Homosexuality in Shinto has a varied past of periods of acceptance and rejection. Unlike other religions, Shintoism is very decentralised and non-dogmatic and thus there is no definitive religious ruling on homosexuality. // Overview Religious views of homosexuality have varied widely. ... The issue of homosexuality has become a highly debated topic, especially with relation to religion. ... One of the five precepts states that one is to refrain from sexual misconduct or, more accurately, one is to refrain from indulging in sexual desire. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Homosexuality in Confucianism is primarily frowned upon, although it is not specifically forbidden. ... Hindu views of homosexuality are varying and diverse. ... Islam presumes that a man will be drawn to beautiful youths, and admonishes the believer not to yield to temptation. ... Homosexuality and Judaism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Throughout most of Wicca and Neopaganism, all sexual orientations are considered healthy and positive, provided that individual sexual relationships are healthy and loving. ... The Church of Scientology is based upon the writings of author L. Ron Hubbard (1911-1986). ... Homosexuality in Sikhism is, as in other religions, a very controversial subject. ... Homosexuality in Taoism is, as in many other religions, a controversial issue. ... Homosexuality in Zoroastrianism is, as in many other religions, a controversial topic. ... Since its coining, the term homosexuality has aquired multiple meanings. ... A torii at Itsukushima Shrine Shinto (神道 shintō) is a native religion of Japan and was once its state religion. ...

Homosexuality in Japanese Society

Main article: Homosexuality in Japan.

Shinto and Japanese society are tightly bound together each shaping the other. This, in combination with the flexibility of the Shinto religion, has meant that acceptance or rejection of homosexuality by Japanese society manifests itself into Shinto. Historically, homosexuality was acceptable in Japanese society, especially in the Warrior class and later the Middle class. With increased contact with Western nations in the 19th Century, Japanese society adopted the view that homosexuality was uncivilised, and thus rejected it. Homosexuality was rarley seen as immoral, but socially unacceptable. Shinto views on the family and social responsibility became justification for this rejection. Homosexuality, or same-gender romantic love or sexual desire, has been recorded from ancient times in Japan; indeed, at some times in Japanese history love between men was viewed as the purest form of love. ...

In recent years, homosexuality has become more acceptable in Japanese society as science has shown that it is completely natural for a minority of adults to be attracted solely to members of the same sex. Again, this social transition has manifested itself in the Shinto religion. Socially conservative and progressive Shintos may both believe that their religion is a vindictation for their beliefs on homosexuality.

Shinto Beliefs

Japan has a very collectivist society, and this is reflected in Shinto. Shintos are expected to do what is best for the whole of society even if it will disadvantage themselves. Tradition is seen as extremely important to society and maintenance of tradition is expected of all Shintos. The family is seen as the mechanism by which tradition is preserved. For judgements of value about collectivism and individualism, see individualism and collectivism. ...

Many social conservatives believe that reproduction is essential to the family and the transition of tradition to the next generation. Since homosexuality cannot result in reproduction it is seen as a means by which tradition might be ended. Other social conservatives believe that homosexuality itself is untraditional and bad for society as a whole.

Social progressives believe that most because most adults are heterosexual, tradition could not be destroyed solely through homosexuality. Homosexual couples may adopt children and pass their traditions on to the next generation without biologically reproducing. Many believe that traditions are meant to change as society changes. This is exemplified by the fact that while homosexuality was traditionally acceptable in the past, increased contact with the West and Western attitudes changed what was traditional.

Shintoism is also concerned with respect for nature. Socially conservative Shintos may argue that homosexuality is fundementally against nature's law in that it does not result in reproduction. Socially progressive Shintos point out that science has shown that homosexuality is completely natural for a minority of adults.

See also

• Homosexuality in Japan
• Homosexuality and Buddhism (many Japanese people practise a hybrid form of Shinto and Buddhism)

Homosexuality, or same-gender romantic love or sexual desire, has been recorded from ancient times in Japan; indeed, at some times in Japanese history love between men was viewed as the purest form of love. ... One of the five precepts states that one is to refrain from sexual misconduct or, more accurately, one is to refrain from indulging in sexual desire. ... Statues of Buddha such as this, the Tian Tan Buddha statue in Hong Kong, remind followers to practice right living. ...

External links

• Japanese History for Gay Men