Who is the "Master of the Teachings"? The Question of Religious Authority in the World Church of Messiah

Abstract: Sekai Meshia Kyō, or World Church of Messiah, is a Japanese new religious movement founded by Okada Mokichi (1882-1955). After the death of the founder, the name of this religious organization was changed to Sekai Kyūsei Kyō, and several schismatic groups emerged. Most recently (since 2017), Sekai Kyūsei Kyō underwent another schism over a leadership conflict between the fourth spiritual leader—Okada Yōichi, grandson of the founder—and the executive administrators of the organization. This presentation will explore the aftermath of this recent division, paying particular attention to the question of religious authority in interpreting the teachings of the founder.

Presenter bio: Naohito Miura is a PhD candidate in the Committee on the Study of Religion at Harvard University with a primary specialization in East Asian Religions and a secondary field in Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality. His research focuses on Japanese religions, new religious movements, and ethnography of religion. Naohito received his BA in International Relations from Pomona College and MDiv from Harvard Divinity School. Before coming to Harvard, Naohito worked as a middle school teacher in Hawaii for two years.

Presenter affiliation: Harvard University