Japanese Understanding of Salvation: Soteriology in the Context of Japanese Animism (Global Perspectives Series)

by Martin Heißwolf

Publisher:

Langham

, 2018

Overview

It is no secret that Christianity has been widely rejected in Japan with less than two percent of the population identifying as Christian. The dominant worldview in Japan is deeply animistic, with beliefs such as the Japanese mana-concept, ki (気), the Japanese soul-concept, and the concept of God/god(s), kami (神), being deeply rooted in the culture and fundamentally influencing society. Dr Martin Heißwolf, with his years of experience in Japan, critically examines Japanese animism in light of core Christian beliefs, such as the concepts of “peace” and “salvation.”

Central to Japanese people’s rejection of Christian truth is the diametric opposition of its supernatural message to the natural focus of Japanese animistic folk religion. Heißwolf’s meticulous study is framed squarely within missiological thought and praxis so Christians serving in Japanese contexts are better able to communicate the message of the gospel by more fully understanding Japanese people, people by whom God wants to be known.

Key Features

• Proposes that the dominating worldview of Japan is animistic
• Relates these findings with the Christian and animism-influenced Shintoist core values
• Examines four aspects of salvation in the context of Japanese animism

Contents

• Part I: The Context of Salvation
• Part II: Peace as a Central Concept of Soterioogy
• Part III: Four Aspects of Salvation in the Context of Japanese Animism
• Part IV: The Dimensions of Salvation

Praise for the Print Edition

Christian leaders of Japan need to read Heisswolf’s formative cultural analysis of contemporary culture. He makes overt religious beliefs that are typically hidden but become operational during times of illness and death. This book could reframe Christian proclamation and ministry and revitalize the church to disarm the principalities and powers.

—Dr. Gailyn Van Rheenen, Ph, Former Executive Director, Mission Alive, Author of Communicating Christ in Animistic Contexts

A virtual encyclopedia on animism and its impact on the everyday worldview and religious thinking of the Japanese. A valuable resource to be set alongside Nakamura’s Ways of Thinking of Eastern Peoples, consulted by anyone who desires a nuanced understanding of how to bring the gospel to Japan.

—Randal Gilmore, D.R.S. Director, Word of Life, Japan Regional Director, Word of Life, Pacific Rim

Product Details

• Title: Japanese Understanding of Salvation: Soteriology in the Context of Japanese Animism
• Author: Martin Heißwolf
• Series: Global Perspectives Series
• Publisher: Langham
• Print Publication Date: 2018
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Pages: 677
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Salvation › Christianity; Animism › Japan
• ISBNs: 9781783683703, 9781783683710, 9781783683727, 9781783683734, 1783683708, 1783683716, 1783683724, 1783683732
• Resource ID: LLS:JPNSNDRSTNDNMSM
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:55:16Z

About Martin Heißwolf

Martin Heißwolf is a German missionary to Japan, gained his DTh in Missiology from the University of South Africa. His involvement in evangelism, church planting, counselling, community work, and teaching in Japanese society since 1991 have been his basis for listening to Japanese people. It is from this listening that he has gained insights into Japanese oral folk beliefs that have been pivotal to his research into Japanese animism. He and his wife, Andrea, a fellow missionary to Japan, have seven children.