Buddhist Priest Slams Monotheism

August 2, 2010

Yuzui Murata, the chief priest of Nichiren Shoshu Myosenji Temple of Silver Spring, MD, issued scathing remarks about monotheism in a sermon he delivered on July 11th, 2010. 

Interspersed within a lengthy explanation of the “Five Impurities of Thought,” Murata characterized Christianity, Judaism, and Islam as “truly erroneous and misleading religions [that] are responsible for so many of the sufferings and uncertainties which seem to be multiplying in this country and throughout the world.” 

Murata further claimed “these inferior religions continue to make extremely negative causes for the people who believe in them.”  He advised more people to join his temple “so they, too, can fundamentally cleanse from their lives the erroneous belief systems which are continuing to keep them imprisoned within their own private hell.”

“We are not the mindless and powerless puppets these erroneous religions would have us believe,” stated Murata. His sect, he urged, does not “produce the guilt, fear or helplessness which are characteristic of monotheistic belief systems.”

Murata’s comments contrast harshly to Montgomery County policies which are supportive of its rapidly increasing diversity.  County Executive Leggett affirmed in May, “My administration is committed to promoting diversity in Montgomery County, which is already one of the most diverse communities in the country. Our residents come from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds to work together to make Montgomery County a better place to live and work.”

Murata’s Silver Spring temple burned in a fire on October 12, 2009.