They Rejected Catholicism Even After the Persecution Ended Christianity spread quickly in 16th‐century Japan after Jesuit missionaries converted both warlords and peasants—especially on Kyushu, where maritime trading ports flourished in Nagasaki. Hundreds of thousands are said to have embraced the faith during that early period. However, when Japan’s shoguns came to regard Christianity as a … Read more
Rapid Expansion of Christianity in 16th Century Japan In the 1500s, Christianity spread swiftly throughout Japan as Jesuit missionaries converted both warlords and ordinary citizens. The southern island of Kyushu—home to bustling trading ports such as Nagasaki—became a central point for the new faith, with some estimates suggesting that hundreds of thousands of Japanese embraced … Read more
Hidden Christianity in Rural Japan: A Tradition at Risk In the remote islands of Nagasaki Prefecture, a handful of believers have preserved a secret version of Christianity that stretches back centuries. These “Hidden Christians” trace their roots to a time when Jesuit missionaries converted many during the 16th century—a period when foreign traders established bustling … Read more
Hidden Christians and Their Secret Faith On a remote island in Nagasaki, members of Japan’s hidden Christian community continue to worship in absolute secrecy. In a modest room barely as large as a tatami mat, they honor sacred scrolls and ritual objects that have been passed down over generations. One painting depicts a kimono-clad Asian … Read more
What is Messianic Judaism? Understanding the Faith of a Murdered Israeli Diplomat An Unconventional Jewish Identity The belief in Jesus as the Messiah is central to Christianity but remains a contentious issue within Judaism. For many in the traditional Jewish community, embracing Jesus as divine contradicts the principles of Jewish life. This tension is visible … Read more
What Is Messianic Judaism? Understanding the Faith of a Murdered Israeli Diplomat A Tragic Loss and a Complex Identity In a heartbreaking incident in Washington, D.C., Yaron Lischinsky—a diplomat serving at the Israeli Embassy—and his partner, Sarah Milgrim, were killed by an attacker targeting Jews and Zionists. Their planned trip to Israel for an engagement … Read more
Poverty and Cultural Friction: The Hidden Forces Behind Emigration Although dramatic acts such as beheadings often dominate the news headlines, the more pervasive reasons driving people away from their homelands are economic hardship and cultural discord. Many individuals, particularly within the Coptic community, are leaving in search of a stable and more prosperous future. The … Read more
Exploring the Role of Denominations in the Kingdom of God The discussion surrounding denominations within Christianity raises an important question: are specific denominational structures essential for the growth of God’s Kingdom? While many aspects of Christian practice vary, the core message remains constant, even as denominational lines continue to evolve. Denominations and Their Necessity At … Read more
Faith in the Age of Modernity Modern society might seem to favor science and rationality, yet it has instead amplified some of the most passionate and dramatic expressions of faith. Rather than diminishing religious belief, contemporary culture has fueled its fervor in unexpected ways. The Paradox of Progress and Belief One might assume that technological … Read more
Silicon Valley’s Pursuit of Divine Influence In recent times, the heart of technological innovation has shown a growing curiosity about the teachings of Jesus. Leaders and entrepreneurs in the tech world are exploring spirituality as a tool to gain not only financial success but also influential power. This movement suggests that the traditional values Jesus … Read more