Shinto: A Short History

by Nobutaka Inoue (Editor), Mark Teeuwen (Translator), Endo Jun (Editor)

Shinto - A Short History provides an introductory outline of the historical development of Shinto from the ancient period of Japanese history until the present day.
Shinto does not offer a readily identifiable set of teachings, rituals or beliefs; individual shrines and kami deities have led their own lives, not within the confines of a narrowly defined Shinto, but rather as participants in a religious field that included Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian and folk elements. Thus, this book approaches Shinto as a series of historical 'religious systems' rather than attempting to identify a timeless 'Shinto essence'.
This history focuses on three aspects of Shinto the people involved in shrine worship, the institutional networks that ensured continuity, and teachings and rituals. By following the interplay between these aspects in different periods, a pattern of continuity and discontinuity is revealed that challenges received understandings of the history of Shinto.
This book does not presuppose prior knowledge of Japanese religion, and is easily accessible for those new to the subject.

Genres: Religion

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Fabio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "must" if you are interested in Shinto. Not a easy reading, but full of interesting informations.

[Jessica Zu · Rating 5 out of 5]

an awesome textbook for undergrads, a quick intro for grads not majored in Jp religions, and a great leisure reading for all interested in this topic!