Cultural Criticism Of Shinto

Shinto, a religion traced back to indigenous Japan, is one of Japan’s major religions with around 3,000,000 followers (Susumu, 2009). Shinto means “the way of the gods” (Susumu, 2009). Shinto indigenous religion is one that is considered to have developed over time rather than being founded. With no founder and no holy scriptures, Shinto is based in traditions and culture (Susumu, 2009). Traced back to at least the 8th century BCE, Shinto was the official state religion of Japan until after WWII (Susumu, 2009). Shinto is uniquely Japanese and has had a major influence in developing attitudes and sensitivities in Japan (Susumu, 2009). Early in the 7th century BCE, Buddhism and Shintoism began to intertwine, and together they have been

This is because Shintoism is so rooted in traditions and culture. Another criticism of Shinto is that it is said to be too close to the state and that rather than a true religion, it operates under the government’s thumb (Boyd & Williams, 2005). Shintoists believe that cooperation with other religions and other people will ultimately lead to peaceful coexistence in the world for all humans. Although Shintoism is different from the other religions we have covered in this course as of yet as as it is more of a folk religion, or one that is passed on through traditions rather than sacred texts, it is important to study because of their peaceful existence and ability to survive through centuries without sacred texts or doctrines.

References:

Boyd, J. W., & Williams, R. C. (2005). Japanese Shintō: An Interpretation of a Priestly Perspective. Philosophy East & West, 55(1), 33-63.

Susumu, S. (2009). State Shinto in the Lives of the People. Japanese Journal Of Religious Studies, 36(1), 93-124.

Thal, S. (2006). SHINTO: BEYOND “JAPAN’S INDIGENOUS RELIGION”. Religious Studies Review, 32(3), 145-150.