Lexington Books Hidden Christians in Japan: Breaking the Silence

Hidden Christians in Japan: Breaking the Silence examines the contemporary issues facing hidden Christian communities in Japan, looking at how these issues have resulted in the discontinuation of hidden Christian practices, and how these communities adapt to their changing communities. For those who have disbanded or are deciding to disband, this book examines the ways these groups deal with keeping both the traditions and rituals of the hidden Christians alive and how it affects their communal identity as a whole. The way these communities choose to either leave their practices behind as a forgotten legacy of their ancestors or publicly preserve their artifacts and traditions through various means can have a dramatic impact on how the world is able to finally understand their views, but more importantly, how hidden Christian communities cope with the loss for these familial traditions. Review An excellent book. For the first time the hidden Christians' own voices can be heard. This study is essential reading for anyone interested in the topic.--Stephen Turnbull, University of Leeds The strength of Hidden Christians in Japan is the sensitivity with which it engages contemporary 'Hidden Christian' beliefs and practices by tracing their spiritual antecedents, analyzing the consequences of their experience of modernity, and speculating respectfully on where those who still embrace these beliefs and practices may be headed.--Peter Nosco, University of British Columbia About the Author Kirk Sandvig is adjunct professor at Chapman University and Saddleback College