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A number of religious organizations are generally labeled "new
religions" (shinko shukyo), although some date back to the early
nineteenth century. The largest are Soka Gakkai (Value Creation Society),
Rissho Koseikai (Society for the Establishment of Justice and Community
for the Rise [of Buddhism]), and Tenrikyo (Religion of Divine Wisdom),
with more than 17 million, 6 million, and about 2.5 million members,
respectively, in the late 1980s. Both Soka Gakkai and Rissho Koseikai are
offshoots of the Nichiren Shoshu sect of Buddhism. Tenrikyo was once
considered an offshoot of Sect Shinto but is now regarded as independent
of other divisions of Shinto. Some of the larger of these new religions
are active internationally as well as in Japan.
No one category can be used to describe all of the new religions. What
distinguishes them from popular or folk religions is their claim to an
organizational status equivalent to Shinto or Buddhism. Their teachings
are diverse, but most syncretize elements of Buddhist, Shinto, Christian,
and other beliefs. Most emphasize the dependence of the living on kami,
the Buddha or Buddhist figures, or ancestors. Some, such as Tenrikyo, are
monotheistic and stress individual salvation. For example, Rissho Koseikai
adherents gather in small groups to discuss religious issues and problems
of daily life. Most of the new religions provide special support to their
adherents through small group meetings and encourage solving problems
through ritual and proper behavior. Many stress harmonious relations with
others, hard work, and sincerity as the way to a better life.
Most of the new religions were founded by charismatic lay people, often
women, who had experienced transforming spiritual episodes and felt called
upon to convey these experiences to others. They stressed lay
participation, involving small, local, face-to-face groups as well as
national organizations. They encouraged direct contact with the
supernatural, and some groups practiced faith healing and mutual support
techniques. People who joined these groups often did so in response to
personal problems, but many found continuing fulfillment through their
emphasis on returning to traditional values.
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