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

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Kegan A. Chandler

Monotheism in the New Religious Movements of Japan

Historical and Taxonomical Challenges in Western Studies

Kegan A. Chandler

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English

Routledge
30 June 2025

Regional studies; Philosophy of religion; Oriental religions; Eclectic & esoteric religions & belief systems

Series: Routledge Studies in Religion

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 religious movements (NRMs)—exemplified in this volume by Kurozumikyō, Tenrikyō, and Konkōkyō, which have occasionally and controversially been pinned with the monotheism label. However, significant disagreement and confusion have persisted for nearly a century in Western scholarship over precisely how to classify these religions and furthermore over where their monotheism, if it exists, might have come from. Chandler argues that this long history of dissonance in the West is the result of a complex layering of taxonomical, sociocultural, and scholarly issues. Furthermore, he suggests this impasse can be addressed via an updated definition of monotheism that takes into account its nuances and includes new monotheistic subcategories. The book reveals the monotheism of Japan’s NRMs in light of this new framework and through a new historical investigation into Japanese sources of monotheism. It is especially relevant to scholars with an interest in Japanese religions and new religious movements as well as the comparative study of religion and philosophy of religion.

By: Kegan A. Chandler
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 670g
ISBN: 9781032971094
ISBN 10: 1032971096
Series: Routledge Studies in Religion
Pages: 264
Publication Date: 30 June 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

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.

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

“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