The Gospel in Japan

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · May 28, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 21.

The Gospel in Japan

THERE is a striking article by the editor, Mr. Hamilton Holt, of the Independent, in that journal of May 9, on "Japan To-Day." We note one item. He declares that there are two chief hindrances to the spread of Christianity aside from world-wide causes, and that these are "the present diversity and antagonisms of denominations, and the quite obvious discrepancy between Christian profession and practise." And he quotes from the Rev. D. B. Schneider, at the conference last year of the federated missions:

"While Christianity is making a little progress, other great forces like that of nationalism, the revival of Shintoism, the renewed activity of Buddhism, agnostic or anti-moral literature, and practical materialism, that seem to work in deadly opposition to it, are gaining in strength. Moreover the passing of leadership into the hands of the Japanese church is giving us missionaries a secondary place, and to use the homely phrase, it is difficult 'to play second fiddle' enthusiastically. The encouragement also which we receive from the home land is not great."

There is more real need of vital Christianity, entirely apart from all nationalism. If missionaries would go to Japan from England and America, not to represent England and America, but Christ; there would be greater fruits.