Religion And Beliefs Of Shintoism: A Japanese Religion

Shintoism is a Japanese religion that has existed for most of Japan’s history. There is no one founder of Shintoism or clear starting point as it has existed for so long, and originally there was no formal name for the religious beliefs of Shintoism. Japan’s current population is 127 million people, and out of all these people, 51% of the religious population are Shinto. However, many Shinto followers are also Buddhists. This religion was formed in prehistoric times, and the first inhabitants of Japan were likely animists (people who believe that natural objects and phenomena have souls), influencing Shinto beliefs about kami (spirits that relate to various natural phenomena). People at the time lived in small groups, making the religion highly

It is this story that tells us that Kami can also be injured and die and can feel emotions as humans can. Is also tells us that death is impure and the importance of rituals to maintain a degree of purity. The impurity of things such as death can lead to misfortune or suffering, hence why it is so important in Shintoism to purify. This story also tells us that water is one way of purification so they can copy the ways of Izanami and purify themselves. It expresses the values of life prevailing over death and good over bad and the separation of pure and impure. It is also highly important as it teaches followers the history and roots of Japan, and that it was the first place created and it was created by Izanagi and Izanami themselves. It explains the creation of a number of kami and teaches us about the nature of the kami, as well as the underworld, Yomi.

4. State two main beliefs of this religion. Then, chose a ritual and explain how the ritual expresses these beliefs.

Two central beliefs of Shintoism are the belief in Jinja as places where humans and kami and coexist and interact, and the importance of purity and

Salt and water are thought of as being important purifiers and people must purify themselves before entering shrines. Purification is at the heart of the Shinto religion and their understanding of good and evil. In Shintoism, it is believed that we humans are inherently good as we are born pure, though impurity can be caused by physical pollution, disease, negative energies, and anything associated with death. Purifying brings people closer to the kami and frees them from negative energies. Beliefs about purity and impurity are central to Shinto and relate to their connection with Kami and each