Awake!, September 22, 1966
Download: PDF — Awake!, September 22, 1966
Finding Peace and Happiness
PAGE 5
The Sea as a Way of Life
PAGE 8
Japan's Religion of "Gain"
PAGE 12
Have You Taught Your Daughter to Cook? PAGE 17
SEPTEMBER 22,1966
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must be unfettered by censorship and selfish interest. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; it is unhampered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes in quick review. Attention is focused on activities in the fields of government and commerce about which you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues alert you to matters of vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its coverage. "Awake!" provides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awakel" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establishment of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awake!"
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CONTENTS
Finding Peace and Happiness 5
Edison's Belief in God 7
The Sea as a Way of Life 8
Carob Pods as Weights 11
Japan's Religion of "Gain" 12
A Versatile Herb with a History 16
Have You Taught Your
Daughter to Cook? 17
Notes of Appreciation 20
Jehovah's Witnesses in Sweden
Exempted from Conscription 21
Hong Kong's "Rain of Terror" 24
Decimal Currency with a Difference 25
How Useful the Camel! 26
Let's Have a Look at Infant Baptism 27
The Days of the Week and the Jews 29
Watching the World 30
Volume XLVII
Number 18
Religion in the News
Clergymen Recommend Violence
The world has become filled with violence, and news reports show that religious leaders contribute to it. For example, the World Council of Churches conference that met for fifteen days in Switzerland this summer "put in a plug for violence in certain circumstances," reported Time magazine of August 5, 1966.
At that conference a professor of ecumenics from Princeton Theological Seminary stated: "There may in fact be some situations in which only the threat or use of violence can set the process of change in motion." Then, as reported in U.S. News & World Report of August 1, the Council sent a letter to clergyman Dr. Martin Luther King in which it urged professing Christians "to cast their lot with any form of suffering and need, finching no longer from antagonism and violence that comes." Other clergymen had already taken a similar stand against the philosophy of "nonviolence."
It should come as no surprise that many clergymen now openly recommend violence. Did they not bless both sides in World Wars I and II, even though men of the same religion frequently butchered one another? All too often clergymen have condoned or excused violence instead of telling their followers that it was contrary to God's law. In this they reject the counsel of Jesus, who said: "Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you; that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens." -Matt. 5: 44, 45.
Part of the World
Another conclusion drawn by the World Council of Churches at its conference was the following, as noted in Time: "In the perennial debate on
whether the stress of religion should be laid on the individual and his spiritual needs or on the church working actively through society's institutions for the worldly betterment of man's condition, the World Council has now firmly chosen the course of involvement. 'Participation in political life is a valid form of ministry,' said one of the conclusions."
The same magazine states: "The growing involvement of the churches in the secular world is the basic cause of this shift of theological sights. . . . In this view, many groups and individuals not associated with the churches, some of them even openly atheistic, are nevertheless struggling for the coming of the kingdom of God on earth."
But what does God's own Word the Bible say of such theology? Open it to the letter of James, chapter 4, versus 4, and you will read: "Do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God." Why is this so? Because "the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one."—1 John 5:19.
Is your church a member of the World Council of Churches? Do you think that God is pleased with those who belong to religious organizations that He declares to be His enemies? It is a matter for sober consideration, is it not?
Clergy Views on God
In the August 6, 1966, issue of Maclean's, Canada's national magazine, an article entitled "Is God Obsolete?" said: "On any given morning, including Sundays, clergymen may be heard advocating abortion reform, cold beer at pionics, respect for homosexual marriages, mass picketing of strikers and an exodus of United States soldiers from Vietnam.
They may also add the Bible contains a certain proportion of bilge and that God does not keep an eye on the sparrow, mainly because God does not have eyes. Or curs."
The article shows that more and more clergymen are abandoning the Bible as a basis for belief, as well as abandoning belief in a God of purpose. It noted various examples of this: "The highest-ranking clergyman in his denomination calmly tells reporters that he doesn't believe in the Holy Ghost." Of another group of clergymen it stated: "They were united by a common difficulty in finding prayer useful . . . or that God, as an interested, punishing presence, could be true at all."
Maclean's quoted another "downt clergyman," "Rev." E. W. Harrison of the Anglican Church, as saying in connection with the word "God": "I find the word has no meaning in terms of where or who. It's a label I would like to see left on the shelf." And of the birth of Jesus from the virgin Mary he said: "It's completely unimportant. I don't know whether it's a historical fact and I don't care. . . . I can't waste my time with it." Concerning the Bible's teaching of inherited sin, he stated: "Man is essentially good. The doctrine of original sin as reported to me by the theologians is offensive."
When leaders of Christendom teach such things, is it any wonder that growing multifudes reject God and the Bible? But those who love what is right will note what the Bible states at Romans 3:3, 4: "If some did not express faith, will their lack of faith perhaps make the faithfulness of God without effect? Never may that happen! But let God be found true, though every man be found a liar."
Low Church Attendance
The Catholic Standard and Times of Philadelphia, on July 29, reported the results of a recent Gallup Public Opinion Survey made for and published by The Catholic Digest. It stated: "It is a rather shocking experience to learn that only 67 per cent of our fellow Catholics regularly attend Sunday Mass [in the United States]. The Jesuit weekly America recently noted that there is growing evidence that the crisis of adolescence among American Catholic youth has taken on a new dimension: significant numbers
of them are entertaining, and even exposing, serious doubts of faith, and that young people are not waiting until college age to admit reservations about doctrines and religious practices passed on to them by their elders. The magazine cites a Jesuit high school for boys, where a survey showed that almost a quarter of the graduating class no longer considered themselves Catholics."
According to the survey, churchgoing among Protestant denominations is even lower. The Catholic publication says that only "30 per cent of Baptists go to church every Sunday . . . Methodists have 24 per cent . . . Lutherans have 33 per cent . . . Presbyterians have 32 per cent . . . 35 per cent of Episcopalians . . . Congregationalists have 28 per cent."
In lands outside the United States the percentage of churchgoers is often much lower. But what else could be expected when elergymen belittle God and the Bible, when they recommend violence and meddle in worldly politics? Without a doubt, support for the traditional religions is declining.
Shortage of Ministers
The San Diego Evening Tribune of July 30 relates: "Clergymen across the nation are beginning to worry. Many vacant pulpits seem to be more difficult to fill this year. Many seminaries and theological schools have fewer enrollees this year. And San Diego clergymen are beginning to worry, too. The Very Rev. John Baer, rector of the San Diego Roman Catholic Diocese minor seminary, St. Francis College, said a decline in young men desiring to enter the priesthood has been noticeable in the last four to five years."
The decline is not being arrested either. In fact, it is accelerating. This follows a pattern evident for some years throughout the entire world.
However, it was to be expected. When religious leaders run down the Bible, say that "God is dead," that prayer is a waste of time, that there is no Holy Spirit, and in many other ways be little the right worship of God, it can hardly serve to stimulate young people to want a religious life. But all of this confirms Bible prophecy, which foretold that in these "last days" "the love [for God] of the greater number will cool off." - Matt. 24: 12.
Finding Peace and Happiness
"Happy are the peaceable," said Jesus Christ. How can you share their happiness?
THERE are many persons who are interested in peace. Thus in the preamble to the United Nations charter appear the words: "We the peoples of the United Nations [are] determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war . . . and for these ends to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another."
Currently there is much agitation in the United States and in other lands for the ending of the war in Vietnam. For example, there is the Japanese fisherman who, over the objections of his wife, spent $11,000 of his hard-earned money to put a two-page advertisement of some 12,000 words in the New York Times, May 23, 1966, entitling it, "Plea for Peace in Vietnam." In fact, for months in this same newspaper there have been other large advertisements, many full-page in size, on the same subject, one being entitled, "Your Taxes Pay for War, Will You Pay for Peace?" And another, "On Vietnam," which called on the United States government to stop at once military action in Vietnam.
Some appear to be interested in peace because of economic reasons; others are concerned with the question of survival of the human race; still others are concerned because of the principles they believe are being violated by the Vietnam war.
"Happy Are the Peaceable"
All these efforts may cause some to call to mind the words of Jesus Christ's seventh felicity or beatitude: "Happy are the peaceable, since they will be called 'sons of God.'"—Matt. 5:9.
It was most fitting that Jesus should direct one of his felicities toward the peaceable, for did not the angels sing at his birth, "Upon earth peace among men of good will"? (Luke 2:14) And is not Jesus Christ in prophecy termed the "Prince of Peace"? Besides, we read that "to the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end," and that his rule of peace will last as long as the moon.—Isa. 9:6, 7; Ps. 72:7.
More than that, God himself is spoken of as the "God of peace," as the "God who gives peace." In fact, he is the one that really will make peace, for we read that "he is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The [battle] bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; the wagons [war chariots] he burns in the fire."—Phil. 4:9; Rom. 15:33; Ps. 46:9.
To be peaceable is indeed a fine quality and, let it be noted, being peaceable means more than being peaceful, being free from war or strife. To be peaceable means to have a positive mental attitude toward peace. It means being disposed toward, inclined toward peace, preferring peace, not disposed or inclined to fight or to war; avoiding things that might lead to war. That is also the meaning of the Greek word used by Matthew in his Gospel at chapter five, verse nine, for which reason many translations read "peacemakers" rather than "peaceable."
Not by Agitating for Political Peace
In saying, "Happy are the peaceable," did Jesus mean for his followers to agitate actively for peace between the political nations, as so many professedly Christian ministers have done and are doing regarding Vietnam, and as so many others have done for secular reasons as can be seen from their advertisements? No, Jesus was not pronouncing happy or expressing his benediction and approval upon all efforts at peace. To agitate for peace between the political nations is not the work Jesus gave his followers. Why not?
How could Jesus have meant for his followers to try to establish peace between the nations of the world when by both his words and his example he taught his followers that they were not to mix in the affairs of the world? When on trial before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate he said, among other things: "My kingdom is no part of this world." And shortly before that he had told his apostles: "You are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world."—John 18:36; 15:19.
Did Jesus' early followers involve themselves in the affairs of the world? No, they neither agitated for social reforms nor did they interest themselves in a peaceable settlement of the hot political issue of Rome versus Judaism. During their day the Jews became ever more impatient with the Roman yoke, and finally, in religious fanaticism, broke out in armed rebellion, as a result of which Rome took measures that all but wiped out the Jews as a people. But the true followers of Jesus Christ did not get involved.
wars and injustices could be done away with only by means of the kingdom of God. At the same time, however, they believed in obeying the rulers of the land, "the superior authorities," except when obedience to them went contrary to God's expressed will.—Rom. 13:1; Acts 5:29.
Why not? Because they knew that their citizenship was in the heavens and that all
Yes, as true followers of Jesus Christ the early Christians appreciated that, as the Bible says, "the form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: . . . to keep oneself without spot from the world." That point is further emphasized in the scripture that says: "Do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God."—Jas. 1:27; 4:4.
Christians clearly cannot be "peacemakers" in the sense of always being for peace in every situation. Jehovah God never makes peace with the enemies of righteousness, even as Captain Jehu of old refused to consider peace with Jezebel and her apostate son who were worshipers of Baal. (2 Ki. 9:22) Thus Jehovah caused his prophet to write: "There is no peace . . . for the wicked ones."—Isa. 57:21.
Peace does not come first, but righteousness, and therefore we read, "The wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable."—Jas. 3:17.
Christian Peaceableness
Then what kind of peaceableness does meet with God's approval? First of all, it is the peaceableness that endeavors to make peace with God himself. Jesus Christ was the chief peaceable one in this sense, for by means of his sacrifice he made it possible for all mankind, who had become God's enemies because of sin and wickedness, to come into peaceful relations with Jehovah God, even as we read: "Indeed, you who were once alienated and enemies because your minds were on the works that were wicked, he now has again reconciled by means of that one's fleshly body through his death."
"For if, when we were enemies, we became reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, now that we have become reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."—Col. 1:21, 22; Rom. 5:10.
This is the kind of 'peacemaking' or peaceableness that Jesus recommended to his followers, even as the apostle Paul further shows: "We are therefore ambassadors substituting for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. As substitutes for Christ we beg: 'Become reconciled to God.'" In other words, 'come to be at peace with God.'—2 Cor. 5:20.
Secondly, Christians are under obligation to be peaceable toward all their Christian brothers, to live at peace with them. There should never be any strife or friction because of misunderstanding or because of selfishness among dedicated Christian ministers. If a Christian knows
that he has offended a fellow Christian or that a fellow Christian has offended him, in harmony with Bible principles he should go to such a one and get matters straightened out.—Matt. 5:23, 24; 18:15-17.
Thirdly, Christians are to be peaceable in their relations with those on the outside, as far as possible, as far as they are able to do something about it. Others may make it difficult, but, "if possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men."—Rom. 12:18.
All who show themselves peaceable in these respects are truly happy, for they are saved much trouble, grief and irritation. And while not all such are now called "sons of God" in its special sense, which blessing, the Bible shows, is for those who will be joint heirs with Christ in his heavenly kingdom, yet the other peaceable ones can hope for endless life in the paradisale new order when wars will be no more, and in time attain to "the glorious freedom of the children of God."—Rom. 8:14-17, 19-21.
Edison's Belief in God
Thomas A. Edison, the "incandescent genius," was reported many times to be an atheist. Charles Edison, former governor of New Jersey and son of the great inventor, has this to say of his father's religious convictions: "From my own knowledge I know that he believed in a Supreme Intelligence, as he told me this many times." Melvin J. Weig, superintendent of the Edison National Historic Site, after going over the material in the archives at the Site in search of information pertaining to the religious beliefs of Edison, writes: "We have a signed statement which says, The Almighty knew His business when he apportioned milk. He is the best chemist we have.' A long quote from Mr. Edison's diary includes this, What a wonderfully small idea mankind has of the Almighty. My impression is that he has made unchangeable laws to govern this and billions of other worlds." In the book Thomas
A. Edison, Benefactor of Mankind, it is reported that, in a discussion with George Parsons Lathrop, the inventor said: "To me it seems that every atom is possessed by a certain amount of primitive intelligence." Lathrop asked, "Where does this intelligence come from?" and Edison answered: "From some Power greater than ourselves." "Then do you believe in an Intelligent Creator . . . a personal God?" asked Lathrop. "Certainly!" answered Edison. "The existence of such a God can, to my mind, almost be proved from chemistry!" Edison, however, did not believe that religion should be taught in public schools. He believed strongly that Church and State should be separate and took a "somewhat dim view of organized and orthodox religions." This is probably why some have viewed him as an atheist.
SEPTEMBER 22, 1966 WHY would anyone want to be a seaman?
No doubt, not only landlovers but also many a seaman has asked himself that very same question. On the other hand, seamen often ask. Why would any man want to work in a factory or an office entombed away from the refreshing beauties of the great outdoors? Why would anyone want to be a subway train conductor or work in a mine where he must forego the fresh air and sunlight of the great outdoors? Questions such as these serve to highlight the difference of ideas that men have on the subject of employment.
On the surface of things the seaman's lot may appear infinitely better than that of the man who is forced to sweat life out in a foundry or mine or who is obliged from day to day to face an insatiable public in a store or shop. But every experienced seaman knows that appearances are extremely deceiving, that life itself, whether on land or at sea, is not to be judged by appearances. The reasoning man's search should be for truth.
Behind the thinking of the young man who is contemplating a life at sea there may very well be visions of exotic lands, a life of ease with good pay, free of weight responsibilities and loaded with adventure. Any sailor worth his salt will tell you that those are dreams, and dreams, while they may contain some truth, usually differ drastically from the stark realities.
This is not to say that life at sea does not have its good points, for it does. Sea life can have its adventurous interludes. The sea itself fills men with awe and wonder, and some of the port cities are among the most fascinating in the world. Nevertheless, what we want to do is equate sea
life with the facts. The man behind a desk in some office in a large city may be prone to envision sea life in glowing romantic terms, perhaps as an escape from tight schedules, traffic jams, carbon monoxide gases or a nagging wife. The young man in the factory may regard life at sea as a haven from the dreaded monotony of the production line, and the farmer boy may see this life as a flight from boring chores. While all of those outlooks might lead men to the sea, none of them reflect an honest appraisal of sea life. For at sea there are schedules to be met and boring chores just as there are on land.
Rewards and Fears
But life at sea does have its rewards. The religiously inclined seaman may in the very vastness of the seas see the mighty handiwork of God.
The very thought of the frightening power of the sea may deepen his appreciation of the Creator, Jehovah. In fact, God himself urged the prophet Job to contemplate the sea, saying: "Have you come to the sources of the sea, or in search of the watery deep have you walked about?" (Job 38:16) However, even though many seamen are superstitious and some are religiously inclined, very few of them are moved to praise God by what they see and hear while on the high seas. The uncertainty of the elements with which the seaman is forced to contend may move him just as easily to curse God as to praise him. Such is the truth of sea life. For seamen are not especially known for their piety.
It is true there are breathless seascapes that eclipse imagination. For example, the flashes of the sun at its rising and setting make the ocean astonishingly beautiful. The sounds of the waves are most awesome and varied. There are the hollow boomings and heavy roarings, great watery tumblings, hissings and seethings, sharp, rifle-shot reports, splashes and whispers. Every mood of the wind, every change in the weather, every phase of the tide has its own peculiar attraction. Yet with the various tinges of the sea, the polar lights in the north and in the south, the myriads of stars and meteors, still these natural wonders are no more influential toward making a sailor a good man than the sight of a rising sun or beaming stars is to a factory worker on vacation. On land as well as at sea, it is our own attitude that really counts.
There are tranquil and spellbinding moments at sea. But this is only one side of the story. What about the other side? There are also frightening and terrifying realities that are not so widely publicized, and these are as much a part of sea life
as a boatswain's whistle. There is no denying that sunsets and sunrises are beautiful to behold, but what about the endless days that are buried in bleak wintry gloom, when the raging sea resembles stamped mountains and the ship struggles to keep from being torn to pieces or from being buried beneath the waves? Icebergs do reflect a breathtaking brightness against a black sea. But have you ever been near them in a North Atlantic gale when your ship was tossed and pitched like a feather in a hurricane and your very life and the life of everyone on the ship depended on evading those treacherous masses of ice? Have you been aboard when the ship's deck was caked with tons of ice, when waves like angry mountains made each groan sound like the ship's very last as it plunged in and out of the sea? During moments like these there is very little that is romantic about sea life. The office worker would welcome the sight of an office, and the boy, his father's farm.
The Demands and Dangers
Have you ever considered how demanding and dangerous sea life can be? At times the seaman must face unbearable humidity, violent winds, solar radiation, frequent changes of climate, insufficient sleep, poisoning effects of the cargoes by development of gases and the so-called "metalplate disease" (a harmful effect on man caused by fields of terrestrial magnetism acting on iron pieces of the ship). Add to this the fact that by long tradition the captain has the final say on matters. Woe betide the seaman who runs afoul of the ship's master.
Consider further: Every year fifteen large cargo vessels disappear at sea. These fifteen mysterious losses involve some 600 crew members also. For example, between January 31 and February 1, 1953, that is, in a single day, in the waters around the British Isles, nine ships and their crews disappeared from the face of the sea.
Every one of these vessels had electronic communication equipment. They were also equipped with rockets, flares and other distress signals. All had boats, life jackets and buoyant apparatus, and most of them were within sight of well-populated land, where there were Coast Guard stations, lifeboats and rescue teams for the special purpose of assisting ships and seamen in distress. There were plenty of other ships in the vicinity of all of them. Yet only two sent any sort of message even indicating that they were in trouble. All nine ships appeared to be swallowed up suddenly by the sea. Of course, there are disasters on land, too; mine disasters, explosions and other industrial accidents. But at least land disasters can be analyzed and steps taken to avoid repetition. What can be done about ships that are mysteriously swallowed up by the sea?
Why, Then, the Sea?
A seaman's life, perhaps, can best be described as an isolating experience. It is a life confined in a vessel of cold steel, which rocks and rolls, pitches and tosses, sways and vibrates. It is often a life of deep loneliness, agonizing solitude and frequent hours of absolute boredom. Wrote one ship commander after years at sea: "I remember only one man who walked his deck with a springy step, and gave the first course of the passage in an elated voice. But he, as I learned afterwards, was leaving nothing behind him, except a welter of debts and threats of legal proceedings."
This is not to say that there are no exceptions to the rule, for there are, but not many. There are seamen who say that the water is their element. These men boast that for them really to feel at home is for them to live on the ocean waves. Some
old-timers were born at sea, and at sea is where they would prefer to end their days.
Veteran sailors tell us that there are moments at sea when life can be unforgettably beautiful. It can be a great doctor, say they, for sore hearts and sore heads. Cares, they feel, seem to be left astern as easily as the light air bubbles in the swirls of the ship's wake. Nothing, it appears, but a gale can disturb the orderly serenity of life when all is well at sea. But these moments must be weighed in the light of all the other factors when considering a life at sea.
Sober Reflections
There are serious considerations to bear in mind. For example, ask yourself, Is a seaman's life a life for a family man? The man might reason that he provides well for his wife and children. But are material considerations the only ones to be met by him? How much affection can a husband shower on his wife and children while he is at sea? The wife and children do need his affection regularly. How much instruction and direction can he offer them? What about his spiritual obligations toward his wife and children? The man operating a subway train or working in a mine may be away from his family all day, but he does have an opportunity to come home at night, and his weekends can be spent with the family.
Studies from Norway (where many fathers are away at sea), Britain and the West Indies, all tend to show that children growing up in split-up families are seriously handicapped in their chances of growing up normally. When the father is away, one parent has to do the work of two; consequently, children suffer.
Consider, too, the moral aspect of such a life and the strain that it places on both the husband and the wife. Many foreign ports swarm with prostitutes who are only too willing to sell themselves.
And seamen are singled out as prime targets. The lack of moral integrity aboard ships, too, is not a hidden secret; also group influence and loneliness—all these factors tend to weaken, corrode and destroy the virtues of even one of high principle. Marital fidelity and moral integrity do suffer, without question. The wife may be tempted while the husband is away, and the husband certainly is exposed to temptation. An upright man would indeed be placing himself and his high ideals in frightful jeopardy by ignoring these facts of sea life. Do you want to take such chances with your life? Think carefully before obligating yourself to a life at sea.
Suppose you are a religious man. True, on land you may have unpleasant associations at work, but when the working day is through you can enjoy home life. If you wish, you can even go to your place of worship and associate with persons who believe the way you do. But when aboard ship this is not so easily done, in fact, it is impossible at times. Your exposure to bad associations frequently can be continuous over long periods of time. Even to those who are strong in faith the warning applies: "Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall." (1 Cor. 10:12) These are points that should have some serious thought before you launch into a career as a seaman.
The Lures
Throughout the world merchant fleets are expanding, and enticing offers are made to lure young men into that way of
life. Some vessels today are breathlessly beautiful to behold. Many of them have comfortable quarters. A number are controlled by automatic instruments, remote control, radar and other complicated electronic devices. Prospective seamen may be induced to think that they can learn the technical aspects of this equipment at sea or acquire a trade aboard ship that someday can be used on land. But how many seamen do you know who have made advancements this way? The chance of this happening is slight indeed.
It may be true that nuclear-powered vessels are becoming more in number, but what assurance do you have that you will be chosen to sail one? It also may be true that seamen have much leisure time to study. According to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, "men at sea service read a lot more books than the average adult American." But what is the quality of their reading? It would be naive to think that men aboard ships are all industriously engaged in constructive pursuits in their spare time. Such is simply not the case. Some seamen have applied themselves, but the vast majority will frankly admit that sea life does not lend itself to serious, constructive thinking. To learn a different trade or skill aboard ship takes more than ordinary concentration and dedication of effort.
A seaman's life is a hard life, particularly difficult for a man with a family. So, for a person of integrity who is considering the sea as a way of life, he must face the fact that it will be difficult to maintain those high principles.
CAROB PODS AS WEIGHTS
In ancient times the beans of the carob tree were used as standards of weight for precious stones, which were described as being of so many "beans' weight" or "carats." Hence the word "carat," a name used by jewelers in weighing precious stones, is derived from the beans of the carob tree, the Arabic word for "bean" or "seed" being carat.
JAPAN'S ELIGION OF "GAIN
By "Awoke!" correspondent in Japan
REELING under the blows of atomic bombs
plained that the Nichiren Shoshu sect had declined
and of military defeat, Japan emerged from the second world war with new and urgent problems. The feudal basis of family life had been weakened, old communal standards had been shaken and old-time religion had suffered a big setback. There was a moral and spiritual vacuum that needed to be filled. What would fill this vacuum?
In any other country, communism might have capitalized on the situation. However, communism failed to take hold among the nationally-minded Japanese. Rather, the post-World War II era has witnessed the growth of a multitude of "new religions," often called "crisis religions," designed to meet the people's immediate wants. Almost one hundred "new religions" have mushroomed during the past twenty years. Their number includes Shinto sects that had been forced previously to conform to state Shinto, as well as offshoots from established Buddhist sects.
For the most part, these "crisis religions" have offered their adherents things that they lost during World War II, such as health, material prosperity, peace of mind and community fellowship.
Riding on this tide of religious revival, one sect has raced ahead of all the others. It is the so-called Soka Gakkai ("Value Creation Academic Society"), a development of the 700-year-old Nichiren Shoshu sect. Its postwar organizer, Jose Toda, ex-
prior to the war, and, therefore, "as the Great Saint Nichiren predicted, Japan has experienced a crisis which resulted in national ruin." And what was his solution? The militant Soka Gakkai, which has proclaimed itself the savior of Japan, and ultimately of the entire world.
Growth of Soka Gakkai
The Nichiren Shoshu sect was founded in the thirteenth century by Nikko, a disciple of the fanatical Buddhist monk Nichiren Daishonin. Its headquarters, which the sect expects to become the center of religion world wide, is a temple called Dalsekiji, at the foot of Mount Fuji. Here are preserved the Dai-Gohonzon, said to be the original scroll containing Nichiren's sacred formula, and also Nichiren's miraculous tooth, the onikuge. It is reported that Nichiren pulled a loose tooth from his mouth and handed it to Nikko, to be used as a testimony in propagating their religion among all mankind. It is also claimed that a piece of flesh still adheres to the tooth, and that this continues to grow. The sect is to reach its zenith when the flesh covers the tooth in its entirety. The tooth is closely guarded, and no scientific authority is permitted to examine it.
Soka Gakkai was founded in 1937 by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, an ex-schoolteacher and student of pedagogy, who converted to Nichiren Shoshu. Nichiren's religious fanaticism and Makiguchi's theory of "value creation" have been combined into one of the most amazing religious crusades in history.
Soka Gakkai itself describes the Theory of Value, as taught by Makiguchi and his successor, Josei Toda, in these words:
The goal of human life is happiness, the ideal state for each individual. . . A happy life is the condition in which whatever is regarded as having value is realized. . . Truth and value are two very different concepts. . . Historically, philosophers have regarded the principal elements of the ideal life to be truth, goodness and beauty. This is incorrect. . . The Principle of Value makes the basic ingredients of happiness: gain, goodness and beauty. . . The criterion of value is gain or loss, not good or evil.
—Quoted from Contemporary Religions in Japan, Vol. I, No. 3, September 1960.
This sounds contradictory to Nichiren's own oft-repeated emphasis on the "Lotus of Truth." Gain is substituted for truth. Devotion to the sacred scroll at Daisekiji and the repetitious chanting of the Lotus Suitra are the "gain-producing values." Financial gain or faith healing often provide the incentive for joining Soka Gakkai. The standard for judging everything is: Do we gain or lose by it?
The fanatical Nichiren denounced all other schools of Buddhism as heresy, and established his own new formula for the salvation of all mankind: Namu Myōhō-Renge-Kyō ("Adoration Be to the Lotus of Wonderful Truth") Followers of Nichiren, and now of Soka Gakkai, are said to reach Buddhahood through the daily frenzied chanting of this formula, the Daimoku. Their mentality in this connection may be gauged by the following English-language article appearing in their Seikyō Shimbun ("Holy Teaching Newspaper") No. 592, reporting a speech by the present leader, Daisaku Ikeda, on April 24, 1961:
We pray to the Dal Gohonzon ("Holy Scroll") every morning and evening. Look intently at the Gohonzon, and you will find some Chinese characters on the upper left which read: "Those who worship the Gohonzon or those who practice the sutra of the True Buddha can accumulate even greater merits than the ten virtues of Buddha." On the opposite side it is clearly written that "A person who viciously maligns the Gohonzon will surely have his head broken in seven." A person who has pure faith in the Gohonzon will be bestowed with even greater benefit than the ten good fortunes of Buddha. On the contrary, those who slander either the Gohonzon or true believers (Gakkai members) must undergo such dreadful punishment of having their heads broken in seven, i.e., falling into the pit of hell.
SEPTEMBER 22,1966
One may well ask, How could a religion with these medieval concepts make such strides, as Soka Gakkai kais done, in a modern society? For the most part, Soka Gakkai adherents are to be found among the poorer, uneducated classes. The movement has made its appeal, emotionally, to the desire for material betterment. It has used a devastating instrument known as shakubuku, which has been variously interpreted as meaning, "destroy and conquer," "bend and flatten" or "crush and throw down." This refers to the practice of Soka Gakkai members in ganging up on households or individuals afflicted with sickness or economic problems, blaming it on their religion or lack of religion, and relentlessly 'brainwashing' them until conversion is achieved. The new convert must then destroy the "abominations" or appendages of his former religion. He is provided with his scroll, rosary and badge, and is threatened with terrible reprisals should he ever think of leaving the organization.
Shakubuku was organized by president Josel Toda following World War II. It draws strength from Soka Gakka's militaristic structure, which has been compared to that of the Hitler Youth.
Its Youth Division today numbers one and a half million young people, including a five-and-drum band of the Young Women's Division described as "second to none in its skilled and beautiful performance." Soka Gakkai describes its Youth Division as "the driving force of the organization." Soon after instituting shakabuku, Toda proclaimed: "The great march for forced conversions, begun on May 3, 1951, has brought a great many comrades into our camp." By 1953, he claimed a membership of 53,000 households. By 1959, the number was 1,096,920 households, and by 1964, the claim was for 4,600,965 households.
Into the Political Arena
Soka Gakkai's main goals are political. This is in line with Nichiren's ancient claim: "I will be the pillar of Japan; I will be the eyes of Japan; I will be the great vessel of Japan." As explained in Seikyō Shimbun in April 1955, the sect's purpose is that "when, as the result of our great shakubuku," our country is rid of all evil religions, the Diet ought to decide to create a national center of worship. For that end, it is necessary to send our members to the national legislature so that we could command a majority. Of course, it might be 10 or 20 years before this may be realized. Until then, we must train our members in the local legislatures."
After making sensational gains in local municipal and Upper House elections, Soka Gakkai set up the Kōmeito ("Clean Government Party") on November 17, 1964. The party immediately called for the abolition of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty and for Japan to recognize communist China. However, Komeito acts independently of both "right" and "left." According to Soka Gakkai leaders, the party has been organized as a practical means of carrying out obutsu myōgō, a
merger of government and religion. In elections for the Upper House of the Diet in 1965, Komeito increased its representation to twenty in this body of 250 members. They are planning next to put thirty-two members into the Lower House. Other political parties are voicing concern at this religious invasion of the political arena.
Since 1960, Soka Gakkai has carried its campaign into Southeast Asia, and even into the United States. It has been outlawed in South.Korea because of its political activity there.
Ultimate Goals
Seven centuries ago, Nichiren himself announced his sect's objective of building a national temple at the foot of Mount Fuji. Soka Gakkai has espoused this goal, declaring its purpose to establish a kokuritsu kaidan ("national instruction hall") for "basic religious training in defense of the nation." In July 1961 a four-day drive among members netted over three billion yen (9,000,000), and this was used in building the projected temple's Grand Reception Hall, which was completed April 1, 1964. According to Soka Gakkai's Seikyō Shimbun, of October 19, 1965, another four-day drive recently raised 35 billion yen (nearly100 million), which is to be used for building the shōhondō, or main temple hall. This is now under construction.
Soka Gakkal used to make bold the claim that it would convert, first the entire nation of Japan, and then the world. However, in July 1965 the sect's 34-year-old president, Daisaku Ikeda, appeared to make the goal more realistic, when he drew an illustration from the Indian state of Shravasti, mentioned in the "Lotus of Wonderful Truth." According to the Lotus Sutra, one-third of the people of Shravasti saw Buddha and believed him, onethird saw him but did not believe his message, and one-third neither saw nor heard him.
The implication is that the conversion of Japan will be accomplished when shakubuku has claimed one-third of the people for Soka Gakkai, another third is sympathetic, and the remaining third is either indifferent or hostile. A recent Soka Gakkai tabulation asserted that membership was already 5,400,000 out of 25,000,000 households in Japan.
What is the ultimate goal of the movement? To quote Soka Gakkai itself: "The
purpose of Sokagakkai is not world conquest, but absolute world happiness and peace. President Ikeda has always stated that 'the purpose of Sokagakkai is to save the masses from misfortune and misery and to establish happiness and peace throughout the world.'"—Sokagakkai and Nichiren Shoshu, by the Seikyo Press, October 25, 1964.
Fear, Mistrust and Apprehension
Observers have noted a rather unusual quiet in the Soka Gakkai camp in recent months. Whether they have mellowed their aggressiveness, or whether this is a calm before further storms, remains to be seen. There are even reports that many have broken away from the movement in disillusion. The director of Shinshuren ("Alliance of New Religions"), which has mobilized its followers against Soka Gakkai, claims that at least a million members of Soka Gakkai want to leave the organi-
WHY DOES GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS?
Have you asked that question? Then do not miss the October B issue of "Awake!" Special issue Completely devoted to this vital subject.
It is with this goal that Soka Gakkai carries forward its militant campaign of shakubuku. Imbued with the idea that people on this earth receive everything from the idol Buddha, they are aiming at centering all worship in Japan around the huge temple that is to be completed at Mount Fuji in 1970. A Gakkai spokesman told the Sunday Mainichi (November 14, 1965) that it is "not a 'coincidence' that the temple is scheduled to be completed around 1970. This seems to be a target date for a campaign to "help save" the soul of everyone in the world. It is also in 1970 that the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty is scheduled to come up for revision—an explosive issue from which radical groups such as Soka Gakkai doubtless hope to make gain.
zation but are fearful of reprisals.
SEPTEMBER 22,1966
Soka Gakkai is mistrusted, and even feared, by the majority of the Japanese people. Its claims for the superiority of "gain" over
"truth," coupled with fanatical shakubuku and equally questionable high-pressure political campaigning, have not endeard it to rational persons. The generation that remembers the crimes committed by the Nazis in Germany and by Shinto nationalism in Japan is entitled to regard the politico-religious Soka Gakkai with apprehension.
Where may people turn in their search for true religion? Not to a theory of "gain," or to a lifeless idol of Buddha, but to the living God, Jehovah, whose Son, Christ Jesus, said: "There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." (Acts 20:35) Ah, there is the true secret of happiness! It is to be found in the practical application of the law of love, even as Jesus explained: "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you and your joy may be made full. This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you."—John 15:11, 12.
IT IS not often that a substance used for dyeing cloth can also be used for seasoning food, for coloring medicine and for perfuming a room as well as bath water. But that is precisely what is possible with versatile saffron. What is saffron? It is the orange-red substance obtained from the dried stigma and style of the saffron crocus flower. Its usefulness has given it a long history.
More than 3,000 years ago the Chinese were using it as medicine and for seasoning food. Later, when the Greek civilization was enjoying prominence, saffron that was mixed with wine and water was sprinkled in public places. When Nero made his entry into Rome, the Romans perfumed the streets with it. It was also their custom to put it into their bath water and to use it on their hair. Pliny the Elder, a naturalist who lived in the first century of our Common Era, wrote that the "ancients frequently made use of this flower in perfumes. Not only salons, theatres, and places which were to be filled with a pleasant fragrance were strewn with this substance, but all sorts of vinous tinctures retaining the scent were made of it, and this costly perfume was poured into small fountains, which diffused the odor which was so highly esteemed. Even fruit and conifures [confections] placed before guests, and the ornaments of the rooms, were spread over with it."
Saffron is still used in some countries for seasoning food and for coloring candy as well as medicine. A common use of it has been in the dyeing of cloth, but now cheaper dyes are becoming more popular. In ancient Greece saffron yellow was the royal color and was used in the court robes of some of the royal ladies. In old Ireland and the Hebrides it was the color worn by persons of rank. It is still a popular color in the Far East, where Buddhist monks wear saffron-colored robes, because, as one monk stated, "we believe it is the most peaceful color."
Saffron is obtained with much labor from the saffron crocus flower, which is related to the iris family. Unlike the crocus that blooms in the spring, this related flower blooms in
the fall. In the latter part of October workers gather the blooms by hand early in the morning. The stigma and part of the style are carefully removed and dried in a kim, either loosely or under pressure. When dried under pressure the product is called "cake" saffron, which is the form preferred by the people of India. But when it is dried loosely, it is called "hay" saffron. This is the type that has the widest use.
With more than 4,000 flowers needed to make one ounce, this versatile herb is about the most expensive spice in the world. The best grade in Spain sells for approximately $180 per kilo (2.2 pounds). Cheaper grades are inferior and are likely to be adulterated with such things as safflower or the petals of marigold. In times past severe penalties were imposed on persons guilty of selling adulterated saffron. In the year 1444 a man in Germany was burned to death along with his adulterated saffron. So adulteration of saffron was regarded as a serious offense.
The deep orange color of this herb makes it very distinctive, and very little of it is needed to impart its color to other substances. Just a single grain of it that is rubbed to fine powder along with a little sugar will give ten gallons of water a decidedly yellow hue. As a spice it has a somewhat bitterish flavor, and as a perfume it has a sweet, penetrating odor.
The pretty blooms of the saffron crocus decorated the coastal plain of the Near East in Solomon's day, nearly 3,000 years ago. This flower was listed by him along with plants that were used for spices, incense and perfume. In The Song of Solomon, a Bible book by Solomon, the beautiful Shulammite malden likens herself to the lowly but pretty saffron flower, saying: "A mere saffron of the coastal plain I am." (Song of Sol. 2:1) So the pretty blooms of the saffron crocus have held an honorable position in human affairs for thousands of years.
Safron has brought pleasure to man's eyes by providing him with a colorful dye, pleasure to his sense of smell by providing him with pleasant perfume and pleasure to his sense of taste by providing him with a tangy spice for his food. It is indeed a versatile herb with a history.
ARE you teaching your daughter to be a loving wife and mother? Many mothers see that their daughters are neat, provide them with pleasant surroundings, instill in them right principles, yet, surprisingly few prepare their daughters adequately for the career most women choose over any other—being a wife and mother.
Many varied skills are required to fill this time-honored position, and one of those talents that endear Mom may well be a favorite recipe for chocolate cake or her prized plum preserves. How
content and happy it makes a youngster to come home from school on a cold day to be met by Mom in a fresh-starched apron accompanied by hot goodies from the oven!
Well-known nutritionist Adelle Davis, in her book Let's Cook It Right, says: "Since we spend approximately a thousand hours each year eating our meals, they should be pleasant hours, times of family unity and companionship and, if a blessing is said, family worship. Good food is a symbol of love, having psychological value which may even exceed its sensory and physiological contributions." Good food is as much a symbol of love now as it was in the days when Jesus spoke the illustration of the prodigal son who was honored by a feast in his father's house when he returned home in his humbled state. So it is well to express love toward
your daughter by teaching her how to prepare and serve food.
When and How to Begin
Is your daughter only three or four? Then you have the advantage of beginning at the age when everything is an exciting adventure, when every request is welcomed as an important assignment and when you certainly have as much "help" as you can stand—and sometimes more!
This tender age is the time cooking begins to be fun! What is more delightful than to satisfy the curiosity of feeling the different textures of vegetables, as small fingers splash water to remove the soil? And the enjoyment of forming soft mud cakes in no way compares with squeezing real dough into a hundred different shapes before baking it in your child's own little pan! No make-believe cake ever gave the pleasure that giving Daddy a taste of a real one does.
Her own cooking step stool, an apron, grown-up talk with Mommy, and making surprises for Daddy are not only memories for Mother to treasure, but valuable lessons in life for daughter.
Garnishing is an important job to a beginner because the results are quickly seen. Anyone can cook cereal, but only a true artist can garnish it with a beautiful raisin face. Draining the red juice off maraschino cherries is a necessary job for a colorful dessert top, and the fresh green parsley, perhaps applied by a little hand, makes meat look so pretty.
As a child grows older, more things can be taught her. Even a five- or six-year-old may be able to learn how to prepare a light meal. For example, one mother patiently taught her five-year-old daughter both the dangers and the many uses of the electric mixer. Equipped, now, with safety rules and knowledge, she expertly mashes potatoes, whips cream and combines ingredients for baking what her mother measures. This little girl has also mastered the can opener and the job of safely turning on the stove. Recently, when her mother was ill, she competently opened two cans of condensed soup, added the proper amount of water and served it to the family piping hot, with crackers and dishes of fruit for dessert. This whole family is beginning to reap the rewards of patient teaching.
The young child can be taught safely to place potatoes in the oven for baking, and many a child will jump at the chance to "paint" shortening in baking pans or smear butter on her own toast. When more butter goes on the bread than on her, she may be ready to try sandwich making, perhaps, in time, relieving mother of lunch packing. Many a five-year-old can learn to crack and separate eggs, if allowed the opportunity to practice on eggs intended
for scrambling. Instant milk drinks, lemonade and colorful presweetened iced beverages can be made with little cooks in mind.
It is not difficult to find easy but important jobs for the preschool child if you watch for the opportunity. It is important that an interest not be allowed to die and that each new success be rewarded with praise and more kitchen freedom.
A Word to the Wise
The importance of praise cannot be overstressed, not only by words, but also by the added confidence you can show in reference to her mastered skills. For instance, if she has just learned to open cans of fruit, you might say, "My, you did that so well. How would you like to make the fruit salad tonight?" This offer will usually be overwhelmingly accepted, with an "Oh, good, can I put a cherry on it too?"
It is wise to reserve teaching new things for a time when you are not too hurried. This prevents many shattered nerves and loss of enthusiasm in little girls' hearts. Plastic or metal measuring cups and bowls often prevent accidental blows to a little cook's confidence, as well as broken glass to cut little fingers.
In order to keep her interest and enjoyment in cooking alive, it is best not to use it as a punishment for any reason. We grow up to enjoy things most generally associated with pleasant memories. If punishment must be by means of the kitchen, then, at least, let it be privileges withheld, so she genuinely feels she is missing a pleasure.
Cooking should never be allowed to become a monotonous task, so grant her a measure of freedom, as she grows older and as her skills permit, in trying new recipes and new methods. If the interest in cooking seems to lag, often it can be revived by having a foreign meal or two, perhaps also learning something about the customs of the country.
If it annoys you to have imprints of greasy little fingers on the pages of your cookbooks, it might prove beneficial for you to invest in a beginner's picture cookbook or encourage her to have a file box with her own copied recipes.
What to Teach Her
In teaching your daughter to cook, you are setting the foundation in cultivating her ability to cope with life as it really is. Since this is true, it is necessary that she associate meal planning with the amount of income allowed for food. To round out her education it is good to instruct her how wholesome budget meals can be with proper planning. She should also learn to shop for the best buys and to store foods with the least spoilage and so that they retain the most nourishment.
As she begins life in her own kitchen, she will need to have all items ready to serve at the same time, by knowing approximate cooking times and when to start preparing each. Any shortcuts, such as starting potatoes for baking by boiling till heated through, will be valuable when time is at a minimum.
Most young cooks dread the mess after the joy of creating wears off, so learning to clean up as she goes will prevent this problem.
There will be many times that the "art of substitution" may save extra trips to the market and wasted ingredients. There are good tricks in substituting that may be learned with time, but the following basic ones could be included in her education: When a recipe calls for one cup of butter, then one cup of vegetable shortening and a half teaspoonful of salt may be substituted. If one cup of sour milk is needed, then one cup of fresh milk with one tablespoonful of vinegar
or lemon juice may be used. In gravies or sauces, one tablespoonful of cornstarch equals two tablespoonsful of flour. One ounce of unsweetened chocolate or a quarter cup of cocoa and two tablespoonsful of shortening will give the same results. If there is not enough baking powder, it would be well to use one quarter teaspoonful of soda plus a half teaspoonful of cream of tartar. It is useful for her to know that one cup of sugar equals one cup of honey if the liquid called for in the recipe is decreased by one quarter of a cup.
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