Japanese attitudes towards religion and emerging religions

I'm also a monk, and I hardly know anything other than my own denomination. I've never studied. I think saying it out loud is bad in itself, so please forgive me for being rude and ignorant in my remarks.

The first thing I think is, after all, religion is something created for human convenience. Of course, saints called masters (Buddha, Christ, etc.) are probably preaching the truth. However, many religious denominations were probably born by people in later generations, starting with disciples, due to the ability, times, environment, climate, politics, etc. of people who interpreted the sutras from time to time. Even in established religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, there are various denominations, sects, and groups. However, pedagogical doctrines have been established for each, and they have been steadily passed on as a result.

Also, what I gained through various life experiences became the origin of my faith, and I think many emerging religions were born from such individual experiences. Also, it is undeniable that new religions have risen because established religious groups have stopped putting effort into proselytizing. If the monk doesn't help, it's probably us.
Also, in the case of emerging religions, it is also true that people called gurus die, split due to power struggles within the organization, and even though what they teach and do doesn't change much from division, only the number of religious groups increases. Feeling close to religion, rather than the relationship between temples and parishioners, may also be a factor.

In any case, there is no denying that religious feelings are greatly influenced by the environment (parents, grandparents, etc.) when you were born. Also, even though we are not taught by anyone, our belief in Shinto and Buddhism is different for each person. Therefore, as we grow, our values will also change. If you encounter some kind of religion at that time, it will probably lead to faith.
Even if an idea or theory is established in the head and you are satisfied, it is not a religion. It's philosophy. Faith, the power to believe, and prayer are added to it, and it probably becomes a religion.
I think Haru Yuki-san has stories from various sources that you would like to know more about, so please refer to them.

I read your question.
I also can't say it clearly due to lack of study, but in Christianity, which is a monotheistic religion, people are created by God and probably exist, so I think the theory of evolution will be denied not only by emerging but also by Catholics and Protestants.
On the other hand, I don't think the theory of evolution is denied in Buddhism, which preaches luck where results are born due to causes and conditions rather than monotheism.

But I don't want to deny it just because my thoughts are different.
There is controversy about “Kinoko no Yama” and “Bamboo Village,” but you like Kinoko no Yama, and even if others say they like Bamboo Village, you don't think it's wrong, right?
It's the same as that.
I still feel that religion that denies it is dangerous.
However, not only in religion, but also in our individual units, there are exclusive people who say “I am right and others are wrong,” so it is difficult to talk about politics and religion, and I also feel that the way we relate to Japanese people is a problem.

Religion is imprinted as a scary entity for Japanese people.
Until the Edo period, it was only for some classes (the ruling class on the side causing the uprising), but today, since the Aum Shinrikyo incident, I think it has been shared even at the private sector level.
Therefore, it may be that everyone is keeping a distance from religion (maybe they simply don't know enough to talk about it).
However, for people who are really struggling, a healthy religion is helpful.
For example, even if everyone doesn't sympathize with Buddhist ideas, I think it would be nice if we could offer what they need to those who need it.

Haru no Yuki-sama

This is Kawaguchi Hidetoshi. This is my humble answer to the question.

After all, it is essential to proceed with determining the authenticity of teachings at one's own risk.

In the case of humble beginnings, we do not easily accept the teachings in traditional Japanese Buddhism, even if they are conventionally and traditionally correct interpretations, and we have clearly repeated tests, and we are still not accepting the fact that they are wrong.

Currently, Tibetan Buddhism is the center of practice, but in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, “one should not simply accept the teacher's teachings with respect, and the goldsmiths should carefully examine whether the gold they handle is real or fake, and by burning, cutting, and polishing that gold, so they should also accept the teacher's teachings in such a way,” and no matter who teaches, it is true whether those teachings are correct in light of the Buddhist scriptures Assuming that it is important to thoroughly investigate and verify it critically and rationally on your own, then accept it with satisfaction, and then put it into practice, I am also working hard every day according to that.

After all, it is only by being good at yourself that you can maintain your motivation and motivation. In the midst of skepticism, one cannot maintain motivation or motivation.

I think this is important regardless of whether it is an emerging religion or not.

(To be honest, there is always a cult nature and its danger lurking even within traditional Buddhist sects, so you still have to be careful in your own way.)

Kawaguchi Hidetoshi Gassho

There are dangerous religious checkpoints, so let's check them out. If there are multiple items that apply, be extremely careful. If you have even one, be careful.
1. There is a tendency to hide organization names, group names, and their true identity.
2. Use a name different from the group name or content to solicit.
3. Teach them not to doubt the information given by the organization. (Said the organization's information is correct and everything else is wrong)
4. There is a strong tendency to block information from outside. (They say it's an opposition conspiracy)
5. Teach them that the organization's teachings are absolute, and that thinking and judging by oneself is a mistake.
6. They argue that truth is possessed by that organization or guru (chairman), and can only be known through that organization or guru.
7. I always want to separate black and white, right and wrong.
8. Have a worldview that divides the world in half between the organization and the outside world.
9. Assert that the organization and the guru (chairman) are absolutely good and that the outside is evil.
10. Use many words that can only be used within the organization.
11. Individual lives are restricted, and people are forced to actively participate in organizational activities, donations, and solicitation activities.
12. Life is defined in every detail. You must always take instructions from your seniors and mentors.
13. Emphasize a sense of persecution (presence of enemies) and incite a sense of unity and struggle.
14. It instills extreme fear about leaving the organization and takes away the freedom to leave the organization. (Punishment, Hell, Satan)
15. Talking about people who have withdrawn from membership and consulting or coming into contact with others is prohibited.
16. Some kind of trouble has occurred at home, society, etc.
17. Use the names of famous people or academics.
18. Try to give joy and emotion by receiving an unusual welcome, being treated kindly, and praised.
19. Training camps and seminars are held regularly, and messages from the guru (chairman) can be instilled.
20. Donations and membership fees are required. (Solicitation activities, service quotas, etc.)
21. Punishment, hell, apocalyptic theory (Japan will fall, the world will fall), etc. incite anxiety and fear.

(Excerpt from “What is a cult” edited by the National Family and Child Counseling Office Liaison Council)

I wonder if I should avoid talking about religion with my uncle.
Every religion starts out as an emerging religion, so I don't think all emerging religions have problems. However, I think it is necessary to be very careful, including existing religions.