Greatest Problem Religion And State Formation In Meiji Japan, The

Book Description

This scholarly exploration reveals how Japan's modern state grappled with defining and controlling religious expression during a pivotal period of national transformation. Trent Elliott examines the complex relationship between spiritual practice and political power as Japan's leaders worked to establish a constitutional framework in the late 19th century.

Drawing from government records, diplomatic correspondence, and contemporary media, the book illuminates how Japanese officials came to view religious diversity as their most significant challenge. The study shows how state architects deliberately positioned key institutions, including the imperial system, in direct contrast to religious authority.

Elliott's research demonstrates how the concept of religion itself became a tool for managing social and intellectual diversity that threatened centralized control. Rather than eliminating spiritual traditions, the emerging government developed sophisticated methods to regulate, contain, and defuse religious influence while maintaining the appearance of tolerance.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual movements interact with political systems, this work offers valuable insights into the mechanisms governments use to shape religious expression. The book reveals the delicate balance between honoring traditional beliefs and advancing modernization goals.

Through careful analysis of primary documents, Elliott presents a nuanced portrait of how one nation navigated the tension between spiritual freedom and state authority during a crucial period of institutional development.