J-CATS Japanese Contextual and Theological Studies

at a denominational anniversary celebration in Sendai, I surveyed 34 attendees to ask what they find is attractive about Christianity. The results are in the video.

Today I have a conversation with pastor Kentaro Matsuda about how he reaches people who haven't lost their faith, but have stepped away from church. He recently translated Frank Viola's 'Pagan Christianity' into Japanese, and we talk about that too.

Martin Heisswolf, a seasoned missionary in Japan and current dean of missiology, shares rich insights from his journey since 1991. He delves into the intricate relationship between Japanese animism and evangelism, highlighting challenges like 'split-level Christianity.' Heisswolf emphasizes the importance of understanding Japanese cultural beliefs, such as ancestor veneration, to engage effectively in outreach. The discussion also touches on the evolving perspectives of salvation among Japanese youth and the significance of genuine faith over mere ritual adherence.

In 1999 the Association of Shinto Shrines printed a pamphlet in English entitled Shinto Beliefs, I go over the 5 pillars, and talk a little bit more about Nishitani's Understanding Japaneseness, which discusses Shinto in the Epilogue.

Today we look at Kosuke Nishitani's 'Understanding Japaneseness' (link below). Nishitani argues that Maternal-Filial Affection is THE key point of a framework of Nipponjinron (think 'Japanology'). As a pastor as well as a scholar, he also gives his thought on the problem of Japaneseness. Might it lead to a 'Japanese' apologetic? Understanding Japaneseness - https://www.google.co.jp/books/edition/Understanding_Japaneseness/VqcDDQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 -Also- Join us August 17th for a Missiology Seminar at Ochanomizu Christian Center! Here's the flyer for more info and RSVP. https://mailchi.mp/jema/free-missiology-seminar-with-dr-martin-heisswolf?e=3a9f8cceb4

In today's video I examine and condense Mattari Seisho Labo's four-part series on Shichihei Yamamoto's Nihonkyo (Japanism). Nihonkyo is the idea that all Japanese adhere to an under the surface 'religion', even Japanese who are members of religions such as Buddhism, Shinto and even Christianity. Mattari Seisho Labo's Nihonkyo videos are listed below: 1 - https://youtu.be/sJf9nK8qVco?si=MY-XWJfRXsz-Dieq 2 - https://youtu.be/_8c5rjGiYw4?si=g349uI68dU20J19Z 3 - https://youtu.be/9dAuIeWDRjI?si=CrxZiwsw-8-O4v5X 4 - https://youtu.be/LdZ0uBTQrnk?si=rKQ1hcGGCC9_5NqC

In today's episode we look at a round-table discusison found in 'Senkyogaku Readings' the same collection from which the article 'the Sermon contextualized to Japan' discussed in the previous episode, was taken. Again, the book can be purchased from the RAC Network store here: https://rac-network.com/?p=563

What would a distinctly Japanese sermon sound like? What can missionaries adjust to make their sermons less Western and more in tune with the Japnese mind? In today's episode I look at Mitsuo Fukuda's entry 'The Japan-contextualized Sermon' from Missiological readings (宣教学リーディングす), published by RAC Network (www.rac-network.com) Fukuda Sensei is a longtime Bible scholar and missiologist, and has written much on the topic of the Japanese contextual church. His book 'Developing a Contextualized Church as a Bridge to Christianity in Japan' is available on kindle or paperback and is highly recommended.

What is hard about ministry in Japan? What advice do you have for missionaries? My friend asked a Japanese pastor in his 70's these questions at a missionary and pastor meeting this week, and I grabbed my notebook and wrote down his answers, which I share here.

Justin Lau is a Singaporean Christian who grew up in Tokyo, and has since studied theology at Cranmer Hall in the UK, where he is currently a worship pastor. Justin talks about his journey toward understanding what it is for him to be an East Asian Christian, how having awareness of decolonised theology can help us better reach the Japanese, and how the Global Church can bless the Western Church. Justin's substack: https://decolonisingmyfaith.substack.com/