Japanese Religions Past and Present

This is intended as an introductory guide, with source materials, to the religious traditions as found in Japan today together with their historical background.

Each chapter deals with a specific topic such as Shinto, Buddhism, Christianity and the new religions.

There is an introduction to the subject to be considered, followed by a series of readings.

The introductions contextualize the readings and explain the themes they contain.In the chapter on new religions - the most actively growing phenomenon over the past century involving many hundreds of new religions which have been established - the authors provide insight into their teachings and activities, aspecially Soka Gakkai, Itto-en, Tenrikyo, Rissho Koseikai and Seicho no le.