Ringing the Great Firebell: The Writings of Toyohiko Kagawa as a Japanese Theology

Toyohiko Kagawa (1888-1960) is a towering figure in the history of Japanese Christianity. His tireless efforts for evangelism, reform, and social uplift throughout the first half of the 20th century remain a beautiful expression of the Gospel message encountering the struggles of the human condition. And while he is remembered in some circles as a great Renewer of Society, his unique spiritual vision has been largely forgotten in the West. Yet within his numerous and diverse writings lies a quintessentially Japanese understanding of the Christ Event and its implications.

This book attempts to uncover Kagawa's theological perspective and the deeply personal vision of Christianity expressed within the Japanese worldview. It examines unique aspects of Japanese philosophy and how Kagawa's spiritual vision represents a fulfillment of this religious perspective in the Light of God. It offers new ways of understanding the Gospel as affecting the entire person - body, mind, soul - and all aspects of society. And it will hopefully inspire new discussions about the role of cultural foundations and worldviews in expressing the mystery of the Christ Event for all peoples.