Orientalism and Monotheism in Studies of Early Japanese Christianity

Modern studies of early Japanese Christianity, particularly regarding the Kakure Kirishitan (hidden Christians), often perpetuate an Orientalizing tendency that portrays their interpretations of monotheism and Christian theology as 'polytheistic' or 'syncretistic,' contrasting them with a perceived more authentic Western Christianity. This research highlights that such essentializing configurations, which separate 'Japanese' and 'Western' religions, persist even in post-colonial studies, despite Edward Said's warnings about the dangers of othering in general. The study uses critical analysis to expose these tendencies, questioning whether analysts have fully internalized Said's message on the devaluation inherent in othering.

Chandler, K. A. (2024). Orientalism and Monotheism in Studies of Early Japanese Christianity. Journal for the Study of Religion, 37(1), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3027/2024/v37n1a2