Roberta Stephens

By George Gallup, Jr.
Chairman, The George H. Gallup International Institute

This report covers an extensive study of the attitudes, value and beliefs of the people of great nation of Japan, with a special focus on the religious and spiritual benefits of the populace. Included in this study were surveys of teens and pre teens, because as someone has noted, young people represent 40% of the world’s population but 100% of the future. In examining current attitudes and behavior of younger people we can note emerging trends. Surveys can serve as an “early warning system”, if you will. In my 50 years of polling, there has been no study that I would consider as important as this one, because it not only provides you with new insight into a fascinating culture (and one that is mysterious to outsiders in some ways), but also because thee survey findings point to ways that evangelistic strategies can be put in place. As a survey researcher, I am of course dedicated to total objectivity in question wording, and other aspects of survey research. As a Christian, I am keenly interested in the prospects of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in Japan. I believe that the most important discovery one can make in life is the discovery that one can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and it is my constant hope and prayer that every person in the world will come not only to know about Jesus Christ, but to know him as his or Lord and Savior. I would also like to say that it has been a joy and great blessing for me to work will Bill McKay and Tom Ivy, Avid Lewis, Grant McKay, Mark Joseph, and Matt Norquist on this important, groundbreaking study. These are men of great integrity and solid faith. Through them I have learned a great deal about the history of Japan and the changes that have come about in the Japanese culture since World War II.
Continue reading Spreading the Gospel in Japan: Severe Challenges, But Exciting Opportunities