Shintoism Unique to Japan (no known founder) Shinto means “way of the gods” Has not spread to other parts of the world like the others. Basic structure says everything in nature contains Kami (or the spirit of a god). Has no rules for moral living and no concepts of a single ruling god. (polytheistic)

Shinto Teaching Expected to be reverent to nature, life, birth, and fertility. Teaches physical purity is more important than moral purity. They build shrines and worship their ancestors who they believe became Kami when they died. Shinto is often practiced along with another religion because it has no rules of moral living or a god of its own. No founder that’s known Kojiki – history of the Shinto faith

Torii “gate” – Shinto followers pass through these before going to a shrine

Confucianism

Philosophy of Confucianism (China) Not really a religion according but a philosophy. Confucius created a moral structure for social life and politics that every man should follow. The purpose of life is to fulfill one's role in society with propriety, honor, and loyalty. Does not teach of one true ruling god.

Teachings of Confucianism Holy Text - Analects 5 basic types of relationships where one must accept whether they are superior or inferior: Ruler and subject Father and son Husband and wife Older brother and younger brother Friend and friend Family relationships are essential to having good society and family respect is the foundation of all ethics. Still seen through Chinese education today!

Standard of Living in Southern and Eastern Asia A country’s literacy rate affects its standard of living Better education means higher standard of living. Countries invest in their human capital (people) by promoting better education and high expectations Poverty has a major impact on a country’s literacy rate

Literacy rates in Southern and Eastern Asia Highest – Japan 99% Lowest – India 61% In all but Japan, females are less literate than males Comes from traditional beliefs about women’s place in the home. Japan’s males and females have an equal literacy rate.