CULTURAL BARRIERS TO THE GOSPEL IN JAPAN

Naoko Brown

In 1548, Anjiro said… “My people would not immediately

become Christians, but they would first ask you a multitude of questions, weighing carefully our answers and your claims. Above all, they would observe whether your conduct agrees with your words. If you should satisfy them on these points by suitable replies to their inquiries and by a life above reproach, then as soon as the matter was known and fully examined, the king, the nobles, and the educated people would become Christians. Six months would suffice; for the nation is one that always follows the guidance of reason.”

Main Religions in Japan

1. Shinto Indigenous to Japan 8 million gods No absolute “right” or “wrong”.

Main Religions in Japan

2. Buddhism Buddha never claimed deity Precepts to achieve Enlightenment. Over 90 million Japanese

Main Religions in Japan

3. Confucianism Philosophy than religion Influenced Japanese culture Harmony, consideration, courtesy,

hierarchy

History of Christianity in Japan

Keikyo Claim (70 AD) Francis Xavier (1549) Many martyred　 Now 1-2% of the population

Barriers to the Gospel

1. Exclusiveness of Christianity

Only One God = Arrogant Mixing and matching and covering all the

bases Attitudes

Loving culture, Fun, Family tradition, Too scared not to – spiritually bound

ShichigosanCelebration of children’s growth

JichinsaiAsk blessings

from the god of the land

ObonWelcoming ancestors’ spirits

2. Wariness and Apathy toward Religions

Historical background developed apathy

Cult scandals developed wariness Guarding heart: “Say no to religion”

Barriers to the Gospel

3. Becoming Christian = No more Japanese?

Christianity is a Western religion Stop taking care of ancestors? Are all of my ancestors in hell?

Barriers to the Gospel

Buddhism Family Alter (Butusudan)

Shinto Godshelf (Kamidana)

4. Not sure what SIN is. “Are you calling me a

criminal?”

God is Holy and Perfect. Not only actions, but the heart as well We cannot cleanse ourselves!

Barriers to the Gospel

5. Free Gift of Grace. Really?

Obligation rather than Freedom Performance-oriented society Hard to grasp the concept of God’s

Grace.

Barriers to the Gospel

6. What is Unconditional Love?

Not good at expressing LOVE Not enough Praise for each other Humble or ungrateful?

Barriers to the Gospel

7. Honne and Tatemae “True Feelings” vs “Public Façades”

Don’t be quick to judge Read body language Patiently develop a friendship

Barriers to the Gospel

It comes down to….

Friendship Evangelism: Love them

unconditionally! His Word Cultural Specific Evangelism PRAYERS!