Shinto

by Paula R. Hartz

Developed in prehistoric times, Shinto is the true expression of what it means to be Japanese. Less a formal religious statement than a deeply ingrained way of life, the rituals, traditions and values of Shinto have both shaped and been shaped by Japanese culture. This third edition examines the basic tenets of Shinto today.

Genres: Japan, Nonfiction, Religion, History, Philosophy

144 pages, Library Binding

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this was an introduction to shinto, I wished it went a bit more in depth.

It offers overview of the religion, from earliest times to modern days, but I wanted more about its relation with other religions and philosophies, particulary bushido.

Also, I can't say I noticed rituals and customs explained in ways other than broad descriptions.
Plus, near the end of the book, while talking about modern Japan and its military rise, it fails to mention shinto's role in all of it. It does speak about it but never in greater details.

For anyone interested in something more detail, I believe Helen Hardacre's "Shinto: A History" is far better choice, but for those in need of a quick intro this is your go-to book.

[Rudi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I'd read something like this when I was stationed in Japan 25 years ago. Understanding Shinto is a key to grasping many elements of Japanese culture and thought. Though Buddhism and Confucian philosophy have had tremendous impact on the Japanese psyche, the practice of Shinto ritual is the pervasive cultural lifeblood of Japan and informs everything from the declared divine origins of the imperial family to the sacredness of the Japanese homeland itself. Paula Hartz's insightful book is a great introduction for anyone interested in Japan.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up from a staff selections display at the Erlanger library. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this religion, so intrinsically tied to Japan itself. Even though this has some of the flaws typical to textbooks, such as sidebars that interrupt the narrative, it fills the need for a general overview of the topic.

[Yalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work is a good introductory textbook on the subject of Shinto, which provides a historical overview of Shinto and it's development, as well as it mythology and ceremony. However, as textbooks go, there are repetitions and simplifications that might appear irritating to the reader that is familiar with them. Would recommend as an initial source.

[Westley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of Shinto, its history and varieties for the casual reader. Just enough information to inspire further research but not so much to overwhelm the reader.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly detailed with the evolution of Shinto through Japan's history! Also has a good amount of nuance to how it's practiced.

[Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for a quick introduction to the topic of Shinto. It goes over roughly the history of the religion, from ancient times through State Shinto to the modern era. It gives a brief but understandable interpretation of how things changed during that time and how Shinto has adapted to the modern world. Furthermore, it gives a very broad overview of Shinto practices and mythology, as well as discussing how Shinto has changed in the modern world (for example, businessman praying to the kami of prosperity instead of the kami of rice harvest).

However, it was oftentimes too vague and seemingly contradictory. It described these festivals of Shinto as if they were religious ceremonies, then calls them "cultural" in the next chapter and says that the religious meaning has often been removed from them. It is also very vague on what actual modern Shinto believes. I understand why, but it is quite frustrating when looking for modern beliefs and practices.

Overall, a good introduction that gives a bibliography and list of further reading at the end that can be used to pursue further study. Recommended for anyone who is interested in the religion but doesn't want to dredge through academic reading at first.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gonna keep this review real brief: If you don't know anything about Shinto, this is a decent starter point.

[Jason Keenan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shinto by Paula R. Hartz is a great introduction and overview of the ancient home-grown religion of Japan. One of the major animists religion in the world, Shinto is driven by the belief there are gods in everything. It’s also a key driver in Japanese culture.

What’s especially helpful with this book is so many folks heading to Japan are going to be going to visit a shrine (and Buddhist temples – this helps sort the difference).

This short volume offers not only the background of Shinto beliefs, but a glimpse into the story behind the shrines themselves.

[Paul Hartzog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good overview of Shinto including some nice diagrams of Shrine architecture and torii styles. I actually read the other edition: Shinto

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, informative overview of the history of Shinto. Not much about rituals or customs.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I wish it went more into the actual gods and their stories, but it sounds like that is not what shinto is about. Book was good over view, probably great if you are doing a school report