SOLANCHA - Spiritual Awakening 11:11

Japan has introduced child-abuse guidelines recognizing that threatening children with religious punishment, including frightening them with the concept of hell, can constitute psychological abuse. The guidelines were developed in December 2022 by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare following growing concerns about children raised in religious environments where fear, threats, and coercion were used to control their behavior. The issue gained national attention after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022, which triggered intense scrutiny of the Unification Church and the financial and psychological pressures allegedly experienced by some members’ families. Under the guidelines, threatening children with divine punishment or telling them they will go to hell unless they obey religious instructions may qualify as psychological abuse when such behavior causes fear or emotional harm. Other concerning practices include preventing children from maintaining normal social relationships, forcing them to participate in religious activities, or interfering with their education and medical care. Importantly, Japan has not banned teaching children about religion, heaven, hell, or religious beliefs. The distinction concerns the use of religious teachings to intimidate, threaten, or psychologically control children rather than ordinary religious education. Research in developmental psychology shows that prolonged exposure to fear and emotional threats during childhood can contribute to anxiety, stress, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Japan’s approach reflects a broader effort to protect children’s welfare while respecting freedom of religion. The guidelines are not a newly announced blanket law criminalizing discussions of hell. They provide guidance for identifying potentially abusive behavior and protecting children in harmful situations. Source: Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Reuters; The Japan Times.