The Cost of Christianity for Samurai from 1549-1620

Hunter Harrison

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

This paper seeks to identify the human cost of conversion to the Christian faith presented by Jesuit missionaries from 1549 until 1620, six years after the Government banning of the faith in 1614. It will specifically analyze what conflicts the new faith presented to the Samurai worldview and value system, and explore why and how Samurai who chose to convert decided the shift in values and beliefs was worth the cost. Furthermore, once the faith was outlawed, a second look will be taken at Samurai who decided to remain Christian, and what the cost of maintaining their faith was and how they reasoned that to be a more acceptable outcome than apostasy.

Comments

Studies in History
BLH 362

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