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Monotheism in the New Religious Movements of Japan: Historical and Taxonomical Challenges in Western Studies book cover

1st Edition

Monotheism in the New Religious Movements of Japan Historical and Taxonomical Challenges in Western Studies

By Kegan A. Chandler Copyright 2025
274 Pages 18 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

274 Pages 18 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge
Also available as eBook on:
This book calls for a reformation of the image of monotheism in studies of Japanese religions and in the study of religions in general. According to most scholars, “Japan” and “monotheism” mix like oil and water. Whatever Japanese religion is, we are told, the “Western” category of monotheism cannot not be imposed. The predominance of this standard ruling makes critical the study of Japan’s new... Read more

1 Introduction: The Challenge of a “Japanese” Monotheism  2 Western Studies of Japan’s NRMs  3 Taxonomy, Normativity, and Philosophy in the Study of Religions  4 Rehabilitating “Monotheism”  5 Revisiting Japan’s New Religious Movements  6 Western Studies on the Source of NRM Monotheism  7 The Kakure Kirishitan as NRM Source  8 The Medieval and Early Tokugawa Contributions  9 Conclusion: The Future of Monotheism in Japan. Index

Biography

Kegan A. Chandler is an Honorary Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Asian Religions (CSAR) in the Department for the Study of Religions at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

“In this clear book, Kegan Chandler makes a conceptual intervention in the study of Japanese religions, extending the category of ‘monotheism’ to cases where people have resisted it and showing how to reflect critically on our scholarly categories without undermining their reference to the world.”

– Kevin Schilbrack, Appalachian State University, USA

“Chandler’s book makes significant contributions to the advancement of comparative study, modern Japanese religions, Japanese religious and intellectual history, and other relevant fields. His comparative analysis, supported by thoughtful and clear theoretical bases, makes possible the novelty of bringing together religions so far studied separately.”

– Higashibaba Ikuo, Tenri University, Japan

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