Great Construction

Opening Remarks (Chijôtengoku 8)

     Chairman Tetsu Katayama of the Japan Socialist Party who has just returned to Japan says that Christianity is receiving ardent support in Europe nowadays. This situation arises probably because the public cannot help but look to religion for solace. Most likely, people have started to become aware that without a doubt as much as material civilization may develop, the increase of the welfare of humanity is impossible.
     Another one of the things that Mr. Katayama mentioned was that now the general disposition in Europe is that people are disgusted with war, that the fear of war is quite high, and that hope is keen for an age in which life can be enjoyed. From this observation can be understood the extent to which humanity has come to seek resolution to problems on a level above the material.
     In response to the opportunity which presents itself on a global level described above, we continue our efforts to perform the role of a religion that is worthy of satisfying those desires and, as is shown in the title of this magazine, it is the very construction of paradise on earth that must be the goal of the next age.

 Chijôtengoku, Issue 8, page 3, September 25, 1949
translated by cynndd