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.
Ennokyo is a Japanese Shintoist derived religion that was established by Fukata Chiyoko as receiving a special revelation from a kami as being its spokesman and instrument for the sake of the world. This Japanese new religion or shinshukyo is similar to other religious claims made by other enlightened individuals and organizations which make up a plethora of groups . These religious experiences are varied and numerous in Japan as there appears to be a hyper-spirituality of religion that prevails over the landscape of this country resulting in hundreds of different cults that are making spectacular claims to truth. Though it may be politically correct to state that all roads or paths lead to the same final destination this can’t be the case due to their exclusive and diverse claims as establishing their own view on reality regarding essential or ultimate truth. The dilemma is that anybody can make a religious claim based on whatever a person values as an expression of spirituality but the question comes down to which one is legitimately correct. Many people are participants in adhering to a religious view as to what is faddish or popular within the culture or perhaps it has some other form of personal appeal or satisfaction however truth is not dependent upon our own individual choices or whims but rather it rests outside of personal preference.
Anyway Fukata’s mission was to be a healer as well as being able to foresee the future in helping others to avert trouble. Again it seems to be a noble assignment but this does not necessarily prove that her motivation is altruistic nor does it demonstrate the soundness of her mental or psychological condition as the claims of individuals can be a result of delusion in having thoughts of grandeur as living in fantasia in being centered on such narcissistic matters of self worship or importance. There are actually psychological disorders or conditions in which people may be classified according to these criteria. Moreover this kind of activity is not unique and is readily available through other common occultic practices such as the use of tarot cards and palm reading or the psychic activity of being able to foretell through horoscopes as well as playing the role of a spiritual medium. Furthermore if illness is caused by the demonic then it is likely that this spiritual entity can leave in the same way in which it came giving the illusion or appearance as being miraculously cured much like a person who goes to the local shaman for a treatment or it could even be something as simple as a placebo effect. When the evil spirit departs in this manner it is not due to the sovereign and opposing power of the individual as much as it is a cooperation with the demonic realm of which the practitioner is aligned with therefore either way, healed or not, it only serves to give credence and glory to these Satanic powers.
From a Christian world view this stands in contrast as counterfeiting biblical prophecy and divine healing as creating a distraction from the Supreme and True God just like the signs and wonders of Moses in comparison to the Egyptian magicians.
These are just some possibilities to consider when researching spiritual phenomena which may better explain the evidence as being more plausible than its alternative. Anyway the outcome of this faith healing movement dissolved over time as it proved to be a failure during World War 2 perhaps due to the overwhelming and devastating effects of the widespread damage which crippled Japanese society as realistically countering the euphoria of this group.
Nevertheless after the war this movement resurfaced and regrouped. Today they practice a spiritual therapy in the form of a shared dialogue called Shuho in which two individuals are committed to solving the problems of every day life. Lastly they use a scripture known as Enno kyoten which is a common practice among cults to have one or more authoritative texts in which they draw inspiration from as to justify their belief and practice.
Respectively you may be sincere or “Sei” about your practice but sincerely wrong. You can have a degree of love “Ai” and virtue “Zen” but if misdirected or misapplied can be neglectful to the chief object of affection namely the Supreme God of the Universe.
Finally according to the original intent or application of this vision I am skeptical that it has or ever will fulfill its mission to heal society. However this is a reality among Christians including myself who have experienced the healing power of God.
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto 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.
