Christianity

Definition

Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, which emerged in the 1st century AD. It began to spread in Japan during the Sengoku period, as European missionaries arrived, introducing new beliefs and practices to a society characterized by feudal strife and the power struggles of daimyōs. This introduction of Christianity had significant implications for Japanese society, politics, and culture, influencing both local governance and international relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Christianity was first introduced to Japan by Portuguese Jesuit missionaries in the mid-16th century, with Francis Xavier being one of the notable figures in this effort.
2. The spread of Christianity initially gained traction among certain daimyōs, who saw it as a way to strengthen their political power through alliances with European traders and nations.
3. During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Christianity faced significant opposition from the Tokugawa shogunate, which viewed it as a threat to their authority and traditional Japanese values.
4. By the early 17th century, Christianity was largely suppressed in Japan, leading to the persecution of Christians and the establishment of a policy of national seclusion (sakoku).
5. Despite heavy persecution, some underground Christian communities, known as 'Kakure Kirishitan,' continued to practice their faith secretly for centuries until the religion was officially tolerated again in the 19th century.

Review Questions

• How did the arrival of Christianity during the Sengoku period impact the political landscape among daimyōs?
  • The arrival of Christianity introduced new political dynamics among daimyōs as some began to embrace the religion to forge alliances with European powers. By aligning themselves with Christian missionaries and traders, these daimyōs could gain access to advanced weaponry and trade opportunities. This made Christianity a potential tool for increasing their power, leading to conflicts between those who accepted it and those who adhered strictly to traditional beliefs.
• Discuss the role of missionaries in spreading Christianity during the Sengoku period and how they navigated Japanese society.
  • Missionaries played a crucial role in spreading Christianity by engaging with local cultures, learning Japanese, and adapting their teachings to resonate with existing beliefs. They established schools and churches, providing education and support that appealed to certain social classes. However, they also faced challenges from local leaders wary of foreign influence and the potential for destabilization within Japanese society.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Christian persecution in Japan following its initial acceptance during the Sengoku period.
  • The long-term consequences of Christian persecution after its initial acceptance led to a complex relationship between religion and state in Japan. The Tokugawa shogunate's crackdown on Christians resulted in a deeply ingrained fear of foreign influence that persisted well into modern history. This suppression created a unique underground Christian culture that preserved elements of faith despite severe restrictions, impacting how religion would be approached when it was eventually reintroduced during Japan's modernization in the Meiji Restoration.

Related terms

Daimyō: Powerful feudal lords in Japan who ruled over vast domains and were key figures during the Sengoku period, often wielding military power and influence.

Missionaries: Individuals sent by religious organizations to spread their faith, particularly prominent during the Sengoku period when European missionaries sought to convert the Japanese population to Christianity.

Persecution: The systematic mistreatment of individuals or groups based on their beliefs; in Japan, this refers to the suppression of Christianity after its initial introduction during the Sengoku period.