Christmas message

Picture of the Day ( 22 )

Christmas message
JAPAN TODAY

A Christian evangelist holds a sign on a street corner in Tokyo’s Ginza on Monday.

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22 Comments

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  • 2

    billyshears

    I think the usual English translation of psalm 32:2 is a little different from the guy's sign: "Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit." I think it should be 32:1, which reads: "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." What's that you say?......OK, I'll get my hat.

  • -7

    Betraythetrust!

    This stuff really annoys me. Why can't these people keep religion out of Christmas and let people enjoy themseleves!

  • 0

    gokai_wo_maneku

    But 幸い (saiwai) means "lucky", not "blessed". It has no religious connotation like "blessed". It is interesting that in Christian translation of the Bible, "God" is translated by 神 (kami), which is a Shinto word for "nature sprite".

  • 3

    tkoind2

    I really despise these guys. They part their loud speakers right outside shrines at New Years and try to make people feel bad about their own faith.

    First I think missionaries are cultural imperialists and should face the same disdain as economic or political imperialists.

    Second it is unforgivable to interfere with the local people trying to observe their own religious practices with this hateful and often threatening messages that these nuts proffer.

    Third, if people do persist in peddling religion they should do so in a manner that is respectful of other faiths. Otherwise how can they possibly claim any high moral ground.

    I am not religious and really to resent cultural imperialism carried out by any expansionistic faith. But I would not deny them the right to try to reach others, I would, however deny them the ability to do so in proximity of other religious places. Especially local Japanese traditional places.

    Religion should not be about fear or threats of damnation. And if it is, then is it truly faith? Or is it just another means of frightening people into some form of control?

  • 3

    zichi

    One major point for living in Japan for me, Christmas goes by unnoticed.

  • 5

    horrified

    I'm a Christian who believes in God (Jesus,) but I find these people offensive because they take what is normally positive scripture and make it negative. Guilt trips. That is not what God is about.

    Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. - Psalm 32:2

    This is a positive, peaceful quote - describing a relationship with the heavenly father. And where is the person holding the sign in this photo? I can't see anyone.

  • -1

    Pukey2

    One major point for living in Japan for me, Christmas goes by unnoticed.

    I can understand what you're saying, but Xmas and the NY was always, to me, a chance to spend quality time with friends and family. I'm not religious.

  • -1

    zichi

    The only religion at Christmas is the one of money.

  • 0

    yabits

    And where is the person holding the sign in this photo? I can't see anyone.

    I believe it is the person in the blue jacket, whose back is to us in the photo.

    I really despise these guys.

    This person doesn't appear to be accosting anyone at a temple or making anyone feel bad about themselves.

  • -2

    ben4short

    I was in Ginza yesterday and noticed that everyone of these sign-holders wore the saddest, most depressed expressions I"ve seen in a long time. None of them would even engage me in conversation when I questioned their message and motives. Nothing but blank stares.

  • 0

    Jay Arlidge

    because Betraythetrust!, if you didn't have Jesus, you would not have Christmas. Think about it, Christmas is (or used to be) the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. With out that. there is no "Christ"-mas,

  • -1

    yabits

    I was in Ginza yesterday and noticed that everyone of these sign-holders wore the saddest, most depressed expressions I"ve seen in a long time.

    Hmmm. I just returned from nearly a month's-long trip in the Tokyo area. I saw a lot of sad expressions, but none of them was holding a sign with a Bible verse on it. It's unfortunate that the sign-holder's back is to the camera here, being that there's no way to judge just how depressed he looks.

  • -3

    realist

    Betraythetrust: in case you didnt know, CHRISTmas is a religious holiday. It celebrates the Incarnation of Christ. Thats what its all about, otherwise there wold not be a Christmas. These people are actually very sincere and very nice,once you take the trouble to get to know them. Their methods might be somewhat outdated at times, but their hearts are good. They are just out telling people in Japan about Jesus, the resson for the season. The message is for all people, Japanese and foreigners. How aout some Christmas Spirit? Hope you have a good one.

  • -1

    Betraythetrust!

    @ realist.

    Really! I would never have known if you hadn't let me know, thanks.

  • 1

    badsey3

    http://www.mitsukoshi.co.jp/ This is the Mitsukoshi store at Ginza. The photographer wants you to see the contrast from the store sign to the message on the sidewalk person's sign. (said it opposite of intention just for the brain-locked)

    People always want to put one religion up against another (like StreetFighter fighting games etc). =Not really what religion is about. You either believe that humans (and yourself) have a soul or they do not -something no indoctrination (book) will be able to completely satisfy and you must find for yourself. People that hold their sins dear (like 10Yen Man) find their Christmas to be the worst season.

  • 1

    Laguna

    He needs a bigger sign.

  • 0

    nandakandamanda

    As to this sign above, it reminds me of the flashing tower SK has erected and switched on in order to shine into NK. Good for the people doing it, maybe, but does it touch hearts?

  • -1

    motytrah

    Almost certainly a Evangelical Protestant thing. You don't see the Lutherans or Catholics doing these kinds of shenanigans.

  • 2

    cleo

    It celebrates the Incarnation of Christ. Thats what its all about, otherwise there wold not be a Christmas.

    Nah, it's about brightening up deep dark dismal midwinter, having fun during the agricultural slow season, feeling hope that spring will come again, and making a virtue out of eating preserved foods in a season when fresh foods are scarce. It might not be called Christmas if the Christians hadn't piggybacked on what people were already doing anyways, but even without the baby Jesus there would likely be some kind of midwinter frolic.

  • 0

    Frungy

    cleoDec. 25, 2012 - 12:48AM JST

    It celebrates the Incarnation of Christ. Thats what its all about, otherwise there wold not be a Christmas. It might not be called Christmas if the Christians hadn't piggybacked on what people were already doing anyways, but even without the baby Jesus there would likely be some kind of midwinter frolic.

    Brumalia, Solis Invictis, Yule, and a dozen other pagan festivals pre-date Christmas. There is no biblical basis for December the 25th, but rather it was chosen because it coincided with a Roman holiday, thus allowing Christians to meet and celebrate without arousing suspicion (at that time Christianity was a banned religion in Rome).

    In short we're all celebrating a fine Pagan holiday.

  • 0

    Guza!

    This stuff really annoys me. Why can't these people keep religion out of Christmas and let people enjoy themseleves!

    Is'nt Xmas more of an more pagan holiday? ...not sure how christ fits into it, the bible never said when he was actually born. i heard rumours that it was sometime in August though but i do agree, Christmas should be a time for everyone to be happy.

  • 1

    HonestDictator

    @Horrified. Agreed. Its mostly the evangelists that are pushing the wrong kind of message and trying to intimidate others into Christianity by the "You're going to hell if you don't do this or you don't do that." Its sad to see that evangelists of this ilk have gone overseas. From your perspective as a Christian I'd suggest to take view that it is better for a "street preacher" to read directly from the bible instead of the evangelical take of shouting out, "you're all going to hell unless you accept Jesus as your lord and savior!"

    Yeah, that message always works well...

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