Mix of Shinto/Buddhism/Christianity in Japanese culture

[KarenNC]

I see there is at least one person on the forum who is living in Japan. I would be interested in hearing about how you see the way in which Shinto, Buddhism and (to a lesser extent from what I read) Christianity are mingled in Japanese culture.

Do you see this mix occurring in those who identify primarily as Christian? If so, do you think the mix is more common among Protestant or Catholic or is there a difference? Or is the mix really limited to things liike weddings where it may be only the outward forms of Christianity that are being used without a belief structure being involved?

What do you perceive as the attitude of Buddhist and Shinto toward Christianity? Do the attitudes differ about Protestant vs. Catholic?

 

[seansmom]

This is only my observation, perhaps someone with a more theological attitude would answer this differently.

I have had Japanese nationals drop by with Jehohav’s Witness literature. My next door neighbors are Mormon and from what I have seen their churches are attended with a decent sized national congregation but are predominately non-native. Most are Japanese who have married into their faith tradition. It seems as if the Christian message or the message of living a good life and a Heavenly Father is not something objected to by the ones I have been able to speak with.

I don’t see the mix ocurring primarily as Christians, what I think I see is it occurs in the ones who identify strongly with American culture. Christmas is celebrated widely here, but they are not honoring the baby Jesus during this time. Rarely am I asked a question about a faith tradition, I am frequently asked about stateside traditions. When there is a mix it does seem to lean towards Protestant (I often think they would find the Eucharist puzzling) but most I have asked do not understand the difference. They see Christian as Christian and not about a denomination.

Sadly, just like in the states, there are non-natives here who come prepared to explain the difference between a Christian and a Catholic, but I don’t think the Japanese Christians really buy into it unless they are married into it.

My perceptions about Buddhists and Shintos towards me as a Christian/Catholic/American is very much live and let live. They highly value respect and integrity so they probably don’t concern themselves unless or until they see some questionable character flaw that causes them alarm.

I see there is at least one person on the forum who is living in Japan. I would be interested in hearing about how you see the way in which Shinto, Buddhism and (to a lesser extent from what I read) Christianity are mingled in Japanese culture.

Do you see this mix occurring in those who identify primarily as Christian? If so, do you think the mix is more common among Protestant or Catholic or is there a difference? Or is the mix really limited to things liike weddings where it may be only the outward forms of Christianity that are being used without a belief structure being involved?

What do you perceive as the attitude of Buddhist and Shinto toward Christianity? Do the attitudes differ about Protestant vs. Catholic?