Kanamori's Life Story: How the Higher Criticism Wrecked a Japanese Christian; and How He Came Back

As a young believer, Kanamori experienced a powerful revival and went on to serve as a missionary to his own people. However, over time, he fell away and became a prodigal. In the book, Kanamori shares how he was led astray by the higher criticism movement—a school of thought that caused him not only to question God’s Word but to doubt its authority, deny its truth.

As I read about his spiritual drift, I was reminded of people I know today. Some now question foundational biblical truths, claiming that Adam and Eve were not real people, or they’ve embraced theistic evolution. Is there hope for them?
Kanamori describes his journey through doubt and denial of Scripture, but his story does not conclude in despair. Even after 20 years of grappling with skepticism and theological error, he was brought back to a firm faith and full restoration.
This provides me with great encouragement to continue praying for those who have strayed from God's Word—there is always hope for their restoration as well.