―The Way of the Gods.‖ AGE of RELIGION No known date maybe 3000 years old (around 1000 BC) 1000 BC 2011 AD 2000 1000 1 AD 1000 BC BC AD WHERE founded? Japan MONOtheistic or POLYtheistic? POLYTHEISTIC – worship many gods/spirits known as kami Ancestor worship Animal worship Nature worship BELIEFS: KAMI: Kami are spirits worshipped by followers Kami spirits are found in everything — every animal, every rock, every living and non-living thing. The dead will usually become kami, with their power and main characteristics determined by their actions in life. Main and most worshipped kami is the sun goddess AMATERASU. BELIEFS cont. Shinto has NO required set of beliefs NO holiest place for worshipers NO person or kami believed holiest NO defined set of prayers. Instead, Shinto is a collection of rituals meant to shape the relationship between living humans and kami. Four affirmations Though Shinto has no absolute commandments for its believers outside of living "a simple and harmonious life with nature and people", there are said to be "Four Affirmations" of the Shinto spirit: 1. Tradition and the family: The family is seen as the main way by which traditions are protected. The main Shinto celebrations relate to birth and marriage, which continue the family. 2. Respect of nature: Nature is considered sacred as it is filled with spirits known as kami; to be in contact with nature is to be close to the kami. Natural objects are worshipped as containing these kami. 3. Cleanliness: Followers of Shinto take baths, wash their hands, and rinse out their mouths often. 4. "Matsuri": Any festival dedicated to the Kami, of which there are many each year. SACRED TEXT: No official scripture like the Bible Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) Rikkokushi (Six National Histories) HOLY PLACES: All SHINTO SHRINES are considered sacred places. Every town or city has a shrine dedicated to the local KAMI Every home has a shrine where believers worship everyday Shrines Shinto shrine in Fujiyoshida The main worship of kami is done at public shrines, although home worship at small private shrines is also common. It is possible to worship objects or people while they are still living. Tori - symbolizes movement from the limited human world into the infinite unlimited world of the gods. A Torii at the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Shown here is a Torii or gateway of crossed pillars such as are found near all Shinto shrines and sacred places. A shinto priest and a shrine maiden arranging the shrine of Kasuga for a marriage. The shrine of Kasuga Taisha, in Nara is one of the most famous and oldest in Japan. It's structure is quite unusual, with corridors and multiple sub- shrines inside it. But it's thousands of lanterns made of bronze or stone are the most famous sight. Ise Shrine A Torii Gate Holy People No known founder Shinto developed before there was writing in Japan, so we have no records to trace it’s beginnings back to one particular person Japanese Emperor is considered godly Countries practiced in? Japan.