Konkokyo is a relatively new religion of Japanese origin. It is a syncretic, monotheistic (or arguably henotheistic) and panentheistic religion, which worships God under the name of Tenchi Kane No Kami, the Golden God of Heaven and Earth. Tenchi Kane No Kami is also referred to as Kami, or the Parent God.

History

Konkokyo was founded on November 15, 1859 by Bunjiro Kawate (1814-1883), who is also known under the honorary name Konko Daijin.

Beliefs

In Konkokyo, everything is seen as being in profound interrelation with each other. God is not seen as distant or residing in heaven, but present within this world. The universe is perceived to be the body of the Parent God. Suffering is seen as being caused by individual disregard of the relationship between all things. Konkokyo's beliefs center around the betterment of human life in this world by gratitude, apologising, mutual help and prayer. In this way, everybody can join their hearts with God to become Ikigami, a living God. It is believed that after death, all beings return to God. The spirits of the deceased do not go pass on to a heaven or a hell, but remain in this world, in unity with Tenchi Kane No Kami.

One of the more remarkable beliefs of this religion is that its followers are not obligated nor required to pay any dues nor to make any donations.

There are about 1700 Konkokyo churches in Japan, and there are about 450 000 adherents. There are Konkokyo churches or missions in the U.S., Hawaii, Canada, Brazil, Paraguay, and South Korea, but outside of Japan, the religion has only a limited numbers of followers.

External link

• Konkokyo's web site in English