Effects of Christianity on the World (Chapter 15)

By adityaK
  • 1548

    Christian Missions

    In 1549, Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier arrived in Japan, adapting to local customs and working with feudal lords. He followed earlier Portuguese efforts to establish a presence in Asia, including Goa, where a bishopric was established in 1533. Xavier's approach to mission work in Japan differed from prior methods, focusing on local cooperation. His mission in Japan marked a significant moment in the spread of Christianity in Asia, which continued despite challenges throughout the region.
  • 1549

    Arrival of St. Francis Xavier

    Francis Xavier was a Spanish priest and one of the first members of the Jesuits, a group dedicated to spreading Christianity. He had a deep passion for sharing his faith, which took him across Asia in the 1500s. In 1549, he traveled to Japan, inspired by stories of its people’s curiosity and intelligence. Through conversations with local leaders, translating teachings, and adapting to Japanese culture, he worked to introduce Christianity and plant the seeds for future missions.
  • 1571

    Founding of Nagasaki -- Christian Port

    Nagasaki was made as a Christian port under Portuguese influence, a key center for missionary activities and trade. It played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in Japan, with churches and Christian communities flourishing. The city became a focal point for conversions, including among samurai, and was vital for establishing the first dioceses. However, Nagasaki's connection to foreign powers also sparked tensions, leading to later suppression of Christianity by the Tokugawa Shogunate.
  • 1580

    Spread of Christianity

    After Francis introduced Christianity to Japan in 1549, it spread quickly with support from feudal leaders like Oda Nobunaga. By 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi expelled missionaries due to foreign influence, leading to harsh persecution under the Tokugawa Shogunate. Christianity was banned, and "hidden Christians" practiced in secret for over two centuries. It revived in 1859 when Japan reopened to foreign influence, and the American occupation after WWII further strengthened Christian communities

  • 1587-1597: First Great Persecution of Christians in Japan

    The First Great Persecution severely impacted Christianity in Japan, leading to the expulsion of missionaries and the martyrdom of Christians. Many believers were forced into hiding, forming the "Hidden Christians." The rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu brought a more cautious approach, allowing Christianity to grow isolation. Despite the ban, Christianity survived underground, leading to its revival when Japan reopened in the 19th century. This period strengthened the faith's resilience in Japan.

  • The Edict of Proscription

    Had an important effect on Christianity in Japan. Leading to the arrest, and execution of countless believers. Christianity, once thriving, were silenced. Yet, despite this harsh repression, the faith endured in secret, with believers holding onto their beliefs in the face of immense danger. This long period of suppression shaped a resilient and deeply committed Christian community, which would eventually be revived when Japan reopened to the outside world.

  • Japan’s Seclusion Policy

    Following the Shimabara Uprising, the Tokugawa shogunate enacted a policy of seclusion, closing Japan to all foreign trade except for the Dutch at Nagasaki. This was a response to fears of foreign influence, especially Christianity, which was seen as a threat to Japan’s social order and political stability. The policy lasted for over 260 years, during which Japan remained isolated from the outside world, limiting contact with foreign powers and suppressing Christianity.

  • Ban Lift

    The Meiji government officially lifts the ban on Christianity, signaling a significant shift in policy. This decision allows Christian missionaries to return to Japan and establish churches, schools, and hospitals. Christian communities begin to grow once again, and the religion slowly integrates into Japanese society, influencing education and social services, marking a new chapter in the history of Christianity in Japan.

  • Resurgence of Christianity

    After World War II, Japan’s new constitution guarantees religious freedom, allowing Christianity to re-establish itself. Christian missionaries return, and churches, schools, hospitals, and social programs are founded across the country. The Christian community grows in influence, contributing to education and social welfare. Christianity becomes an important part of Japan's post-war recovery, fostering new cultural and religious exchanges.