Immanent Power and Empirical Religiosity: Conversion of the Daimyo of Kyushu, 1560–1580

Abstract

The baptisms of the lords of the Ōmura, Arima, and Ōtomo families formed the breakthrough for Christianity in Kyushu. These conversions are analyzed here in light of the relevance of “empirical religiosity,” the tendency to alter religious commitments and ritual practices according to their perceived efficacy in bringing about this-worldly outcomes. This article arises out of a larger project of comparative global history, which establishes a threefold model of ruler conversions. The revelation of immanent power forms the second element of this model. Close analysis of the sources reveals that in sixteenth-century Japan, just as elsewhere, the daimyo in question were driven to experiment with and then commit to the new cult due to its capacity to bestow military success, healing, exorcism, and fertility. In particular, this is shown through a detailed account of the changing religious affiliations of Ōtomo Sōrin, and his son Yoshimune. However, since the bulk of the sources relating to these conversions are European, this article also considers whether these themes are simply missionary projections. After consulting Japanese sources, this article concludes that both pro- and anti-Christian parties framed their arguments in terms of a shared empiricist epistemology.