「欧化」のなかの国家と宗教 : 明治一七年

抄録

This paper analyzes the events, plans, and policies concerning the relation between religion and the Japanese state in 1884. First, the author examines the political impact of the movement for "Christianization of the Japanese nation" led by MUTSU Munemitsu, and also the trouble that occurred concerning the "religionist" MORI Arinori's important appointment in the Ministry of Education, with the reference, for example, to the commentaries by FUKUZAWA Yukichi. Second, the author shows the contrast between the plan of legal recognition of Christian activity presented by Foreign Minister INOUE Kaoru, and a counter-plan of non-legalized recognition of Christianity supported by Home Minister YAMAGATA Aritomo and INOUE Kowashi. He also describes the abolishment of Kyodoshoku and the removal of restrictions individually determined burial as results of the clash between the supporters of the two plans. Thirdly, the author analyzes "religious conflict" in Japanese society on which these plans were based, the anti-Christianity campaign, the movement to revive the Royal Department of Shinto (Jingikan), the movements of Buddhist leaders, and related governmental responses. The author's conclusions are as follows. 1.Though not mentioned in the texts of the law, the central point of the problem was always Christianity. 2.There were various insistences concerning Christianity, from movement for Christianization to the anti-Christianity campaign. 3.The government refused to take neither of these extremes, and Christianity was left to its own natural order of growth or decline. 4.After 1884, the central point of the religious dispute would move from Christianity to Shinto shrines.