J-CATS Japanese Contextual and Theological Studies

Today we talk with Morgen Hildebrand, a missionary from Kansas who completed a theology degree at Tokyo Christian University. She gives a number of fascinating insights to the way that Japanese professors teach Christianity, and the way that her Japanese classmates encouraged her to fine tune her gospel message in a culturally winsome way.

Today Chris Pain, Japan field director of OMF joins me to review a report on Church Planting and Partnering with Japanese pastors that OMF produced. You can download the report for free here!https://omf.org/resource/download-report-church-planting-and-partnering-in-japan/

Kohei and I continue our conversation from last time. The first 20 minutes or so we talk about church models and Japan, the second half we look at some of the answers Japanese pastors gave at the Asian Access conference when asked what they would like missionaries to start doing and stop doing. Enjoy!

Today we talk with Kohei, who helped out at Asian Access Japan's 2024 conference 'From Embers to Flames'. Did you know that, although Japan's Christian population is only about 1% of Japan, 99% of Christians are laypeople? That' means that, if there are 1,000,000 Japanese Christians, 990,000 of them are not clergy. How can these Japanese Christian laypeople, these embers, ignite a Spiritual fire to spread Christianity among their people in Japan?

Today I chat with Noah, a missionary who began self-studying Japanese two years before landing in Japan in early '24. He promptly passed the JLPT N2, and is awaiting his results from taking N1 in December. Noah shares what worked for him, a surprisingly cheap and time efficient system that most missionaries (or any Japanese learners) could benefit from! Noah's suggested resources: Tofugu's resource page: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese-learn... Genki Textbook:   / 791506.genki_i   Minna No Nihongo textbook: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... Jyoukyuu he no Tobira: https://tobiraweb.9640.jp/ A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9... Shin Kanzen Master Series: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kanzen+mas... Anki flashcards (better on phone): https://ankiweb.net/shared/decks?sear... WaniKani: https://www.wanikani.com/ Podcasts for learning Japanese: Haru no Nihongo Learn Japanese With Noriko Yuyu no Nihongo

At the biennial Renown (formerly CPI) Conference hundreds of Japan-based missionaries gathered for networking, encouragement, and strategizing. While there JCATS held a survey asking 'what are your favorite books about Japan by Japanese authors?' and 'what are your favorite Christian podcasts?' Jon's friend and fellow Japan missionary Joe comes on to discuss results.

at a denominational anniversary celebration in Sendai, I surveyed 34 attendees to ask what they find is attractive about Christianity. The results are in the video.

Today I have a conversation with pastor Kentaro Matsuda about how he reaches people who haven't lost their faith, but have stepped away from church. He recently translated Frank Viola's 'Pagan Christianity' into Japanese, and we talk about that too.

Martin Heisswolf, a seasoned missionary in Japan and current dean of missiology, shares rich insights from his journey since 1991. He delves into the intricate relationship between Japanese animism and evangelism, highlighting challenges like 'split-level Christianity.' Heisswolf emphasizes the importance of understanding Japanese cultural beliefs, such as ancestor veneration, to engage effectively in outreach. The discussion also touches on the evolving perspectives of salvation among Japanese youth and the significance of genuine faith over mere ritual adherence.

In 1999 the Association of Shinto Shrines printed a pamphlet in English entitled Shinto Beliefs, I go over the 5 pillars, and talk a little bit more about Nishitani's Understanding Japaneseness, which discusses Shinto in the Epilogue.