Uitgelezen 78

‘Modern humanity’s knowledge of its own nature has leaped forward, along with our understanding of the earth and the structure of the universe. Whereas the ancients had powerful intuitions and insights, we have scientific facts. Such developments, scientific and material, are bound to have a transforming effect and touch all aspects of our lives.
It therefore seems strange to me that only religion has continued to transmit the same teachings largely unaltered, in many cases, for millennia. Only religion claims to have golden rules that can withstand scientific scrutiny. Certainly, there are some arguments in religion’s favour. Religious teachings provide continuity amid change and a sense of history. They have survived past challenges and stood the test of time. Furthermore, the human mind and its awareness of spiritual values have remained constant.
These are all valid arguments for traditional religious belief and practice. Since I belong to the 79^th generation of an ancient Shinto tradition, it is quite understandable that I attach great importance to tradition and continuity. However, I also believe that religious expressions, that is to say the language and form of religion, must adapt and evolve. There is now so much exchange of ideas between cultures and faiths that traditional forms can no longer be justified on grounds of tradition alone. Social and cultural changes have been so profound that the old forms often lack relevance to modern men and women. Therefore, we should not hesitate to make up for what we lack and to improve what we need to improve. To believe that only the language and form of two millennia ago are valid for today is pure bigotry and dogmatism, and far removed from any kind of spiritual awareness.’
[Motohisa Yamakage, The Essence of Shinto. Japan’s Spiritual Heart, p. 20-21.]