Church History for Chumps 41. The 26 Martyrs of Japan: A Pilgrimage to the Cross
Apr 5, 2024
Annie Valencia, longtime listener and co-host who offers reflective context on church history and ethics. They trace 16th-century Japan from rapid Christian growth to violent backlash. Stories include the San Felipe scandal, the brutal march to Nagasaki, the crucifixion of the 26 martyrs, and the centuries-long survival of hidden Christians.
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Rapid Early Growth Of Japanese Christianity
- Francis Xavier introduced Catholicism to Japan in 1549 and it spread rapidly within a generation.
- Estimates suggest hundreds of thousands up to a million Japanese converted before persecution intensified.
Political Fear Drove Early Japanese Bans
- Toyotomi Hideyoshi moved from curiosity to suspicion about Christianity because converted daimyo grew intolerant toward native religions.
- The 1587 ban reflected political fears that European missions could precede conquest.
San Felipe Shipwreck Sparked Suspicion
- The San Felipe incident began when a Spanish ship wrecked and its captain allegedly hinted missionaries paved the way for conquest.
- That remark convinced Hideyoshi that European missionaries masked imperial intentions.
