Anna Lee, Jason Lewis, Nahya Pelito, Sora Shojae |
comparing shinto
Morality in Japan: Is It Religious? (cont.)
Shinto versus Modern Religions
Shinto versus Modern Religions
Shinto is not concerned with ethics or morality because it was and is primarily concerned with rituals, festivals, and spirits. The same goes for other ancient religions (e.g. Greek mythology, Native American beliefs) -- they had more to do with rituals, magic, and the supernatural. In contrast, more relatively recent belief systems, like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, are centered around ethics, morality, sin, and virtue.
This is why it is so difficult for people today to understand how morality and religion were separate in ancient times. Shinto is different from today's popular belief systems, and morality wasn't the focus of religion until relatively recently.
It is also important to note that the Japanese today do get a lot of their morals from their other predominant religions, which have been modernized over the years or brought over relatively recently, like Confucianism.
Therefore, relating it back to the theme of leadership and legacy, Shinto has left a legacy on Japan, but in a ritualistic way, rather than having taught the Japanese about sin and virtue. These rituals include those heavily influenced by the leadership and impact of the religion's primary deity, Amaterasu.