Toward Shinto-sensitive Christian Mission in Japan: The Critical Contextualization and Inculturation Approaches

Abstract

Christianity has struggled in Japan for centuries. A major part of the reason is the lack of cultural sensitivity in mission approaches. Any Christian mission approach in Japan must take the Shinto influence into consideration. Japanese culture has been shaped by other philosophical systems, such as Buddhism and Confucianism. However, Shintoism is the basis for the construction of this cultural identity.

This research seeks to explore Shinto-sensitive Christian missions in Japan. After a brief introduction to the history of Catholic and Protestant missions in Japan and their current challenges, this article compares two current missionary methodologies, inculturation (Catholic) and critical contextualization (Protestant). They are based on different theological lines, neoliberalism¹ and neo-orthodoxy.² Both suggest faith development while respecting and affirming the local culture. They acknowledge God’s revelation and celebrate His presence in a particular context. After this initial review, conventional ways are questioned, and a new proposal is suggested to combine both approaches by missionaries in Japan. Examples of missiological approaches to Shinto values used to build bridges are included in the last section.