1. Evolutionary Definitions of “Religion” Minimalist (Byproduct) Spirit Ideas Soul Beliefs “Invisible Agents” Focus on (Minds) and Ideas Maximalist (Adaptation) Ritual Practices Emotional States Transcendence Morals/Ethics Focus on (Bodies) and Practices

2. Definitions & Agendas Minimalist (Byproduct): used (often by atheists) to identify “essential origins” and explain religion as psychological misfires, illusions, and errors Maximalist (Adaptation): used (often by theists) to show religion is adaptive and progressed from “primitive” to “modern”

11. Important Considerations Variability Across Time and Space No Singular/Essential Animist Worldviews No Singular/Essential “Religions” All Have Unique Histories All Equally Evolved All Equally Complex

13. In recent years, the academic study of religion has begun to challenge the usefulness of the concept of ‘religion’ itself. This article examines the extension of this critical turn to the issue of Japanese “religion.” It traces the history of the invention of Japanese “religions” as conceptual categories and discusses debates about the continuities and discontinuities of “religion” (shukyo) in Japan. Finally, it surveys the Japanese invention of “religion” as a legal and political category.