Religion and Japanese Americans' Views of Their World War II Incarceration

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2002

Publisher

Johns Hopkins University Press

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the effects that the two major, broad religious orientations found in the Japanese American community, Buddhism and Protestantism, may have had on how Nisei reacted to, and recall, their wartime experiences. A caveat is warranted before we proceed. We recognize that there is a great deal of variability in religious beliefs and practices within these two categories. However, our omnibus survey instrument only permitted respondents to indicate their current, self-identified religious category. It did not inquire about specific religious attitudes or behaviors. Thus, we will be able to examine only the most overarching potential distinctions between the two religious orientations.

Share

COinS