars and rumors of wars as He establishes His kingdom on earth in setting up His throne by the rule and reign of the Prince of Peace namely Jesus.
Lastly I would simply encourage you to research the person and work of Christ who will ultimately be the person to bring peace to the Land of the Rising Sun.
An Old Testament prophetic witness to the ministry of Jesus
Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this
Sayings of Jesus as taken from the gospel accounts
John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come to me, all 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.”
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.
