The Life and Thought of Kanzo Uchimura, 1861-1930

by Hiroshi Miura

Uchimura claimed that Japan adopted Western civilization at the reopening of the country in the late nineteenth century but did not adopt Christianity itself - the very cause, spirit, and life of Western civilization. This was the origin of all the difficulties Japan had been experiencing. There is no question that Uchimura believed Christianity would save Japan and the Japanese; the real question was "What kind of Christianity?" In his view Christian faith entails a radical dependence on the gospel; baptism, communion, and the other sacraments are not necessary. He also believed that God's truth can be revealed directly to each individual, so that an intermediary between God and people, such as a minister, priest, or pope, is not required. This argument led Uchimura to start the Mukyokai-shugi (Non-church), a denial of the institutional church. Miura here explores in depth this theme in Uchimura's thought as well as Uchimura's particular vision of Japan's mission to the world. This study not only offers Western readers new information about Kanzo Uchimura and the Japanese Non-church Movement; it also provides important insights into the way Christianity can be indigenized in a new culture, such as that of modern Japan

Genres: Japan

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covering the life of Kanzo Uchimura this book details his successes and struggles as well as his theology. He was firm in his Biblical understanding and sought to apply the Bible not human tradition to his life. He was also against foreign missionaries and their manner of spreading the gospel ( namely by establishing their own denominations and forcing people to stick to their particular practices.) Uchimura lived an eventful life and was certainly a great Japanese reformer and theologian. It's been a great time reading this book and getting to know Uchimura.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for personal historical research. I found this work of immense interest and its contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
A great accompaniment to: The diary of a Japanese convert by Uchimura, Kanzo, 1861-1930
Overall, this work is also a good resource for the researcher and enthusiast.