Japanese vs. Gaijin Christianity
Japanese Christianity is Giri to Japanese Culture & Christian Faith
Faith is a private journey, present at your core, something only you can access in your Honne
Culture is the group you belong to, who you associate with and the activities you do in your Tatemae
1. Responsibility to My Group
As Japanese people, we are skilled at navigating group priorities. Knowing when an employer group takes priority over an athletic group. Knowing when a family group takes priority over a shared hobby group.
When a Japanese becomes a Christian, they may feel it is another group they must prioritize.
Gaijin Christianity
Some churches require their group to come first. They may put pressure on their congregants to be at church every Sunday, participate in only their activities and warn you of the dangers of participating in other non-Christian activities and groups.
Japanese Christianity
Becoming a Christian is not like joining a club--it is placing your faith in Jesus. It is healthy to meet with Christians in a church, but church doesn't make you a Christian, faith in Jesus does. At a Japanese Christian church you are encouraged to continue to navigate group priorities in the same way you did prior to becoming a Christian.
2. Participating in Festivals
Japanese people are skilled at navigating group priorities. Knowing when an employer group takes priority over an athletic group. Knowing when a family group takes priority over a shared hobby group.
When a Japanese becomes a Christian, they may feel it is another group they must prioritize.
Gaijin Christianity
Some churches require their group to come first. They may put pressure on their congregants to be at church every Sunday, participate in only their activities and warn you of the dangers of participating in other non-Christian activities and groups.
Japanese Christianity
Becoming a Christian is not like joining a club--it is placing your faith in Jesus. It is healthy to meet with Christians in a church, but church doesn't make you a Christian, faith in Jesus does. At a Japanese Christian church you are encouraged to continue to navigate group priorities in the same way you did prior to becoming a Christian.
2. Participating in Festivals
Japanese people are skilled at navigating group priorities. Knowing when an employer group takes priority over an athletic group. Knowing when a family group takes priority over a shared hobby group.
When a Japanese becomes a Christian, they may feel it is another group they must prioritize.