A rapidly growing Christian movement in Japan known for unique practices like vicarious baptism and opposition to traditional Japanese religiosity.
The Spirit of Jesus Church, known in Japanese as “Iesu no Mitama Kyōkai,” was established in 1941 by Murai Jun, following what he claimed was a divine revelation. This Christian denomination in Japan incorporates Pentecostal beliefs with unique rituals such as foot washing and vicarious baptisms, practices not commonly found in mainstream Christianity.
The church’s core beliefs include divine healing through prayer and anointing with oil, reflecting its New Testament influences, particularly from James 5:14-16. The ritual of washing the feet of new members after baptism symbolizes a break from past sins and emulates the humility of Jesus, as described in John 13. Central to its doctrine is the baptism in the name of Jesus Christ alone, emphasizing the receipt of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues. Additionally, the church holds the traditional Christian sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
Murai Jun was initially influenced by the doctrines of the True Jesus Church during a visit to Taiwan. Embracing the belief in the oneness of God and the experience of the Holy Spirit, he returned to Japan and founded the Spirit of Jesus Church. The church’s identity and practices evolved under his leadership, distinctly separating from its initial inspirations.
A controversial aspect of the church is its practice of vicarious baptisms, or “baptism for the dead,” which extends the blessings of salvation to deceased ancestors, a practice rare in the broader Christian context but believed by the church to ensure the spiritual well-being of the deceased. This practice includes rituals for aborted and stillborn children and resembles some aspects of the Buddhist Obon Festival through a Common Memorial Service for Comforting of the Spirits.
The church also engages in spiritual warfare, explicitly opposing traditional Japanese religiosity such as ancestor worship and the use of amulets, practices prevalent in Shinto and Buddhist traditions. They view these as idolatrous, in violation of biblical commandments against idolatry.
Post-World War II, the church experienced significant growth, particularly in the 1970s. It established a central church in Tokyo in 1950 and a Bible college in 1952. Despite high membership claims in the 1990s, with figures around 420,000, the active membership, representing those regularly participating in church activities, is much lower. Leadership transitions and doctrinal controversies over the years have impacted its development and expansion.
image via Wikimedia Commons
