A consideration of the mechanics of interpretation of religious doctrine

The Case of Oomoto

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to clarify how people who belong to the Oomoto, a Japanese New religious movement, have interpreted the doctrine advocated by the religion’s founder, taking into consideration the mechanics of Japanese society and religious communities. Leaders of the Oomoto consistently desired to communicate their religious doctrine to the rest of society as well as to explain its context. While attempting to absolve myself from any kind of bias, I pay attention to the existing academic research in order to explain the nature of“ doctrine” which was invisible.