Assignment 4 - Michael Sellers

When I visited Japan most recently, I discovered my love for the Shinto Shrines there. Because of this, I began visiting various Shinto shrines around Tokyo. I fell in love with these shrines and the beliefs they represent. At a certain point, I began questioning my religious and spiritual beliefs. I had thought all my life that I was an atheist and that there were no gods or spirits in this world. However, I was feeling a strong connection with Shintoism and the belief of godly spirits and divinity. I had started questioning my identity. Was I an atheist, or a Shintoist? Many weeks later, with this thought still fresh in my mind, I began thinking of George Harrison, the lead guitarist of the Beatles. He believed in no organized religion, yet he was a very religious and spiritual man. I had then realized that I didn't have to be a Shintoist in order to believe in certain Shinto beliefs. Now that I have accepted this about myself and my identity, I feel more connected with my beliefs as well as Japanese culture and Shintoism.