Sullivan, Religions of the World (Fortress Press, 2013)

Chapter 8- Shinto Teaching Tips

Approach to Teaching

Shinto is often seen as a very optimistic religion. It has enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with Buddhism such that Buddhism will perform Shinto funerals and Shinto performs Buddhist weddings. This unity is also observed in their shrines and temples. For instance you could see a Buddhism temple with a Shinto shrine and via versa. One of the ways Buddhism has influenced Shinto is in regard to its ethical system. Shinto is often thought of as not having any sense of internal guilt, because they do believe in a moralistic God who gives a list of ethical guidelines. Discuss. Is it possible for human beings not to have a sense of internal guilt?

Shinto is not a well known religion for many, consequently the video with Ben Kingsely might be a helpful introduction. The teacher might want to start here.

Shinto has historically maintained its relevance to society by demonstrating four basic concerns

An esteem for nature Benevolence silence on most moral and doctrinal issues Aesthetically pleasing rituals Emphasis on Eclecticism

The teacher might spark a discussion on whether or not religions should be concern about the environment. For some people religion should be concerned with only that which is spiritual. Hence environmental concerns might not fit. This discussion can play into the age old conflict between religion and science. Shinto is very concerned about the environment. Human beings are seen as an extension of their environment. Consequently, the environment must be preserved.

A similar discussion could evolve around the issue of passivism versus being a pacifist in religions. Shinto is often thought of as taking the route of being passive.

A question that could be explored might be which is more important; standing up for what is believed to be true or keeping the peace of the community?

In the section where the concept of the Kami is introduced the teacher might want to develop a compare and contrast grid on popular understanding of deity and show how understanding of the kami differs.

Sullivan, Religions of the World (Fortress Press, 2013)

Example

Kami Deity Can be created Some times eternal, hence uncreated Not immortal Are immortal Can be injured Non-corporeal Can rot Non-corporeal Not all powerful All powerful Not all knowing All knowing

Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajk6mtuYfuE&feature=related

This video is narrated by Ben Kingsley and produced by Greenstar Television. It is a two part video series. The video gives an overview of religions in Japan. It looks at the link between Japanese religions, especially Shinto with the culture of Japan. It examines some of the key beliefs and practices of Shinto. The video is interspersed with clips from leading scholars in religion. The student will find this video very helpful in looking at the culture of Japan itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feikUTzXGbM&feature=related

This video is one of eight parts; produced by the BBC entitled the "The Way of the Warrior" It focuses mostly on the Sumarai warrior in Japanese culture. Some of the national sports in Japan are linked to the religion of Shinto. For example sumo wrestling is thought of as a Shinto sport and so is the Sumarai sword fighting. It speaks to the art of sword making which is thought of in Shinto as a religious act.

Spirits of the State: Japan’s Yasukuni Shrine.

This film is produces by the Films Media Group and looks at the Yasukuni Shrine. This shrine has great importance in Shinto, because it is dedicated to fallen soldiers. The student might recall the phenomenon of the Kami –kazi pilots in world war one, where Japanese soldiers would go on suicide runs in the interest of the Japanese army. This was the ultimate sacrifice for a Shinto follower. Hence this film speaks of the importance of this shrine to the Japanese.

Sullivan, Religions of the World (Fortress Press, 2013)

The Essence of Being Japanese

This film is also a Films Media Group production. It focuses on the influence of the kami in the Japanese history and present culture. The student will learn that the concept of the kami is very different from the common understanding of god or deity present in many religions. Kamis can be ancestors, people, places or even trees. Kamis can die and be hurt. This is counter to the understanding of an omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent god seen in many religions.

Articles http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/jhti/shinto/project1.html

This site gives a group of articles written by James Boyd and Ron Williams, both professors of Philosophy at Colorado State University, on various facts of Shinto, culture, beliefs, art, music and festivals. They examine the Shinto world view. Within the various articles are woven a number of videos that further elucidate the theme.

http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1683

In this article Danica Davidson makes the case for the relevance of Shinto in our time. She focuses on Shinto’s emphasis on environmental awareness and conservation along with its peaceful stance or benevolence silence on the big issues of the world as keys to helping Shinto maintain some relevance in the contemporary world.

http://www.questia.com/library/religion/asian-religions/shinto

This resource gives a variety of helpful information on Shinto. The student will find articles and books. This resource is very helpful for research on the subject of Shinto. Some of the resources on this site might need to be purchased, but at least it points the student to very pertinent information on the religion of Shinto. Among the topics addressed are the history of Shinto, sacred lore surrounding the shrines, ethics and the significance of Shinto festivals.