J-CATS Japanese Contextual and Theological Studies

questions from Kosuke Koyama's Water Buffalo Theology concerning the circular and linear concepts of time, and how they impact eastern thought, and what the Bible says about them.

Welcome back for season 2! After a long layoff we're ready to roll again, starting with an interview with Yurika Dedachi! Yurika grew up in an evangelical church in Japan, went to International Christian University in Tokyo, and is now studying Intercultural Theology at the University of Göttingen in Germany!

Looking at highlights from Masao Takenaka's book(let) 'God is Rice' which discusses Rational vs. Experiential approaches to theology, Village Mentality, and What Asian Art says about cultures.

Today we talk with pastor Matsuda again, this time about the traditional 'go to heaven' approach to evangelism. What is 'eternal life'? What about 'eternal life' is appealing to Japanese compared to what is appealing to Western believers? Also, how to engage Japanese on issues of disagreement between Christianity and native religions! you can email Jon at jcatsjapan@gmail.com

Today we talk with Pastor Matsuda, who serves at an international church in Tokyo, and also meets with 'seekers' who don't know how to approach the traditional church due to fears of overbearing leadership, cult behavior and post-COVID anxiety. He ministers to these 'hiding seekers' through SNS, Twitter and Zoom. He also runs RAC-Network (Rethinking Authentic Christianity), where you can purchase some really great contextualization materials! https://rac-network.com/

Today Jon goes over 'the first significant communication of authentic, first-rate Japanese theology to the West." Kazoh Kitamori's Theology of the Pain of God is widely viewed in the global theological community as a theology that comes from a deep understanding of Japanese thought. On the other hand, for various reasons, it isn't very popular in Japanese churches. So should missionaries even bother? Jon thinks we should, and gives an overview of the why, what and how of this exemplary work.

Today we speak with Tsuji Sensei, a 33 year old pastor about a contextualized theological education delivery system, felt needs of Japanese young people, and cooperation between pastors and missionaries, Also Kohei joins us, and we ask the audience, 'what do you do with Judas?'

Dive into the fascinating cultural landscape of Christianity in Japan. Discover unique interpretations of original sin and the complexities between a holy God and humanity. Listen as the speaker discusses culturally sensitive theology, blending Japanese perspectives with Christian concepts. Explore terms that resonate more deeply with local beliefs and the nature of forgiveness. Through engaging stories and language insights, this conversation bridges gaps, inviting listeners to rethink their understanding of faith.

Dr. Kai Akagi gives an overview of the Sapporo Band, a group the first generation of protestants in Japan including Kanzo Uchimura and Inazo Nitobe (author of Bushido). Recommended book: A History of Japanese Theology, edited by Yasuo Furuya

Dr. Kai Akagi joins us again for a second round of first generation protestants in Japan, as we take a look at the Kumamoto band, Ebina Danjo and the beginning of Doshisha University. Also, a fighting Samurai woman who was the first 'Christian bride' in Japanese history!