Drawn to Jesus – but repelled by Trump

In the space of ten days, three Japanese people have asked me about Donald Trump and Christianity.

A non-Christian academic, who said he is drawn to Christianity but that Christian nationalism keeps him from embracing it, a non-Christian lady who is attracted by the Christian faith but was worried that following Jesus would also mean supporting Trump, and a Christian who was troubled by Trump/Hegseth’s claim to be doing God’s will.

Each conversation was a profitable chance to talk about what the Bible really teaches and what true Christianity looks like, but the current use of Christian-sounding rhetoric by senior figures in the American government is negatively affecting Japanese views of the Christian faith.

Most Japanese people know little about Christianity and do not have the background knowledge to assess the truth of statements which use Biblical language or claim to be Christian. There also remains a widespread belief that Christianity is a Western religion (and, therefore, not for Japanese people), which is only fed by American Christian Nationalism. With the use of the Shinto religion as a political tool by the Japanese government in WW2, there is also fear about religion and military action coming together.

Both religion and politics are traditionally taboo subjects in Japan (many workplaces ban conversation about either) and it takes a great deal of boldness for Japanese believers to speak up for Jesus. However, with the situation in Iran adversely affecting Japan, international politics is increasingly being discussed.

Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, but the Bible has plenty to say about the kingdoms of this world. How should the Japanese Church preach the Lord Jesus in the present political environment? What does it look like to be faithful witnesses in today’s Japan? Please pray for us.