Buddhism in Germany by W. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 26, 1905

Buddhism in Germany

By W. A. S.

A BERLIN dispatch to the Toronto Star reports striking developments in the German religious thought:—

In a leading article which is attracting considerable attention here the Vossische Zeitung dwells on the continuous spread of Buddhism in Germany, not as a definite or organized creed or church, but as a potent influence, beginning to permeate large sections of the population. The leading Liberal journal draws attention to the decay of interest throughout the country in missionary and Bible societies, and to the decrease of the incomes of these societies, as one of the surest evidences of this. Men nowadays, says the article, are more than ever interested in the religious problem, more than ever religious, but it is religion no longer militant, but marked by that toleration which is more characteristic of Buddhism than of Christianity.

The Vossische Zeitung reminds its readers that not long ago the Grand Duke of Hesse-Darmstadt gave a commission to the eminent sculptor, Professor Habich, to erect a huge statue of the Buddha in syenite under the trees of his garden at Wolfgarten. This act was not a mere satisfaction of some æsthetic impulse, but significant of the profound alteration of public sentiment in matters of faith and dogma.

The spirit of Oriental mysticism is leavening the world. Christendom is being “replenished from the East” according to the prophecy of Isa. 2: 6. Satan’s gospel of preparation is preparing the way for his last delusions as surely as the true gospel is preparing the way for Christ’s coming in power and glory. W. A. S.