This book discusses literary criticism, especially Japanese literature, from the perspective of the theme of "religious salvation." As such, my discussion focuses on two writers--Miyazawa Kenji, a Buddhist, and Endo Shusaku, a Christian. Their works appear to reflect their religious experiences strongly. I have endeavored to discuss this point in detail. The final appendix is an examination of the "simple religious belief of Japanese people" that these two writers have in common and flows as a deep undercurrent.