Overcoming Barriers to Evangelization in Japan
- Evangelism & Missions
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2019
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Publisher's Description
With the advent of the Reiwa era and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the world's attention is riveted on Japan's grand tradition. Yet these same traditions are the ones that are hindering our efforts for evangelization. A college student knows he will be disowned by his family if baptized, and a Christian wife cannot receive baptism because of her Buddhist husband's strong opposition. How can we combat against these? There are two approaches: 1. We can condemn Japanese practices as total darkness and preach against them, or; 2. We can follow Paul's teaching and deem the Japanese people as worshiping "an unknown god" (Acts 17:22-31), and try to emphasize common grace at each turn. This book follows the second approach, but provides judiciously placed "caution" signs. It will tell you how to engage in conversation with non-Christians while providing an insider's view of Japan's rich cultural heritage. Its main purpose is to obtain conversion among the die-hard Buddhists, Shintoists, and traditionalists. When that is done, God's kingdom will be enriched in a manner similar to the time when Saul of Tarsus became Paul the apostle.
Endorsements (5)
“David Lu’s volume is unique and important. Dr. Lu has taught Japanese history for decades, and is as conversant with Buddhism, Shintoism, and Confucianism as any expert, yet he is also a theologically trained, committed Protestant Christian. Both his years of scholarship and his personal experience as a believer sharing his faith come together in this book. It calls for both high respect toward Japanese culture and an unflinching presentation of gospel truth. Anyone at all concerned to see Christianity flourish in Japan and serve its people well should read this book.”
“As Dr. Lu navigates a boundless journey with his tricultural background and exuberant spirits on mission in Japan, readers will find themselves well equipped for their journey to come.”
“This brief work covers a number of key factors that impede effective evangelism in Japan, and gives insightful recommendations for missionaries seeking to advance the gospel in a Japanese context.”
“With his rich and accurate understanding of both the heart and mind of the Japanese as well as those of Christian missionaries, Dr. David Lu gives practical tips for bringing Christian faith into the religious and cultural context of today’s Japan.”
“As someone who was a missionary in Japan for more than 20 years, I found this book very insightful and easy to read. Even though the author was never a missionary there, he does an excellent job thinking through both the barriers to the Gospel and some practical ways to deal with them. I wish I had had this book when I arrived in Japan!”
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