Shinto
Brief History of Shinto:
Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion. Starting about 500 BCE it was originally "an amorphous mix of nature worship, fertility cults, divination techniques, hero worship, and shamanism." Its name was derived from the Chinese words "shin tao" (The Way of the Gods) in the 8th Century CE. At that time divine origins were ascribed to the imperial family. Shinto established itself as the official religion of Japan, along with Buddhism.
"Shinto has no real founder, no written scriptures, no body of religious law, and only a very loosely-organized priesthood."
Shinto Beliefs:
Most Japanese citizens follow two religions: both Shinto and Buddhism. Buddhism first arrived in Japan from Korea and China during the 8th century CE. The two religions share a basic optimism about human nature, and for the world. Within Shinto, the Buddha was viewed as another "Kami" (nature deity). Meanwhile, Buddhism in Japan regarded the Kami as being manifestations of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Shinto does not have as fully developed a theology as do most other religions. Their religious texts discuss the "High Plain of Heaven" and the "Dark Land" which is an unclean land of the dead, but give few details. Shinto creation stories tell of the history and lives of the "Kami." The Sun Goddess is regarded as the chief deity.
There are no concepts which compare to the Christian beliefs in the wrath of God, His omnipotence and omni-presence, or the separation of God from humanity due to sin.
Ancestors are deeply revered and worshipped. All of humanity is regarded as "Kami's child." Thus all human life and human nature is sacred. Morality is based upon that which is of benefit to the group. "Shinto emphasizes right practice, sensibility, and attitude." (2)
There are "Four Affirmations"in Shinto: tradition and the family, love of nature, physical cleanliness, and "Matsuri" (worship of gods and ancestral spirits).
Shinto Practices:
Shinto recognizes many sacred places: mountains, springs, etc. Each shrine is dedicated to a specific Kami who has a divine personality and responds to sincere prayers of the faithful. In the past, believers practiced "misogi,", the washing of their bodies in a river near the shrine. Believers respect animals as messengers of the Gods. Shrine ceremonies, which include cleansing, offerings, prayers, and dances are directed to the Kami. Seasonal celebrations are held at spring planting, fall harvest, and special anniversaries of the history of a shrine or of a local patron spirit.
Shinto Texts:
Many texts are valued in the Shinto religion. Most date from the 8th century CE: The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters), The Rokkokushi (Six National Histories), The Shoku Nihongi and its Nihon Shoki (Continuing Chronicles of Japan), and The Jinno Shotoki (a study of Shinto and Japanese politics and history).
Number of Adherents:
Estimates of the number of adherents are hopelessly unreliable. Some sources give numbers in the range of 2.8 to 3.2 million. One states that 40% of Japanese adults follow Shinto; that would account for about 50 million adherents. Others state that about 86% of Japanese adults follow a combination of Shinto and Buddhism; that would put the number of followers of Shinto at 107 million.
Some Internet References:
Shinto
Trincoll.edu
Brief History of Shinto:
Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion. Starting about 500 BCE it was originally "an amorphous mix of nature worship, fertility cults, divination techniques, hero worship, and shamanism." Its name was derived from the Chinese words "shin tao" (The Way of the Gods) in the 8th Century CE. At that time divine origins were ascribed to the imperial family. Shinto established itself as the official religion of Japan, along with Buddhism.
"Shinto has no real founder, no written scriptures, no body of religious law, and only a very loosely-organized priesthood."
Shinto Beliefs:
Most Japanese citizens follow two religions: both Shinto and Buddhism. Buddhism first arrived in Japan from Korea and China during the 8th century CE. The two religions share a basic optimism about human nature, and for the world. Within Shinto, the Buddha was viewed as another "Kami" (nature deity). Meanwhile, Buddhism in Japan regarded the Kami as being manifestations of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Shinto does not have as fully developed a theology as do most other religions. Their religious texts discuss the "High Plain of Heaven" and the "Dark Land" which is an unclean land of the dead, but give few details. Shinto creation stories tell of the history and lives of the "Kami." The Sun Goddess is regarded as the chief deity.
There are no concepts which compare to the Christian beliefs in the wrath of God, His omnipotence and omni-presence, or the separation of God from humanity due to sin.
Ancestors are deeply revered and worshipped. All of humanity is regarded as "Kami's child." Thus all human life and human nature is sacred. Morality is based upon that which is of benefit to the group. "Shinto emphasizes right practice, sensibility, and attitude." (2)
There are "Four Affirmations"in Shinto: tradition and the family, love of nature, physical cleanliness, and "Matsuri" (worship of gods and ancestral spirits).
Shinto Practices:
Shinto recognizes many sacred places: mountains, springs, etc. Each shrine is dedicated to a specific Kami who has a divine personality and responds to sincere prayers of the faithful. In the past, believers practiced "misogi,", the washing of their bodies in a river near the shrine. Believers respect animals as messengers of the Gods. Shrine ceremonies, which include cleansing, offerings, prayers, and dances are directed to the Kami. Seasonal celebrations are held at spring planting, fall harvest, and special anniversaries of the history of a shrine or of a local patron spirit.
Shinto Texts:
Many texts are valued in the Shinto religion. Most date from the 8th century CE: The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters), The Rokkokushi (Six National Histories), The Shoku Nihongi and its Nihon Shoki (Continuing Chronicles of Japan), and The Jinno Shotoki (a study of Shinto and Japanese politics and history).
Number of Adherents:
Estimates of the number of adherents are hopelessly unreliable. Some sources give numbers in the range of 2.8 to 3.2 million. One states that 40% of Japanese adults follow Shinto; that would account for about 50 million adherents. Others state that about 86% of Japanese adults follow a combination of Shinto and Buddhism; that would put the number of followers of Shinto at 107 million.
Some Internet References:
Shinto
Trincoll.edu