‘‘SOKA QAKKAI ’ bers o f almost every conceivable cult and sect in the United States. T i m e continues: “ The most notable seeker to date is a one-time Mormon elder who tried thirty different religions before joining this sect.” One of the features which appeals to many of the black citizens o f this country is the lack of racial preju dice. Naturally, because o f this feature, it has attracted many individuals of the various minority groups in the United States. New converts readily admit that part of the attractiveness of the movement is the warmth and fervor o f the prayer meetings conducted by the Soka Gakkai leaders. One such convert declared, “ I felt as if I wasn’t really alone any more. I was surrounded by people who were going to protect me.” According to T i m e , “ Soka Gakkai makes few demands on its converts. Beyond the prac tice o f getting new converts, all a person has to do is practice Gongyo—the morning and evening recitation of Buddhist sutras and the chanting o f the DaimoJcu until they feel satisfied.” One member stated, “ As long as you are chanting, you’re in. I f you stop chanting, you’re out.” Members chant or pray for anything at any time. Apparently most of the chanting is done in behalf o f material desires, a better home, a better job, a newer car. As one grows in the movement, however, he is expected to begin to chant for higher things, such as spiritual blessings. The goal of the movement is ultimately to establish an earthly kingdom o f peace in the world. It will be a peace, however, based upon the true teachings o f Buddha. Its members include in their doctrine a few of the moral principles found in the Word o f God, but in no sense is it even remotely related to Christianity. The movement would not rate more than passing notice were it not for the fact that it may be growing faster in this country than any other one religion or cult. Certainly it is growing faster than Christianity at the present time. The zeal o f these people put all of us as Christians to shame. It is true that the movement re quires practically nothing of its followers except signing up as members. There are very few moral restrictions based upon membership. It is entirely a religion of doing. One’s belief has practically no bearing whatever upon his own life. Of course, there is nothing in it that corresponds in the slightest degree to the “ offense o f the cross” which is such a stumbling-block to so many people as far as Christian doctrine and practice are con cerned. There is still only one way whereby a person can be saved, and that is the way of the cross whereby one humbles himself and recognizes that his good works are as filthy rags in the sight of the Lord. He must come just as he is, claiming the merits of Jesus Christ for his salvation rather than any merits of his own. The religion o f Soka Gakkai is another one of the general signs of the times. Q|]
MORE thana GIFT! MORE than aBOOK! an
book!
A NEW AND THRILLING DIMENSION IN GIFT BOOKS
Beautiful bindings, in snow-white gift- style boxes, capped with sparkling plastic and gift ribboned on the box corners. Each box has a token or sym bol, such as: a flower, a spike of wheat, or a graduation tassel. • After the Tassel is Moved. Guidelines for High School Graduates. By Louis 0. Caldwell $2.95 • Devotionals for Modern Men. By Wil liam Krutza Man-to-man devotions for personal reading, or presentation in a group, class, or meeting. $2.95 • The Adventure of Becoming One. A Gift Book for Newly-Weds. By Louis 0. Caldwell. Ideal gift book for families or min isters. $2.95 • When Loved Ones are Called Home. By Herbert H. Wernecke. New deluxe gift edition of a book which has sold over 150,000 copies. $2.95 • See That Holy Child. The Story of the Twelve-Year-Old C h r is t. By Stuart Bergsma. $2.95 • Only a Woman. Stories for Women to Enjoy. By Evelyn Anderson. An ideal gift book for Mother’s Day or at any time. $2.95 • The Will of the Wind. By Idalee W. Vonk. Reflections on character, traits and virtues that everyone seeks. An all- around gift book. $2.95 Ask for an ultra book! AT ALL BOOKSTORES Baker Book House Publications
JUNE, 1969
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker