Shinto: Ways of Being Religious

Shinto Ways of Being Religious  by Gary E. Kessler  NY: McGraw-Hill,  2004.  62 pages
ISBN: 0073016896  Selling around $20.00

This is a college textbook which provides a series of reading texts with questions for discussion.  However, that does not mean it is of no use to the general reader.  In fact, it is highly informative for anyone with more than a passing interest in Shinto.  The book is organised into eight chapters from prehistory to the present (with an
extra chapter on the role of women).  In each case there is a clear overview followed by a key reading passage to illustrate the thinking of the times.  Examples include a passage from the History of the Kingdom of Wei about Himiko for prehistory, to a passage on possession in The Tale of Genji for the Heian period, and The GHQ Directive for the abolition of State Shinto for the post WW2 period.  Overall the book is solid, authoritative, and the texts well chosen.  This is rewarding study for someone who is coming to Shinto with a keen interest but little knowledge.  The author works at California State University, Bakersfield.

Summary: A college textbook that would be suitable for someone who wishes to progress beyond an introductory book to more serious study.  Can be bought separately or coupled together with Kessle’s Eastern Ways of Being Religious.