Introduction
Shinto, or Shintoism, is an Immanent ancient Japanese polytheistic religion with over three million followers. It dates back to around 500 BC, and does not have any definite founder.
The name ‘Shinto’ derives from the Japanese term ‘Shin-tao’ meaning ‘The way of the Gods’. Shinto has no definite texts of faith, no definite founder and no official doctrine. It has formed over many beliefs being bound together in the very early years of the Japanese people, and has carried through to modern years we see now. Shintoism has shaped and developed the practices, attitudes, beliefs and characteristics of Japan and the Japanese people we know today. There are no absolutes in Shintoism, no complete and definitive rights and wrongs. Shinto is simply seen as an optimistic faith.
Origins
Beliefs
Rituals
Deities
Influence on Society
Human search for meaning
Below is a video providing a brief summary of Shintoism and it's relation to the Japanese culture.
The name ‘Shinto’ derives from the Japanese term ‘Shin-tao’ meaning ‘The way of the Gods’. Shinto has no definite texts of faith, no definite founder and no official doctrine. It has formed over many beliefs being bound together in the very early years of the Japanese people, and has carried through to modern years we see now. Shintoism has shaped and developed the practices, attitudes, beliefs and characteristics of Japan and the Japanese people we know today. There are no absolutes in Shintoism, no complete and definitive rights and wrongs. Shinto is simply seen as an optimistic faith.
Origins
Beliefs
Rituals
Deities
Influence on Society
Human search for meaning
Below is a video providing a brief summary of Shintoism and it's relation to the Japanese culture.