The rise of Zionism is worthy of shouting

August 25, 2024
Director of Erasmus Institute of Peace Studies
Yoshio Iwamura

Theme Scripture: Isaiah Chapter 5 Verse 7“The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are thevines he delighted in. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, butheard cries of distress.” (New International Version)<Introduction>
It has been about 150 years since Protestant Christianity was introduced to Japan. The
Roman Catholic Church has been there for just under 400 years. When we talk about“Christianity (Greek word: Cristianismo,j [christianismos], a word not appear in the Bible),
don’t we categorize Christianity introduced via the West is the only absolute truth? I am athird generation Catholic. In Japan, Catholicism generally indicates the Roman Catholic
Church, and is used synonymously by both Christians and non-Christians. Many people
consider Catholicism to be an abbreviation of the Roman Catholic Church. Also, the Roman
Catholic Church itself advertises themselves as “Catholic”.
However, this is probably wrong. Even the world’s largest religious population, said to be
2.3 billion, does not understand it correctly. Israel and Palestine are holy places for Christians
around the world. Currently, the Israel-Gaza war has been continuing uninterrupted since
October 7, 2023. It is sometimes called the Palestinian-Israeli war. This is because thefighting began with an attack by Hamas. However, before the battle that year, Israel had killedaround 250 Palestinians under its occupation. There is no exit for the tunnel. As of August 7,
2024, the death toll in Gaza is 38,153, and the umber of injuries is 87,828. What is the reason
for Palestinians killing each other despite being compatriots?

Palestinian children and the author
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Table of contents(1) Dispensationa. Eschatology
b. The Milleniumc. The dogmatism of the “rapture”(2) Encounter with Middle Eastern Christianity
a. Arab Orthodox traditions unbroken since the 1st century AD
b. Misinterpretation of the Promised Landc. Discrimination against sojourners (refugees)(3) Christian Zionism
a. Zionism in Japan, the U.S. and Korea
b. Uchimura Kanzo and colonialism
c. Seeking conflict resolution through love and prayer, not power<Three wrong misunderstandings> 1
Q1. “Palestine” does not express people, but “the land”. The promised land given to
Abraham 2 was Cannan. The “Land of Palestine” was not uninhabited. The “Palestinian” there
refer to the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish people who live in Palestine.
Q2. “Israel” is completely different from the Israel of Saul, David, and Solomon in the Old
Testament, and the Israel that was established in 1948.
Q3. “Jews” are not “Jews”. They are people who believe in “Judaism 3”. There is no
relationship between “Judaism” and “Zionism 4”.

1

2018. I, Pappé. Ten Myth about Isael. Translated by Yoshiaki Wakihama. Hosei University Press, pp.87-103.
2024. K, Kimura. Creating Peace through Non-violence: Two wars on the Earth of Human. Hanshin
Religious Association, pp.4-5. htps://www.christiantoday.co.jp/articles/33680/20240601/what-is-zionism.htm
2
Abraham was neither a Jew nor an Israelite. He was a Hebrew from Mesopotamia.
3
A religion that the law stays in the central principle.
It was born during the Second Temple period (516 BC to the destruction of the temple in 70 AD) after being
released from the Babylonian Captivity. 1997. S, Arai. The Birth of Judaism. Kodansha.
I believe that Judaism has a history that goes with the Aramaic language. “The Jewish people and race were‘invented’ during the nationalism of 19th century Europe.” (Review by Koujin Karatani)2017. S, Sand. The Invention of the Jewish People. Translated by Taketomo Takahashi, Yasuyuki Sasaki,
Takako Kimura. Chikuma Shobo. “According to physical anthropological research, there is no such things asa Jewish race”. 1994. A, Koestler. The Thirteenth Tribe. Translated by Masami Uno. Sankousha, p.275.
4“Zionism” comes from the name of the hill in Jerusalem wehre King David’s tomb is located. I discuss this inorder to let people know about the differences (distanciation) between Christian Zionism and Messianic
Judaism. Refer “the Palestine Problem and Christianity” (Pneumasha, 2012) and “the History of Middle
Eastern Christianity” (Co-editor Moritada Murayama. Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). 1993) that
Moritada Murayama wrote about his experience working with missionaries in the Coptic Church in Egypt
from 1964 to 1968.

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(1) Dispensationa. Eschatology
In Christian doctrine, the end of the world called “eschatology (German: Eschatologie). In the
Bible, there are many instances of faith life longing for the “end (To. e;sca,twj [to eschatos]”. The
German Lutheran theologian Theodor Friedrich Dethlof Kliefoth [1810-1895] 5 was the first to
use the term eschatology. Theologically, there was a pendulum-like aspect between the
apocalyptic eschatology of Albert Schweitzer [1875-1965] 6 and the existential interpretation
eschatology of Rudolf Karl Bultmann. The basis of eschatology was the apocalyptic idea of
breaking away from the tyranny, servitude, and authority of the Roman Catholic Church, themillennialism, and the desire for utopia. It can be said that this was the cause of the intractable
feud among the world’s three major religions, as exemplified by The American Revolutionary
War, the conflict during the Cold War in the 20th century, and book of Samuel Phillips
Huntington 7 “The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order” in latter half ofthe 20th century. I think it is right about a proponent of the separation of church and state 8.
However, the idea of “the unity of religion and politics 9” throbs at the root of the tense
situation in the world. In my presentation “Eschatology” at the Evangelical TheologicalSociety in 2000, I did not mention the feuds, conflicts, or wars that are occurring at the end of
the century. I regret that it was just empty talk. It is because that I ignored it and sticking only
to the theological aspects. At the society, only discussing personal eschatology (eschatologia
individualis) is not good enough. What I should have considered was the “consistenteschatology (konsequente eschatologie)”, which is a global event that awaits us in the near
future and is intended to thoroughly explain the coming of the Kingdom of God 10.
51886.Theodor Kliefoth “Christliche Eschatologie / vonTh.Kliefoth
1957. A, Schweitzer. Messianitäts- und Leidensgeheimnis : eine Skizze des Lebens Jesu. Translated by Seiji
Hakii. Iwanami Bunko, p.179.
“The glorious end state will be brought by God on the basis of Israel’s ethical conversion”. Please refer to theexegesis of other representative of 20th century eschatologists that appears in “Reformed Dogmatics, Vol.7”(Yoshikazu Makita. Ichibaku Shuppansha Publishers, pp.51-59)
7
A dualistic idea that preserves “the Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order” published bySamuel Phillips Huntington, an American political scientist in 1993. As long as we accept this worldview, thetime when Judaism, Christianity, and Islam could coexist will be far away. It interferes Christ’s “avnakefalaiw "anakephalaioo (meaning “to gather together in one” Ephesians 1:10).
8What common thing among superpowers is not separation of religion and state. Rather, it is integration ofreligion and state. Religion and politics have also been strongly linked in the Unite States, the leading Western
power. There was Billy Graham [1918-2018] was in charge of the prayers at the inaugurations of Presidents
Nixon [1913-1994] and Reagan [1911-2004]. Graham can be said to be like a pope for evangelicals in the
United States, Korea, and other Asian countries. His idea matched with President Eisenhower's hardline policy
against the Communist bloc. He supported the Vietnam War by saying the US war is a just war according toGod’s will. He offered prayers at the inaugurations of successive American presidents and provided spiritualsupport as a chaplain at the White House.
2022. A, Oomiya. Introduction of American Christianity. The Kirisuto Shimbun, p.220, 238.
9
He was influential in intervention in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq wars. He
was on a consistent anti-communist stance. On the other hand, Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church
in Moscow is also merciless toward LGBTQ people in the West in the battle between good and evil.
102000. Y, Iwamura. Heretical Eschatology and Self-Justification; Evangelical Theology, No.31. Evangelical
Theological Society, p.12.
Johannes Weiss [1868-1914] wrote “The Sermon of Jesus on the Kingdom of God (1892)”, so I included thisbook in my eschatology theory (implying the Jewish apocalyptic literature, Escatologie) in the notes. However,strictly speaking, I should have been careful in including him in the category of eschatologists. This is becausethat my lack of German language ability. I should have introduced him separately as “The Kingdom Theory”
6

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From the latter half of the 20th century to the first half of the 21st century, there was no
insight or analysis into the extent to which eschatology was influencing the new coalition ofpolitics and religion, and no biblical evidence was presented. This was because politics and“eschatology (religion)” were differentiated. It was not surprising that this did not resonate
with the Ochlos (the people), to whom Jesus was most interested in.
Theology is God (theos) and language (logos), and God is the one who “keep me as theapple of your eye” (Psalm 17:8). Just like it is terrible when lake flies got into our eyes, theCreator guards us like the pupil of his eyes. But God has been confined to the realm of
academia. As it is written, “I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from thedescendants of Jacob 11. I will put my trust in him (Isaiah 8:17)”, we concealed God as ahidden God. There exists a paradigm of a dualistic composition that does not intersect
between the so-called spiritual realm and the ecclesia (authority / power) of the world. Until
the Second Coming, humans who should be in step with God saying “God has forgiven me”,
“the grace period”, and “patience until the Second Coming”, but we have become lazy andsay, “I will leave it to you, God”. The multiple signs (marks) spoken of in the Bible regarding
the end have also fallen into the trap of being a manual for recruiting believers. The “evil”
acts shown in Auschwitz concentration camp, the atomic bombings in Hiroshima andNagasaki, and the Operation Ranch Hand in the Vietnam War [1964-1973] were he worst
challenges humanity has ever done. Despite this, eschatology in theological schools might belost its urgency and has become a means of gaining qualifications, authorities, and labels insociety. The diplomacy, military, and policies of the world are all the same and no big
differences such as “left behind 12”, “more important on Israel”, and “Millennial Kingdom”,
and the United Nations, The G7 13, and NATO countries hail around the world. I think thattrue eschaton (eschatology) is one that distinguishes itself from the confusion, lies, andsadaejuui 14of these fictions and uses the Bible to justify itself. I have awakened in 2006 whenrather than as an eschatologist.
“The hidden God”. Latin words, “Deus absconditus”
12
Jerry Falwell [1933-2007] American evangelical fundamentalist. President of Liberty University.
Televangelist. Even presidential candidates found it difficult to ignore him. He supported Ronald Reagan in thepresidential election. A passionate supporter of President Trump. He promoted “Left Behind” by Timothy
Francis LaHaye, a national bestseller, saying it is “the second greatest book of out time after the Bible”. Author
Timothy LaHaye [1926-2016] earned his PhD in Liberty University Graduate School. Pastor of the Scott
Memorial Baptist Church. One of the leading figures in Amrican evangelicalism, with workds such as “Life in
the Afterlife (Translated by KOutarou Matsuyo. Word of Life. 1984). Henry Madison Morris [1918-2006],
knows as the father of creation science”, founded “the Institute for Creation Research.” based on the theory of
special creation, that “a day was created in 24 hours”. In the 1980s, LaHaye and his wife supported theUnification Church even when Moon was imprisoned on tax evasion charges.
*Ronald Reagan [1911-2004] US President (age 69). Actor. During his close relationship with Japanese Prime
Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone [19148-2019], they called by their first name and strengthened the Japan-US
security system. 2022. Y, Iwamura. Why is Article 9 of the Constitution important? Osu-kai ‘推す会’: literary
meaning ‘a group to recommend Article 9’ in Kobe. Prefectural Hall 7F Youth Exchange Plaza Seminar, p.9.
13
The Group of Seven (G7) is a framework in which the seven major IMF advanced economies and theEuropean Union (EU) participate.
Because of the 1973 oil crisis and world depression, five nations of France, The US, the UK, Germany andJapan, discussed the world economy. It is held once a year. It later became the G8. In 2014, Russia was
excluded. Currently, it is a forum for exchanging opinions on security and environmental issues.
14
We have no choice but “follow to benefit in front of us” because it is the policy of the Unites States, those inpower, and the United Nations. Our opinions would be pushed away anyway, so we better to play our cards
right.
11

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I met Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim 15 (Archbishop of Aleppo, Syrian Orthodox Church). I
traveled to Aleppo, Syria to build a home for orphans.
Considering that the root causes of the tensions that pose a risk to the survival of the Earth in
the midst of extreme chaos after the Cold War are “Zionism”, “Promised Land”, and“Palestine”, the problem is serious. Because the ground is on fire. In an emergency time suchas a fire, should we prioritize to recruit baptized people 16 like, “Is there a fire?”, “Jesus is theMessiah”, and “let’s pray together”? Shouldn’t we break down the door and warn people to“run away”? “Eschatology” is a tense issue. Is it okay to just sit in your room, church, orseminary and just kept in silent contemplation about it? 17
After the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake occurred, I have been volunteering in Oku-Notosince this January. For example, there are no Christian churches in the northernmost city ofSuzu City (estimated population 10,923 as of July 1, 2024). There are several halls for
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons who emphasize the end of the world, and their evangelism
have been going for over 100 years.
This paper’s theme scripture is “The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, andthe people of Judah are the vines he delighted in. And he looked for justice (mishpat), but saw
bloodshed (mispach); for righteousness (tsidqah), but heard cries of distress (tsa`aqah) 18 .”(Isaiah 5:7).
Currently, more than 40,000 people have been killed in Israeli air strikes in Gaza. The
number of children causalities 19are enormous. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu[1974-] 20, who is supported by the West, is massacring children in Gaza with his frightening,hardline policies. The conscience of the world may condemn the evil acts that are contributing
to genocide, but actually it supports the State of Israel financially 21and provides it with a large
number of armaments.
The context of Isaiah states, “Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of
my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up
the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. (Isaiah 1:16-17)”, clearly states thetheological proposition of practicing “the right of the orphans 22”.
152021. Y, Iwamura. Christianity and Refugee. Kobe International Christ Church, p.5.
Provide baptism (immersion) and increase the number of believers. Jesus and Paul did not take importance onbaptism. John 4:2, 1 Corinthians 1:17, 14.
17
A reformed follower, Dr. Burk Parsons said, “We are believers who fight not just by mouth, but without lives
and all our might”. https://ja.ligonier.org/blog/articles/courage-to-be-reformed/
18
Those born here are subjected to intense sufferings such as “tousen (刀山: the mountain of swords)”, “kenjyu(剣樹: the tree of swords)” and “kakutou (鑊湯: the hot iron baths)”, and are constantly screaming, so it is also
called “abi-shou-netsu-jigoku (阿鼻焦熱地獄: the burning hell of screaming)”. Because its boundaries are so
wide that it is impossible to escape with ordinary strength. Therefore, it is also called “abi-taijyo (阿鼻大城:
the great castle city of screaming)”.
19
Secretary-General Lazzarini said that the number of children who died in the Gaza Strip in the four months up
to February this year exceeded the number of children who died in conflict zones around the world in the four
years up to 2022. 2024. NHK. March 13. 6:24pm.
20“Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. (Deuteronomy 10:16)” “Nape”(#r[o [oreph ] means “having a stiff neck”).
21
The US House of Representatives passed an emergency budget bill totaling approximately 26.3 billion USD,
and it is more than 4 trillion in yen, in aid to Israel with a bipartisan majority.
2024. NHK. April 21. 6:51pm. I cannot ignore the factors of Anti-Islamic thoughts. (Iwamura comment)
22
The original meaning of “protecting rights” (Hebrew liiv) contains “to defend (rights)”, and “to deal with,16

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In Palestine, the “State of Israel” exists. Zionists of “political Zionism” are devouring thevineyards. As the rulers of Jerusalem, they are trampling on Palestine, Is Jerusalem really the“center” of Palestine? Is it the fulfillment of the “Promised Land” given to Abraham, or is thereturn of the Jews to Palestine a prophecy spoken to Abraham? I have been thinking about
these issues through my visit to the Middle East and building homes for orphans.
I have come to a conclusion. I have become convinced that the oracle given to Abraham iseschatological, proving that it was a promise that went beyond the Jews to all mankind. It isbecause that the keyword of “last day” also appears in the context of Isaiah Chapter 2.
It can be said that Christian eschatology has been at the mercy of the convergence of
futurology and Marxist ideology. Theologians who had a great influence on 20th century
Christian theology, such as, Karl Barth [1886-1968] 23, Paul Althaus [1888-1966], Charles
Harold Dodd [1884-1973], Oscar Cullmann [1902-1999], and Jürgen Moltmann [1926-2024], also
discussed eschatology. However, rather than dialectical thinking, we probably focused on
fundamentalists who testify from the Bible itself with a simple dualism 24 like black or white,
God or Satan, and light or darkens.Just like to fill a gap in the mainstream apologetic system,
in Christian countries in the West, as well as Japan, “On the contrary, when he was in Rome,he searched hard for me until he found me.” (2 Timothy 2:17) Christian Zionists in Japan,
America, and Korea have swept the nations with their simple understanding of the ned of theword, as if mocking the traditional apocalyptic eschatology and vertical “death” view of thehistorical Christian church. The eyes of this storm are “premillennialism”,
dispensationalism 25, and Christian Zionism. In the second half of the 20th century, it haspermeated the media, the movie industry and even home television like a subliminal 26
commercial. The conservative group in White House in the Unites States has not distanceitself form Zionism, but has instead used natural disasters, the destruction of the earth and thefinal judgement as a blueprint. We have constructed a strategy for policy making. It is no
exaggeration to say that fundamentalist 27 and Zionists are equal (same). TV evangelists,
megachurches and election campaigns people act like the masses as God’s spokespeople, “amouth that spoke boastfully” 28. (Daniel 7:8) A unique eschatology has begun to seriously
tackle, or fight (difficulties and misfortunes)”. It also suggests fighting against the socially vulnerable, theoppressed, and disclination.
23
Even Barth talked dialectically, “Any Christianity that is not completely and thoroughly eschatological has no
totally and completely has no relation to Christ”, the people were not willing to listen to him.
2001. K, Barth. The Epistle to the Romans, Vol.2. Translated by Keiji Ogawa, Tetsuo Iwanami. Heibonsha,
pp.100-101.
24
2001. Y, Iwamura. Eye Drop, No.23, p3, p.5.
25
“Dispensation” comes from the Greek oivkonomi,a It support from the history of God's dispensation andstewardship of mankind (Ephesians 1:10, 3:2; Colossians 1:25).
“A period during which human’s obedience to certain manifestations of God’s will is tested.” “The Original
Scofield Illustrated and Annotated Bible.” (Genesis 1:27)
26
Subliminal is a term in psychology that gives stimulation to the layer of “the subconscious below thethreshold of consciousness”. It can be said to be a kind of mind control.
2021. Y, Iwamura. Christianity and Restoration. Kansei Gakuin University, p.12.
27
1982. J, Barr. Fundamentalism. Translated by Shin Kitagawa, Nozomu Yagyu. Jordansha, p.65.
A completely different form of religion.
28“The United States is a rational democratic nation, so it is okay for it to possess nuclear weapons. However,Iran, a theocratic state based on Islamic law, and North Korea, a dictatorship state, should not possess them”.
2022. Y, Iwamura. Why is Article 9 of the Constitution important? Osu-kai ‘推す会’: literary meaning ‘a groupto recommend Article 9’ in Kobe. Prefectural Hall 7F Youth Exchange Plaza Seminar, p.9.

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influence policy decisions, diplomatic strategies, and business tactics. After about 100 years,
the idea of a countdown to the end of the world is no longer so radical. Propaganda 29
predicting the final fate of the Earth is no longer extrema. It has become an ordinal
conversation of our everyday.
The traditional eschatology of seminaries, theological universities, and Christian churches
has been ignored as a relic of the past. The book 30 about the eschatology I published bymyself in 1989 was the height of my ignorance and lack of knowledge.
b. The Millenium
The term “Kingdom of God” does not appear in the Old Testament. In the contrast, there is aword “kingdom”. The Hebrew word or “kingdom” is tWkl.m; (malkwuth). The original
meaning of the word comes from %l,m, (melekh <o rule>), which expresses the concept of“royal rule”. It appears first in Exodus chapter 15 verse 18. Melekh original from “to rule, tobe king”. “I will exalt you, my God the King [melekh] (Psalm 145:1)” expresses God’spresent rule. The original meaning of melekh is political power, kingship, and authority 31.
Therefore, it sometimes translates “malkwuth” as “kingship” (1 Samuel 20:31). Among the 57
Aramaic kingdom, the concept of a spatial domain is only a few. The apocalyptic texts statethat after the prologue judgement, the Messiah will rule a new aeon (age) for a thousand
years. The word “thousand years” is only found in Revelation chapter 20 verse 2 to 7. In the
Jewish, the oldest record 32is dated on about 90 AD. In some apocalyptic texts, there are casesthat a period of four hundred years and an indefinite period of time may continue 33.
Millennialism is one of the forms of eschatology. There are three theories;“premillennialism”, “postmillenarinism” and “anmillenarianism”. Radical 34expectations of29

Propaganda (Latin congregātiōdē, meaning “to sow seeds”, or “to spread”) was founded by Pope Gregory
XV [1554-1623] in 1622.
The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples of the Catholic Church “Congregatio dē Propaganda Fide”
was the congregation (L con-+ together + regis flock) established in the 18th century for the overseas Catholic
missionary work.
1993. English Japanese Dictionary. Obunsha, p.426.
1993. Webster’s 3rdNew International Dictionary. Merriam Webster; Indexed, Unabridged, p.1817.
30
1989. Y, Iwamura. Debate on the Basis of the Bible with Them. Shinrinomikotoba Dendo Kyokai, pp.157166.
I uncritically accepted the eschatology of Dallas Theological Seminary Professor Riley and created a 166-page
image diagram. When I left the Watchtower Society in 1988, President Charles Riley and Professor Walvoordof Dallas Theological Seminary, the mecca for the theoretical arming of Billy Graham’s eschatology, sent me asigned copy of the book to Japan. Both of them thought that they were able to be on time because it was acountdown to the Second Coming of Christ. They said that it was a joyful triumph.
2021. Y, Iwamura. What is the “Second Coming” that Christians say? The Words of Bible Series, No.90.
Kobe Shimbun Kaika, p.3
311978. The Coming of the Kingdom Herman Ridderbos. Paideia Press, p.16.
Theologisches Wörterbuch zum Neuen Testament, p.15.
32
1965. Kommentar zum Neuen Testament aus Talmud und Midrasch Ⅲ H.L. Strack-P.Billerbeck, p.824
Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus calculated that the period of time in Egypt was 400 years, 111 years of Gentile ruleduring the period of the judges, and 490 years from the Babylonian captivity to the fall of Jerusalem, and totalof period is about a thousand years.
33
4 Ezra 7:28. Old Testament Apocrypha, Vol.2, p.153
Syriac Baruch revelation 40:3. The Biblical Apocrypha, Vol.5, p.110.
34
1990. H, Tamura. The Wars of the Three Kingdoms and the Millennium.
Dobunkan, p.281. It gave a great influence on American Protestantism in the 1920s.

7 / 24the second coming are likely to arise among the followers of premillennialism. Whether
premillennialism can be classified as heresy depends on the definition 35of “heresy”.
Is it possible to discuss “heresy” and premillennialism on the same level?
Jim Jones was the leader of the mass suicide of 93 people in Guyana, South Amerika (lateNovember 1978). He called it “the best heaven that can be built on earth” and established abridgehead for premillennialism. His starting point was the Pentecostal Church in Indiana,
USA, which was founded in 1956. Therefore, it was a sect that originated from an existing
religion Jones was devoted to apocalyptic texts and fantasized. He warned of the threat ofnuclear war and even moved his church to a safe area. His interpretation of Armageddon asparanoid and megalomaniacal way was probably the same as that of Shoko Asahara of Aum
Shinrikyo 36. Asahara choregraphed the “end of the world”. On March 21, 1995, the Tokyo
subway sarin attack killed 11 people and injured nearly 5,000 others. The sense of urgency
that the end of the world was approaching promoted a separation from reality. The followers
were enthralled by the radical premillennial dreams presented by their guru. In both cases,
they tended more toward mysticism than toward dogmatic biblicism. The banner ofpremillennialism proved that it worked effectively to grow spiritual enthusiasm.
Shall we compare the early church father Justin Martyr [c. 100-c. 165] and Irenaeus [c. 130c. 200], who supported the idea of the millennium, with the Montanists [?-before 179] 37. The
Montanist movement was declared a heretic by the orthodox. On the other hand, the bishop of
Lyon, Irenaeus, Justinus, and Lactantius [c. 240-c. 320/330], were criticized for theiradvocacy of the millennium. What was the reason the Montanists received the name ofheretics? Was it because they preached a “false theology”? Let us define theology was an
attempt to rationally interpret faith. In that case, if an interpretation of the Bible deviates fromthe norm of faith and Christology, it is considered to be a “false theology” 38.
c. The dogmatism of the “rapture”
I had a trusted friend who was Jewish. He was knowledgeable and had an encyclopedia-likeknowledge of arts, movies, books, and the world. However, even if he was excellent, he wassubjected to a wave of peer pressure in America. Probably because of that, he found it
difficult to open up to others. So, it took several years to gain trust people like him. In order toopen up his mind and work together, I considered the Jewish national character from ahistorical perspective and even I felt a sense of respect.
In Japan, there are people of ochlos who have been the target of oppression, prejudice anddiscrimination before and during the war. On April 2, 2018, right-wing street vehicles wereshouting chant slogans outside the building, and it was a noisy time. Kim Seok-hyo [1968-]
35

1999. Y, Iwamura. Returning form the Watchtower’s Ultra-Fundamentalism. Evangelical TheologicalSociety, Western Chapter, Department of Systematic Theology, pp.4-5. 1998. Y, Ichikawa. Seasonal magazine
Eye Drop, No.11. What is Heresy? p.9.
36
2000. Robert J, Lifton. Destroying the World to Save It: Aum Shinrikyo, Apocalyptic Violence, and the New
Global Terrorism. Iwanami Shoten, pp.288-295.
37
1997. David C, Murray. A History of Heresy. Kyobunkwan, pp.51-56.
Since about 156 years ago, it hoped for a charismatic inspiration filled with the Holy Spirit and practiced strict
moralism. They believed that the New Jerusalem would be realized in Pepuza, Phrygia. They were a group that
denied the existing church hierarchy. They were completely disappeared around the 5th century due tooppression.
38
1967. J.W.C.Wand. The Four Great Heresies, p.13.

8 / 24(Chairman of the Board of Hyogo Korean School Educational Cooperation), Hiroshi
Ashitomi [1946-] (Peace Activist in Okinawa), and Kenichi Kawamura [1951-2021] (Directorof the Asahikawa Ainu Museum) and others continued to testify about how human rights havebeen neglected 39. Pastor Koichi Kimura, who visited aloe to rescue Kouda Shyosei, who wastaken hostage by Iraqi terrorists as a huma shield, spoke about Christian education, 40 and Mr.
Rin Hakuyou spoke about the Nanjing Massacre. There were also presentations from
Canadian educators.
Testimonies of oppressed minorities were given with simultaneous interpretation.
I regret that I didn’t address the Palestine issue, although I as the chairman of the forum. My
church belongs to the Brethren denomination. I was baptized in the theology of John Nelson
Darby [1800-1882] 41, a 19th century British Brethren theologian. That means, I have followed
the path of dispensationalism, understanding the establishment of the State of Israel on May
14, 1948 as the fulfillment of the dispensation of the Old Testament. In other words, I have
not only believed that the return of the Jews to Palestine is a sigh of the second coming ofChrist, but have also spoken of it from the pulpit.
“On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, ‘To your descendants I givethis land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates’” (Genesis 15:18, 12:7).
Between the Nile River in Egypt (the Sinai Peninsula’s El-Arish River 42and the Euphrates
River is a vast area that includes the current Syrian region 43(Syria, Lebanon, Palestine,
Jordan), parts of Iraq, and parts of Saudi Arabia, where King Solomon ruled. How manytimes have I quoted and said, “It hasn’t been fulfilled yet. Even in Solomon’s time…it will be
fulfilled before the Second Coming”. That was the turning point for me to encounter
Christianity in the Middle East.
(2) Encounter with Middle Eastern Christianity
a. Arab Orthodox traditions unbroken since the 1st century AD
On 2008, I began to have personal relationship with Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo
Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim 44, who was attending the World Conference of World Religions
39

2018. Collection of reports of “Human Rights that we think together”. Human Rights that we think together.
Executive Committee, Hyogo Prefectural Civic Center. April 24.
40
The organization reports that its activities aim to develop individuals who will realize peace based on Article
9 of the Constitution from the perspective of the three Christian educational principles on sin, repentance, andrestoration, and nurture innate qualities and talents in a harmonious manner.
41
For more information on John Nelson Darby, please refer to the website introducing the Interdenominational
Church of the Brethren.
When he was 25 years old, he was ordained a priest in the Church of Ireland. He soon founded the AntiAnglican Plymouth Brethren Church. As a dispensationalist, Darby prophesied that the establishment of the
Republic of Israel on May 14, 1948 and it will be the fulfillment of the dispensation in the Old Testament.
htps://kicc.sub.jp/about/%e3%83%96%e3%83%ac%e3%82%b6%e3%83%ac%e3%83%b3%e6%b4%bechurch-of-the-brethren/
42
1983. K, Takagi. T, Ashida. The Biblical Situation and Bible Prophecy from now. Word of Life, p.42.
43
2018. Y, Iwamura. The Greatest Humanitarian Tragedy in the History of Mankind; the 2nd Syrian Volunteer
Report. Erasmus Institute of Peace Studies. February 17, p.2.
44
Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim, the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo in 2006. Since the 8th WCRP in
2006, I have been in contact with Bishop Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim of the Orthodox Church of Aleppo,
Syria. On August 3, 2012, I spoke privately with him and prayed to avert the Syrian crisis. After returning toJapan, I was working tirelessly to call for a ceasefire and negotiate reconciliation between the Syrian
government and anti-government groups, but after meeting him again in August 2012 in Kyoto, I cannot

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for Peace (WCRP). There is the truth that I only could see for the first time when I learned
about “Arab Orthodox”, which is not the Western Christianity, the Eastern Church, or the
Orthodox Church. At that time, Archbishop Ibrahim never criticized Islam, but rather wasconcerned about Israel’s invasion. It is important not to misunderstand the Palestinian issue.
As I deepened my friendship with Arab Orthodox believers, I came to realize that there is no“virtue” in the Western interpretation of the Bible. Western Christians interpret that Israel
could have been restored after 1,900 years in the “Promised Land” 45. In 1918, when the
Spanish Flu swept through Japan, Uchimura Kanzo and others touted the fulfillment of Bible
prophecy. This was so-called Zionism. The biggest misjudgment of the Christian church
regarding the Middle East issue lies in there. Theologians, Bible scholars, and dogmatic
scholars are equally guilty of this. Because of this, Israel has been paralyzed their “virtue”,
and unleashed unprecedented massacres, occupations, and oppressions on Arab Orthodox,
Muslim, and Arab countries. What is the core of this problem? It is the keyword of “Promised
Land”. Isn’t the typical interpretation of the Western Christianity becoming the ground for
ignorance, indifference, and irresponsibility in the world?
Why did Nazism kill nearly 1.1 million Jews at Auschwitz? It might be related to Adolf
Hitler's [1889-1945] eugenics ideology. He pushed ahead with ethnic cleansing, deeming theJews unworthy of life. Even if you don’t admit the existence of Satan, if you visit the traces of
the gruesome concentration camps, you will surely find it hard to believe that how could
human do such acts 46. Why did God permit such evil acts in the history of mankind? Somemay recall the time when God used the Assyrian and Babylonian nations to warn thedisobedient Israelites, as it is written, “The Lord works out everything to its proper end; even
the wicked for a day of disaster.” (Proverbs 16:4)
b. Misinterpretation of the Promised Land
When I was asked to write a discussion on eschatology 47in 1999, I did not mention the“Promised Land”. It was a fatal mistake. It was only after I learned of the existence of Arab
Orthodoxy that I realized that if we discuss on eschatology, there are three themes that wemust not overlook. In addition to the “Promised Land”, the perspectives of “fulfillment ofprophecy” and “all Israel” were also 180 degrees different from Western theology. My life
has been a series of failures. I am a gold medalist in biased assumptions.
I re-examined it from the basics, such as the “Abrahamic Covenant”. There is a basic
understanding that the interpretation of “forever (Hebrew[owlam]) in “The whole landof Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you
and your descendants after you; and I will be their God (Genesis 17:8), does not necessarily~l'A[

confirm Bishop Ibrahim’s life anymore. According from the local information, I only get an information that hehad been kidnapped and held captive by anti-government guerrillas. I went to Aleppo, Syria’s second largest
city, to build a home for orphans. On December 29, 2017, I met with Jack and Nelly, a couple who run afurniture business, and their family at Beirut Airport. They said they sill have no clue about Bishop Ibrahim’s
safety. We are still in close contact each other.
45“The Euphrates River was also the eastern border of the land that God promised to Abraham’s descendants”.
1980. John F. Walvoord. The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Translated by Noboru Yamaguchi. Word of Life,
p.429.
46
2003. Y, Iwamura. Eye Drop, No.29, p.1. The cover image of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp could
not be a humanly deeds.
47
2000. Y, Iwamura. Evangelical Theology, No.31. Evangelical Theological Society.

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mean “eternal” in terms of time.
For example, Christians do not consider about the fat and blood of the priestly sacrifices, thesacraments, the Sabbath, and the Ten Commandments are absolutely and strictly should be
adhered eternally 48. Though, dispensationalist is different story. The Middle East issue isdivided on whether to take literally the fact that Abraham was blessed by “with you and yourdescendants after you”, and that he was given land as a memorial.
We should not make our judgements hasty about hot to interpret the fact that the Promised
Land was given to Abraham and his descendants. It is sad to say that the English Puritans
seems to have a spiritual myocardial infarction so they take the words of the Bible literally
and claiming them as to be the truth. They use biblical evidence to suit their own doctrines
without confirming the context.
People who do not know the Bible have preconceived notions 49by wondering if such things
are written in the Bible. And, it will be their fixed ideas. Like people of Beroia, they do notconfirm, pierce, or verify. We are asked to examine ourselves to see if we have preconceived
notions. We need to be humble and constantly be reformed 50to return to the Bible. We shouldemulate the believers of Beroia who belongs to the way of Christ. The mental attitude of those
who are on the way of Christ that examine even what Paul, the archbishop or exousía(authoritative clergymen) said about. “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character
than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined
the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (Acts 17:11) 51” Neocon 52
Christians are suffering from a spiritual myocardial infarction. They are convinced that they
are just fine. (Romans 10:2)
I was once like that too. In a way, this is the dangerousness of religion, ideology, and creed.
The “Promised Land” does not guarantee the right to own land from the “place (topos)”.
Next, I do like to think about the “sign of the covenant ([owth beriyth]) 53from theperspective of time. In Genesis chapter 17 verse 8 says “The whole land of Canaan, where

tyrIB. tAa

48

Even in the case of the sacrament of the Eucharist, each church has the discretion of observe it regularly every
week or to observe it only to the extent of times so that it will not be forgotten just as a memory, based on thefact that “The anamnesis <reminiscence> of sins comes back year by year.” (1 Corinthians 11:24, 25; Luke
22:19; Hebrews 10:3) As I mentioned before, in order to avoid being fixed worship service that falls into thetrap of being to adhere to the Bible context, and even though there may have been discrepancy between
doctrine (professional religious people) and the real field (ordinary believers), but neither has criticized theother. Friedrich Schleiermacher [1768-1834], a liberal theologian, wrote in his book “On Religion: Speeches to
its Cultured Despisers (1799. Über die Religion: Reden an die Gebildeten unter ihren Verächtern. S201)” that
“theologians who are obsessed with the literal (buchstabierte)”.
49
A “preconception” is a fixed idea that is already in place and leads to prejudice. On the other hand, a“preconceived notion” is “an idea that is already in the mind and prevents free thought”, and a fixed idea
prevents free thinking and imagination.
50
Latin words, “Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda”, which can be translated as “continuing to bereformed”, “continuing to reform”.
51
avnakri,nw<1. To question, interrogate, investigate; 2. To scrutinize, examine, examine; 3. (toward thesubject of criticism) to make an evaluation.
52
It is an alarming level of phenomenon that there are many Christians in Japan, Southern Asia, and Hong
Kong that have been victimized by neoconservatism (an abbreviation for neoconservatism in the United Statesin 1981).
2021. Y, Iwamura. When did you give up to be with the oppressed? Kobe Shinbun Kaikan, p.1-2,11.
53
The sign of the covenant, the custom of circumcision which did not exist in Mesopotamia, helped Israel tomaintain its uniqueness even after its national independence was lost and even their exousía was gone, they
could remain their uniqueness even under foreign domination.

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you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and yourdescendants after you; and I will be their God” and it is described as “everlasting possession”.
Abraham was 99 years old (verse 1) 54. The context is, “You are to undergo circumcision, andit will be the sign of the covenant between me and you (Genesis 17:11)”, and “circumcision”
was encouraged to Abraham and his people. This is the day when the oracle aboutcircumcision was given. The Western Christianity cannot deny its lack of awareness. The
reason is that at this point, Issac had not yet been born. The “Land of Israel” (1 Samuel 13:19)
had long been called Palestine (the land of the Philistines) 55.
The verse 23 in the context proves. The one who was the first to receive circumcision with
Abraham. In other words, who was effective in terms of “place” and timeline for the“Promised Land”. “On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his
household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as
God told him. (Genesis 17:23)”. “And his son Ishmael was thirteen (Genesis 17:25)”.
Even in a real state transaction, A and B are the parties involved. Therefore, it was Abraham
and Ishmael who validated the sign of circumcision. Then, does the “everlasting possession”= the “promised land” in verse 8 belong to who? It was not Israel, but Ishmael. I completely
understand that dispensationalists are well aware that God will argue and has been gradually
revealing His plan according to the times. Jehovah’s Witnesses will also immediately refute
Ishmael. I don’t have no doubt but they will assert the basis of Galatians chapter 4 verse 22
and 23, “the slave woman” from “the slave woman and the other by the free woman” and“persecuted” in verse 29 56. However, “Hagar” is translated as “slave woman” from the Greek
word paidi,skh [paidiske], but she is not a slave but a maid 57. A footnote in the Holy Qur'an 58
also states that it was impossible for 17-year-old Ishmael to persecute Issac, who was only
three years old 59. Sarai drives her maid, Hagar, out of her house. Arab Orthodox and Muslims
often describe the scene when Hagar and Ishmael were abandoned by Abraham in the dry,54

The time Abram becomes Abraham is after Genesis chapter 17 verse 5. “Ram” means “lifted up, exalted”,
and “abram” is sometimes interpreted as “lifted up, exalted” in reference to his father “ab”. At the same time,
Sarai became Sarah. Bot of them had the Hebrew “h (Hebrew < h >)” inserted, from yr;f (Sarai) to hr'f
(Sarah) (Genesis 17:15).
1986. Roland de,Vaux. Ancient Israel: its life and institutions. Translated by Toshiaki Nishimura. The Board of
Publications, the United Church of Christ in Japan, p.283.
55
1983. Martin Noth. History of Israel. Translated by Susumu Higuchi. The Board of Publications, the United
Church of Christ in Japan, pp.28-29.
56“It may relate to the taunting of Issac regarding the right of inheritance.” (1944. Insight, Vol.1. The
Watchtower Society, p.223)
57
Hagar is translated not as a slave but a maid. (Literal Standard Version, Young's Literal Translation, Catholic
Public Domain Version, Worrell New Testament) When Abraham falsely represented Sarah to King Pharaoh as
his sister, Pharaoh didn’t know the fact and was forced to give her up. The King’s daughter Hagar accompanied
Abraham and Sarah from the palace. “Sarai was a present from Pharaoh, and they came back home with King’s
daughter Hagar (who was maid in Judeo-Christian tradition).
https://www.islamreligion.com/jp/articles/296/。Sarah. Emil G. Hirsch, Wilhelm Bacher, Jacob Zallel
Lauterbach, Joseph Jacobs and Mary W. Montgomery.
http//www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=245&letter=S). Abraham. Charles J. Mendelsohn,
Kaufmann Kohler, Richard Gottheil, Crawford Howell Toy. The Jewish Encyclopedia. See also Genesis:
12:14-20. lavius Josephus [c. 37-100], in his “Antiquities of the Jews 1” (translated by Gouhei Hata. Chikuma
Shobo, p.79), describes Hagar as a “maid” rather than a slave.
58
2016. The holy qur'an. Translated by Jun Kobayashi [1930-]. Islam International Publications, p.1203.
59
Abraham was 86 years old when Ishmael was born (Genesis 16:16), and 100 years old when Issac was born
(Genesis 21:5).

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barren wilderness of the Mecca Valley 60. Through my visit to the Middle East, I was made to
be realized that the view of Hagar and Ishamel that was inculcated in the Western Christianity
is different. How do Arab Orthodox and Muslims understand the mother and son Hagar andIshmael who were driven out into the desert?
“Where are you going Abraham, leaving us in this barren valley?” Abraham did not answer
her, but continued walking. She repeated what she had said, but he remained silent. Finally,
she understood that he was not acting on his own initiative. she realized that Allah had
commanded him to do this. She asked him: “Did Allah command you to do so?” He replied:“Yes.” Then his great wife said: “We are not going to be lost, since Allah Who has
commanded you is with us.”
While she returned to Ishmael, Abraham went on through the mountains to a narrow pass,
and when he was out of sight of them, he stopped and prayed to God.
“Our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley, near Your Sacred House,
our Lord, so that they may establish prayer. So make the hearts of ˹believing˺ people incline
towards them and provide them with fruits, so perhaps they will be thankful. (Ibrahim
14:37) 61”
Eventually, Ishmael and Hagar returned to Abraham and Sarah because they hold thehistoric right to the “Promised Land” and “the sign of the covenant”.
Ishmael is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible as a son of Abraham. (Genesis 16:16, 17:23,
25)“The angel added, ‘I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous
to count.’ The angel of the Lord also said to her: ‘You are now pregnant and you will givebirth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.’(Genesis
16:10-11)” And moreover, Ishmael is mentioned in the Bible as, “And as for Ishmael, I haveheard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his
numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.
(Genesis 17:20)” I cannot help but think that the abandonment of Ishmael and Hagar is a
prototype of “living without God”.
If we rank others by saying our people are superior, God’s chosen people, for our genealogy,
it would be the cause of tragedy, conflict, and discrimination.
c. Discrimination against sojourners (refugees)
The Moabites woman Ruth is record as a woman of “virtue” 62. She was not an Israelite, but
60

2014. Qur'an (Koran). Translated by Yuichi Sato. King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex, p.511.
2001. Collection of Hadith Islam Traditions. Translated by Shinya Makino. Chuokoron-Shinsha.
61
Arab orthodox Muslims call Abraham as Ibrahim, Ishmael as Isma'il, Haggai as Hajar, and Issac as Ishaq.
“Say, O believers, we believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham,
Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from theirLord. We make no distinction between any of them. And to Allah we all submit.” (Al-Baqarah 2:136)
2004. Quran, Vol.1 (Toshihiko Izutsu Translated version). Iwanami Shoten, p.35.
Toshihiko Izutsu [1914-1993] Linguist, Islamic scholar, member of the Japan Academy.
62
The Book of Ruth 3:11 is translated it as "a virtuous woman."“The Abridged Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew-English Lexicon of the Old Testament” Richard Whitaker(Princeton Theological Seminary), Houghton Mifflin Company, 1906。“Brenton's English Tranlsation of the
Septuagint” Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton, Samuel Bagster & Sons, London, in 1844。Brenton Septugint
Translation, King James Version, New Living Translation, Douay-Rheims Bible, JPS Tanakh 1917, LiteralStandard Version, Webster's Bible Translation, English Revised Version, A Faithful Version, Young's Literal

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a “sojourner (Hebrew rGE temporary, dweller new-comer <meaning refugee>)”. The Israelite
Boaz treated sojourner with his respect as, “And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will dofor you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble (Hebrew
Chayil <meaning virtuous>) character. (Ruth 3:11)” Obed, who gave birth of KingDavid’s father Jesse, was the son of Boaz and Ruth. God’s choice is not based on bloodline 63,
family lineage, or race. It has been consistent that those who are almost “nothing” have beenchosen 64. However, one system that must be discussed for dissolution in “post-COVID” Japanis the family registry system (a system that is a continuation of the “Jinshin family registry of
1872 [Meiji 5] 65. In South Korea, they revised its civil code in 2005 and abolished the family
registration system. I keenly feel through disaster restoration volunteer that “family
assistants 66” are useful in times of disasters. However, the hierarchy created by the Meiji
government with the aim of respecting the family system led to military expeditions, just likethe “hunters”. It is what the national polity it is that an unbroken line of emperors. The people
worshipped with their reverence, the act of respectfully bowing in the direction of theImperial Palace, and portrait of Emperor based on the value of their family line, including
their family names, family crests, and memorial tablets.
Nimrod, the head of the first exousía wanted to label the indigenous people and the marginal
peoples who followed Noah, such as Abram, Nahor, Lot, Lud, ルゲ，テヌテ，ザバ，
Almodad，ヨバブ，エサル，Abimael，サバ，アルフィン, as barbarians 67. In otherwords, the “sojourners” were treated as people of outside 68, and discriminated, excluded, andforced in hard. We have been built “Kayoko Children’s Home” by finding orphans who are
Dalits 69in the caste system through volunteer activities in Nepal. In Europe, migrant workers,

lyIx;

Translation, American King James Version, Geneva Bible of 1587, Bishops' Bible of 1568, Coverdale Bible of1535, Catholic Public Domain Version, Literal Standard Versi.
63
In 1867, Iwamura Tomomi [1825-1883] was the first to use the term regarding the Imperial Faily, stated,“The Imperial Family has descended from the Imperial Court, an unbroken line of successive emperors, which
has been engaged in politics, cultures (tradition), education and military. (Restoration of the Imperial Power)
64
From the Kobe International Christ Church website, “Pastor’s Corner”,
In the Bible, God the Creator has consistent criteria for choosing his nations, people, and communities. 2,000
years ago, and 4,000 years ago, he chose “those who were nothing”. He does not choose those who are
excellent, capable, or powerful. Why did he choose Israel? (Deuteronomy 7:7) “Not because of many numbers”
does not make sense. There are surely many minority groups. The Hebrew word j[;m ..meat (meaning “same as
nothing, small, poor”). “Meat” is translated in Probers chapter 10 verse 20 as “same as nothing”. Thus, theprophets, leaders, and apostles chosen and used in the Bible were nothing. (See 1 Corinthians 1:26-28)
65
Because year of 1872 was the year of the Jinshin. In order to realize centralization like Nimrod, grasping thepeople was an urgent task. Yukiko Dote (working in the Kobe City Family Registry Division), a secretariat in
our organization testified that even in recent years, she had seen copies of the official records that listed the
lowly titles of eta (穢多: people who does work that is very socially dirty), hinin (非人: non-human), former
eta, and new heimin (It is a derogatory term for the former eta and hinin), despites the fact that those words had
been abolished.
66
In disaster areas, “self-help”, “mutual help”, and “public help” have limitations. In the end, families were able
to recover by helping each other themselves.
67
From the ancient Chinese perspective, “yi (夷)” meant uncivilized people in the east, and barbarians in thenorth. New Meiki Japanese Dictionary, 7th edition
68
A barbarian people living in a remote area where the kings could not reach. How sad that I am like anuncultured people, possessed by foreign tanka (短歌: Japanese traditional poem), and I make it. Fusaicho (傅彩澄). This is a poem from “Taiwan Manyoshu”, a collection of poems (songs) by the Taiwanese who received
Japanese language education during the Japanese colonial period.
2020. Mainichi Shimbun. August 1.
69
Dalit (untouchables; the lowest class in Hindu society, “people who will make you impure if you touch

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Roma people, American Indians in the Unites States, Aborigines in Australia, and Maoris 70
in New Zealand have also been discussed at the International Conference on antidiscrimination. There are groups of people who do not obey to “subsumption” of exousía(power, authority), equivalent to such as the Emishi 71, the Kumaso, the Hayato, Tsuchigumo,
and the Kuzu always exist throughout the world. In cultural anthropology, they have been
rejected as “kegare (inpure)” as dangerous elements that destroy established cultural system,
and ambiguous elements that cannot be classified because they exist in border areas.
In the “Pseudo-Philo: Antiquitates Biblicae” 72, there is a scene that Abraham was throwninto the fire because he against King Nimrod. You can see in the context, “Then they said,‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may
make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.’
But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lordsaid, ‘If as one people speaking the same language, they have begun to do this, then nothing
they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language
so they will not understand each other.’ So, the Lord scattered them from there over all theearth, and they stopped building the city”, the system has been universally linked to theworld’s values, religions, and polities. The historian Flavius Josephus said, on the other hand,
Abraham had “a superior view of virtue than other men”.
(3) Christian Zionism
a. Zionism in Japan, the U.S. and Korea
It is a Christian perspective to interpret the return of the Jews to Palestine as the “fulfillmentof prophecy” by the “Balfour Declaration 73” in 1917. I opened the era of conflict, refugees
them”, “people in poor”, “people of oppressed one”) appears in the Vishnu Code (c. 100-300). The 4th Nepal
Volunteer Report. http://kisokobe.sub.jp/international/9631.
We have been discriminated non-human classes such as, shyukuhinin (宿非人: non-human without certain
place), inujinin (犬神人: lower-ranking priest), kawaramono (河原者: discriminated people), sanmaihijiri (三昧聖: A secular saint who lived in the cemetery and was in charge of cremation, burial, and maintenance of thecemetery. Gravekeeper.), and kojiki (乞食: beggars), as kegare (穢れ、spirit / dead).
2001. Encyclopedia of Buraku Issues and Human Rights. Buraku Liberation and Human Rights ResearchInstitute, p. 282.
70
2018. Y, Iwamura. Technology supremacy brings about natural disasters: the 1st Hokkaido Earthquake
Volunteer Report. September 6, p.9. http://kicc.sub.jp/wpcontent/uploads/2017/08/6fd475dd9fe0e47f708cfde21a50a5d6.pdf
71
Kindaichi Kyosuke [1882-1971], the founder of Ainu language research, advocated the theory that the Emishi(蝦夷) were Ainu people. Emperor Kanmu (桓武天皇)* ordered to Sakanoue no Tamuramaro (坂上田村麻呂)[758-811] who was an immigrant from other country, pushed Ainu people further and further north. There are
13 castles spread around, including Taga Castle, that served as bases of the task of conquering the Emishi (蝦夷征伐 Emishi Seibatsu).
* Emperor Kanmu (桓武天皇) [737-806]. His birth mother was Takano no Niigasa (高野新笠), who was fromoriginally Kazu clan (和氏), an immigrant clan of Baekje (百済) origin.
She was a concubine of Emperor Kōnin (光仁天皇). In order to eliminate the negative effects of Buddhist
politics, the capital was moved from Heijo-kyo (平城京) to Nagaoka-kyo (長岡京) and then to Heian-kyo (平安京) in 794.
72
2012. C, Dietzfelbinger. Pseudo-Philo: Antiquitates Biblicae (Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum). Translated by
Tamiko Isaka, Kenji Toki. Kyobunkwan, pp.20-25.
73
On November 2, 1917, during World War 1 [1914-1914]. British Prime Minister Arthur James Balfour[1848-1930], when he was Foreign Secretary, sent a letter to Walter Rothschild of the Rothschild family, afinancial capitalist. The letter contained muddled tactical contents that could be interpreted in various ways that15 / 24

and tragedies in the 20th century. “Curse the whisperer and deceiver, for he has destroyed
many who were at peace. (RSV) (Sirach 28:13)”
As I mentioned before, at the time in Japan, during the Spanish Flu pandemic, Nakata
Shigeharu and Uchimura Kanzo with others were active in the Second Coming movement andZionism. Especially Nakata enthusiastically evangelized in every part of entire Japan. “If you
see things by the light of the Bible, this (military strengthening) will eventually be used tosuppress those who disturb the peace of the world and to save the chosen people of Israel”.
“For this purpose, the angel who ascends form the place rising of the sun will be used” 74. Inother words, God is trying to use the Japanese people, even non-believers may not know this,he strongly urges Christians, especially Japanese holiness people, to be convinced that they
are blessed 75.
Christian Zionism came from the British Puritans and the Plymouth Brethren, theAdventists, the Watchtower, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon
Church) from the same stream, has interpreted the return of the Jews to Palestine as acomposite sigh of the last days of the Second Coming of Christ. Neo-conservatives who still
believe this are controlling the world’s politics, diplomacy, and bureaucracy.
In eschatology, is the restoration of the state of Israel God’s will, plan, and promise?
Mahatma Gandhi [1869-1948] had a completely opposite idea. He said, “Palestine belongs to
the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the British or France to the French. It is
wrong and inhuman to try to force the Jews upon the Arabs. What is happening in Palestine
today cannot be justified by any moral code of conduct. The mandate system was only
approved in the last war. Surely it would be a crime against humanity to subjugate the proud
Arabs so that Palestine could be given back in part of in whole to the Jews as a national
home. 76”
The conscience of the world called the neoconservatives, who claim to be the Second
Coming of Christ, “a crime against humanity”.
Jesus Christ will return in the sky at the end of the world. At that time, Christians who
confess Jesus Christ as Savior, are baptized, and are connected to the church will be taken up
to the Lord. Derby preached the theory of the premillennial Second Coming of Christ basedon the “Derby Bible”, which become the source of fundamentalism. Derby is the standardbearer of evangelicalism and a teacher of the doctrine of verbal inspiration. All Christians will
be taken away form this world by the rapture 77.
In dispensations, after the Second Coming of Christ and the rapture, the earth will encounter
an unprecedented period of tribulation. Literally, we interpret the Bible phrase “It will be for atime, times and half a time” as “three and a half time”, so we think the middle of the literalseven years means three and a half years. It says that after the first tribulation, a worldcommunity will be formed. This leader will rule the world while preaching world peace. Billy
Graham 78 prophesied the appearance of a world leader. He said, “The Bile teaches us that thelater be called the three-faced diplomacy. The letter allowed the Jews to establish their state and promised
independence to the Arabs.
74
1933. The Complete Works of Nakata Shigeharu, Vol.2. Seishyo yori mitaru Nihon, p.131.
75
1929-1930. The Worldwide Mission of Japanese Holiness People, Vol. 6, p.160.
76
1997. M, Gandhi. My Non-violence. Translated by Tatsuo Morimoto. Misuzu Shobo, pp.103-104.
77
1983. The Future World Situation and Bible Prophecy, p.212.
78
Billy Graham [1918-2018] is the most famous Christian evangelist (Southern Baptist Convention) in the

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world will reach the point to establish the world government and a world ruler or a president
will appear. At that time, television cameras will surely be brought out to the scene. And thenews will be spread all over the world that a man of peace, a ruler of all mankind, has beenchosen. He will rule the word with such skill as it has bever known before, and will
temporarily ceasefire the wars which have ravaged the earth, and his methods will be
immediately effective. Prosperity will be restored, currency will be rich in everywhere, andthe fear which has covered every part of the world will be transformed into hope. The world
will stand in awe and amazed at his sublime genius and power. 79”
By subscribing to the Washington Times 80every morning, the 40th President of the UnitedStates, Ronald Wilson Reagan [1911-2004, in office: 1981-1989] 81, conducted politics. Just a
note, former prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi 82, a grandfather of former Prime Minister Shinzo
Abe [1594-2022] who was shot dead, supported President Reagan in a personal letter in 1984,
saying that “Master Moon 83is an honest man”. Masahito Abe [1937-], who is one of thecurrent leaders of the Unification Church of Japan (now the Family Federation for World
Peace and Unification), was appointed as the Messiah of the State of Israel. For ChristianZionists in Japan, the U.S. and Korea, a pro-Israel policy is a lifeline. “Reagan, Bush and hisson, as well as Trump, all received extensive support from the Unification Church. Fater Bushmodern United States. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he supported pursing Osama bin Laden [1957-2011] of
Al-Qaeda, and was the first to support President Bush’s strike attack to Iraq on March 20, 2003. There was areason that before George Walker Bush [1946-] became the 43rd President of the United States (in office:January 20, 2001 – January 20, 2009), he had recovered from alcoholism under Graham’s guidance.
2004. T, Kuribayashi. Interpretation of the 21st Century of America. Kwansei Gaguin University Press, p.4.
In the Gallup poll on “the most respected people” in the United States, he was almost always ranked high after
the current president and the Pope.
His evangelistic meetings are broadcast six times a year in prime time on the three major networks. Since the1970s, he has been recognized as the “pastor of president”, and “paster of nation” rather than just a
denominational pastor.
79
1981. K, Takagi. The Approaching Catastrophe of Humanity. Word of Life, p.154.
80
International Federation for Victory over Communism (the political organization of the Unification Church[current the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification]) founded the Washinton Times. At the time,
the New York Times had the most subscribers, followed by the Washington Post. According to a survey by the
Associate Press in 1988, the Washington Times had become one of the three major daily newspapers just five
years after its founding.
2022. Y, Iwamura. Why is Article 9 of the Constitution important? Osu-kai ‘推す会’: literary meaning ‘a groupto recommend Article 9’ in Kobe. Prefectural Hall 7F Youth Exchange Plaza Seminar, p.9.
81
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCH) was established during Reagan’s term in officein 1983. In 1985, Christian Friends of Israel (CFI), an organization that aims to bring blessings to Israel throughprayer and humanitarian projects, was established. 2021. M, Ishii. The historical Development and Activities ofChristian Zionism in East Asia; Focusing on the 1990s and after. Monotheistic World. Doctoral Candidate,Center for Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions. Graduate School of Theology, Doshisha
University, p.69.
82
In 1968, under President Park Chung Hee [1917-1979] and with the official approval of the KCIA, theUnification Church established “the International Federation for Victory over Communism” and began its
behind-the-scenes work in Japan. Nobusuke Kishi worked hard to organize the organization in Japan. Ryoichi
Sasakawa was appointed honorary chairman. In 1973, Nobusuke Kishi visited the Unification Church
headquarters and together with Douglas MacArthur II and others, sent a letter of opinion to the U.S. President
Nixon, requesting the release of Moon Yong-Myeong, who was serving a prison sentence.
83
Sun Myung Moon [1920-2012] was born Chongju, Heianhoku-dō.
In 1954, he founded the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity (HSA-UWC). And
later the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification and the Unification Church. He also establishedInternational Federation for Victory over Communism. His wife is the current leader, Hak Ja Han.

17 / 24even stated, ‘Without the members of the Unification Church, I would not have won theelection. 84’” The impact of Zionist Middle East policy, Palestinian diplomacy, and nuclear
disarmament of Iran and other countries give to powerful people in Nagada-cho andKasumigaseki on Media cannot be underestimated 85. At An Emergency Special Session of theUnited Nations General Assembly in May 2024, 143 of the 193 member states supported
Palestine’s formal membership in the UN. In 2012, Japan voted in favor of a resolution to
upgrade Palestine’s UN membership status to “statehood”. Furthermore, when the Palestinian
National Authority Abbas visited Japan in February 2016, the Japanese government referred
to him as “President of Palestine” rather than “representative”, but countries like Japan, theUS, and Korea where the presence of Zionist is strong, have not recognized Palestine as astate 86. On January 26, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) 87 provisionally ordered
Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide in the Gaza strip, the autonomous territories ofPalestine 88. However, immediately after this order was issue, Japan and the West countries
suspended founding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
in the Near East (UNRWA) 89, which provides support for refugees in Gaza. Zionist strategic
thinking is more influential than humanitarian policy.
The United States is a rational democratic nation, so it is okay for them to possess nuclear
weapons. However, Zionist argue that Iran, a theocratic state based on Islamic law, and North
Korea, a dictatorship, should not possess it. This only work out by ignoring the fact that theUnited States has conducted 1,032 times of nuclear test, which have caused radiation damages
to many citizens. In comparison, North Korea, which recently announced that it possesses
nuclear weapons, has only conducted 6 times of nuclear test 90.
The policies of Japan, the United States, and South Korea, which are infected with ChristianZionism, cannot be influenced by the logic of denial to the genocide committed by the Stateof Israel. It means that they probably are paralyzed as if their repentant conscience wereburned by a branding iron. I would like to explore the origins of Zionism in Japan.

84

The report of investigation of Korean-American Relations by Subcommittee on International Organizations of
the Committee on International Relations U.S. House of Representatives 1978.
The reason why the Republican Party of the United States still uses the anti-communist banner is because of thefinancial manipulation of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) and Shyokyo Rengou, which do notwant to repeat the same situation like they experienced in South Vietnam.
85
In January 2020, The Washington Times published a widely circulated article about the COVID-19
pandemic, suggesting that the virus was engineered as a biological weapon by the government of the People's
Republic of China. On January 30, the BBC fact-checked the misinformation about the new coronavirus,
stating that The Washington Times was the source of this misinformation.
86
2024. The Asahi Shimbun. June 18.
87
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) was founded in The Hague, Netherlands in 1945. It is the principal
judicial organ of the United Nations.
882024. BBC News. January 27.
89
UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) was establishedin 1949 by the United Nations General Assembly. It began operations in 1950 and provides support in Syria,
Lebanon, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.
2021. Y, Iwamura. Christianity and Refugee. Kobe International Christ Church, p.4.
90
2020. Y, Miyamoto. Why the Atomic Bomb is Not Evil: America's Nuclear Consciousness. Iwanami Shoten,
p.89.

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<What is Zionism?>
From “Creating Peace through Nonviolence” by lecturer Koichi Kimura at the Hanshin
Religious Association (recorded on May 24, 2024) (Edited by Iwamura)① Theodor Herzl, a modern political Zionism, proposed the creation of a Jewish state at thefirst Zionist conference in 1897.
➁ With the motto of “practical labor Zionism” and “love for Zion”, Zionists have migrate
to Palestine mainly since the 20th century and live together in “kibbutz (agriculturalcommunities that reject private ownership and jointly manage, produce and educate others).
Unlike the Amish in the Unites States, this is non-religious socialism. It can be classified as“Socialist Zionism”.
➂ “Religious Zionism” rejects Zionism. It reject Zionism of ①and ➁. Rav Abraham
Itzhak Kook looks forward to the return of the Messiah by putting the “Messiah theology(teacher of righteousness)” in the center.
④ “Spiritual Zionism”. Rejects the exclusionary ideology of Moses Hess, Theodor Herzl,
and David Ben-Gurion [1886-1973: the 1st Prime Minister of Israel]. Respects a life ofcoexistence and prosperity with indigenous peoples.
b. Uchimura Kanzo and colonialism
What did the Christian church send out when the Spanish Flu [1917-1920] 91swept throughJapan? Did Kanzo Uchimura [1861-1930], who was a representative of Japan at the time,speak of caring for the victims of the Spanish Flu? Rather, like Nakata Shigeharu [18701939] 92, did he passionately speak about the approaching of the Second Coming of Christ 93?
In the midst of a pandemic (a global epidemic, from the Greek word pandēmos: pan <all> +demos <people>), he must have gathered an audience so large that it was impossible to fill the
synagogue.
While he emphasized “we should refrain from saying that is must be a certain year and monthby ourselves” 94, he emphasized with a sense of urgency. Uchimra was rousing people bysaying; “In the city of Barcelona, Spain, the death toll reached 1,200 in one day, making this atruly terrifying global epidemic”, “prophesied about the end of the times”, and “None of the91“Nearly 30% of the World’s population, or 500 million people, have been infected, and 20~50 million people
have died (WHO).
It is estimated that one in three people in the world has been infected. A total of 23,804,672 patients, 388,727
deaths.” (The Home Ministry of Health)92
Nakata Shigeharu emphasized this under the headline, “To acetate His Coming”. “If even one more person issaved, the coming of Jesus will be sooner”.
1973. I, Yoneda. Complete Works of Nakata Shigeharu, Vol.1. Words of Life, p.478.
Eben when the Spanish Flue was sweeping entire Japan as “infectious influenza was at its high peak”,
Uchimura Kanzo was not only avoiding the three “Cs” (closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact) but
he was giving lectures of “the Second Coming of Christ and Evangelism” one after another.
18983. K, Uchimura. Collective Works of Uchimura Kanzo, No.33. Iwanami Shoten, p.31, p.37.
93
The Second Coming is an eschatology in which Christ returns to accomplish the reign of God. In my writing,I noted it to liken to the Normandy landings, “Christ’s death and resurrection are like D-Day, while the Second
Coming and the final judgement are like V-Day.”
2000. Y, Iwamura. Evangelical Theology; Eschatology, pp.127-128.
http://www.evangelical-theology.jp/jets-hp/jets/paper_in_printable/031-5_in_printable.pdf
94
1982. K, Uchimura. The Complete Works of Uchimura Kanzo, No.24. Iwanami Shoten, p.617, 443, 503, 539.

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greatest evangelists were believers in the Second Coming of Christ. Even if the whole nation
revolts against me, I cannot give up evangelism if I believe in the Second Coming of Christ.
The only secret to evangelistic zeal is faith in the Second Coming”, “I say again to theChristian people of the West and to all Christians around the world, we must engage inevangelism with even more.”
Next, I would like to examine the negative history of the theory of the Second Coming,
which gave a justification to “colonialism”. One of the spiritually influential leaders of the
Meiji era was Nitobe Inazo [1862-1933:], who studied with Uchimura at Sapporo Agricultural
College. Nitobe said, “Colonization is generally the taking over of an inferior race by asuperior race. 95” He had a face to despise the Ainu as “barbarians”, saying, “The Ainu canhunt a bear for three or four days without sleep, but when it comes to handing a hoe, theycannot even endure two hours of work 96.” This gave influence the direction of the Meiji
government regarding colonial rule. Due to his democratic education, Nitobe’s remarks would
be condemned as racism today. I imagine that this was due to the American pioneering spiritthat was absorbed through the founding of the American-made Sapporo Agricultural College,and ethea that justified of the violation of the indigenous American Indians 97. Ucnimura’s
diciple Tadao Yanaihara [1893-1961, the president of the University of Tokyo 1951-56]
accepted NItobe’s colonial studies while studying at the University of Tokyo. Yoshihiro
Yakushige, a director of Palestine Forum Japan, considered about “Zionism movement ofJews. Immigration to Palestine”, and defined “Colonization is the phenomenon in which asocial group migrates to a new area and becomes socially and economically active 98”, andmigration and colonialism 99is a structure in which settlers who migrate from outside become
the rulers of the land and dominate, oppress, and exploit the people (indigenous people) who
have lived there for generations. Therefore, the definition of Zionism and colonialism “isbelieved to be rooted in America’s self-centered view of the world based on an axis ‘Christiancivilization’, which continues to this day 100”. Yakushige also mentioned about the roots in his
95

1969. The Complete Works of Nitobe Inazo, No.4. Kyobunkwan, p.139.
Ibid, p.143.
97
1993. H, Uemura. Indigenous People. Buraku Liberation Publishing House, p.116.
There were frequent cases of white people hunting down and massacring indigenous people as if they were“prey”. In court, the perpetrators said they didn’t even think the indigenous people to be “human beings”.
98
1963. T, Yanaihara. Complete Works of Yanaihara Tadao, Vol.1. Iwanami Shoten, pp.14-15.
“One of the things that interest me about the Zionism Movement is its non-capitalistic commercial, nonexploitative colonial operation, which is especially noteworthy today when capitalist colonization is on theverge of ending. Another point is tat it is the revival of the Jewish people.
There is no other mysterious people than the Jewish people. They lost their homeland and were scattered in
exile for two thousand years…thus, the Zionism Movement is not only interesting as a unique ethnic
movement, but also has a deep significance when viewed from a Christian historical perspective. The revival of
the Jewish people is an important element of the development of world history prophesied in the Bible.” Ibid.
pp.531-532.
99
2023. R, Khalidi. The Hundred Years' War on Palestine
A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917—2017. Translated by Hiroyuki Suzuki, Kensuke
Yamamoto. Hosei University Press, pp.10-11.
100
2018. Y, Yakushige. Modern Japanese Colonialism and Gentile Zionism: Nationalism and World
Perception in Uchimura Kanzo, Yanaihara Tadao, Nakata Shigeharu. Impact Shuppankai, p.84.
On page 299 of 24 Chapters of “Understand the Present State of Palestine / Israel”, Yakushige points out about
Japan’s military industry that is contributing to the genocide in Gaza. Nakata’s eugenics ideology is based ondispensationalism. Africans came into contact with Western civilization 500 years ago, much earlier than India,
China and we Japanese encounter, but they have not made much progress in spite of that.
96

20 / 24essay that Nakata Shigeharu’s Zionism message has been influenced on Japaneseevangelicals.
Probably it was only natural for Nakata, who studied at Moody Bible Institute 101in the
United States, and Uchimura Kanzo, who graduated from Amherst College where NIijima Jo[1843-1890] 102also studied, to inherit Eurocentric values. However, Nakata went a stepfurther. It was a Jews centrism. He said, “I have no hesitation in saying that as God’s speciallychosen people, we will become the center of the world. This is the place comes from the lightof the Bible. Geographically, also, the Jewish nation is the center connects the threecontinents, Asia, Africa and Europe. The Jewish people are the central people of theworld 103.”
What the differences between Jews centrism advocated by Nakata from Eurocentrism?
Why we cannot see the signs of resolution for the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Gaza war,and the Palestinian conflict? It is not over to say that the real cause is a half-understanding,lack of understanding, and misinterpretation of Zionism. I feel this strongly through myvolunteer work in the Middle East.
We should not be overlooked that the State of Israel that established in 1948, was not createdby Jews, but by “secular Jews 104” that is consisted by a new identity from Eastern Europe andRussia. Unlike Jews who live their lives according to the Torah, “secular Jews” are Zionists
who do not actually worship God. Moses Hess [1812-1875] 105, atheist and communist who issaid to be the “father of Zionism”. Theodor Herzl [1860-1904] 106, who contributed to theestablishing of the state, led the movement as chairman of the Zionist Congress from 1896,
based on his book “The Jewish State”. Initially, he tried to establish the state in Argentina, notin Palestine.
However, Nazism in Germany forced Western European Jews to flee to the Middle East.
The grassroots conservative churches and Christian Zionists in the deepest and south parts ofComplete Works of Nakata Shigeharu, Vol.2, p.47.
As of 2000, 45% of the American population considered themselves evangelicals or born-again* Christians.
Among them, a large number of 84% of white evangelicals and born-again voted for Republican Bush, while
only 16% went to Democrat Gore.
2005.T, Kuribayashi. Christian Empire, America. The Kirisuto Shimbun, p.45.
In other words, they believe that the return of the Jews to Israel and the establishment of a nation is “thefulfillment of biblical prophecy that shows the imminent return of Jesus Christ”.
*They become Christian consciously through conversion experiences.
2004. T, Kuribayashi. Interpretation of the 21st Century of America. Kwansei Gaguin University Press, p.6.
102
Niijima Joe secretly left Japan in 1864 (Genji 1) and traveled to the United States. He was baptized andstudied at Amherst College and Andover Theological Seminary). He was a Christian educator. In 1872 (Meiji
5), he visited oshu (current norther part of Japan) for about a year as an interpreter for the Iwakura Mission,
which was visiting the United States.
103
1933. S, Nakata. Japan Seen Through the Bible. Hachiman Shyoten, p.91.
104
2010. Yakov M, Rabkin. Au nom de la Torah. Translated by Kenji Sugano. Heibonsha, pp.73-80.
2024. Peter C, Craigie. The Problem of War in the Old Testament. Translated by Michiya Murata. Word ofLife, p.41.
Zionism is a political ideological organization that has nothing to do with religion.
105
German socialist. He is known as the “Father of Zionism”. Founder of political Zionism who influenced
Herzl. In 1864, he worked with Marx to bring about a communist revolution.
1972. C, Auguste., M, Wolfgang. Moses Hess and Early Marx. Translated by Yushirou Takei. Miraisha, p.9
1061997. T, Herzl. The State of the Jews (Der Judenstaat). Translated y Yasuhiko Sato. Hosei University Press,
pp.32-34.
101

21 / 24the America not only sympathized with them. They interpreted the “return” of the “people ofGod” in a biblical way that was influenced by the shadow of the Old Testament. They linked
it to the eschatology of salvation, the Second Coming, and dispensation. What will happen to
Israel in the near future? I was used to belonged to the Brethren denomination about 35 years
ago in 1989. At that time, there was a flow of Derby. I unashamedly wrote prophetic
interpretations. I faithfully accepted Derby’s dispensationalism. I interpreted Genesis chapter
18 verse 5 107literally and published my book.
It was an irreparable mistake. I have not accepted to reprint my book. I learned the danger ofwriting.
Recently, political Zionists also use the Old Testament to justify the occupation of the Golan
Heights, Gaza, and the West Bank in territorial disputes.
They have also influenced many Japanese Christian businessmen 108. They believe that “theJapanese people will play an active role on the world stage” by holding a biblical view of thenation, as Nakata emphasized, “rising from the East”.
Zionist in Japan, the United States, and Korea, so to say evangelicals, are holding “holymeetings, special lectures and evangelistic meetings”. They proclaim that Christ will return at
any moment 109. 100 years ago, they also were marching around places with beating drums bysaying “Believe in Jesus” and vigorously preached about the Second Coming of Christ. The
Japanese people whose life hanging in the balance due to the Spanish Flu, were hungry for
spiritual care. Churches did not provide any care, companionship or nursing care because they
did not think it is urgent matters to be aside of people. After nearly four years, the novel
coronavirus infection (COVID-19) that began in December 2019 seems to be coming to an
end. However, the number of attendees at Sunday services at Christian churches has halved,
fallen to one-third, and some churches have been closed.
107

Commenting on “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, theEuphrates” (Genesis 15:18).
“Did the people of Israel ever rule over the area from the river of Egypt (the Nile) to the Euphrates River? This
prophecy has not yet been fulfilled even at the time of; (1) when they returned from Jezebel under Mosese, (2)during the rule of David and Solomon, (3) when they returned from Babylon, and (4) when the Republic ofIsrael was established in 1948. God is the one who always keeps his promises.”
1989. Y, Iwamura. Debate on the Basis of the Bible with Them. Shinrinomikotoba Dendo Kyokai, p.160.
“It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of theworld, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.” (Romans 4:13) Not for the Zionists, the New
Testament change the oracle to “heirs of the world”.
108
Kyogoro Kawabata [1876 – 1957], author of “The Lumber Shop of Jesus”. Nobuhiro Iijima [1941-],
president and CEO of the Yamazaki Baking Company. Especially with Yasuo Miki [1939 – 2023], CEO of
Tamanohada Soap and Miyoshi Soap Company who was close friend of me, discussed the final war for Israel,
the theory of Japanese and Jewish common ancestry, and Japan’s rearmament. Surprisingly, he had notdeviated one step from Nakata Shigenori’ traditional interpretation. Nakata’s words were the ultimate
controlling factor, rather than Christ speaking from the Bible.
2023. Y Iwamura. Memories of my benefactor Miki Haruo. December 13, p.2
109
H, Okayama. Evangelical Theology, Eschatology, p.37.
“Dispensational theology was advocated by John Darby and others in the UK in the mid-19th century, andquickly spread in the 20th century in America in conjunction with the fundamentalism movement….it is aunique eschatology, especially it is ‘he context of the Bible predicts that there will be a period of tribulation at
the end of the world.’ It makes a clear distinction between the church and Israel, and holds that during thetribulation period, the church will be raptured to heaven, while Israel will remain on earth.”
2021. Y, Iwamura. Is it fine to be indifferent to the tragedy of Palestine? Erasmus Institute of Peace Studies.
May, 16th, pp.1-2.

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The gospel is something touch a chord deep within of the sick, orphans, single mothers who
are at a loss due to pain, suffering, anger and regret.
c. Seeking conflict resolution through love and prayer, not power
Kanzo Uchimura, who lost his job in an ungodly affair said. He declared, “After all, theworld will be saved by Christianity. And it will be saved by Christianity grafted onto
Bushido. 110” Pastor Masahisa Uemura, a former samurai like Uchimura and Inazo Nitobe[1862-1933], also taught that Christianity was grafted onto the samurai. He said, “We don’t
need rickshaw drivers or craftsmen in our church”, “We want to take the good parts of thesamurai, embrace the Lord of heaven and earth, the Lord of salvation, and graft them onto thespirit of the cross. 111”
I cannot help but tell you that the fact that Christianity was not grafted on the common
people, the poor, and people who had pain, suffering, anger, and bitterness, rather than on thesamurai, is a fatal flaw in the history of Christianity in Japan. In the first century AD, thepeople who surrounded and followed Christ were nameless people; “News about him spreadall over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those
suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and hehealed them. (Matthew 4:24)”
I would like to reflect on the origins of Christianity, which was born around the 4th century
on the Mediterranean coast, and especially the Western Christianity, which was established by
the first Church Father Augustine of Hippo [35-430] (it is the foundation of the current
doctrines of the Western Christianity, such as Roman Catholicism and Protestantism).
Constantine the Great [Constantine I c. 280-337] issued the Edict of Milan (313 AD), and theway of Christ was officially recognized, and it became the state religion of the Roman Empire
in 392 by Theodosius the Great. Christianity was not only indifferent, irresponsible, andoppressive towards the sick, women and children, orphans, prostitutes, and drifters; the lowest
classes of society. The church authorities with teaching power built an empire of religious
elites who patronized the wealthy.
Recent book, “the Problem of War in the Old Testament” is very thoughtful. I was once anevangelical supporter of war, but am now anti-war. I believe that rather than being dualistic,“the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing (‘Abram believed the Lord, and hecredited it to him as righteousness. Genesis chapter 15 verse 6’)” that stays with ambivalent
perspective before diplomacy and the preamble of the Constitution, human rights will beprotected. Translator describes later that, “the author Craigie sees the state as inevitably
including violence, and as inevitably involving war. However, he also believes that the Old
Testament prophets have expectations on an apocalyptic vision. 112”1101998. Collection of Historical Documents on the United Church of Christ in Japan, Vol.2. The United
Church of Christ in Japan during the war time 1941~1945. United Church of Christ in Japan Mission ResearchInstitute, p.322.
111
1894 [Meiji 27]. M, Uemura. Fukuon Shinpo. Nippon Kirisuto Kyoukai.
1982. K, Uchimura. The Collective Words of Uchimura Kanzo. No.22. Iwanami Shoten, pp.161-162.
2005. Mark R, Mullins. Christianity Made in Japan. Translated by Megumi Takasaki. Transview, p.87.
1967. K, Takeda. Indigenous and Apostate. Shinkyo Publishing, pp.11-14.
Takeda points out that Uchimura and others have strong consciousness on problems to root Christianity in theheritage of Japanese spiritual history.
112
2024. Peter C, Craigie. The Problem of War in the Old Testament. Translated by Michiya Murata. Word of

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Who is suffering right now in the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza war? Let us pray
for the orphans, war widows, and handicapped who are gasping for breath in the screams ofhell. Please send your heart and energy to them.
<Conclusion>
An artificial, non-religious Zionist state, supported by the West, appeared in Palestine in1948. I have argued that the Zionist state was founded by socialist Moses Hess, the “father ofZionism”, and Theodor Herzl, the founder influenced by Hess. When I visited Jerusalem, I
sensed a hint of religion, and it was because of spirituality from the unbroken Arab Orthodox
churches that were existed before cloisters and Islam.Christians from the West and Japan are
also flocking out to visit the Holy Land. The location indicated by the guide, which reminded
me of Christ’s presence 2,000 years ago, was the appearance of Arab Orthodox churches in
Galilee, Nazareth, and around Jerusalem, including the Syrian Orthodox Church and the
Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. I think the impression that people have is that “I had
visited the Holy Land”.
Israel is a country without democracy. There is no place and day where you do not encountersoldiers with guns. The city remains occupied territory, and in reality, peace exists underarmed oppression 113. There is strict baggage inspection before entering the Western wall in
the Jewish quarter. The streets are the same as in Europe. LRT (Light Rail Transit) run
through the city. Cars are prohibited from the main street. There are no bulletin boards
broadcasting the news, large LCD screens, or TVs in hotel lobbies, which are common in theWest, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Israel is a country where English is spoken. However, signs
in public institutions are only in Hebrew. Although over 20% of the 8 million people are
Arab, Arabic is completely ignored. There is a constant to-down attitude.
Israel is a non-Jewish Zionist country that has not even read the five Books of Moses, and isso-called atheist. However, it has cleverly infiltrated Western countries that claim to be
Christian, especially Japanese, American, and Korean Christian Zionists. And there, theyskillfully promote a misinterpretation of the “Promised Land” and God’s providence centeredon ethnic Israel. It is probably an artificial bait. The period from Christ’s first coming to his
second coming is not “parenthesis”. The world’s media, Hollywood movies, and novels are
Islamophobic. Just like Ki-chiku–Bei-Hei (鬼畜米英: Demons –animals-United States-theUnited Kingdom) before the World War 2nd. Japan, the United States, and Korea are terrified
when they hear “North Korea”. Therefore, politicians are insensitive to the orphans of Gaza
who are groaning and screaming. We can only be bystanders to the non-Jewish Zionists who
have an exclusionary mindset, self-justification, and are disrespectful people. I hope that avoice to stop the fighting will put an end to Israel’s genocide.
The Bible says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile” (Galatians 3:28).

Life, p.243.
2021. Mainichi Shimbun. February 1.

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