[Buddha-l] (thread) Christianity as a threat in Japan

[Dan Lusthaus]

As to


"Why Christianity (in Japan) made such a big impact back in the 16-17th
centuries-- in other words, why it was felt by the rulers as a
big threat?"

John neglects to mention the most important factor.

"1543-Portuguese Arrive in Japan
Blown off course during a storm, Portuguese traders shipwrecked near 
Tangeshima island off the southern coast of Japan. Intrigued by the 
Portuguese firearms, the local daimyo warlord bought two guns from the 
European sailors and commissioned his swordsmith to make copies. The daimyo 
then asked the Portuguese for shooting lessons."

http://www.pbs.org/empires/japan/timeline_1500.html

With the gospel came firearms. In a militant culture this constituted a real 
danger to the balance of power and threatened the culture of samurai. 
Missionaries were not innocent bystanders, but actively took sides, and 
armed their patrons. Onward Christian soldiers! The Japanese recognized 
something that may not be as obvious to westerners in the 21st century, viz. 
there was a militant fanaticism to Christianity that constituted a real 
threat, since, e.g, Catholics swore allegiance to a foreign emperor, the 
Pope (China came to similar conclusions). Religion did not transcend 
politics, it was the heart and passion of politics. Hence the Dutch, who 
could honestly separate church from trade, were given continued and 
exclusive access to Japan during the so-called closed years.

Dan