Week 4: Cultural Concepts: Wabisabi, Bigaku, Kenkyo April 19-25

Reading:

  • Ch. 27, Pg 223-232 “Simplicity and Elegance as Japanese Ideals for Beauty,” Wabi-Sabi 侘び寂び
  • Ch. 4, Pg 35-40 “The Japanese Sense of Beauty,” Bigaku 美学
  • Ch. 17, Pg 143-152 “The Japanese Virtue of Modesty,” Kenkyo 謙虚
  • Anne’s Blog post title: お返しの方が価値あるバイor Return Gifts Cost More</li>

Visit

Visit a Japanese Church. Observe different ways that the cultural characteristics in the book are seen at the Japanese church. (If that is not possible, interview someone who has attended.)

Writing:

Weekly Paper: “Impressions and Points from Your Reading”

    • Do you think that there should be more of a focus on intentionally including (or even perhaps emphasizing) elements of more traditional Japanese beauty into the Japanese Christian church? (e.g. wafuku, hogaku, simple, monochromatic art; aware, ma). Would this help the Japanese to view Christianity not as being a “western religion”  with a “western God”?
    •  How can we disciple believers to recognize and reject false doctrine while not being considered obnoxious for going against the Japanese style of sunao?
    • How do we live out and teach Biblical expressions of humility? (e.g. Are expressions of negative self-image compatible with the Biblical description of who we, as God’s children, are?)
    • Optional: Read the discussion questions at the end of the chapter. Are there any that you think highlights a key point that merits further discussion by the class, specifically as it relates to how we think about and approach ministry to the Japanese?

Pray:

  • Pray daily for Japan and Japanese, using Operation Japan. Make a note in your blog concerning the information and/or your prayer.

Extra Suggestions:

Questions