Buddhism and Christianity in Japan : : From Conflict to Dialogue, 1854–1899 / / Notto R. Thelle.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter University of Hawaii Press Archive eBook-Package Pre-2000
• VerfasserIn: Thelle, Notto R.,
• Place / Publishing House: Honolulu : : University of Hawaii Press, , [2021]; ©1987
• Year of Publication: 2021
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (368 p.)

The modern dialogue between Buddhism and Christianity in Japan is reaching new depths and insights and is being recognized today as a challenging and promising point of contact between two cultures. This volume is based on the premise that an understand­ing of the past is important for meaningful interaction in the present. By placing the Buddhist-Christian dialogue in historical perspective, the author provides an essential element for critical and creative reflection on today's dialogue.Thelle's historical examination begins with the arrival of Francis Xavier in 1549, which initiated the "Christian century." However, his main emphasis is on the nineteenth century, when relations between the two reli­gions moved from confrontation to conciliation. The opening of Japan in 1854 initiated a confrontation that was more than a reli­gious conflict; the meeting of the two faiths was part of an all-inclusive cultural clash.The confrontation of Buddhism and Chris­tianity is interpreted in a broad cultural and sociopolitical context and reveals how strong­ly both religions were influenced by the social and ideological upheavals in nine­teenth-century Japan. The vital issue was which religion would become the spiritual basis for the "new" Japan. Christianity, in­troduced as the spiritual backbone of West­ern power, was associated with ideas of modernization and democracy. Buddhism, regarded as part of the old culture, was in serious crisis.But the conflict was not resolved in victory and defeat. Radical changes took place within the two religions, and by the turn of the century confrontation had moved toward conciliation. The author examines the origins of emerging peaceful dialogue and uncovers the complex process by which it grew out of an atmosphere of animosity and distrust.Thelle's central themes are the connection between Christian expansion and Buddhist anti-Christian campaigns, religion and na­tionalism, Christian impact on Buddhist re­form movements, attempts at unifying the two faiths into a new religiosity, and the development of an indigenous Japanese the­ology. He throws light on cross-cultural interactions far beyond the specialized area of religion and theology. With its broad cultur­al and sociopolitical scope, this book will in­terest all students of Japanese history and culture.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- Contents -- Preface -- 1. The Religious Implications of the Opening of Japan -- 2. Buddhist Defenses against Christianity -- 3. Christian Disregard of Buddhism -- 4. Christianity and Buddhism in the 1870s and 1880s -- 5. Christian Concern about Buddhism -- 6. Buddhist Concern about Christianity -- 7. The Nationalistic Reaction and Buddhist Reform Movements -- 8. Political and Ideological Issues -- 9. Anti-Christian Campaigns -- 10. Opposition to Equal Status of Religions -- 11. The New Christianity -- 12. The New Buddhism -- 13. Comparative Religion and Buddhist Studies -- 14. The Adventure of Dialogue -- Epilogue: Retrospect and Prospect—the Buddhist-Christian Dialogue in Historical Perspective -- Abbreviations -- Notes -- Glossary -- Bibliography -- Index