Japanese Religion : Unity and Diversity (Religious Life in History Series.)

Rating:
Summary: Helpful Beyond Mere Description
Review: This is a very helpful book in understanding the Japanese religious experience, due to its historical focus. Rather than merely describing Shinto, Confucianism, Buddhism and Christianity, it follows the history of these religions as they are introduced into Japan, interact with each other, and become indiginized. This allows the reader to see the context within which different aspects of each faith were accepted, rejected and changed. You end up not only knowing what happened, but why. The book concludes with an assessment of how the religions have changed under the impact of modern culture. Crowning a job already well done, there is an extensive, topical annotated bibliography to guide you in further study.