Abstract
The phenomenal growth of Sōka Gakkai in postwar Japan is analyzed in terms of creed, cult, code, and organization. The creed is simple, utilitarian, tradition-oriented, eschatological, and nationalistic. Cult increases the sense of belonging and personal worth and emphasizes making converts. The this-worldly, egalitarian moral code gives even persons from the lowest classes a sense of worth. A complex interlocking network of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal groupings permits maximum participation and minimizes leakage. The Christian church should learn from this sect to reach all groups in society, to emphasize Christian joy, to foster every-member witnessing, to mobilize the laity and develop multiple leadership, and to encourage whole-family conversion.
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