Shintoism

- by alison

Before I begin, I should tell you that I found most of this information in Josh McDowell's "A Ready Defense," Fodor's "Exploring Japan, " and a Japanese encyclopedia. I'm still learning, of course, but I'd like to just give you a taste of what Shintoism means.

Shinto is the official religion of Japan, and it is unique to this country. It is one of the world's oldest religions, yet it's probably not like any you've studied. It is known by the Japanese as Kami-no-Michi, or "The Way of the Gods". Shintoism can be regarded as two-sided: on one hand, it is a loosely structured set of practices, creeds, and attitudes rooted in local communities, and on the other it is a strictly defined religion at the level of the imperial line and the state.

Shinto followers worship Kami, the spirit god, who is manifested in the nature around them, including rocks, trees, mountains, rivers, and animals. The power of Kami, and all other deities come from Amaterasu, the sun-goddess.

Throughout history, Japanese school children were taught that the emperors descended from Amaterasu, the sun-goddess. Thus, the emperors were divinely appointed to rule Japan. However, at the end of W.W.II, this idea of divine imperial rule was disestablished by Emperor Hirohito himself, who announced in a radio broadcast that he was NOT in fact, divinely appointed as ruler.

Many Japanese today speak of Shinto as more of tradition and ceremony, rather than a religion. It has been combined with other religions such as Buddhism and Confucianism for hundreds of years, and now it is difficult to distinguish among the many layers and overlaps. The rituals and ceremonies are just that--rituals out of tradition in order to receive a blessing, but not out of a deep belief or conviction.

Shinto shrines are in neighborhoods all over Japan. Offerings are made to ancestors or the guardian spirits of the shrine. In order to cleanse themselves before making an offering, Shinto worshipers will rinse their hands and mouth with water from a fountain or trough near the entrance. Then they will stand in front of the shrine, and clap their hands three times to attract the gods. A silent prayer is offered, as well as money, fruit, or incense.