There are many people who ask what religion can do in such a secular age. My views on that are the following. World religions provide a common yet unchanging foundation of value systems; that is to say, they assert absolute values. On that foundation all the governments must realize true harmony, with a proper value system science and technology should guide humankind in a valuable direction, all the culture sphere on earth should be purified and uplifted through a tradition centered on God, that tradition should belong to all people, and the religions should make sure that the tradition is transmitted from generation to generation.

Truly I can say to you, this kind of ideal is the establishing of God's Kingdom of Heaven on earth. I believe this is possible. Some people assess me as too idealistic, and I acknowledge that. But I have no other choice, because God called me and gave me this kind of mission. Up until now I have not just taught about God's ideal; I have dedicated my life to the work of realizing God's Will on earth. During that time the missionary work, educational work, scholastic work, victory over communism work, harmony that I promoted among the denominations and churches, and the social service activities were all for that. Among these many areas, what I want to stress is the harmony among the denominations and churches. One substantial problem that humankind is facing today is the present situation of mutual lack of understanding brewing within each of the world's religions, among the religions, and among the many Christian denominations.

In spite of many varied efforts to solve these problems, the antagonism and hostility of the religious associations continue unchanged. Religious wars, which occurred over the past many centuries, are still not over today. There have been many movements for mutual understanding, but between sincere believers, there still prevails indifference, religious narrow-mindedness, and the tendency for religious pride. Even though most religious groups actually worship the same God and some even share doctrine, religious people continue to oppose each other and to act like enemies. We must come to realize the truth that God is beyond denominationalism, doctrines or sectarianism. God's purpose has always been to save all of humankind; it has not been to save just one special people or race or religious organization. God's purpose has not changed up to this moment.

If, as religious people, we do not stop these fights and antagonistic actions between ourselves, we will not be able to help God save the world. Many religious leaders have felt keenly about this, but because of many complicated problems the solution suffered frequent setbacks. What I have stressed all along is that harmony between the religions is a necessary condition for world peace. Because it was impossible until now for any one religion to be the complete spokesman for God, the varied interpretations that the religions have are inevitable outcomes. But for the reason that we are all the children of one heavenly parent, we are all brothers and sisters within one extended family. Accordingly, between religions there is no need for conflict and hatred. (133-273)