Faith vs. Persecution

The central conflict between the Christian faith and the Tokugawa state's persecution.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Early Tolerance and Growth

Early Tolerance and Growth The Christian Century Christianity flourished under Xavier and Valignano. By 1614, there were 300,000 Christians. The faith seemed to take root. The Edict of Expulsion In 1614, the Tokugawa shogunate expelled all missionaries. The persecution began. The Church went underground. Significance

Systematic Destruction

Systematic Destruction Methods of Persecution Tortures like the pit, water punishment, and burning were used. The authorities aimed to force apostasy, not just death. The Shimabara Rebellion in 1637 led to even harsher measures. The Role of Informers Rewards were offered for informants. Neighbors were encouraged to watch each other. The Christian community was torn apart. Significance

The Last Priest

The Last Priest End of the Mission With Rodrigues' apostasy, no priests remained in Japan. The organized Church was destroyed. The crypto-Christians survived in secret. The Swamp Prevails Inoue's argument that Japan was a swamp seemed confirmed. The sapling of Christianity had withered. Significance

1549-1614

1614-1638

After Rodrigues' apostasy, 1638