SHINTO

I.         Introduction to Shinto

A.      Shinto is specifically and only a religion of Japan.

B.     Shinto means “the way of the gods.”

C.     Shinto goes back to ancient times. It has no specific founder.

D.    During its early period, Shinto had no name, fixed doctrine, moral precepts, or sacred writings.

E.     Worship centers on kami– spirits that abide in natural objects such as mountains, rocks, storms, heavenly bodies, etc.

F.      In the 6th century AD, the name “Shinto” was created to distinguish this religion from Buddhism and Confucianism.

G.    Shinto became overshadowed by Buddhism.

H.    Buddhist priests became the custodians of Shinto shrines.

I.        Until the 18th century, Buddhism dominated Shinto.

J.        In the 18th century, Shinto was revived as the national religion of Japan.

K.    Motivated by reverence for Japanese antiquity and hatred for foreign ideas, Shinto leaders prepared the way for the disestablishment of Buddhism and the adoption of Shinto as the state religion.

L.     In 1867, the emperor was restored as head of the Japanese government.

M.   From 1868 to 1945, under the Japanese imperial government, Shinto was Japan’s state religion.

N.    After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the occupation government separated Shinto from state support.

O.    The sovereignty of the emperor rested in the view that he was a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, the founder of Japan.  Related beliefs included:

1.      The Japanese were superior to other peoples because of their descent from the gods.

2.      The emperor was destined to rule over the entire world.

P.     Until the defeat of Japan in World War II, these beliefs were important in assuring support for the military expansion of the Japanese Empire.

II.     Shinto writings

A.    Shinto has no official Scripture.

B.     Two books have special standing

1.      Kojiki— “Record of Ancient Matters.”  (Finished in 712 B.C. Kojiki is the oldest surviving book in Japan)

2.      Nihongi – “Chronicles of Japan.”

III.   Worldview of Shinto

A.    Absolute

1.      Worship has been focused on Amaterasu-Omikami—goddess of the sun.

a)      This deity is partial to the people of Japan.

b)     Emperors were sometimes worshiped since they were considered descendants of the goddess of the sun.

2.      Kami—Natural and supernatural persons and powers worshiped in Shinto.

a)      Kami are present everywhere, in nature and in people.

b)     Reverence for great powers found in nature.

B.     The World

1.       The Japanese islands are regarded as sacred.

2.      They are the gift of Amaterasu.

C.     Humans

1.      Shinto is concerned with the Japanese peoples rather than humanity.

2.      Humans are servants of family, state, and ancestors. To fail to do what is best for these groups is considered disgraceful.

D.    Problem for humans  The problem is alienation.

1.      Estrangement from kami.

2.      Estrangement from family, ancestors, community, or emperor through failure.

E.     Solution for humans   The solution for humans is reconciliation.

1.      Purification at a shrine

2.      Prayers

3.      Reverence for ancestors

4.      Heroic deeds

5.      Ritual suicide

F.      Community and ethics 

1.      Devotion to family and country governs all conduct.

2.      Shintoists avoid selfishness for the good of the larger group.

G.    Life After Death

1.      At death, body is cremated.

2.      The departed joins his or her ancestors.

3.      Departed ancestors know what family is doing.

4.      Departed can receive gifts from family members.

H.    Other Religions

1.      Shinto has never sought converts outside Japan.

2.      Over 99 percent of Shintoists live in Japan.

3.      Except for brief periods, Japanese have often been both Shinto and Buddhist.

4.      In the mid-1990s 110 million Japanese participated in various Shinto sects, but those who professed Shinto as their major religion numbered 3.4 million.

5.      Shinto sects have approximately 90,000 priests and 81,000 shrines.

6.      Shintoists and Buddhists comprise 80% of religious population in Japan.

7.       Approximately 25,000 people in North America practice Shinto.

I.        Rituals

1.      Pilgrimages are important

2.      Prayers of thanksgiving

3.       Rites include:

a)      Offerings of valuables, such as swords and armor.

b)     Purification from crime and defilement.

4.      Bushido Code – stressed loyalty of the warrior to his lord. Should the warrior fail in his mission, he was required to commit hara-kiri—ritual suicide.