Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-10-05
RELIGIONS IN JAPAN.

In view Of the fact that the Latter
day Saints mission has just been
opened up in Japan, religious conditions
In that country are a subject Of special
interest to the majority Of the readers
OF the News"
II Is known that for years the Jap
anese have manifested strange APP
athy for religious movements, possibly
because Of the chaotic state of the
world OF creeds and sects,
shlntoism, which once was the popu-
lar faith In Japan, was saved from OBJ
llvion only by imperial decree, declar-
ing 1t to be the vehicle Of traditions by
which the story OF the origin and au-
thority Of the imperial family Is pre-
served. Confuclanism lost its hold up
on the people. as did Buddhism, while
the Christianity that was introduced
there and at first created much interest
suddenly was discarded as impractical
Indifference 10 temples, churches
preachers and teachers was noted
everywhere.
Now It Is claimed. change has TAX
en- place I'm this respect, The people
are again turning with interest to re-
lglous topics. A correspondent of the
Boston Transcript says the Buddhists
are now astir and al work as they have
not been for many centuries. Some Of
their orthodox sects have united In an
ambitious scheme for propagandism at
home and in foreign lands They are
having large gatherings OF the people
at many temples, ,and services Of
preaching by learned and Jealous
priests, Generous contributions have
been secured from the people for the
purpose Of publication and distribution
OF doctrinal literature in popularIzed
forms. Missionary societies for revival
Of the faith among the Chinese and
Koreans have been organized, and, be-
yond this. measures are being com.
plctod for the propagation OF the gos.
pei OF the Buddha in America and Eu-
rope
The japanese professors Of Chris
tlanlty" are also said TO be astir.
Most OF the missionary organizations
which have been sent to the japanese
from Chrlstcndom decided last year to
celebrate the incoming OF the twentieth
century by luaugurating union
eyangellstic movement which should
show the real union that many Chris
tians have back Of their UNCONVENTIONAL
separations, and thus commend the es-
sautlals Of their faith 90 their hearers.
The movement has aroused q good deal
of attention and has gained for Christi
Gnlty a degree OF popular favor IL has
not had for many years
New nuddhlsts" is the name Of a
now sect which seems 70 be attracting
attention IN the general vortex OF relig-
ious currents IN Japan. The nature Of
the teachings OF these Buidhlsts Is
hintel al In n statement 20 the effect
that an alliance between them and the
Unitarians Is seriously considered.
Observers OF this religious awaken
ing among the japanese people, regard
1t as very significant and they onx-
iousiy watch TO see what direction this
new religious interest WIN take The
jar anese, It Is pointed out are ration
alistic and unitarian a faith that
shall appeal 10 their sound Judgment,
ami prove itself Of practical value for
this life, rs wen as hereafter, VIII at
tract them, whether such faith be to
them Oil or new.
II Is clear. II the facts are as here re.
ltcrated, that the mission OF the Church
has been opened up In that country
just at the right moment The stand.
ard bearers Of the Gospel come az
time whon the spirit Of inquly is az
work among the people The Lord has
been preparing the way for His ser.