AAP 2026 CONFERENCE

Shinran, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect in Japan, developed a radical teaching that salvation can be achieved through faith alone. He considered himself a wicked person and presented the complete ‘acceptance of helplessness’ that he could not save himself as the key to salvation. In contrast, William James emphasized the subjective determination and will of humans in religious faith. He argued that humans can actively choose their own belief, strengthen their faith and live an ethical life through continuous practice even in uncertain situations. He identified human will as the central condition of faith.

At first glance, the soteriology of Shinran and William James on faith seem to be contradictory. The author thinks that Shinran lacks consideration of human subjectivity and the possibility of self-development through continuous practice, while William James lacks consideration of the relationship with the absolute. In conclusion, these two perspectives are inter-complementary. And by synthesizing these two religious philosophies, we can consider how we can establish a balanced relationship between ourselves and the absolute in the midst of human existential crises.