God Typology in Islam and the Japanese Religious Movement Tenrikyo: A Phenomenological Comparison

Authors : Yetkin Karaoğlu

Pages : 217-246

Doi:10.37697/eskiyeni.1790732

View : 235 | Download : 450

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study involves a comparative analysis of the typology of God in Islam and the Japanese religious movement Tenrikyo. The monotheistic/tawhid conception of God in Islam bears a typological-phenomenological resemblance to the monolatric conception of God in the Japanese religious movement Tenrikyo. The primary objective of the present article is to offer a critique of the poly-mono dichotomous structure of early classifications of god typologies. The author places greater emphasis on the assertion that the fundamental constructive aspect of these concepts is the dichotomous relationship between the sacred and the profane. A thorough examination reveals a striking phenomenological similarity in terms of a central sacredness understanding, as their monotheistic/tawhid and monolatric conceptions of God are based on a structure that grounds multiple central deities in a single central sacredness. This similarity extends beyond the rudimentary single-multiple axis definition of the supreme being in both religious systems; it is understood that the manner in which they conceptualize God influences their monotheistic/tawhid and monolatric conceptions. A particular focus of the study was the comparison of common typologies in Islam and Tenrikyo at the monotheistic/tawhid-monolatric level. These typologies were analyzed through the lenses of conceptions of God as parent, merciful, punishing, forgiving, intervening, creative, and savior. The objective of this comparison is to identify the aspects of the concept of central sacredness in Islam and Tenrikyo that share phenomenological commonalities and differences. The study employs scientific research techniques, including data classification and analysis, as well as phenomenological comparison methods from the science of religious history. The study is organized under seven main headings: The following typologies are delineated: parental typology, merciful God typology, punitive typology, forgiving typology, interventionist typology, creative typology, and savior typology. The present study will examine the conceptions of God in Islam and Tenrikyo by means of a comparative analysis of these two religious traditions.
Keywords : Dinler Tarihi, İslam, Tenrikyo, Japonya, Tanrı, Tipoloji

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