J-CATS Japanese Contextual and Theological Studies

Today we talk with Pastor Matsuda, who serves at an international church in Tokyo, and also meets with 'seekers' who don't know how to approach the traditional church due to fears of overbearing leadership, cult behavior and post-COVID anxiety. He ministers to these 'hiding seekers' through SNS, Twitter and Zoom. He also runs RAC-Network (Rethinking Authentic Christianity), where you can purchase some really great contextualization materials! https://rac-network.com/

Today Jon goes over 'the first significant communication of authentic, first-rate Japanese theology to the West." Kazoh Kitamori's Theology of the Pain of God is widely viewed in the global theological community as a theology that comes from a deep understanding of Japanese thought. On the other hand, for various reasons, it isn't very popular in Japanese churches. So should missionaries even bother? Jon thinks we should, and gives an overview of the why, what and how of this exemplary work.

Today we speak with Tsuji Sensei, a 33 year old pastor about a contextualized theological education delivery system, felt needs of Japanese young people, and cooperation between pastors and missionaries, Also Kohei joins us, and we ask the audience, 'what do you do with Judas?'

Dive into the fascinating cultural landscape of Christianity in Japan. Discover unique interpretations of original sin and the complexities between a holy God and humanity. Listen as the speaker discusses culturally sensitive theology, blending Japanese perspectives with Christian concepts. Explore terms that resonate more deeply with local beliefs and the nature of forgiveness. Through engaging stories and language insights, this conversation bridges gaps, inviting listeners to rethink their understanding of faith.

Dr. Kai Akagi gives an overview of the Sapporo Band, a group the first generation of protestants in Japan including Kanzo Uchimura and Inazo Nitobe (author of Bushido). Recommended book: A History of Japanese Theology, edited by Yasuo Furuya

Dr. Kai Akagi joins us again for a second round of first generation protestants in Japan, as we take a look at the Kumamoto band, Ebina Danjo and the beginning of Doshisha University. Also, a fighting Samurai woman who was the first 'Christian bride' in Japanese history!

Want a college level Japanese church history lesson? Kai adjuncts at various universities and seminaries in Japan, and has taught Japanese Church history at Sophia University. Today, Kai talks about the early Japanese protestant 'bands' of Christians popping up in various places, and focuses on the 'Yokohama band' and the first protestant church in Japan.

Kohei Koyama, a Japanese missionary with a unique blend of experiences from Japan and abroad, shares compelling insights into the challenges of Christianity in Japan. He reflects on his faith journey influenced by Japanese culture and Western perspectives. Kohei highlights the importance of contextualization in making Christianity relatable and discusses the poignant role of influential resources like Japanese Christian novels and anime in shaping spiritual narratives. His experiences underscore the need for understanding the local community in building trust and fostering faith.

In Episode 2 we look at various portions of Kosuke Koyama's Water Buffalo Theology

Welcome to JCATS! Japanese Contextual and Theological Studies, 日本人から聞く日本のキリスト教、Learning about Japanese Christianity from Japanese people. This podcast exists to search out contextualization practices and ideas from Japanese literature, history and conversations with Japanese people, to help missionaries present Christianity in a non-foreign way. In this first episode we discuss what is contextualization and why it's important in Japan, as well as preview some sources to be featured in future episodes. Glad to have you with us!