Expert: Carl Fuglein - 12/10/2006

Question
hi once again! a friend of mine is trying to change her religion. . .in a way. . .
well, what i mean is, she stil wants to believe in God, but wants to adopt the
shinto lifestyle, as in respecting plant and animal life and things like that. can
she do this? im just worried is all. . .
thanks in advance!
-mercy

Answer
Hi Mercy-

Well, shintoism and Christianity do not mix at all.  Read this about Shintoism that I downoaded from the Internet:

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The Kami are the Shinto deities. The word "Kami" is generally translated "god" or "gods." However, the Kami bear little resemblance to the gods of monotheistic religions.  There are no concepts which compare to the Christian beliefs in the wrath of God, his omnipotence and omni-presence, or the separation of God from humanity due to sin. There are numerous other deities who are conceptualized in many forms:  

Those related to natural objects and creatures, from "food to rivers to rocks." 2

Guardian Kami of particular areas and clans

Exceptional people, including all but the last of the emperors.

Abstract creative forces.
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If your friend was truly a Christian, she would not be switching to Shintoism, a belief in many Gods.  There is nothing wrong with being a Christian and honoring and respecting nature - I think God wants us to honor nature, but not in place of honoring Him.  My advice to you is to just talk to her and try to understand why she's rejecting Jesus - she may not even realize what it is that she's doing, and your asking her about it may help her to realize.

thanks for caring about your friends.

hugs,

carl