Research Method

I chose to use archival evidence to determine whether subscribing to a religion affects someone's moral beliefs and the difference therein depending on the religion. I chose archival because I do not have access to a truly diverse community of people with differing religions, since I am primarily in contact with Catholics or another form of Christian, therefore making any evidence I might gather skewed.

Shintoism

http://www.1000questions.net/en/religion/shinto.html

Shintoism is the traditional religion of Japan and is very different as far as religions go. It is focused not on a single god or even a pantheon of recognizable gods, but instead on a more individualistic approach. In theory, anything can really be deified, though it is more ancestors and important people who are. I always thought this religion was interesting because it gave the Japanese Emperors their power, since they were believed to be descended from the Sun Goddess and therefore already a god. That inherent divinity is what gave him his power.

Shinto today is still pretty strong. It has a huge connection to nature and helps unify the people of Japan. Even in this technology-driven world, they are still connected to their past and I really like that. But, then again, I am the History Queen!