The Shinto Shrine Issue in Korean Christianity under Japanese Colonialism

Abstract

Th e main theme of this essay focuses upon the different responses given by the churches to the Shinto shrine issue in Korea under Japa nese colonialism. As the editors of The International Review of Mis sions recorded in the special issues for April 1940 and July 1940, one of the gravest questions confronting Christian churches during the war (1931-1945) was that of observance at State Shinto shrines in the Japa nese Empire, especially in Korea. State Shinto or nationalistic Shinto ideology was used to facilitate the so-called peaceful offensive of Japa nese military expansion. The international and domestic situation in Japan after the out break of the Manchurian Incident demanded an intensification of the