Kanzo Uchimura
1861-1930 19th century
Faith rooted in one's own people, and a conscience that bows to God alone.
Who was Kanzo Uchimura?
A Japanese Christian trained in the United States, he refused to join any established Church and founded the 'Mukyokai' movement, Christianity without a church, centred on Scripture alone. An educator and essayist, he lost his post for refusing to bow before an imperial portrait, in the name of his conscience. He summed up his life in two loves he would not separate: Japan and Jesus.
In their own words
I for Japan; Japan for the World; The World for Christ; And All for God.
I love two J's and no third; one is Jesus, and the other is Japan.
Bushido is the finest product of Japan. But Bushido by itself cannot save Japan. Christianity grafted upon Bushido will be the finest product of the world.