Foundational Aspects of Indigenous Religions

Foundational Aspects of Indigenous Religions Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Foundational Aspects of Indigenous Religions 1 Two primary distinguishing ethical principles or rules observed by Shinto The Shinto observes two ethical principles that distinguish them from other religions. The first distinguishing principle is their reverence for nature. Shinto emphasizes the value of the natural world. The followers of this religion believe that deities known as kami inhabit the natural forms of life such as animals, mountains, rivers, and trees. The reverence for nature among the Shinto is a vital element in their respect for sustainable living as well as the protection of natural spaces. The other distinguishing ethical principle in Shinto is harai or the concept of purity. Shinto believers conduct purification rituals that are aimed at ridding people of kegere or pollutants. The concept of purity in Shinto extends to the physical and spiritual purity of the believers. 2 The founder of Shinto Shinto’s origin is not specifically defined. That is because the religion developed organically through centuries based on the indigenous belief system of the Japanese people. The origins of Shinto are marked by the prehistoric animistic practices of the Japanese. Notably, nature was worshiped as sacred among the ancient Japanese. Through time, Shinto has evolved to accommodate more formalizati...