A Journey Through History
Blending rich historical analysis with cultural insights, Hidden Faith takes readers on a journey through the Kakure Kirishitan’s clandestine practices, innovative rituals, and unwavering faith. From their covert worship in hidden altars to their ingenious blending of Christian and Japanese traditions, these communities found ways to preserve their identity under the constant threat of discovery and death.
Key Topics Explored:
• The Historical Context: Christianity’s introduction to Japan, its rapid spread, and the violent suppression that followed under the Tokugawa Shogunate.
• Survival Strategies: How the Kakure Kirishitan maintained their beliefs through secret symbols, encoded prayers, and oral traditions.
• Syncretism and Adaptation: The unique fusion of Christian teachings with Japanese cultural and spiritual elements to evade detection.
• The End of Persecution: The Meiji Restoration and its impact on the re-emergence of Christianity in Japan.
• Modern-Day Kakure Kirishitan: The legacy of these hidden communities in contemporary Japan and their contributions to global religious history.
A Story of Resilience and Faith
Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, Froom not only brings the Kakure Kirishitan’s story to life but also reflects on the broader implications of religious persecution, cultural adaptation, and the enduring power of faith.
Who Should Read This Book?
Hidden Faith is a must-read for anyone interested in religious history, Japanese culture, or the resilience of human belief. It is a powerful testament to the lengths people will go to preserve their faith and identity in the face of oppression.
Discover the hidden history of Japan’s Kakure Kirishitan and be inspired by their extraordinary journey of faith and survival.
Vincent Froom is a theologian, historian, and cultural analyst whose work explores the intersections of faith, tradition, and resilience across diverse global contexts. With a focus on hidden, marginalized, and often overlooked religious communities, Froom’s scholarship delves deeply into the ways faith adapts and survives under pressure. His writing is marked by thorough historical research, nuanced cultural analysis, and a commitment to amplifying voices that have long been silenced.
Froom’s previous works have examined topics ranging from the role of underground churches in totalitarian regimes to the unexpected religious adaptations found in postcolonial societies. In this book on the Kakure Kirishitan, Froom continues his pursuit of uncovering the tenacity of faith in the most unlikely places. His empathetic yet critical approach not only preserves historical accuracy but also invites readers to reflect on broader themes of spiritual survival, cultural synthesis, and the enduring power of belief.