Why It's So Hard to Leave Shintoism for Christianity 

This is a much better approach that will be much more effective. I think the Japanese people need genuine Japanese native Christians to help lead them to Christ in a gentle honest manner.

@@sirmrs6952 A vast majority of Japanese will never go abroad, and never meet a Christian abroad. So it is best to try to witness to them in Japan even if it is hard. Japanese churches compromised before WW2. They submitted themselves to the evil government and were never the same. They were never the same after that. They valued harmony over truth. To this day Japanese churches are weak on evangelism and are barely holding together. The ones that go against the culture and actually do evangelism are prospering, but they are in the minority.

@@DudeNamedDuncan Last time Japanese Christians united was before WW2. They united to compromise big time by cooperating with the evil government. That was a big scar for them and they were never the same after that. Japanese Christians have a history of compromise, not standing up for truth, because in Japanese culture harmony is a greater value than truth. The main issue is Japanese Christians do not evangelize well or at all.

@@John3.36 I am half-Japanese and live in Edmonton, Alberta. Since the mid-1970's Japanese tourists have been coming to the Canadian Rockies. Whenever I went to Banff and Jasper National Parks I would take Japanese language scriptures and leave them in the book section of Youth Hostels. It is not a perfect solution but I do what I can.

@@DudeNamedDuncan Japanese Christians compromised together before WW2. They were never the same after that. Japanese Christianity has always been weak in that it conforms to the culture for harmony rather than truth to reach the masses.

Theravada is the real Buddhism. It is better than any other religion, including Mahayana Buddhism because some Indian scammers made Mahayana Buddhism to reduce the power of Theravada teachings.

It’s really amazing. God bless them for this

frfr

Fr I'm in

Buddhist science is explained in Abhi Dhamma Pitaka, and I verified it Mathematically.

Satan is masterful at setting up anti-Christian cultures. But Jesus is more masterful at tearing down strongholds!

That's such an interesting way to put it! I have been learning a lot about Japan in the past few years, ever since God has put a burden on my heart for Japan. It was always obvious that parts of the culture seemed to be a barrier to christianity, but I never realised that the simple fact of "being Japanese" could be as much as an idol for them. I am often thinking about how to show them that christianity does not have to be at odds with their identity as Japanese (which is still pertinent I think), but if they look at this identity and at all the cultural artifacts linked to it as an idol, they will have to let that go to come to Christ. It would be crucial to identify this as we reach out to Japanese people.

And some of my Christian Japanese friends told me that they are not "real" Japanese... I guess that relates to what you said. There is a very specific way to be Japanese, that you have to follow even if you are ethnically Japanese.

I'll give a perspective about this: Scriptures in the new testament *does* speak about culture and identity. It's interesting because in the NT we see Jewish people who worship being Jewish and all of their national and religious identity instead of the Lord God of Israel and his Messiah, Jesus. In fact, the Jews are blind to Christ because of that, and only the Spirit can light their hearts so they may see the glory of God in Christ Jesus (2 Co 4:6). Japanese people need to see the glory of God in Christ, they need to listen to the gospel. And so they might see that in Christ we receive a new live, new identity, we become people of God, we are loved, justified, forgiven. Because in Christ: ‭‭"[...] you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

Wow, very interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing.

Can you share some testimonies?

Yes. Would love to connect with you if possible and hear more. Thanks!

You should stay in your country.

As much as I would like to to preserve people’s privacy I won’t be doing that on here. I appreciate the interest though. Also thanks for your opinion Niam! Sad to hear you think borders should be closed and immigrants should stay in their country of birth. Personally as the first generation son of an immigrant myself I believe diversity and open mindedness elevate all of us.

@@JohnnieBailey it's like me saying I should go to Europe and spread Islam or Buddhism because they believe in a false belief. Why do you people think you can intrude on another culture?

Wonderful!!

I love how my prior comment was deleted. What kid grabbed your computer and typed a random word?@@pepper1614

HalleluYah

Godspeed, Brother.

Ps 18.30 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

Amen amenn

It would be very hard to have so few Christians to talk to and relate to. It makes me grateful I don't have that in Canada. I feel that frustration w/ the odd friend who can't relate to me as a Christian, but they at least don't stop me from talking about it. That would be so hard.

She has a brother in Brazil sharing tears with her! If your reading this, stay strong sister, your cross is heavy, but you are not alone!

Japanese people will only reject you if you keep pushing your beliefs onto them. I know many Japanese who are friends with Christians, but once they get all preachy the Japanese will tell them to chill out. Imagine me only ever bringing to a conversation how everyone without Christ is going to hell. Nothing say, “let’s be friends” than hellfire…

you are sick to think that someone has to be saved.

Amen, God is so good! 🙌🏼

Power and perfection are overrated. I think you were right to choose happiness, love and freedom instead.

curious isn't it? how he works

Yes, a sad way. This is far better: *Matthew 10:34-35* “Do NOT suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." *Matthew 10:37* “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” *Luke 14:26* “If anyone comes to me and does not *hate* their father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes, even their own life - such a person cannot be my disciple."

@@JamieBar Choices? Freedom? Sounds like Orwell's Doublespeak, Doublethink and cognitive dissonance: *1-Peter 2:18* _“Slaves,_ in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” *Ephesians 6:5-7* _"Slaves,_ obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as *slaves* of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.” *Romans 1:1* "Paul, a _bondservant_ of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God." *Romans 6:16* “Surely you know that you become the *slaves* of whatever you give yourselves to. Anything or anyone you follow will be your _master.”_ *1 Timothy 2:1-3* “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for *KINGS* and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.”

Maybe not religion itself, but the faith in general.

There is also probably the overwork culture, which is definitely spiritual in nature. If Satan cannot shake your faith once you know the Gospel, his minions will make you busy so you dont even have time to think about your spiritual salvation. In the past i wouldve thought its just a cultural thing, but even the most "hustle" cultured country America barely competes with Japan crazy work culture (even if its mostly just staying at office doing no actual work). It certainly have demonic influence in nature.

I left a comment, youtube have been deleting my comment lately so lmk if it do that again...

​@@Crustee0Just this one bro :(

@@JohnCephas aw shucks. I was commenting on how a wise Christian said that if Satan cant turn you away from God, we will be made busy. CS Lewis or maybe someone else xD. Basically whats happening in Japan ig. They dont even have time for themselves, and only attend "tradition" events like new year etc. And imagine the tradition being etched as identity, that would make it so hard to try and find God, or even think about questions that lead to search for God (life purpose, etcetc)

It's the same story with South Korea although I'd say they are even slightly worse.

China seems to be having quite a Christian revival. There is persecution there for Christians and the church is underground from what I hear. Persecution seems to paradoxically make the church grow. I dont' think there is persecution of Christians in Japan, just a great indifference, from what I can tell.

That's what I see underneath the surface all the time, a society that's aimlessly existing. I see in the bitterness in the undertide makes me what to go there to become a missionary

What? You actually care about your mother and grandmother? You must be an apostate . . . *Matthew 10:34-35* “Do NOT suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." *Matthew 10:37* “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” *Luke 14:26* “If anyone comes to me and does not *hate* their father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes, even their own life - such a person cannot be my disciple."

@@sisigs4820 But they can't top "Suicide Alley": Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado.

About to watch this now. Looks good thanks! I actually starting watching the movie silence directed by: Martin Scorsese.. catholic movie but still awesome indeed of great endurance in the faith

I found it fascinating. And I truly don't know how people survive some of these horrors. I pray I am never in such a situation. I know how weak I am! @@noguile2737

In deed, Christians have been in Japan for nearly 500 years, but most of them were killed off in the late 1590s. It took Christians another 300+ years to reach a quarter of a million, and then the USA bomber Nagasaki and Hiroshima, the two cities in Japan with the most Chritians. So yea, Christians killing Christians... if you can call the Mason presdient a Christian... which now I think one cannot. Masons are not Christian, they are anti-Chritstian, Hence the reason he chose Nagasaki and Hiroshimas to be the bomb drop targets. In a matter of seconds the FreeMasonic president eradicated almost all Christians in Japan.

Have you watched what the Christians did in Goa in India? The persecution of Hindus by the Portugese, cutting off the nipples of women, stealing their children and forcing them to convert...such a wonderful faith full of love. smh. Maybe first learn how Christianity persecuted the world bfore you start crying white tears.

@@noguile2737 is it bad that it's a Catholic movie?

But you see... I am getting in hot waters but I want to say this... Protestants such as Calvinists have very strict "rules" for what entry into Heaven means, they even go for predetermination of salvation & damnation. American Christians have a big emphasis on "being saved" by baptism & faith in Jesus' name because they emphasize a few very important lines from the Scripture (namely that eternal life is giving through the rebirth of the Holy Baptism and that no one can come through The Father except through His Son, Jesus Christ), but omit plenty of other lines (briefly that some worship to Whom they know, but some still worship to Whom they do not yet know, that what is impossible for man is possible for God, that saying "Lord, Lord" won't get you into the Eternal Feast, i.e being nominally Christian is not enough, not even saying you believe in the Name etc). This leaves us with the understanding of Salvation that Western Christians have (that I've noticed the Pastor in the video also has), which is unlike that of Eastern Christians. (Catholics are actually somewhere in the middle with their dogma of Purgatory but that's imo wrong for many reasons) An Orthodox Christian would say that if you want any chance for actual Salvation from Christ to your ancestors, you yourself NEED to get baptized. That Salvation is not an individualistic thing and that Jesus already harrowed hell once. That The Father is interested in the heart and that it is Christians that bear the responsibility of their faith, not those that haven't yet heard the Gospel (Parable of the Minas & Parable of the Talents, also Luke 12:48). The way Orthodox Christians view Salvation is completely different, it is mystical, it is not legalistic, it is also not easy (Protestants insist of salvation by faith alone, Orthodox insist on faith proven by acts, I'd say the Orthodox set themselves up for a more difficult job). We need to keep in mind that hell was harrowed once. If there's any hope for pagan ancestors, that hope is in Christ! THAT is the message for people holding their loved deceased ones dearly.

Ancestors are not necessarily damned. Harrowing of Hell has been part of Christian teaching since the beginning. Read up on it.

@@DexiPawnzpretty much what I was thinking. Also Orthodox Christianity encourages us to pray for the souls of the departed.

Your answer is simple - Ask those Japanese folks if their ancestors followed their conscience or not. Those who did not, and died guilty and ashamed of their lives for which they never made any penance for, were likely dammed. Those who did, rose with Christ. Simple. Baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation, but if you had no chance, at all, for it, then simply following your conscience was enough. (This is a Catholic speaking, btw.)

Very good, honest points. Looks like this is a job for Catholics.

Technically, the Abrahamic faiths didn't originally believe there was one absolute God, that's a later interpretation. Judaism was originally monolatristic, the First Commandment tells you that Yahweh is the God of the people who were brought out of slavery, that's not God of the universe, but God of the Jews, and it doesn't imply he's the only one. You can only interpret it that way if you view it monotheistically. The Second Commandment tells them not to bring other Gods before Yahweh. That's a commandment of exclusion, that you only worship Yahweh exclusively, not that all the other Gods are fake.

Christianity and Judaism has always been monotheistic. The God of the Jews is the same God of the universe. He chose the Jews as his people for no reason other than that He set His love on them.

Yes all other gods are fake because they cannot save and they did not create the universe. That is why no other religion can take you to God because none except Christianity answers the very needed problem of just punishment by a holy God and an eternal righteous relationship with him. You will never find an atonement and perpetual righteousness in any other religion or religious leader except Christ who is truly God.

@@addjoaprekobaah5914 "Christianity and Judaism has always been monotheistic." You should do a little more reading on the history of Judaism and whether or not they were always monotheistic

@@addjoaprekobaah5914 So every religion has its own creation myth, which is why Yahweh isn't relevant to most people in the world, even in ancient times. That isn't to say that Yahweh and Jesus aren't real or that they are evil, i believe they're righteous too. Jesus said that the only way to the Father is through him, he's not lying. But Yahweh's kingdom is just one destination in Heaven, there are many Gods and many destinations and paradises. You can't be saved by Yahweh if you don't follow him, that's true, but you can be saved by other gods.

Mabuhay! My wife and I are in Apayao. One of our churches in Davao City will soon be sending a missionary to Japan. She will go as an English teacher.

They know who he is and they don’t want to believe in somebody who claims to be a universal god but only spent his life in the Roman province of Palestine and never cared to travel the world to spread his message

Kol-j, tell us more of your hilarious mumblings! And please don't ever study any topics you weigh in on. You might cease to be so laughable!

​@@FRN2013this is not real sprituality it is just race of Christian and Muslim. We all know how religious and spiritual is west is ! When some one new come under Christian fold they get spiritual feelings and connection but after 20- 30 years all there spritual fades away and they become scientific. But Japan/ Buddhism is opp of these, that they know real spirituality and have better connect with supreme and divine God 🙏 . Namo Budhaye 🧡🙏

SteveBreaks, you have no idea what Christianity is. But that's OK. Most people don't. Real Christianity is death to your old sinful life, and resurrection into life with Jesus, the risen Savior and Lord.

Praise God! Praying for your ministry there.

Why Japan? What about the people of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, West Virginia, Arkansas, with all their obesity, diabetes, depression, opioid add______ . . . Or Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesian, Malaysia with all their t______m and "honor k_____s? Are you racist or just plain chicken?

Hey, it's all part of the contract, you know, _family values?_ *Matthew 10:34-35* “Do NOT suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law." *Matthew 10:37* “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” *Luke 14:26* “If anyone comes to me and does not *hate* their father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters - yes, even their own life - such a person cannot be my disciple."

"giving up friend/family who choose not to walk with alongside you" that makes your religion sound like a CULT.

I'm currently in Osaka and have seen you during Sunday's Mass. As a migrant from Vietnam who's just arrived in Osaka, I really admired Missionaries for their efforts, countless of them shedded their blood and lives to built the foundation for Vietnam's Catholic Church to flourish as it is today. In that spirit, please have faith and do the same for Japan's Christianity, so that one day people here will come to live as brothers and sisters in God. Thank you. ( We always pray for Japan's Christians during Masses in Vietnam in memory of Father Francis Xavier and the Martyrdom of Japan)

@@vuanh75 thanks for your message. I admire the Vietnamese catholics. I don’t know how it was the evangelization of Vietnam, but they made a very good job. Your love for the Sunday mass and the sacrament of reconciliation is a sign of this treasure. If you want to talk more just let me know who you are on a Sunday mass. Kind regards.

​@@MisionJaponMany of the missionaries who were expelled from Japan during sakoku would later go to evangelize in Vietnam

Hey sister, how did they respond if its ok for sharing?

Is there more Christianity in S. Korea?

@@saintejeannedarc9460yes, S Korea used to have the biggest Church in terms of the number of members in attendance. They used to be the #1 country in terms of the number of missionaries sent out to the world. PS I only say "used to" in the two statements because i dont know what the statistics are true so they might still be true in 2024 but i didnt want to give you false information that may not be true today but it was true for some time well into the mid 2010's.

@@davidp3473 That is wonderful to hear that not all of Asia is Godless, or w/out the one true and living God. I've heard China has the fastest growing church as well. It's a persecuted and largely underground church, but that's usually when the church grows the fastest.

good on you sister! >:D

I will pray for your mission! 🙏 If I may ask, what denomination are you guys? Also, did you know that Chrono Trigger has some Christian imagery in it? I couldn’t help but make the connection because of your pfp and the context.

just leave them be dude you would probably discourage them to join because you missionaries keep coming

​@@Thai_countryball facts

what kind of buddhist are you?

@@Arjunarjunskiy Theravada.

@@kitiowa why not zen?

@@Arjunarjunskiy Zen is rather syncretic. It borrows a lot from Taoism. Theravada more closely related to the earliest forms/practice of Buddhism. I have great respect for the Mahayana streams of Buddhism but certainly prefer Theravada.

@@Arjunarjunskiy I categorize Buddhism differently than most. Theravada, Vajrayana/Tibetan, Zen/Cha'an, and "general" Mahayana. I could almost make a point in saying Zen isn't really Mahayana. It comes back in some ways to so called "Hinayana". In Zen one is expected to attain enlightenment through one's own effort as in Theravada. The grace of and devotion to Bodhisatvas isn't much of a thing in Zen and that rather defines Mahayana.

I am American and interested in Buddhism and Shinto and try to integrate into my daily life when I can. It can be difficult when you live outside of Japan or in a place that doesn't have a significant Japanese diaspora. In Hawaii, there exist Shinto shrines dedicated to both Japanese and local Hawaiian gods.

I think you mean to say what the various sects of groups were doing to each other in the 00s-1960s Vikings did the same

You don't have to take sides. But consider what you have read (since you claim to read too much about those religions) and ask yourself this. If Christians did terrible things in certain points of history, were they doing it because they were following Christ's teachings OR were they doing it because they were NOT being faithful to Christ's teachings (and doing so for other agendas)? You will find the answer. And presuming that you know your own people's history, it's not like Shinto and Buddhism co-existed peacefully all the time as well. (e.g. see 廃仏毀釈 and 神仏分離 and Kokugaku and so on)

Judaism, Christianity, Submission are Semitic. For true Western thoughts and philosophy, study Solon, Cleisthenes, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Zeno, Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, Giordano Bruno, Francis Bacon, Galileo Galilei, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Voltaire, Denis Diderot, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Montesquieu, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Ethan Allen, Charles Darwin, Nikola Tesla . . . (some have certain parallels with Buddhism).

@@JamieBar Shintoism may be great for the environment, but horrible for society (s......., brutal warfare), like the Submission religion. Polynesians practiced human sacrifice, and k........ their enemies to gain their _mana._ Buddhism, Taoism, Stoicism are a better way to go.

yea, yea....

yeah, because their so conscious about effecting others that they hide their feelings inside.

As cynical as it sounds, most missionaries I've met have made conversions seem like a numbers game or popularity contest.

​@@JamieBar what bothers me is Christians always think it's their duty to convert even if the person is Happ in their beliefs.

Do you know what Buddhism teaches? Do you know that in Buddhism there is a heaven and hell too? If a follower can't achieve nirvana or liberation from the cycle of rebirth in this life, they have to at least acquire good merit and karma so that they can have a better rebirth either as a human again or in heavenly realms. THEY HAVE to avoid bad rebirths in hell or as an animal or ghost. That's why it's been regarded as a proselytizing religion who views its precepts as universal for all humanity, as much as Christianity does. So quit playing the moral relativism card here. Most religions teach something you have to be worried about when you depart. Buddhism IS ALSO a structured religion, with all kinds of actual orgs such as orders, schools, and also set doctrines and teachings. Buddhism is also concerned with fellow strangers and what happens in the next life. Religion is about teaching a sense of responsibility and contractual obligation on how you should be a decent human being concerned about some kind of truth and justice for this world and possibly beyond. this kind of post here shows how certain Westerners really have no clue about other various religions and beliefs.

Christianity is notorious for proselytizing.

Right.

it mostly does, you step into a new identity

今までには日本語はうまく通じていますか？

はい。

Abrahmic faiths and preservation of native culture seldom go hand in hand.

Buddhism and Shinto developed while Japanese culture was still in its genesis. While Christianity came much later I history hence the big historical divide.

They do not understand the language of human beings. Do not expect them to understand rational arguments. They only mend their ways once they get thrashed, either verbally or physically. The abrahamic faith has cursed humanity with perennial warfare and conflict.

Looking at Western/European history, various nations had their own gods and religions like those of Ancient Greece and Rome. I'm very glad that in the 21st century people are starting to go back and practice their ancestral religions . I envy nations like Japan, India and China as they were not forced to lose their native religions like Europe was.

It was the same in African culture. The king is a high priest and is lead by our spirits and divinities for the welfare of the nation. Our religions were deeply rooted in ours cultures and you couldn't part them.

Agreed.

They probably cannot leave us alone. This has happened throughout history. Islamic invasions, Christian colonization, you name it. They believe they are right, by trying to impose their myopic view of their own religion.

This is also a good topic of exploring the difference between religion, faith and belief

yeah for me too, confused as heck

I think you will find your own Christian beliefs to be highly bound up in your cultural assumptions and world view as well. Your sense of self, your sense of time, your sense of having the freedom to direct your own affairs, your sense of fairness, your sense of suffering, all of these are most likely Western in form, and each profoundly one affects your theology and your faith.

That’s awesome

If these religions have been existing for thousands of years and the Shinto one is a lot older than Christianity, you think he will strike them down?

I don't understand how someone lives anywhere for most of their life and doesn't arrive at a general understanding of the religious atmosphere.

This shows the exact disrespectfulness of religious foreigners who really care nothing about local culture. You live in Japan for your life and you've never heard 神仏習合?

Japan is known in the world for having the most respectful and polite citizens, one friend shared that this fact could also be a barrier on reaching them since their citizens think that being clean, nice and polite or doing "good" would somehow earn them their version of heaven.

Yes, absolutely!

Read 1John 4: 7-20. It says that unbelievers will know Christians by their love. Not surprised that this is what draws people. Also, Jesus left plenty of evidence for us to believe in him.

@@nancymaine4917 maybe some proof but the wrongs in it disprove it

@michaelweiske702 I thought so too. Most humans want to belong and feel connected. It could be anything that does the connecting.

Yes. You have so rightly judged the situation, and yet, this is how Christianity is designed to operate. The Bible is very explicit about love being the essence and evidence of the Christian. The very point of it. In the end, no one Enters into a worldview because it makes sense. They enter because they see it working. They believe it will keep them sane in dark moments and gives them hope of flourishing. So we see Jesus performing miracles to bring people in, Then he gives them the truth of God's kingdom. And many are offended by the truth, because it will cost them everything they think they know. But some will realize that this is the only way and let go of what wasn't working. So wether it's miracles or "soup and soap," or just a kind touch, you get the benefit first (you receive love) Then you come to understand (I can love and be loved because salvation is free). It is the only way. It's the power of the juxtaposition ("how can this be?") that readies the heart for truth.

Right....especially since Catholic Christians were the first to evangelize Japan, and thousands of Catholics have been murdered and totured in Japan for their Chritian faith, in the last 500 years.

It’s a Protestant channel

this channel is protestant. he won't engage with Cath or Orthos given the theological differences

Southeast Asian Orthodox Christian convert here. Would be nice if Steven had at least mentioned bits of history such as St. Nicholas of Japan who played quite a crucial role in reintroducing Christianity to Japan (next to important parts such as Catholic or Baptist missionaries during the period of the Meiji re-opening). There is actually quite a significant and growing amount of Japanese Orthodox due to its proximity with Russia. there is also a nice Russian fictional but religious movie about a Japanese orthodox priest, titled 'Yerei-san', if you are interested to check out.

@@Perceptionistaand actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa is an Orthodox priest

17:59 18:07 what is said in this segment i didnt understand?

Religion in Japan has traditionally regarded as being tempered with pragmatism. There are even things that seem contradictory with Buddhism that been compromised with Japanese culture.

The problem with that is agreeing with Christianity's of definition of "best" and "worst" and whether those definitions suit the culture.

Fellow Orthodox from Asia here. May the Lord bless you and may His Spirit guide all souls in that country to Him and His Holy church.

@@EthanTheBondserventI am a nice person but if you don’t believe in my religion that is thousands of years younger than yours then you’re going to suffer for the rest of eternity 🥰🥰🥰😘💖🤟

0.8% Christian in Japan. And sadly, they are dying off, and churches are closing down as almost no young people will rise up to take their places.

Most of them heard of him and they don’t care

America culture spreads mostly by movies and music, how many Christian movies can you think of that went popular worldwide?

You seem to be conflating the trappings of modernity with Western influence.

I hope those are tears of joy

Yes. I love living here as it is.

This is not about destroying culture, It is about the ultimate truth. Jesus is the ultimate truth. And there is joy and culture in Jesus Christ. He allows culture but in a way that glorifies holiness, not demonic strongholds

Naah you don't speak for the whole of Japan. Stop assuming it cos you will never know how many people need God in their life. I have been a buddhist for the past 40 years and doing good deeds and charities until Jesus found me in my most vulnerable moments when praying to idols have nothing. Buddhism is all about nothingness. From nothing going to nothing. How sad. He showed me that He exists and love us all the same and my life was turned around. I never knew life has such treasure that I didn't know off and how i wished i known it sooner. Search the ancient scriptures even in Chinese ancient history have accounts of the one true God. The missionaries are not to convert but to share who this marvellous God is. Only God can touch your heart and you make the choice to accept Him or not in your life.

@@woodkey1 Please do not misunderstand my opinion. I do not deny Christianity. There are many people in Japan who are saved by Buddha and deity just as you are saved by Jesus. I only want you to respect our culture and know the background of our culture. Thanks for your comment🙂

I have heard about this issue. what does overcoming this look like in practice?

Leave the Japanese alone with your death cult. The Japanese have the right idea that when someone doesn't ask for something it becomes a burden when pushed unto them. It can cause the formation of shame in some for not reciprocating in kind. Sometimes the good thing to do is nothing.

Good observation! No one wants to be obliged. I wonder how to meet that objection? Is it enough to emphasize that there are no strings attached to the love shown? Is it to emphasize that God is like a father and so he WANTS to bless them?

@@pants_schmants Maybe show them that the 1st Commandment isn't in some way a means of taking away their culture and replacing it with a foreign one...if you can.

@@pants_schmants maybe just leave them alone?

Sister, would you help me commenting if you find some information on how the february 14 feast that relates to cupid shows its an idol and a “saint” just like patrons of the city 🌆 (a supposed saint guarding each city tht gets a party celebrate or patronal) and what evil activity does that demon provoke (i couldnt find any celebration in the bible mandated from God related to this and yet the ones he ordered only a few celebrate 🫤 and rejoice in, one for israEL being some who do). I think this day masked as friendship day really is related to even family destruction and adultery and saw some scary dream 🛌 💭 about a family member and this dark angel with a bow to the heart some years ago

They don’t need missionaries and they surely don’t want them

​@@Kol-jy4mp The Gospels will be preached ❤️🙏

@@Doctor_Fate5 Why do Japan need to become Christian? They don’t need it and kicking out the missionaries was definitely one of the best decisions they made. Japan is a great culture as it is and doesn’t need ignorant foreigners preaching to them about faith or religion.

@@keithkoganeislife3144 and who are what is your culture

If a person really believes something, then it would influence their actions. If they don't really believe it, then no influence is exactly what would be expected. These acts of sharing ideas is precisely that influence derived from genuine belief.

Many Christians believe they are doing gods work by spreading the message of their religion, they feel if they do not spread the gospel then ppl will risk going to hell

Thats what i'm wondering too

I think you can find the reason from 11:48 onwards. As Christians, we believe in the concept of eternity, life after death, and the ultimate destination: heaven or hell. We believe God calls us to participate in his redemptive work and share the gospel to the nations. We believe that the love of God through the gospel has transformed our lives and we wish for others such as people in Japan to experience this too. An analogy would be, if you hold the cure to a sickness affecting your loved one, wouldn't you want to share the cure with them?

Because the end goal of christianity is to destroy all other religions

Human beings do bad things. They also do good things for bad reasons, and bad things for good reasons, as well as good things for good reasons, which can sometimes make other human beings have bad feelings. It's not possible to be completely disconnected from wrongdoing since there is always the possibility of doing bad things. (Children are often not fully aware of when they do something bad, so they are not equal to adults in this aspect.) That is the "original sin" in Christianity.

sure but you can value a story of Japan being created through the sexual intercourse between a twin brother and sister?😂

Orthodox Christianity does not preach original sin. It's a Catholic and Protestant thing. Orthodox Christians don't preach aggressively. Come and see if you want We will not pester you or anyone else.

​@@arianinigo9889 What you have described is the inclination to evil. Original sin is a Catholic and Protestant thing.

Fr why always try a turn normal people worship their gods to believers of Jesus. Leave us alone

What is belief in Jesus exactly?

@@JamieBar Belief in Jesus means belief in the Good News that He brings i.e. the Gospel. That Jesus is God who came down to earth as human. That He died on the cross and rose back up on the 3rd day to redeem humanity and freely gift all who believes Him the free gift of Salvation ❤️✝️

@@JadeWhite-xf9xq What is the difference the type of belief in Jesus that leads to salvation versus just merely having belief?

@@JamieBar ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ [9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. So, if you believe that Jesus is your God and Savior, that's the type of belief that leads to salvation. But if you just believe, let's say that Jesus is just a historical figure or a good man, then that should be categorize as "just belief". Hopefully I'm not getting ur question wrong...