E26054

     Happening to hearing the word “skepticism” may give an uncomfortable impression, but actually nothing is so precious as skepticism. That skepticism is the mother of civilization is a fair statement to make. Indeed, from skepticism have been born new philosophies, theories, and sciences. The words of the great scholar Chu Hsi, “Doubt is the beginning of belief,” are truly timeless.
     For example, we could ask why the New Religion called World Messianity has shown so much growth in such a short time. Why do the wonderful miracles described in its periodicals occur? What does it mean that it continues constructing prototypes of paradise on earth on the basis of a grand concept? It is only natural that skepticism about such matters would arise among those not familiar with World Messianity.
     Skepticism by itself, however, has no meaning, but the impulse to solve such a puzzle would probably occur to anyone. This impulse is precious. Because, through this impulse, truth is grasped, and knowledge, improved. Therefore, the person within whom arises the impulse to skepticism should be called a progressive person having great promise. Those with poor fortune, however, even if they may have the impulse for skepticism, do not discover how to learn the truth, so they spend their whole life in a maze and their skepticism dies with them. Almost all are of such disposition. Among such types are those who snort with laughter at the truth World Messianity expounds, who do not pay attention to what we teach, and it is often these types who are quite unfortunate.
     When we consider that those who are believers of World Messianity have been saved and are now permeated in happiness were once skeptics, there is probably nothing so satisfactory as skepticism.
     Consequently can be understood the facts that human beings need to have the impulse to feel skepticism as well as take the next step with courage for discovery.
     Ah, skepticism, it is! Skepticism it is!

“Kaigi,” originally published on the front page of Eikō, Issue 96, March 21, 1951, and reprinted while Meishu-sama still alive in the essays anthology for ministers Goshinsho: Shūkyōhen (Divine Writings: Volume on Religion), page 101, March 25, 1954, has appeared previously in translation. Citation is given below for reference.