Monotheism in the New Religious Movements of Japan - Historical and Taxonomical Challenges in Western Studies

This book calls for a reformation of the image of monotheism in studies of Japanese religions and in the study of religions in general. According to most scholars, 'Japan' and 'monotheism' mix like oil and water. Whatever Japanese religion is, we are told, the 'Western' category of monotheism cannot not be imposed.

List of contents

1 Introduction: The Challenge of a "Japanese" Monotheism 2 Western Studies of Japan's NRMs 3 Taxonomy, Normativity, and Philosophy in the Study of Religions 4 Rehabilitating "Monotheism" 5 Revisiting Japan's New Religious Movements 6 Western Studies on the Source of NRM Monotheism 7 The Kakure Kirishitan as NRM Source 8 The Medieval and Early Tokugawa Contributions 9 Conclusion: The Future of Monotheism in Japan. Index

About the author

Kegan A. Chandler is an Honorary Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Asian Religions (CSAR) in the Department for the Study of Religions at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Product details

• Authors: Kegan A. Chandler
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 30.06.2025
• EAN: 9781032971094
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3297109-4
• No. of pages: 264
• Series: Routledge Studies in Religion
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Geosciences > Geography; Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); Japan, RELIGION / Eastern, Regional Studies, Regional / International studies, Philosophy of religion, East Asian religions, Eclectic & Esoteric Religions & Belief Systems, Eclectic and esoteric religions and belief systems, Oriental Religions