Bridging the gap
Some Japanese people are strongly influenced by beliefs in the supernatural, but God is able to open their eyes to see Jesus as we engage with them relationally
“In October, the gods convene in Izumo for their annual meeting, and so it’s an auspicious time to visit,” Kumi explained while handing me a souvenir from her trip to a famous shrine in Izumo (a long way from Iwate, where she lives).
Chatting over lunch at an event organized by a group of therapists and beauticians, I learnt that one of the ladies had a palm-reading stall. Another friend recommended that I see a spiritual healer for my problems.
“I believe my ancestors are constantly watching over and protecting me,” shared Keiko, a local café owner. “My parents and I have always enjoyed visiting and praying at temples. In fact, my hobby is to collect red-ink stamps from temples.” I had noticed a Buddhist charm in her car and that her earrings were made of “power stones” (similar to crystal healing sometimes seen in the West).
“The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4 ESV).
Reflecting on these conversations
As I reflect on these interactions with Japanese friends, I’m surprised by how religious and spiritual beliefs and practices seem to impact their worldviews and everyday life despite many expressing suspicion or dislike towards “religion”. Moreover, I’m struck by how vastly different the God of Scripture is. Unlike polytheistic gods, the one true God doesn’t need any counsel in making decisions. In contrast to the belief that gods dwell in temples or objects, our God is Lord of heaven and earth and not confined to a building or a place. Enthroned in heaven, our holy God cannot be manipulated into doing our bidding but is to be worshipped on his terms.
I’m sometimes tempted to give up when chatting with my Japanese non-Christian friends. What can I say that will make any difference to their long-held beliefs and worldviews? How do I even begin to convey a God so different from their human conceptions? How can this impossible gap be bridged?
“God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). What good news that we have Jesus who bridged heaven and earth to save humanity who was blind and dead in their sins!
The fact is, the gospel is veiled to those who are perishing, and convicting and saving a sinner is as impossible as bringing light out of darkness. However, God can shine “the light of the knowledge of [his] glory” into sinful people whose hearts are shrouded in darkness (2 Cor. 4:6). Jesus can lift the veil from their hearts that they may see he alone is God. I’m humbled that it is not my persuasion or influence, but God who saves those he has called.
Being a bridge
Like Paul, we follow in the footsteps of our Lord in bridging the gap. Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. In Athens, Paul boldly proclaimed the gospel but not without first forging cultural bridges by acknowledging the Athenians’ religious devotion and beliefs (Acts 17:16–31). In Japan, I’ve found that investing time in forming relationships of trust is key for people to be comfortable in sharing about themselves. Taking a genuine interest in others has often led to them asking questions about me.
After chatting about Keiko’s Obon customs, she began asking questions about my beliefs and practices as a Christian.1 “I guess you don’t celebrate Obon? I thought Christians pray as we do.”
“As Christians we respect our ancestors, but we don’t worship them. And yes, we pray to God as you do, but we don’t need to go to a particular place. It’s a bit complicated. Are you sure you want me to explain?” I asked hesitantly.
“I love learning about these things!” she replied enthusiastically.
We spent the next hour chatting about the God who revealed himself through the Bible and how Jesus is the fulfilment of the temple and sacrificial system, and the way for us to approach God anytime and anywhere as children can with a father.
Despite my initial sense of helplessness and resignation, God opened the way for me to witness his wonderous truths to Keiko. May God give us humility, love, and discernment to bridge cultural and spiritual gaps so that our Japanese friends may come to know Jesus who laid down his life to be the bridge between us and God.
1. Obon is an annual festival in Japan in summer that venerates deceased ancestors.