The Tokyo government recently surveyed 10 million of its residents, with the goal of gaining a better understanding of their religious beliefs. If you live in North America - you may be surprised to find out that they had over 22 million responses – and are probably asking yourself how they did the math. It seems that most Japanese people do not limit themselves to one religion; it isn’t unusual for them to be part of the Shinto, Buddhist, and Christian faiths.
I personally think they are on to something and believe that we can learn a great deal by their example. If there is one thing I have discovered from my travels, it’s that we are all seeking the same truth. Is it arrogant to think that one religion has a monopoly on god? Could it be possible that we are all talking to the same Great Spirit, just in different languages, with an outcome that reflects our culture and different histories?
Inspired by the Japanese example, I made a pilgrimage to Meiji Jingu, a local Shinto shrine. I purified myself with water - saying prayers for my family and friends – especially for little Tex, who hasn’t been doing very well lately. As I was leaving a large black bird started to sing, leaving me with a feeling of great joy and peace.
I personally think they are on to something and believe that we can learn a great deal by their example. If there is one thing I have discovered from my travels, it’s that we are all seeking the same truth. Is it arrogant to think that one religion has a monopoly on god? Could it be possible that we are all talking to the same Great Spirit, just in different languages, with an outcome that reflects our culture and different histories?
Inspired by the Japanese example, I made a pilgrimage to Meiji Jingu, a local Shinto shrine. I purified myself with water - saying prayers for my family and friends – especially for little Tex, who hasn’t been doing very well lately. As I was leaving a large black bird started to sing, leaving me with a feeling of great joy and peace.
3 comments:
I did some research on Shinto which is strictly a Japanese religion and also compatable with Buddahism. Only 1% of Japan is Christian but the Shinto religion often pays respect to other religions. The religion of Shinto is entirely incompatible with biblical Christianity. First, the idea that the Japanese people and their land are favored above all others contradicts the Bible’s teaching that the Jews are the chosen people of God “For you are a holy people to Jehovah your God. Jehovah your God has chosen you to be a special people to Himself above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6). However, though the Jews are God’s chosen people, they have never been designated as better than any other people, and the Bible does not teach that they were directly descended from gods, as Shinto teaches.
Second, the Bible is clear that there are not many gods, but one God (“I am Jehovah, and there is none else, no god beside Me” (Isaiah 45:5), and that He is not an impersonal force, but rather a loving and caring Father God to those who fear Him. (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). He alone created the universe and He alone reigns sovereignly over it. The idea of gods that inhabit rocks, trees and animals combines two different falsehoods: polytheism (many gods) and animism (the presence of gods in objects). These are lies from the father of lies, Satan, who “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Third, Shintoism fosters the type of pride and feelings of superiority in the Japanese people that are condemned in Scripture. God hates pride because it is the very thing that keeps people from seeking Him with their whole hearts (Psalm 10:4). In addition, the teachings of the basic goodness and divine origin of the Japanese people precludes their need for a Savior. This is the natural consequence of assuming one’s race is of divine origin. The Bible states unequivocally that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), that we all need a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and that there is “no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
While Shinto teaches that the kami might commune with those who have made themselves worthy through ritual purification, the God of the Bible promises to be present to anyone who calls upon Him for forgiveness. No amount of personal purification (a form of salvation by works) will make a person worthy of the presence of God in his life. Only faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross can accomplish cleansing from sin and make us acceptable to a holy God. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
So even though it may seem that Japan believes in many religions, they are actually just paying respects and that is entirely different than believing.
Hey Mika. Glad that you're enjoying exploring that amazing country and its traditions, culture etc. I love reading your open-minded interpretations and explorations and look forward to speaking in person soon - when are you back home? I hope Tex is feeling much better soon - sending him much love from Maggy and me.
Your openmindedness ( is that supposed to be one word?!) is so refreshing Mika and I envy your opportunities to experience other cultures and their teachings! We all have so much to learn about our world and the beliefs of others. I remember a drama/social studies teacher I had in highschool gave us an assignment that counted for almost 80% of our final mark. He said we had to go to church every weekend for the next 6 Sundays.....a different church of a different religion. We had to go with an open mind and heart. We had to study the physical aspect of each house of worship and it's opulence or lack thereof and listen to the different music and words of worship. We had to speak to the preacher/rabbi/minister/guru and ask questions. Thank you Mr Agrell Smith....I have never forgotten that experience.....the best lesson I learned in school!
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