Search results

An exploration of Soka Gakkai International in the UK (SGI-UK) notes that when the movement emerged in the early 1960s, the class structure was undergoing radical change, & there was revived optimism, increasing secularization, & a new diversity of religions. Openness to varied lifestyles allowed imported spiritual ideas to lessen Christianity's dominance of the religious sphere, & shifts in the ascetic Christian ethic, coupled with growing hedonism, left a spiritual vacuum that eased the way for groups like Soka Gakkai. Early members were mostly Japanese wives of British businessmen but increasing numbers of non-Japanese citizens became converts. Sources of Soka Gakkai's appeal are discussed, & results from an early 1990s survey of 620 SGI-UK members are used to present a membership profile. Although the gender ratio was similar to that of other religions, SGI-UK included a disproportionate number of immigrants from a wide variety of countries. The quality of the people was reported as the most important factor for joining, while self-confidence, self-control, & peace of mind were highlighted as benefits of membership. J. Lindroth