Naoko Brown. “ My people would not immediately become Christians, but they would first ask you a...
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![Page 1: Naoko Brown. “ My people would not immediately become Christians, but they would first ask you a multitude of questions, weighing carefully our answers.](https://reader034.fdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022051415/56649d045503460f949d809b/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
CULTURAL BARRIERS TO THE GOSPEL IN JAPAN
Naoko Brown
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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.”
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Main Religions in Japan
1. Shinto Indigenous to Japan 8 million gods No absolute “right” or “wrong”.
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Main Religions in Japan
2. Buddhism Buddha never claimed deity Precepts to achieve Enlightenment. Over 90 million Japanese
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Main Religions in Japan
3. Confucianism Philosophy than religion Influenced Japanese culture Harmony, consideration, courtesy,
hierarchy
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History of Christianity in Japan
Keikyo Claim (70 AD) Francis Xavier (1549) Many martyred Now 1-2% of the population
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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
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ShichigosanCelebration of children’s growth
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JichinsaiAsk blessings
from the god of the land
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ObonWelcoming ancestors’ spirits
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2. Wariness and Apathy toward Religions
Historical background developed apathy
Cult scandals developed wariness Guarding heart: “Say no to religion”
Barriers to the Gospel
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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
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Buddhism Family Alter (Butusudan)
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Shinto Godshelf (Kamidana)
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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
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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
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6. What is Unconditional Love?
Not good at expressing LOVE Not enough Praise for each other Humble or ungrateful?
Barriers to the Gospel
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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
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It comes down to….
Friendship Evangelism: Love them
unconditionally! His Word Cultural Specific Evangelism PRAYERS!